SPfi£CK£LS 


Digitized  by  tine  Internet  Arciiive 

•in  2007  witht-unding  from 

IVIicrosoft  Corporation 


littp://www.arcliive.org/details/contributionstoeOOIiawkrich 


CONTRIBUTIONS 


ECCLESIASTICAL    HISTORY 


UNITED      STATES    OF     AMERICA. 


BY    FRANCIS    L.    HAWKS, 

HECTOR    OF    ST.    THOMAS'    CHURCH,    NEW-YORK. 


VOL.    I. 


NEW- YORK 


PUBLISHED    BY  HARPER  &  BROTHERS, 

NO.     82     CLIFF-STREET, 


183  6. 


[Entered,  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1835, 

By  Francis  L.  Hawks, 
in  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  Southern  District  of  New- York.] 


SPRECKELS. 


NARRATIVE    OF     EVENTS 


CONNECTED   WITH   THE 


RISE   AND    PROGRESS 


PROTESTANT    EPISCOPAL    CHURCH 


IN    VIRGINIA. 


TO    WHICH   IS    ADDED   AN    APPENDIX,    CONTAINING   THE    JOURNALS 
OP   THE   CONVENTIONS    IN   VIRGINIA    FROM   THE    COM- 
MENCEMENT  TO    THE    PRESENT   TIME. 


NEW-YORK: 
PUBLISHED  BY  HARPER  &  BROTHERS, 

NO.   82    OLI?F-BTREET. 

1836. 


TO    THE 


RIGHT  REVEREND  WILLIAM  WHITE,  D.D., 

Bishop  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  Diocess  of  Pennsylvania, 

and  Senior  Bishop  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the 

United  States. 


Right  Rbvbrend  and  Dkar  Sib, 

If  it  were  in  my  power  to  consult  my  brethren  of  the 
clergy,  I  am  sure  that  all  would  name  you  as  the  individual 
to  whom  a  work,  concerning  any  part  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  church  in  this  country  should  most  properly  be 
inscribed.  To  this  consideration  of  propriety,  allow  me 
to  add,  that  /,  at  least,  find  another  in  the  ready  kindness 
and  advice  with  which  you  have  furthered  my  purposes, 
and  encouraged  my  efforts  in  the  prosecution  of  this  work. 

I  beg  leave,  therefore,  to  offer  it  as  the  humble  tribute 
of  affectionate  respect  justly  due  to  one  who  for  more  than 
half  a  century  has  watched  the  progress  of  the  church  in 
America ;  and  who  to  the  piety  which  becomes  a  prelate 
adds  the  learning  of  a  scholar,  and  the  courtesy  of  a  gen- 
tleman. 

With  affectionate  veneration, 

I  am,  sir,  your  grateful  friend  and  servant, 

The  Author. 


1027o7 


L  •■'i^: 


PREFACE. 


It  is  now  more  than  five  years  since  the  author  of  this 
work  undertook,  with  the  aid  of  a  valued  friend,*  the  task 
of  collecting  such  fragments  of  the  history  of  the  Prot- 
estant Episcopal  church  in  the  United  States  as,  having 
escaped  the  ravages  of  time,  were  to  be  found  among  the 
manuscripts  of  the  earlier  clergy,  or  rested  in  the  less  se- 
cure repository  of  the  memory  of  the  aged. 

Encouraged  in  the  undertaking  by  many  of  the  bishops 
and  clergy  of  the  church,  the  plan  originally  proposed  was, 
to  preserve  in  the  form  of  annals  the  facts  thus  saved  from 
oblivion,  for  the  benefit  of  some  future  historian  who  might 
attempt  a  connected  narrative  of  events,  believed  to  pos- 
sess some  interest,  at  least  for  Episcopalians.  After  some 
progress  had  been  made  in  the  work,  and  materials,  both 
more  numerous  and  more  valuable  than  had  been  antici- 
pated, had  accumulated  on  the  hands  of  those  who  had 
undertaken  the  task — death  removed  the  colleague  of  the 
author,  and  he  was  left  to  pursue  alone  a  work  which,  in 
addition  to  the  interest  it  had  for  him,  afforded  also  a 
melancholy  pleasure  by  often  recalling  the  memory  of  a 
buried  friend. 

It  was  not  until  some  time  afterward,  that  it  occurred 

♦  The  Rev.  Edward  Rutlcdge  of  South  Carolina. 


VIM  PREFACE. 

to  the  writer,  that  his  labour  might  prove  more  acceptable 
to  the  members  of  the  communion  to  which  he  belonged, 
should  he  attempt  himself  the  narrative  which  he  had 
hoped  might  at  a  future  period  proceed  from  some  pen 
more  fitted  for  the  task  than  his  own.  He,  accordingly, 
(not,  however,  without  some  distrust  of  himself,)  selected 
Virginia  as  being  the  oldest  state  in  the  Union,  and  the 
result  is  in  the  reader's  hands.  Had  he  supposed  that  he 
was  adding  nothing  to  what  already  existed  touching  the 
history  of  his  country,  it  would  have  been  his  duty  to  be 
silent ;  for  he  who  publishes  a  book  can  justify  it  to  a 
becoming  sense  of  modesty  only  by  the  hope  that  he  is 
communicating  something  which  is  new,  or  happily  en- 
forcing something  which  is  old.  The  author,  therefore, 
ventures  to  hope  that  in  this  contribution  to  the  Ecclesias- 
tical History  of  the  United  States,  (as  yet  an  almost  un- 
trodden field,)  he  has  performed  a  work  not  entirely  use- 
less. That  it  has  faults,  no  one  knows  better  than  he  who 
wrote  it;  that  it  contains  errors,  is  not  improbable;  for 
in  the  labour  of  research,  which  it  will  here  be  seen  has  not 
been  small,  it  is  scarcely  possible  always  to  avoid  mis- 
take :  for  the  faults,  the  author  begs  indulgence  ;  and  of 
the  errors,  if  such  there  be,  he  can  only  say  they  were 
undesigned. 

It  was  impossible  to  write  upon  the  subject  treated  of 
in  the  following  pages,  without  sometimes  adverting  to 
religious  denominations  different  from  that  to  which  the 
author  belongs.  There  were  events  affecting  the  Episco- 
pal church  in  Virginia,  in  which  they  were  actors,  and  a 
regard  for  truth  required  the  notice  of  them. 


PREFACE.  IX 

A  Protestant  Episcopalian,  not  merely  from  the  preju- 
dices of  early  education,  but  from  the  deliberate  examina- 
tion and  conviction  of  his  riper  years,  it  is  not  improbable 
that  the  author's  affection  for  the  faith  of  his  fathers  may 
sometimes  be  seen.  Of  the  peculiarities  of  his  creed,  he 
will  here  only  say,  that  he  has  not  sought  unnecessarily  to 
obtrude  them ;  and  as  little  has  he  endeavoured  to  keep 
them  out  of  sight.  It  may  be  (for  he  claims  no  exemption 
from  the  infirmities  of  human  nature)  that,  hov^rever  anx- 
ious to  eradicate  prejudice,  he  has  not  alv^ays  succeeded  in 
the  effort  to  do  so ;  he  has,  howrever,  endeavoured  to  speak 
of  that  church,  which  he  does  not  hesitate  to  say  he  loves 
best,  with  an  impartiality  too  proud  to  cover  up  its  faults, 
and  an  honesty  too  stern  to  hide  its  delinquencies.  That 
church  has  sometimes  erred,  and  the  author  has  said  so.  If 
he  knows  his  own  heart,  he  never  had  in  view,  in  his  work, 
an  object  so  contemptible  as  that  of  writing  eulogy  under 
the  guise  of  history.  His  wish  has  been  to  tell  the  truth 
as  far  as  he  could  discover  it ;  and  if  in  doing  this,  a  blow 
fell,  it  mattered  but  little  to  him  where  it  alighted.  But 
he  owes  it  to  himself  to  add,  that  he  has  uniformly  spoken 
of  other  religious  denominations  with  respect ;  for  he  freely 
owns  that  the  love  of  his  own  religious  system  does  not, 
to  his  mind,  impose  upon  him  the  necessity  of  haling 
either  the  persons  or  the  creeds  of  others.  He  may  la 
ment  what  he  deems  their  mistakes,  and  yet  hopes  to  be 
pardoned,  should  he  doubt  whether  insult  be  their  best 
corrective.  He  would  rather  burn  his  book  than  wilfully 
inflict  a  wanton  injury  upon  the  personal  feelings  of  any 
sincere  Christian :  and  if  he  has  incautiously  so  done  in 


X  PREFACE. 

these  pages,  he  here  humbly  begs  forgiveness  of  God  and 
of  the  injured. 

A  word  more  as  to  his  plan.  The  present  volume  is 
an  experiment.  Should  it  succeed,  and  the  life  of  the 
writer  be  prolonged,  it  will  be  followed  by  others ;  for 
there  are  materials  on  hand  to  furnish  a  volume  for  each 
of  the  older  diocesses.  Indeed,  with  respect  to  some  of 
them,  the  story  is  partly  written  ;  whether  it  will  ever  be 
published,  depends  less  upon  the  author  than  upon  others. 
Another  motive  for  sending  forth  this  volume  now,  is  to  be 
found  in  the  fact,  that  it  has  recently  been  made  the  duty 
of  the  author,  by  the  church  to  which  he  belongs,  to  collect 
and  preserve  all  that  he  can,  tending  to  illustrate  any  por- 
tion of  its  history.  He  has,  therefore,  hoped  that  by  bring- 
ing before  his  brethren  a  specimen,  exhibiting  the  nature 
of  the  task  in  which  he  is  engaged,  some  among  them  may 
be  induced  to  furnish  information,  and  th-us  contribute  ma- 
terials for  future  volumes. 

He  need  not  add,  that  for  all  such  aid  he  will  feel  most 
grateful.  Should  he  thereby  procure  nothing  more  than 
copies  of  the  early  journals  of  the  several  diocesses,  a 
work  of  some  importance  will  be  accomplished.  Very 
few,  if  any,  complete  sets  of  diocesan  convention  journals 
are  now  in  existence  ;  the  author,  therefore,  considers  the 
appendix,  containing  the  records  of  the  Virginia  church, 
(which  he  has  here  reprinted,  at  the  request  of  many  of 
his  brethren,)  as  not  the  least  useful  part  of  this  book. 
The  Episcopalian  of  Virginia,  has  in  the  volume  all  that 
industrious  research  was  able  to  collect  concerning  the 
history  of  his  own  church.     Should  another  edition  ever 


PREFACE.  Xl 

be  called  for,  the  kindness  of  his  Virginia  brethren  may 
enable  the  author  to  make  a  book  more  worthy  of  their 
acceptance. 

In  conclusion,  the  author  would  remark  that  his  labours 
in  preparing  this  book,  have  shown  him  that  the  materials 
are  more  ample  than  they  are  generally  supposed  to  be, 
for  the  history  of  all  the  leading  religious  denominations  in? 
the  United  States.  Something  has,  indeed,  been  done  for 
American  ecclesiastical  history,  but  more  remains  to  be  ac- 
complished ;  and,  therefore,  he  would  respectfully  suggest 
to  his  fellow Christiansof  other  denominations, the  propriety 
of  preserving  their  several  histories,  without  which  the 
book  of  our  national  story  must  always  be  incomplete.* 

*  The  principal  works  upon  the  subject  are  as  follows :  Among  the 

Baptists. — Benedict's  History  of  the  Baptists  ;  Scrapie's  History  of  the 
Virginia  Baptists;  Backus's  Church  History  of  New-England;  and  the 
late  Memoir  of  Roger  Williams,  by  Professor  Knowles. 

Methodists. — The  Journals  of  Mr.  Asbury  and  Dr.  Coke  ;  the  several 
Lives  of  Messrs.  Wesley  and  Coke,  with  the  minutes  of  conferences. 

Presbyterians  and  Congregationalists. — -Fragments  of  the  history  of 
these  denominations  are  to  be  found  in  several  books.  The  minutes  of  many 
of  the  presbyteries  are  believed  to  be  perfect,  and  probably  those  of  the  synods 
are.  The  late  Ebenezer  Hazard,  Esq.,  who  was  well  qualified  for  the  task, 
commenced,  with  the  sanction  of  the  Presbyterian  church,  the  collection  of 
materials  for  a  history  of  that  denomination,  but  it  was  not  completed,  nor 
is  there  any  regular  history  of  the  Presbyterians  in  the  United  States.  The 
materials  however  are  abundant.  The  ecclesiastical  history  of  Massachu- 
setts is  to  be  found  among  the  valuable  papers  published  by  the  Massachusetts 
Historical  Society ;  an  institution,  whose  example  is  worthy  of  imitation. 

RefoRxMed  Dutch. — The  author  knows  of  but  little  in  print  touching  this 
denomination,  except  in  the  periodical  publications  which  belong  to  it. 

Protestant  Episcopal. — There  is  nothing  in  print,  with  the  exception 
of  Bishop  White's  Memoirs,  ^a  new  edition  of  which  is  now  in  press,)  and 
the  Journals  of  the  General  and  Diocesan  Conventions. 


Xii  PREFAOB. 

If  the  effort  now  respectfully  submitted  to  the  public, 
and  especially  to  the  Episcopal  community,  should  serve 
in  the  humble  office  of  a  guide,  to  direct  the  researches  of 
some  future  historian ;  if  it  should  contribute  to  strengthen 
the  attachment  of  but  one  man  who  already  loves  the 
church,  or  to  soften  the  hostility  of  one  who  does  not, 
the  author  will  feel  that  he  has  not  laboured  in  vain  :  for 
his  book  is  the  offering  of  filial  affection  to  that  church,  in 
the  communion  of  which  he  has,  through  life,  found  his  best 
comfort,  and  in  the  bosom  of  which  he  trusts  to  enjoy,  in 
death,  a  Christian's  consolation. 

New-York,  December,  1835. 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER   I. 

1606-1618. 
The  Rev.  Mr.  Hunt,  one  of  the  first  Colonists — ^His  Prudence,  Piety,  and 
Christian  Temper — First  Administration  of  the  Sacrament  in  Virginia — 
First  Church  at  James  Town ;  Destruction  by  Fire— First  recorded  Mar- 
riage in  the  Colony — Church  placed  under  Martial  Law — Second  Church 
at  Henrico — Rev.  Mr.  Whitaker  ;  his  Character ;  "  The  Apostle  of  Vir- 
ginia"— Baptism  and  Marriage  of  Pocahontas — Character  of  the  first 
Clergymen— Instance  of  the  Influence  of  the  Clergy       .        .        .17 

CHAPTER   II. 

1619-1624. 

Urst  Legislature  of  Virginia — ^Establishment  of  the  Church — ^Whole  Num- 
ber of  the  Clergy — Encouragement  to  Emigration  of  Ministers — EflTorts 
in  behalf  of  Education — Henrico  College — East  India  School — Plans  de- 
feated by  Indian  Massacre — Chanco,  a  converted  Native ;  his  Christian 
conduct — General  Character  of  the  Clergy — Legislature  of  1624 — Laws 
made  for  the  Advancement  and  Permanency  of  the  Church      .        .     34 

CHAPTER   IIL 

1628-1651. 

Visit  of  Lord  Baltimore — Refuses  to  take  Oath  of  Supremacy — ^Witchcraft 
— Tyranny  of  the  Governor — Stephen  Reek's  Case — Missionaries  from 
the  Independents  of  New-England — Driven  away  by  Act  of  Conformity 
— Right  of  Presentation  and  Induction — Loyalty  of  Virginia — Attachment 
to  the  Church — ^Banishment  of  Mr.  Harrison,  a  Congregational  Minister 
— Subjugation  of  Virginia  to  the  Commonwealth      .        .        .        .46 

CHAPTER  IV. 

1651-1693. 
Introduction  of  Puritans— Hatred  of  Puritanism — Reproved  by  Cromwell — 
Virginia  throws  oflf  obedience  to  the  Commonwealth — State  of  the  Church 


XIV  CONTENTS. 

in  1661 — Bad  Character  of  many  of  the  Clergy — Legislation  of  1662 — 
Intolerance  towards  Quakers — Conspiracy  of  Puritans — Dread  of  Popery 
— The  Rev.  Dr.  i3Iair,  first  Commissary — His  Character  and  Ijabours — 
Establishment  of  William  and  Mary  College    .        .         .         .        ,60 

CHAPTER   V. 

1700-1731. 
Kindness  to  the  French  Refugees — Their  good  Character — ^Their  Church 
— Punishment  of  Vice  and  Blasphemy — Kindness  to  German  settlers — 
Their  Church — Progress  of  William  and  Mary  College — Instruction  of 
the  Indians — List  of  Parishes — State  of  the  Church — Numbers  and  Char- 
acter of  the  Clergy — Causes  of  the  depressed  state  of  Religion  exam- 
ined  78 

CHAPTER   VL 

1731-1746. 

Introduction  of  Presbyterians — Visit  of  Mr.  Whitfield — Low  state  oif  Re- 
ligion— Efforts  of  Morris  to  revive  it — His  Character  and  Conduct — 
Amusing  example  of  his  Simplicity  and  Ignorance — Charge  of  the  Gov- 
ernor to  the  Grand  Jury  against  Presbyterians — Mr.  Roan's  Case — Help 
from  Synod  in  New-York — Rev.  Samuel  Davies  ;  his  Character  and  La- 
bours— Act  of  Toleration  extended  to  Virginia — Dread  of  Popery  and 
New  Lights — Commencement  of  struggle  with  Dissenters — Morgan 
Morgan 99 

CHAPTER   VIL 

1748-1771. 

Lawsuit,  Legislation  fixing  Clergyman's  Right  to  Glebes — State  of  the 
Clergy — Substitution  of  Money  for  Tobacco  in  paying  Clergy — Difficul- 
ties thenc3  arising — Injustice  to  Clergy — Appearance  of  Baptists — Their 
bitter  Enmity — Great  Question  of  the  legality  of  paying  the  Clergy  in 
Money — Suit  to  settle  it — Mr.  Henry  ;  his  first  Appearance — Question 
settled  against  the  Clergy — Efforts  in  Virginia  to  obtain  the  Episcopate 
— Opposed  by  some  of  the  Clergy — Their  Conduct  approved  by  the  Le- 
gislature       .        . .114 

CHAPTER   VIII. 

1772-1778. 
Appearance  of  the  Methodists — Their  adherence  to  the  Church — Conduct 
of  the  Episcopal  Clergy  in  the  Revolution — Many  of  them  Whigs — Some 
become  Officers  in  the  Continental  Army — Conduct  of  the  Baptists  at 
breaking  out  of  the  Revolution — Petitions  of  Presbyterians,  Baptists,  and 
others  against  the  Church — Counter  Petitions — ^Act  of  1776  destroying 


CONTENTS.  XV 

Establishment— Distress  of  the  Clergy— Their  Treatment— Legislative 
Proceedings  of  1777  and  1778 — Ordinations  by  the  Methodists,  con- 
demned by  Mr.  Asbury •  132 

CHAPTER   IX. 

1779-1784. 

General  Assessment  for  support  of  the  Clergy  negatived — ^Disastrous  Effects 
of  the  Revolution  upon  the  Church — Enemies  of  the  Church  petition  for 
a  general  Assessment — Legislative  sanction  to  the  principle  that  Chris- 
tianity should  be  supported  by  the  State,  but  not  any  particular  Denomi- 
nation— Mr.  Henry's  efforts — His  Christian  Character — Incorporation  of 
the  Church — History  of  the  Secession  of  the  Methodists — Mr.  Wesley's 
Conduct — Consecration  of  Dr.  Coke  considered      .         .         .         .150 

CHAPTER   X. 

1784-1789. 

Enmity  of  Presbyterians  and  Baptists  to  the  Church — Act  for  establishing 
religious  Freedom — Mr.  Jefferson — Mr.  Madison's  Memorial — First  Con- 
vention of  the  Church  in  1785 — Address  of  the  Convention  to  Church- 
men— Means  proposed  for  support  of  the  Clergy — Canons  of  the  Church 
— Discipline — Church  in  Virginia  declines  receiving  Holy  Orders  from 
Denmark — First  General  Convention  ;  Virginia  represented  there — Con- 
duct of  Virginia  Church  on  the  proposed  Articles  of  Union — Instruction 
to  Virginia  Delegates  to  General  Convention  of  1785 — Baptists  and  Pres- 
byterians ask  for  the  Property  of  the  Church — "  The  proposed  Book" — 
Articles  of  Religion — Decision  of  Virginia  on  "  The  proposed  Book"  and 
Articles — Dr.  Griffith  elected  first  Bishop  of  the  Church  in  Virginia — 
Mistake  concerning  his  Election  rectified — Instructions  of  Virginia  Con- 
vention to  Delegates  to  General  Convention  of  I78G — Repeal  of  the  Act 
of  Incorporation — General  Conventions  of  1786 — Proceedings  of  Virginia 
thereon — Remedies  adopted  to  supply  the  want  of  Act  of  Incorporation — 
Address  of  the  Convention  of  1787  to  the  Church — Dr.  Griffith  not  con- 
secrated— Causes  thereof — Early  efforts  of  Virginia  in  behalf  of  Clerical 
Education — Case  of  Discipline 172 

CHAPTER    XL 

1789-1794. 

Resignation  of  Dr.  Griffith — Poverty  of  the  Church — Death  and  Character 
of  Dr.  Griffith — Election  of  Dr.  Madison  to  the  Episcopate — Struggles 
concerning  the  Church  Property — Condition  of  the  Church  at  the  time  of 
Dr.  Madison's  Consecration — Bishop  Madison's  first  Address — Clerical 
Education — Canon  compelling  the  Bishop  to  hold  a  Parish — Prevalence 
of  Infidelity  and  Fanaticism — Disastrous  consequences  to  Religion  after 


XVI  CONTENTS. 

the  War — ^Bishop  Madison's  Proposal  of  a  Union  among  different  GHris' 
tian  Denominations — His  Plan  of  distributing  Tracts — Revision  of  the 
Canons — Virginia  refuses  to  giv«  the  House  of  Bishops  an  absolute 
Veto 203 

CHAPTER   XIL 
1794-1804. 

Injurious  Effects  upon  Religion,  arising  from  Disputes  about  the  Church 
Property — Arguments  used  for  and  against  a  sale  of  the  Glebes — Canon 
against  the  Clergy's  taking  Offices  in  the  Militia — Appeal  to  Law — 
Churchmen  driven  to  despair — Law  of  1802  for  sale  of  Glebes — Effect  of 
sale  of  Glebes  in  benefiting  the  Public — Desecration  of  the  Sacred  Ves- 
sels by  Debauchees — The  Manchester  Case — Consequence  to  the  Church 
of  the  Death  of  the  President  of  Court  of  Appeals — Constitutionality  of 
Law  for  the  sale  of  Glebes  yet  undetermined 224 

CHAPTER   XIII. 

1805-1816. 

Convention  of  1805 — An  assistant  Bishop  proposed — Itinerating  Clergy 
recommended — Suspension  of  Conventions — Death  of  Bishop  Madison — 
Election  of  Dr.  Bracken  to  the  Episcopate — He  declines — Utter  Prostra- 
tion of  a  part  of  the  Church — ^First  dawn  of  Improvement  in  her  Pros- 
pects— Election  of  Bishop  Moore  to  the  Episcopate — Clergy  not  more 
numerous  than  they  were  about  Two  Hundred  Years  before — Revival 
of  the  Church — Zeal  and  Labours  of  the  Bishop  and  Clergy — Bequest  to 
the  Churchy — Discipline  of  the  Laity — A  number  of  new  Churches  built — 
Old  ones  repaired — Diflfiiculties  arising  from  the  Bishop's  being  a  Parish 
Minister — Theological  Education 240 

CHAPTER   XIV. 

1825-1835. 
Difficulties  arising  from  Bishop's  Parochial  Charge — Comparison  of  the 
Church  in  Northern  Neck  with  its  Condition  a  Century  before — Churches 
devoted  to  secular  purposes — Care  of  St.  Paul's  Parish,  in  King  George 
county — Bishop  Moore  offers  to  pay  half  the  Salary  of  an  assistant  Min- 
ister in  the  Monumental  Church — Irregularity  of  Virginia  Clergy  in  the 
Use  of  the  Liturgy — Bishop  Moore's  Warning — Refusal  of  Virginia  to 
agree  to  changes  or  alterations  in  the  Use  of  the  Common  Prayer — 
Death  of  Dr.  Wilmer — Bishop  Moore  proposes  to  the  Convention  to  elect 
an  assistant  Bishop — Dr.  Meade  elected — Restriction  on  the  Right  of 
Succession — Proceedings  of  General  Convention  thereon — Dr.  Meade's 
Consecration — Sketch  of  his  Life — Virginia  removes  the  Restriction  on 
his  succession — Conclusion ,        .        .  367 


NARRATIVE    OF  EVENTS 

CONNECTED   WITH   THE 

RISE    AND   PROGRESS 

OP    THE 

PROTESTANT    EPISCOPAL   CHURCH 

IN    VIRGINIA. 


CHAPTER   I. 

1606-1618. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Hunt,  one  of  the  first  Colonists — His  Prudence,  Piety,  and 
Christian  Temper — First  Administration  of  the  Sacrament  in  Virginia — 
First  Church  at  James  Town ;  Destruction  by  Fire — First  recorded 
Marriage  in  the  Colony — Church  placed  under  Martial  Law — Second 

•  Church  at  Henrico — Rev.  Mr.  Whitaker  ;  his  Character ;  "  The  Apostle 
of  Virginia" — Baptism  and  Marriage  of  Pocahontas — Character  of  the 
first  Clergymen — Instance  of  the  Influence  of  the  Clergy. 

Among  the  early  records  which  communicate  the  history 
of  the  permanent  settlement  of  Virginia,  is  to  be  found  the 
name  of  a  clergyman,  whose  modest  worth  and  Christian 
character  form  an  appropriate  introduction  to  a  narrative 
which  records  the  progress  of  that  church  to  which  he  be- 
longed. This  clergyman  was  the  Rev.  Robert  Hunt,  one 
of  the  petitioners  for  the  charter  granted  by  James  I.  to  the 
London  Company,  on  the  10th  of  April,  1606.  How  far 
the  determination  to  become  one  of  the  first  emigrants 
may  have  influenced  Mr.  Hunt,  in  soliciting  the  charter,  can- 


18  PROTESTANT   EPISCOPAL   CHURCU  [1606. 

not  now  be  known  with  certainty :  it  is  probable,  however, 
that  it  was  not  without  its  weight ;  as  we  find  him,  on  the 
19th  of  December,  1606,  embarking  for  Virginia  with  the 
leaders  of  the  infant  colony  about  to  be  planted  under  the 
auspices  of  the  newly  formed  Company.  And  fortunate  was 
it  for  the  enterprise  that  such  was  the  case.  An  unhappy 
jealousy  arising  between  the  individuals  who  were  to  com- 
pose the  council  of  the  colony  threatened  ruin  to  the  whole 
undertaking,  until  the  prudent  conduct  and  pious  exhorta- 
tions of  Mr.  Hunt  succeeded  in  allaying  their  mutual  ani- 
mosity. It  is  but  justice  to  the  memory  of  this  worthy 
man  to  state,  that  scanty  as  are  the  materials  from  which 
to  form  an  estimate  of  his  character,  enough  is  still  recorded 
to  show  that  it  was  one  of  w^hich  no  clergyman  need  to  be 
ashamed.  His  heart  was  in  the  business,  and  he  wanted 
not  resolution  to  accomplish  the  object.  "  On  the  19th  of 
December,  1606,"  (says  one  who  bore  a  part  in  the  enter- 
prise,) "  wee  set  saile,  but  by  vnprosperous  winds  were 
kept  six  weekes  in  the  sight  of  England  ;  all  which  time, 
Mr.  Hunt,  our  preacher,  was  so  weake  and  sicke  that  few 
expected  his  recourie ;  yet,  although  we  were  but  ten  or 
twelve  miles  from  his  habitation,  (the  time  wee  were  in 
the  Downes,)  and  notwithstanding  the  stormy  weather, 
nor  the  scandalous  imputation  (of  some  few  little  better 
than  atheists,  of  the  greatest  rank  amongst  us)  suggested 
against  him,  all  this  could  never  force  from  him  so  mudh  as 
a  seeming  desire  to  leaue  the  businesse,  but  preferred  the 
seruice  of  God,  in  so  good  a  voyage,  before  any  affection 
to  contest  with  his  godlesse  foes,  whose  disastrous  designs 
(could  they  have  prevailed)  had  euen  then  ouerthrowne  the 
businesse,  so  many  discontents  did  then  arise,  had  he  not 
with  the  water  of  patience  and  his  godly  exhortations 
(but  chiefly  by  his  true  deuoted  examples)  quenched  those 
flames  of  enuy  and  dissension."* 

♦  4  Purchas's  Pilgrims,  p.  1705. 


1606.]  IN   VIRGINIA.  '  19 

Not  an  incident  is  related  of  him  which  does  not  illus- 
trate the  possession  of  a  Christian  spirit.  The  whole- 
some influence  by  which  he  was  enabled  to  control  the 
angry  passions  of  his  companions,  was  probably  founded  in 
their  respect  for  his  consistent  piety :  and  as  we  hear  of 
no  efforts  made  to  enrich  himself  in  the  colony,  it  is  not 
difficult  to  believe  that  his  emigration  resulted  from  an 
honest  desire  to  supply  the  ministrations  of  the  gospel  to 
the  destitute  and  benighted.  This,  it  should  be  recollected, 
was  one  of  the  avowed  objects  expressed  in  the  king's  in- 
structions to  the  Company,  "  That  the  said  presidents,  coun- 
cils, and  the  ministers  should  provide  that  the  true  word 
and  service  of  God  be  preached,  planted,  and  used,  not 
only  in  the  said  colonies,  but  also  as  much  as  might  be 
among  the  savages  bordering  upon  them,  according  to  the 
rites  and  doctrines  of  the  Church  of  England."  Indeed,  by 
those  who  made  the  first  efforts  to  colonize  Virginia,  the 
diffusion  of  Christianity  was  always  held  forth  as  one  of 
the  objects  of  the  enterprise.  As  far  back  as  1588,  when 
Sir  Walter  Raleigh  made  an  assignment  of  his  patent  to 
Thomas  Smith  and  others,  he  accompanied  it  with  a  dona- 
tion of  one  hundred  pounds,  "  for  the  propagation  of  the 
Christian  religion  in  Virginia."*  It  was  also  enjoined  in 
the  royal  instructions,  issued  in  1606,  "that  all  persons 
should  kindly  treat  the  savage  and  heathen  people  in  those 
parts,  and  use  all  proper  means  to  draw^  them  to  the  true 
service  and  knowledge  of  God."t  And  the  first  charter 
assigns  as  one  of  the  reasons  for  the  grant,  that  the  contem- 
plated undertaking  was  "  a  work  which  may,  by  the  provi- 
dence of  Almighty  God,  hereafter  tend  to  the  glory  of  his 
divine  majesty,  in  propagating  of  Christian  religion  to  such 
people  as  yet  live  in  darkness  and  miserable  ignorance  of 
the  true  knowledge  and  worship  of  God."t 

*  Burk's  Hist,  of  Virginia,  vol.  i.  t  1  Charter-— 1  Hazard's  State  Pa- 
p.  66.  pers,  51. 

t  Ibid.  p.  91. 


30  PROTESTANT   EPISCOPAL   CHURCH  [1607. 

On  the  26th  of  April,  1607,  the  little  fleet  of  three  ships 
entered  the  Chesapeake  ;  and  on  the  13th  of  May  the 
colonists  landed.  Upon  a  peninsula  which  projects  from 
the  northern  shore  of  James  River  may  still  be  seen  the 
ruins  of  a  tower  which  once  formed  part  of  a  Christian 
church  ;  and  this,  with  its  surrounding  graveyard,  is  now 
almost  the  only  memorial  left  to  mark  the  site  of  what 
once  was  James  Town.  Here  it  was  that  the  emigrants 
debarked,  and  on  this  ground  was  erected  the  first  church 
in  Virginia.  Scarcely,  however,  had  the  colonists  landed, 
before  the  pious  interposition  of  Mr.  Hunt  again  became 
necessary  to  appease  the  animosity  of  the  president  of  the 
council  and  the  celebrated  Captain  Smith.  His  effort 
proved  successful.  Smith  was  received  into  the  council ; 
and  on  the  14th  of  May  partook,  with  his  rival,  of  the 
sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper,  which  was  then  adminis- 
tered for  the  first  time  in  Virginia.  James  Town  was  the 
first  permanent  habitation  of  the  English  in  America ;  and 
Virginia  commenced  its  career  of  civilization  with  one  of 
the  most  impressive  solemnities  of  the  Christian  church. 

To  trace  the  gradual  progress  of  this  little  band  of  pio- 
neers, in  the  establishment  of  a  colony  which  "  grew  up  in 
misery,"  might  afford  matter  of  painful  interest ;  but  it 
comports  not  with  the  purpose  of  this  narrative  to  allude 
to  any  transactions  in  the  infant  settlement,  other  than  those 
which  are  connected  with  the  condition  and  progress  of 
the  church.  The  piety  of  the  emigrants,  stimulated  by  the 
exhortations  of  their  teacher,  led  to  the  almost  immediate 
erection  of  an  edifice,  humble,  indeed,  as  were  the  rude 
habitations  by  which  it  was  surrounded,  but  hallowed  as 
the  place  dedicated  to  the  worship  of  the  Almighty.  A 
few  months  only  had  elapsed  before  a  fire  accidentally 
commencing  in  the  storehouse,  speedily  communicated  to 
the  other  buildings  of  the  village,  (for  the  whole  town  was 
thatched  with  reeds,)  and  the  church  shared  in  the  common 
calamity.     The  incident  served  to  bring  out  into  bolder 


1608.]  IN   VIRGINIA.  21 

relief  the  Christian  virtues  of  the  worthy  clergyman.  Mr. 
Hunt  had  taken  v\^ith  him  his  library,  which,  though  not 
large,  was,  under  the  circumstances,  doubly  valuable ;  and 
this,  together  with  every  thing  he  had,  was  consumed. 
With  the  church  destroyed  and  the  town  in  ashes,  with- 
out a  shelter  for  his  head  or  clothing  for  his  nakedness, 
deprived  of  a  source  of  enjoyment  which  the  man  of  books 
knows  how  to  appreciate,  and  with  the  sorrows  and  suffer- 
ings of  his  fellow-creatures  to  excite  his  warmest  sympa- 
thies, it  would  not  have  been  wonderful  had  the  weakness 
of  human  nature  been  heard  in  the  murmurs  of  despon- 
dency ;  but  no  groan  escaped  him.  Disease  also  was 
added  to  the  list  of  afflictions  ;  for  between  the  months  of 
May  and  September  no  less  than  one-half  oi  the  colonists 
died  ;  and  yet  it  is  recorded  of  this  excellent  man  that  he 
never  was  heard  to  repine,*  but,  meeting  with  a  submissive 
and  cheerful  spirit  these  successive  visitations  of  Provi- 
dence, he  encouraged  his  drooping  companions  ;  and  sup- 
ported by  the  persevering  energy  of  Captain  Smith,  the 
true  father  of  Virginia,  he  exhorted  the  wavering  and  com- 
forted the  despairing ;  so  that  in  the  spring  of  1608  he 
found  the  reward  of  his  labours  in  the  town  rebuilt  and  the 
church  restored.f 

Of  such  a  man,  it  is  natural  to  lament  that  more  is 
not  known.  How  long  he  lived  in  the  colony,  is  a 
point  .on  which  there  exists  no  certain  information.  But 
little  trace  has  been  found  of  Mr.  Hunt  after  this  period ; 
it  is  known,  however,  that  he  never  left  Virginia :  he 
literally  gave  his  life  to  the  cause  in  which  he  had 
embarked.J  Had  nothing  more  been  related  of  hiai 
than  that  he  was  twice  able  to  reconcile  the  discords  of 
angry  rulers,  without  being  claimed  as  a  partisan  hy  either, 

*  Stith's  Virginia,  59.  ters  of  New-England,  or  anywhere," 

f  Ibid.  76.  &c.     Mass.  Historical   Collections, 

t  Captain  John  Smith's  "Adver-  vol.  iii.  series  3. 
tisements  for  the  inexperienced  Plan- 


22  PROTESTANT  EPISCOPAL   CHURCH  [1610. 

he  would  have  left  behind  him  a  reputation  becoming  the 
minister  of  Him  who  said,  "  Blessed  are  the  peace-makers/' 
But  though  more  cannot  with  certainty  be  affirmed  of  the 
conduct  of  Mr.  Hunt,  the  conjecture  is  not  improbable  that 
he  lived  for  some  time  in  the  colony,  and  that  the  first 
recorded  marriage  in  Virginia  was  solemnized  by  him.* 
It  was  in  the  year  1608  that  a  white  woman  was  first 
seen  in  the  colony ;  and  the  historians  of  that  day  relate 
the  fact  of  her  marriage  soon  after  her  arrival.f 

The  next  record  with  which  we  meet  of  the  presence  of 
a  clergyman  in  the  colony  is  found  in  the  history  of  the 
providential  arrival  of  Lord  De  la  War  at  the  moment  when 
the  inhabitants  had  embarked  for  England,  with  a  determi- 
nation to  forsake  the  country  for  ever.  The  circumstances 
which  prompted  the  colonists  to  this  abandonment  form  a 
sorrowful  page  in  the  early  history  of  Virginia.  When  the 
four  small  vessels  in  which  they  had  embarked  fell  down 
James  River  with  the  tide,  it  is  recorded  that  *'  none 
dropped  a  tear,  because  none  had  enjoyed  one  day  of 
happiness."  Famine  had  done  its  fearful  work  so  eflfectu- 
ally,  that  in  the  short  space  of  six  months  five  hundred 
had  been  reduced  to  sixty ;  and  the  horrors  of  this  eventful 
period  of  suffering  were  for  years  remembered  and  per- 
petuated in  the  expressive  phrase,  "  The  starving  time"  It 
was  on  the  10th  of  June,  1610,  that  Lord  De  la  War  ar- 
rived ;  he  had  brought  with  him  a  chaplain ;  and  the  inci- 
dents which  immediately  followed  his  landing  are  best  re- 
lated in  the  language  of  an  eyewitness,  whose  narrative 
has  been  preserved  by  Purchas  :  "  We  cast  anchor  before 
James  Towne,  where  we  landed ;  and  our  much  grieved 
governour  first  visiting  the  church,  caused  the  bell  to  be 
rung,  at  which  all  such  as  were  able  to  come  forth  of  their 
houses  repayred  to  church,  where  our  minister.  Master 
Bucke,  made  a  zealous  and  sorrowful!  prayer  ;  finding  all 

♦  See  Holmes's  Annals,  vol.  i.  p.  t  Beverly's  Hist,  of  Virginia,  19 ; 
132,  note  1.  1  Holmes's  Annals,  132. 


1611.]  IN   VIRGINIA.  23 

things  so  contrary  to  our  expectations,  so  full  of  misery 
and  misgovernment."* 

Up  to  the  time  of  Lord  De  la  War's  arrival,  the  colony 
had  been  governed  by  a  president  and  council.  In  1609 
the  Company  in  England  had  obtained  from  the  king  an- 
other charter,  by  which  the  form  of  government  was  in 
some  measure  altered,  and  the  affairs  of  the  colony  placed 
under  the  direction  of  certain  officers,  to  be  elected  and 
sent  out  by  the  Company.  And  it  is  worthy  of  note  that 
such  was  the  dread  of  popery,  that  it  was  declared  in  the 
new  charter  that  no  person  should  pass  into  Virginia  but 
such  as  should  first  have  taken  the  oath  of  supremacy.f 
Under  the  new  charter.  Lord  De  la  War  was  chosen  to  be 
the  first  governor  of  Virginia,  an  officer  before  unknown 
in  the  colony;  and  under  his  judicious  direction  affairs 
were  soon  re-established. 

,  This  change  in  the  government,  from  an  aristocracy  to 
the  dominion  of  one,  is  mentioned,  because,  prior  to  this 
time,  there  does  not  seem  to  have  been  any  interference  by 
the  Company  in  England  with  the  religious  affairs  of  the 
colony.  The  adventurers  were  left  to  their  own  sense  of 
piety  and  the  instructions  of  their  spiritual  teachers,  as 
being  sufficient  to  prompt  them  to  a  proper  care  of  the  insti- 
tutions of  religion ;  and  nothing  more  definite  had  been 
said  than  that  the  exercise  of  Christianity  in  the  New 
World  should  conform  to  the  rites,  ceremonies,  and  doc- 
trines of  the  Church  of  England.  But  after  this  period 
we  find  more  specific  instructions  sent  from  the  mother 
country;  and  religion  began  to  form  one  of  the  subjects 
of  the  very  imperfect  legislation  of  the  Company  for  their 
distant  colony.  The  ill  health  of  Lord  De  la  War  was  such 
that  in  a  few  months  he  was  obliged  to  leave  his  govern- 
ment in  the  hands  of  a  substitute,  until  the  10th  of  May, 
1611,  when  Sir  Thomas  Dale,  the  new  governor,  arrived. 

*  4  Purchas,  book  ix.  chap.  vi.  f  2d  Charter,    1    Hazard's   State 

Papers,  72. 


24  PROTESTANT   EPISCOPAL   CHURCH  [1611 

The  arrival  of  this  Individual  marks  the  period  at  which 
penal  lavv^s  were  first  introduced  to  aid  the  colonists  in 
keeping  a  good  conscience.  The  readers  of  the  present 
day  will  be  tempted  to  smile  on  learning  that  the  church 
was  laid  under  martial  law :  yet  such  was  literally  the 
fact. 

The  difficulties  which  had  embarrassed  the  progress  of 
the  colony  were  supposed  by  the  Company,  and  truly  sup- 
posed, to  consist  principally  in  a  spirit  of  insubordination 
and  indolence ;  and  by  way  of  remedy  for  these  evils,  more 
rigour  both  in  the  enactments  and  execution  of  the  laws 
was  deemed  necessary.  At  that  time  Sir  Thomas  Smith 
had  a  controlling  influence  in  the  affairs  of  the  Company; 
and,  as  it  would  seem,  ventured,  upon  his  own  responsi- 
bility, to  furnish  the  new  governor  with  a  body  of  "  Lawes, 
diuine,  morall,  and  martiall,"  for  Virginia.*  They  were 
chiefly  translated  from  the  martial  laws  of  the  Low  Coun- 
tries, and  were  entirely  at  variance  with  the  spirit  of  Eng- 
lish liberty.  The  church  was  provided  for  in  this  singular 
code  of  bloody  enactments ;  but  it  is  due  both  to  the  govern- 
ors and  governed  to  state,  that  on  the  one  hand  there  was 
as  little  disposition  to  enforce,  as  on  the  other  there  was  to 
submit  to  the  penalties  of  the  code.  It  was,  in  truth,  though 
formally  promulgated,  a  dead  letter ;  and  to  the  honour  of 
the  London  Company  and  their  colonists,  it  should  be  men- 
tioned that,  during  their  government,  not  a  solitary  instance 
is  recorded  of  a  persecution  for  mere  difference  of  opinion. 
The  penalties  incurred  for  the  non-observance  of  religious 
duties  were  never  rigidly  enforced ;  and  the  power  to  re- 
mit them  entirely,  which  belonged  to  the  governor  and 
council,  was  not  unfrequently  exercised.f  These  laws,  so 
far  as  the  church  is  concerned,  are  subjoined ;  and  if,  in 
their  perusal,  the  reader  should  find  cause  for  thankfulness 
that  he  lives  in  an  age  when  the  true  principles  of  Christian 

*  Stitli*s  Virginia,  123;  1  Burk*s        f  1  Burk,  Appendix,  304. 
Virginia,  165. 


1611.]  IN    VIRGINIA.  25 

liberty,  and  the  rights  of  conscience  are  better  understood 
than  they  were  in  the  days  of  our  forefathers,  their  publica- 
tion will  not  be  useless. 

I.  "  I  do  strictly  commaund  and  charge  all  captaines  and 
officers,  of  what  qualitie  or  nature  soever,  whether  com- 
manders in  the  field,  or  in  towne,  or  townes,  forts,  or  for- 
tresses, to  have  a  care  that  the  Almightie  God  bee  duly 
and  daily  served ;  and  that  they  call  vpon  their  people  to 
heare  sermons  ;  as  that  also  they  diligently  frequent  morn- 
ing and  evening  praier  themselves,  by  their  own  exemplar 
and  daily  life  and  duty  herein  encouraging  others  there- 
unto ;  and  that  such  who  shall  often  and  wilfully  absent 
themselves,  be  duly  punished  according  to  the  martiall  law 
in  that  case  provided. 

II.  "  That  no  man  speake  impiously  or  maliciously  against 
the  holy  and  blessed  trinitie,  or  any  of  the  three  persons ; 
that  is  to  say,  against  God  the  Father,  God  the  Son,  and 
God  the  Holy  Ghost ;  or  against  the  known  articles  of  the 
Christian  faith,  upon  pain  of  death. 

III.  "  That  no  man  blaspheme  God's  holy  name,  upon 
paine  of  death  ;  or  vse  vnlawful  oathes — taking  the  name 
of  God  in  vaine,  curse  or  banne — vpon  paine  of  severe 
punishment  for  the  first  offence  so  committed,  and  for  the 
second  to  have  a  bodkin  thrust  through  his  tongue  ;  and  if 
he  continue  the  blaspheming  of  God's  name,  for  the  third 
time  so  offending  he  shall  be  brought  to  a  martiall  court, 
and  there  receive  censure  of  death  for  his  offence." 

V.  "No  man  shall  speake  any  word,  or  do  any  act, 
which  may  tend  to  the  derision  or  despight  of  God's  holy 
word,  upon  paine  of  death.  Nor  shall  any  man  vnworthily 
demeane  himselfe  vnto  any  preacher  or  minister  of  the 
same,  but  generally  hold  them  in  all  reverent  regard  and 
dutifull  intreatie  ;  otherwise  he,  the  offender,  shall  openly 
be  whipt  three  times,  and  aske  public  forgiveness  in  the 
assembly  of  the  congregation  three  severall  Saboth  dales. 

VI.  "  Euerie  man  and  woman  duly  twice  a  day,  upon 

D 


26  PROTESTANT    EPISCOPAL    CUVRCU  [l6tL 

the  first  towling  of  the  belj,  shall  vpon  the  workhig  daies 
iepaire  vnto  the  church  to  heare  diuine  service,  vpon  paine 
of  losing  his  or  her  daye's  allowance  for  the  first  omission  ; 
for  the  second  to  be  whipt ;  and  for  the  third  to  be  con- 
demned to  the  gallies  for  six  months.  Likewise,  no  man 
or  woman  shall  dare  to  violate  or  breake  the  Sabboth  by 
any  gaming,  publique  or  private,  abroad  or  at  home,  but 
duly  sanctifie  and  obserue  the  sam«,  both  himselfe  and  his 
familie,  by  preparing  themselues  at  home  by  priuate 
praier,that  they  m^ybee  the  better  fitted  for  the  publique, 
according  to  the  commandments  of  God  and  the  orders  of 
our  church ;  as  also  euerie  man  and  woman  shall  repaire 
in  the  morning  to  the  diuine  service,  and  sermons  preached 
vpon  the  Saboth  daie,  and  in  the  afternoon  to  diuine  service 
and  catechising ;  vpon  paine  for  the  first  fault  to  lose  their 
prouision  and  allowance  for  the  whole  weeke  following ; 
for  the  second  to  lose  the  said  allowance,  and  also  to  be 
whipt ;  and  for  the  third  to  suffer  death. 

VII.  "  All  preachers  or  ministers  within  this  our  colonie 
or  colonies,  shall  in  the  forts  where  they  are  resident,  after 
diuine  seruice,  duly  preach  euerie  Sabboth  daie  in  the  fore- 
noone,  and  catechise  in  the  afternoone,  and  weekly  say  the 
diuine  seruice  twice  euerie  day,  and  preach  euerie  Wednes- 
day; likewise  euerie  minister,  where  he  is  resident,  within 
the  same  fort  or  fortresses,  towne  or  townes,  shall  chuse 
vnto  him  foure  of  the  most  religious  and  better  disposed, 
as  well  to  informe  of  the  abuses  and  neglects  of  the  people 
in  their  duties  and  seruice  to  God,  as  also  to  the  due  rep- 
aration and  keeping  the  church  handsome,  and  fitted  with 
all  reuerent  obseruances  thereunto  belonging ;  likewise 
euerie  minister  shall  keep  a  faithfull  and  true  record  or 
church  booke  of  all  christenings,  marriages,  and  deaths  of 
suclv  our  people  as  shall  happen  within  their  fort  or  for- 
tresse,  towne  or  townes  at  any  time,  vpon  the  burthen  of  a 
neglectfull  xionsciencc,  and  vpon  paine  of  losing  their  enler- 
tainmcnt.'* 


IfJIl.]  IN   VIRGINIA.  27 

XXXrif.  "There  is  not  one  man  nor  woman  in  this 
colonic  now  present,  or  hereafter  to  arriue,  but  shall  giue 
up  an  account  of  his  and  their  faith  and  religion,  and  re- 
paire  vnto  the  minister,  that  by  his  conference  with  them 
he  may  vnderstand  and  gather  whether  heretofore  they 
have  beene  sufficiently  instrvcted  and  catechised  in  the 
principles  and  grounds  of  religion :  whose  weakness  and 
ignorance  herein,  the  minister  finding  and  aduising  them 
in  all  love  and  charitie  to  repaire  often  vnto  him  to  receive 
therein  a  greater  measure  of  knowledge  ;  if  they  shall  re- 
fuse so  to  repaire  vnto  him,  and  he  the  minister  giue  notice 
thereof  vnto  the  governour,  or  that  chiefe  officer  of  that 
towne  or  fort  wherein  he  or  she,  the  parties  so  offending, 
shall  remaine,  the  governour  shall  cause  the  offijnder  for 
the  first  time  of  refusal  to  be  whipt ;  for  the  second  time 
to  be  whipt  twice,  and  to  acknowledge  his  fault  vpon  the 
Sabboth  dale  in  the  assembly  of  the  congregation;  and  for 
the  third  time  to  be  whipt  euerie  day  vntil  he  hath  made 
the  same  acknowledgment,  and  asked  forgiuenesse  of  the 
same  ;  and  shall  repaire  vnto  the  minister  to  be  further  in- 
structed as  aforesaid:  and  vpon  the  Sabboth,  when  the  min- 
ister shall  catechise  and  of  him  demande  any  question  con- 
cerning his  faith  and  knowledge,  he  shall  not  refvse  to  make 
answer  vpon  the  same  perilL"* 

There  never  will  be  wanting  men  who  will  advocate 
the  doings  of  those  in  authority,  and  there  is  therefore  no- 
thing to  excite  surprise  in  the  compliant  sycophancy  of  a 
writer  of  that  day  who  could  approve  of  the  merciless 
severity  of  a  code  so  cruel  that  it  wa&  never  enforced. 
"  Good,"  says  he,  "  are  these  beginnings  wherein  God  is 
thus  before ;  good  are  these  laws,  and  long  may  they  stand 
in  their  due  execution."! 

*  "  For   the    colony    in  Virginea         t  "  The  new  Life  of  Virginia,  de- 

Brittannia  ;   Lawes  Diuine,  Morall,  daring  the  former  services  and  pres- 

and  Martiall,"  &c.     I^ondon,  1612.  ent  estate  of  that  plantation,"  &e. 

Collected  and  published  by  William  London,  1612. 
Strachey, 


28  PROTESTANT   EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [1611. 

Under  the  administration  of  Sir  Thomas  Dale,  the  colony 
began  to  extend  itself  upon  James  River;  and  the  moment 
the  arrival  of  Sir  Thomas  Gates,  the  new  governor,  left 
him  at  liberty,  Dale  carried  into  effect  his  favourite  project, 
and  built  the  town  of  Henrico,  the  ruins  of  which  it  is  be- 
lieved are  still  visible.*  In  this  town  a  handsome  church 
was  erected  in  1611,  and  the  foundation  of  another  was 
laid,  to  be  built  of  brick.  The  care  of  the  congregation 
was  confided  to  the  Rev.  Alexander  Whitaker,  who  en- 
closed a  hundred  acres  of  land,  and  built  a  parsonagct 
This,  it  is  supposed,  was  the  second  parish  established  in 
Virginia :  and  it  may,  perhaps,  be  deemed  not  unworthy 
of  remembrance  that  the  deservedly  celebrated  princess 
Pocahontas  received  Christian  baptism  at  the  hands  of  Mr. 
Whitaker,  and  was  also  united  by  him  in  marriage  to  Mr. 
Rolfe. 

it  would  be  unjust  not  to  subjoin  to  Ihe  name  of  this 
clergyman  his  character  as  sketched  by  a  contemporary. 
"  I  hereby  let  all  men  know  that  a  scholler,  a  graduate,  a 
preacher,  well  borne  and  friended  in  England ;  not  in  debt 
nor  disgrace,  but  competently  provided  for,  and  liked  and 
beloved  where  he  lived ;  not  in  want,  but  (for  a  scholler, 
and  as  these  days  be)  rich  in  possession,  and  more  in  possi- 
bilitie  ;  of  himself,  without  any  persuasion  (but  God*s  and 
his  own  heart.)  did  voluntarily  leave  his  warme  nest ;  and, 
to  the  wonder  of  his  kindred  and  amazement  of  them  that 
knew  him,  undertooke  this  hard,  but,  in  my  judgement, 
heroicall  resolution  to  go  to  Virginia,  and  helpe  to  beare 
the  name  of  God  tmto  the  gentiles"X 

What  would  have  been  the  emotions  of  this  devoted 
missionary,  when  he  admitted  Pocahontas  to  baptism,  could 
he  have  foreseen  that,  after  the  lapse  of  more  than  two 

*  See  1  Burke,  166,  '  entitled  "  Good  Newes   from   Vir- 

tStith,  124.     Smith,  Hist,  of  Vir-  ginia,  sent  to  the  Counsell  and  Com- 

ginia.     Richmond  ed.  vol.  ii.  p.  12.  pany  of  Virginia,  resident  in  Eng- 

t  "Epistle  Dedicatorie,"  by  W.  land.      From  Alexander  Whitaker, 

Crashawe,  to  a  book  written  in  1613,  the  minister  of  Henrico  in  Virginia." 


1611.]  IN    VIRGINIA.  29 

hundred  years,  the  blood  of  this  noble-hearted  Indian 
maiden  would  be  flowing  in  the  veins  of  some  of  the  most 
distinguished  members  of  that  church,  the  foundations  of 
which  he  was  then  laying  1 

If  Virginia  was  fortunate  in  the  possession  of  such  a 
clergyman  as  Mr.  Hunt,  she  was  not  less  favoured  in 
having  the  ministrations  of  Mr.  Whitaker.  The  eulo- 
gium  just  quoted  is  not  to  be  classed  with  the  effusions 
of  a  too  partial  friendship ;  the  subject  of  that  eulogium 
acquired  for  himself  the  honourable  title  of  **  The  Apostle 
of  Virginia"*  He  was  the  son  of  the  celebrated  Dr. 
WilHam  Whitaker,  Master  of  St.  John's,  Cambridge;! 
and  there  is  exhibited  in  such  of  the  letters  of  this  young 
missionary  as  have  come  down  to  our  day,  a  noble  spirit 
of  devotedness  to  his  work.  In  one  of  his  epistles,  advert' 
ing  to  the  want  of  clergymen  in  the  colony,  he  thus  ex- 
presses his  feelings :  "  I  maruaile  much  that  any  men  of 
honest  life  should  feare  the  sword  of  the  magistrate,  which 
is  unsheathed  only  in  their  defence.  But  I  much  more 
muse  that  so  few  of  our  English  ministers,  that  were  so  hot 
against  the  surplice  and  subscription,  come  hither,  where 
neither  are  spoken  of.  Doe  they  not  either  wilfully  hide 
their  tallents,  or  keepe  themselves  at  home  for  feare  of 
losing  a  few  pleasures  ?  Be  there  not  any  amongst  them 
of  Moses  his  minde,  and  of  the  apostles  that  forsooke  all  to 
follow  Christ  ?  But  I  refer  them  to  the  Judge  of  all  hearts, 
and  to  the  King  that  shall  reward  everyone  according  to 
the  gaine  of  his  tallent.  But  you,  hold  fast  that  which  you 
have ;  and  I,  though  my  promise  of  three  yeeres'  seruice  to 
my  countrey  be  expired,  will  abide  in  my  vocation  here 
untill  I  be  lawfully  called  from  hence.  And  so  betaking 
us  all  unto  the  mercies  of  God  in  Christ  Jesus,  I  rest  for 
ever."J  In  another  of  his  letters  he  again  expresses  his 
surprise  that  so  few  were  found  ready  to  afford  ministeria 

*  Life  of  Nicholas  Ferrar,  p.  40.  t  Purchas,  book  ix.  ch.  II. 

t  4  Purchas's  Pilgrims,  1770. 


30  PROTESTANT    EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [I6II. 

aid :  "  I  wonder  that  so  few  English  priests,  who  were  first 
go  warm  in  having  the  books  of  Moses  and  the  apostles, 
do  not  assist  us  more,  that  all  may  follow  the  gospel  of 
Christ."*  '  '    *■ 

The  cry  for  help  which  came  from  this  devoted  n\is- 
sionary  was  but  the  echo  of  that  which  had  issued  frotn  the 
friends  and  originators  of  the  Virginia  colony.  Ther6  i^ 
reason  to  fear  that  injustice  has  long  been  done  to  Virginia 
in  the  prevalence  of  an  opinion  that  religion  was  btit  little, 
if  at  all,  regarded  by  those  who  planted  the  colony:  it  is 
time  that  such  an  opinion  should  be  corrected.  •  There  is 
extant  an  eloquent  and  spirit-stirring  appeal,  put  forth  by 
the  council  of  Virginia,  which  will  yield  to  no  similar  pro- 
duction of  later  times ;  it  is  full  of  the  genuine  spirit  of 
Christian  missions. 

■  "  O,  all  ye  worthies,  follow  the  ever-sounding  trumpet 
of  a  blessed  honour;  let  religion"  be  the  first  aim  of 
your  hopes,  et  ccetera  adjicientur,  and  other  things  shall 
be  cast  unto  you :  your  names  shall  be  registered  to 
posterity  with  a  glorious  title.  These  are  the  men  whom 
God  raised  to  augment  the  state  of  their  country,  and 
to  propagate  the  gospel  of  Jesus  Christ.  Neither  ought 
any  man  to  live  under  Augustus  as  if  he  lived  under 
Domitian,  quibus  inertia  est  pro  sapientia:  to  whom  slug- 
gishness and  privacy  is  imputed  for  wisdom  and  policy. 
The  same  God  that  hath  ioyned  three  kingdoms  under 
one  Csesar.  will  not  be  wanting  to  add  a  fourth,  if  wee 
would  dissolve  that  frosty  icinesse  which  chilleth  our  zeal, 
and  maketh  vs  so  cold  in  the  action.  But  it  is  a  meere 
idea,  speculation,  and  fancy  to  sowe  spareingly,  and  yet 
expect  for  to  reape  plentifully;  when  a  penurious  supply 
is  like  the  casting  on  of  a  little  water  upon  a  great  fire,  that 

quencheth  not  the  heat,  but  augments  it :  when  procrasti- 

*  Correct  Description  and  Situa-     the  council  under  liOrd  De  la  War. 
tion  of  the  Colony  of  Virginia,  by     4  Purchas,  1764. 
Ralph  Haraer.     Hamer  was  clerk  of 


1613.]  IN   VIRGINIA*  31 

nating  delays  and  lingering  counsels  doe  lose  the  opor- 
tunity  of  flying  time;  whereby  we  rather  bewray  our 
colonic  than  relieve  it.  Let  no  man  adore  his  gold  as  his 
God,  nor  his  mammon  as  his  Maker.  If  God  have  scat- 
tered his  blessings  upon  you  as  snow,  will  you  return  no 
tributary  acknowledgments  of  his  goodnesse  ?  If  you  will, 
can  you  select  a  more  excellent  subject  than  to  cast  down 
the  altars  of  diuels,  that  you  may  raise  up  the  altar  of 
Christ ;  to  forbid  the  sacrifice  of  men,  that  they  may  offer 
up  the  sacrifice  of  contrite  spirites ;  to  reduce  barbarisme 
and  infidelity  to  ciuill  gouernment  and  Christianity  ?  Si 
fr'igido  loquor,  nihil  loquor ;  if  I  speake  to  men  void  of 
piety,  I  speake  but  the  words  of  wind  and  vanity  !  other- 
wise, how  doth  that  man  groan  under  the  world's  corrup- 
tion, that  doth  not  actually  or  vocally  hasten  the  world's 
conversion.  Doubt  ye  not  but  God  hath  determined  and 
demonstrated  that  he  will  raise  our  state,  and  build  his 
church  in  that  excellent  climate,  if  the  action  be  seconded 
with  resolution  and  religion."* 

These  words,  uttered  more  than,  two  hundred  years 
ago,  have  found  a  blessed  fulfilment;  verily,  God  has  built 
*> his  church  in  that  excellent  climate;"  let  not  the  agents 
who  commenced  the  work.be  pronounced  destitute  of 
religion. 

•  Among  other  changes  introduced  by  Sir  Thomas  Dale, 
during  his  short  administration,  was  one,  the  beneficial 
effects  of  which  were  soon  apparent.  Up  to  the  year 
1613,  there  had  been  no  such  thing  in  the  colony  as  dis- 
tinct and  exclusive  property.  Each  individual  put  the 
fruits  of  his  labours  into  a  common  stock,  which  ministered 
to  the  necessities  of  all.f  But  now  a  certain  quantity  of 
land,  fit  for  cultivation,  was  allowed  to  each  man ;  and  a 
portion  of  its  fruits  was  received  as  rent.     New  settle- 

*  "  A  True  Declaration  of  the  Es-     Council  of  Virginia."  London,  1610. 
tate  of  the  Colony  of  Virginia.    Pub-         ]  Stith,  131. 
lished  by  advice  and  direction  ol"  the 


32  PROTESTANT   EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [1618. 

ments  were  multiplied  as  fresh  emigrants  came  over,  and 
the  colonists  themselves  began  to  make  efforts  to  procure 
clergymen. 

Sir  Thomas  Gates  returning  to  Europe  in  1613,  the 
government  again   devolved   upon   his  predecessor,  Sir 
Thomas  Dale,  who,  after  an  administration  of  three  years, 
also  went  home,  leaving  his  power  in  the  hands  of  George 
Yeardly.     During  the  last  administration  of  Dale,  the  in- 
creased security  given  to  property,  and  the  more  certain 
discovery  of  the  real  advantages  of  the  country,  imparted 
a  fresh  impulse  to  emigration,  and  the  new-comers  were 
numerous.     As  they  arrived,  they  formed  distinct  settle- 
ments, and  laid  the  foundation  of  new  parishes;   and 
though  it  is  now  impossible  to  trace  with  accuracy  the 
order  of  their  respective  establishments,  we  know  that 
at  Henrico  the  Rev.  Mr.  Wickham  was  the  clergyman, 
Mr.  Whitaker  was  at  Bermuda  Hundred,  and  Mr.  Bucke 
at  James  Town  ;*  and  the  fact  is  sufficiently  attested,  that 
the  number  both  of  churches  and  clergymen  had  increased 
with  the  growth  of  the  country.     It  will  presently  be  seen 
that  the  latter  were  not  without  influence  in  the  affairs  of 
government.     In  May,  1617,  Captain  Argall  arrived  from 
England,  clothed  with  the  authority  of  deputy  governor* 
He  had  lived  in  the  colony  before,  and  therefore  was  not 
ignorant  of  that  singular  code,  "  divine,  morall,  and  mar- 
tiall,"  from  which  an  extract  has  already  been  presented. 
He  is  charged  by  the  historians  of  that  period  with  a 
determination  to  gratify  his  rapacity  and  injustice  at  the 
expense  of  the  colony;  and  therefore  he  eagerly  converted 
these  laws  into  an  instrument  for  obtaining  his  ends.     In 
revising  his  code,  he  did  not  neglect  the  work  of  legislation 
for  the  church;  and,  accordingly,  in  1618,  we  find  him 
promulgating  "that  every  person  should  go  to  church, 
Sundays  and  holydays,  or  lye  neck  and  heels  that  night, 
and  be  a  slave  to  the  colony  the  following  week ;  for  the 
*  Purchas's  Pilgrimage,  p.  947. 


1618.]  IN    VIRGINIA.  33 

second  offence,  he  should  be  a  slave  for  a  month ;  and  for 
the  third,  a  year  and  a  day."* 

In  the  same  year  occurred  an  incident  which  illustrates 
that  influence  of  the  clergy  to  which  allusion  has  been 
made.  Captain  Argall  had  taken  the  servants  of  Lord  De  la 
War  from  his  estate,  and  employed  them  on  his  own  lands,  ^^ly 
without  the  slightest  authority  for  so  doing.  Captain 
Brewster,  who  was  the  agent  of  Lord  De  la  War,  ordered 
one  of  the  servants  to  return ;  and  on  receiving  a  flat  re- 
fusal, threatened  the  delinquent  with  the  consequences  of 
his  insubordination.  Argall  was  informed  of  the  threat,, 
and  Brewster  was  arrested,  tried  by  a  court  martial,  and 
condemned  to  death  on  a  charge  of  uttering  against  his 
commander  seditious  words,  tending  to  a  mutiny.  This 
act  of  tyranny  seems  to  have  roused  the  colonists  to  re- 
monstrance. The  martial  laws  were  odious,  and  the 
present  was  a  favourable  opportunity  for  protesting  against 
their  severity.  The  court,  by  which  Brewster  was  tried, 
waited  in  a  body  on  the  deputy  governor  to  intercede  for 
the  life  of  the  prisoner ;  and  they  summoned  to  their  aid  all 
those  of  the  clergy  who  could  be  readily  convened ;  these 
promptly  answered  the  summons,  and  presented  themselves 
also  before  the  tyrant,  to  supplicate  mercy  for  the  unhappy 
Brewster.  Argall,  however  much  disposed  to  gratify  his 
malignity,  was  alarmed,  it  is  supposed,  by  the  weight  of 
character  of  those  who  thus  protested  against  his  iniquity, 
and  yielded  at  length  to  their  intercession.  And  this 
transaction,  furnishing  to  Brewster,  on  his  return  to  Eng- 
land, a  theme  for  indignant  expostulation  with  the  Com- 
pany, probably  led  to  the  entire  disuse  of  the  bloody  code, 
secured  to  the  colonists  the  privileges  of  Englishmen  living 
under  English  law,  and  released  at  once  both  church  and 
state  from  the  tyranny  of  martial  rules. 

*  Stith's  Virginia,  147 ;  1  Park's  Virginia,  195. 


34  PROTESTANT   EPISCOPAL   CHURCH  [1619. 


CHAPTER  11. 
1619-1G24. 

First  Legislature  of  Virginia — Establishment  of  the  Church — Whole  Num- 
ber of  the  Clergy — Encouragement  to  Emigration  of  Ministers — Efforts^ 
in  behalf  of  Education — Henrico  College — East  India  School — Plans  de- 
feated by  Indian  Massaere-^Chanco,  a  converted  Native ;  his  Christian 
conduct — General  Character  of  the  Clergy — Legislature  of  1624— Laws 
made  for  the  Advancement  and  Permanency  of  the  Church. 

The  year  1619  is  memorable  in  the  annals  of  Virginia, 
as  being  the  period  at  which  a  legislative  body,  taken  from 
among  the  inhabitants,  convened  for  the  first  time  in  the 
colony.*  The  tyranny  of  Argall  was  not  permitted  to 
continue  long.  Advised  by  private  letters  that  his  official 
conduct  was  about  to  be  made  the  subject  of  rigid  scrutiny 
by  a  new  governor,  clothed  with  authority  for  that  pur- 
pose, he  precipitately  left  the  colony,  and  in  this  year  was 
succeeded  by  Sir  George  Yeardly.  The  colony,  it  will 
be  remembered,  was  still  under  the  control  of  the  Com- 
pany in  England  ;  and  as  upon  the  representations  of 
Brewster,  they  had  decided,  with  but  one  dissenting 
voice,  against  the  enforcement  of  martial  law  in  a  time 
of  peace,  it  became  necessary  to  make  provision  for  the 
government  of  Virginia  under  some  milder  code.  The 
new  governor,  therefore,  brought  with  him  a  new  charter ; 
by  which,  among  other  matters,  it  was  provided  that  the 
clergy  should  have  in  each  borough  a  glebe,  to  consist  of 
one  hundred  acres,  and  should  receive  from  the  profits  of 
each  parish  a  standing  revenue,  to  be  worth  at  least  two 
hundred  pounds. 

The  population  was  increased  by  the  introduction  of 

*  1  Hening's  Virginia  Statutes,  at  large,  119. 


1'619.]  IN    VIRGINIA.  33 

one  thousand  new  settlers ;  and  there  had  been  no  previous 
period,  in  the  history  of  the  colony,  when  its  affairs  were 
m  a  more  prosperous  condition.  Under  these  auspicious 
circumstances,  the  governor  called  an  assembly,  which 
met  at  James  Town.  It  consisted  of  "two  burgesses 
chosen  for  every  town,  hundred,  and  plantation ;"  and 
from  the  number  of  representatives,  the  fact  is  gathered 
that  the  colony  then  consisted  of  eleven  corporations. 

Among  the  first  enactments  of  the  legislature  were  those 
which  concerned  the  church.  The  general  provisions  of 
the  charter,  which  have  already  been  mentioned,  were  im- 
bodied  in  a  statutory  form  ;  and  it  seems  probable  that  the 
mode  of  obtaining  the  competent  support  which  wa«  thus 
granted,  was  also  the  subject  of  enactment.  Tobacco  was 
the  chief  article  of  produce ;  and  the  dues  of  the  minister 
were  paid  for  the  most  part  in  that  commodity.  In  the 
legislature  of  1621-2,  it  was  enacted  that  each  clergyman 
should  receive  from  his  parishioners  fifteen  hundred  pounds 
of  tobacco  and  sixteen  barrels  of  corn.  Ten  pounds  of 
tobacco  and  one  bushel  of  corn  were  the  utmost  that  any 
individual  could  be  compelled  to  pay:  and  to  this  assess- 
ment every  male  inhabitant,  who  had  reached  the  age  of 
sixteen,  was  Hable.  And  if  this  levy  should  prove  unequal 
in  value  to  two  hundred  pounds,  the  law  proceeded  to 
declare  that  "  the  minister  was  to  be  content  with  less."* 

Up  to  this  period  the  inhabitants  of  the  colony  had 
always  been  attached  to  the  Church  of  England.  There 
is  reason,  however,  to  believe  that  about  this  time  a  small 
number  of  puritans  sought  refuge  in  the  colony  ;f  but  it 
was  too  inconsiderable  to  introduce  any  change  in  the 
religious  opinions  of  the  people,  and  public  worship  con- 
tinued to  be  conducted,  as  it  always  had  been,  in  con- 
formity with  the  ritual  of  the  Church  of  England.  That 
church,  however,  could  not  claim  for  itself  the  privileges 

♦  Stith's  Virginia,  173;  Beverly's  f  1  Graham's  Hist,  of  the  United 
Virginia,  36.  States,  219. 


-^^' 


36  PROTESTANT  EPISCOPAL   CHURCH  [1610. 

of  an  establishment,  in  Virginia,  prior  to  the  legislation  of 
1619  ;  for  the  general  declaration  contained  in  the  charter 
of  James,  that  the  mode  of  worship  in  the  intended  colony 
should  conform  to  that  of  the  English  church,  simply  im- 
posed a  duty,  but  conferred  no  temporal  benefit.  It  is  from 
this  period,  therefore,  that  we  are  to  date  the  establishment 
of  the  Episcopal  Church  in  Virginia ;  and  at  this  time  the 
whole  colony  contained  but  five  clergymen  ;*  who  are  be- 
lieved to  have  been  Messrs.  Whitaker,  Stockham,  Mease, 
Bargave,  and  Wick  ham.  This  scarcity  of  clergymen  \nr 
duced  the  Company  to  encourage  the  emigration  of  minis- 
ters by  directing  six  tenants  to  be  placed  on  every  glebe, 
for  the  purpose  of  making  it  an  immediate  source  of  reve- 
nue :  and  the  then  Bishop  of  London  undertook  to  exert 
himself  to  procure  suitable  clergymen  to  settle  in  the 
cojony.f  Whether  this  circumstance  gave  rise  to  the 
jurisdiction  of  the  prelate  of  that  see  over  the  American 
church  prior  to  the  revolution,  is  not  known ;  but  this,  it  is 
believed,  is  the  first  instance  in  which  his  connection  with 
the  church  on  this  continent  is  mentioned  in  history. 

The  importance  of  education,  as  intimately  connected 
with  the  preservation  and  dissemination  of  Christianity, 
also  seems  to  have  been  impressed  at  an  early  period  on 
the  minds  of  the  members  of  the  Company.  The  king 
(probably  at  the  solicitation  of  the  Company)  had,  prior  to 
this  time,  issued  his  letters  to  the  several  bishops  of  the 
kingdom  for  collecting  money  to  erect  a  college  in  Vir- 
ginia. The  object  of  this  measure,  when  first  adopted, 
was  stated  to  be  "  the  training  up  and  educating  infidel 
children  in  the  true  knowledge  of  God."{  Nearly  fifteen 
hundred  pounds  had  been  obtained  for  carrying  into  eflfect 
this  benevolent  design ;  and  Henrico  had  been  selected  as 
the  site  of  the  proposed  seminary.     The  Company,  at  the 

♦  Chalmer's  Political  AnnaU,  b.  i.  t  Stith,  173. 

p.  50.  t  Ibid.  163,  163. 


1619.]  IN    VIRGINIA.  37 

suggestion  of  its  treasurer,  now  granted  ten  thousand  acres 
of  land  to  be  laid  off  for  the  new  "  University  of  Henrico ;" 
and  the  original  design  was  enlarged  by  a  resolution  to 
make  the  seminary  a  school  for  the  English  as  well  as  for 
the  natives.*  Of  the  eleven  corporations,  already  men- 
tioned as  being  represented  in  the  first  assembly,  four  had 
been  recently  created,  and  among  them  was  the  univer- 
sity; and  for  the  management  of  its  lands,  which  had  been 
thus  granted  by  the  Company,  two  agents  were  sent  over 
by  that  body. 

Under  the  care  of  these  agents,  added  to  that  of  Mr. 
George  Thorpe,  a  very  respectable  and  pious  man,  whose 
benevolent  exertions  for  the  intellectual  and  spiritual  im* 
provement  of  the  natives  entitle  him  to  honourable  remem- 
brance, the  college  lands  were  brought  into  cultivation ; 
and  the  flattering  appearance  of  affairs  held  forth  to  the 
inhabitants  the  prospect  of  education  for  their  children,  and 
of  clergymen  from  the  college  who,  though  ordained  in 
England,  would  still  be  sons  of  the  colony,  acquainted  with 
its  habits,  and  familiar  with  its  wants. 

So  far  as  the  church  alone  was  concerned,  had  there 
been  nothing  more  in  view,  the  establishment  of  Henrico 
University  was  a  measure  full  of  wisdom.  Experience 
would  seem  to  intimate  to  the  church  in  America  that, 
though  united  throughout  the  confederacy  by  a  common 
bond,  yet  the  different  portions  of  that  church  must,  for 
the  most  part,  respectively  depend,  for  a  permanent  supply 
in  the  ministry,  upon  those,  who  having  been  born  within 
certain  territorial  limits,  are  therefore  bound  by  strong  local 
attachments,  constitutionally  adapted  to  the  peculiarities  of 
climate,  and  familiar  with  national  habits  and  feelings. 

The  interest  felt  in  the  mother  country,  in  the  prosperity 
of  the  college,  was  attested  by  many  donations,  among 
which  is  recorded  one  of  a  thousand  pounds,  by  the  Bishop 

•  I  Holmes*!  Annals.  167. 


38  PROTESTANT  EPISCOPAL   CHURCH  [1621. 

of  London.  An  unknown  friend,  also,  sent  many  excellent 
religious  works,  and  a  very  valuable  map  of  the  American 
coast ;  from  another  was  received  "  a  communion  cup, 
with  a  cover  and  case,  a  trencher  plate  for  the  bread,  a 
carpet  of  crimson  velvet,  and  a  damask  tablecloth  for  the 
college."  The  solicitude  felt  for  the  salvation  of  the  na- 
tives was  exhibited  in  a  gift  of  five  hundred  pounds  from 
some  person  unknown,  to  maintain  and  educate  in  Chris- 
tianity young  Indians  ;  and  three  hundred  pounds  were 
left  to  the  college  by  the  will  of  Mr.  Nicholas  Ferrar,  for 
the  same  pious  object.*  At  home,  also,  the  college  found 
liberal  friends.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Bargave,  who  was  then  the 
minister  at  Henrico,  gave  his  library,  and  the  inhabitants 
of  the  place  made  a  contribution  of  fifteen  hundred  pounds 
to  build  a  hostelry  for  the  entertainment  of  strangers  and 
visiters."!" 

The  efforts  in  the  cause  of  education  were  not  limited, 
however,  to  the  establishment  of  the  university.  Such  an 
institution  of  learning  would  be  of  little  value  without  the 
aid  of  a  preparatory  school ;  and  for  the  introduction  of 
this,  the  colony  was  indebted  to  the  exertions  of  a  clergy- 
man. 

f*In  1621,  an  East  India  ship  having  returned  to  England 
from  India,  the  crew  were  prevailed  upon,  by  the  represen- 
tations of  their  chaplain,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Copeland,  to  con- 
tribute seventy  pounds  towards  building  a  church  or  free- 
school  in  the  colony  of  Virginia :  to  this,  one  unknown 
benefactor  added  thirty  pounds,  and  another  twenty-five 
pounds.  It  was  determined  by  the  Company  to  apply 
these  gifts  to  the  erection  of  a  free- school.  Charles  City 
was  selected  as  its  site,  being  the  spot  most  convenient 
to  all  parts  of  the  colony;  and  in  commemoration  of  the 
circumstances  in  which  it  originated,  it  was  called  the 
East  India  School.     Nor  was  the  Company  less  attentive 

•  Stith,  172,  173.  t  1  Holmes's  AnnaU,  173. 


1621.]  IN   VIRGINIA.  39 

to  its  interests  than  to  those  of  the  college ;  they  allotted 
for  the  maintenance  of  the  master  and  usher  one  thousand 
acres  of  land,  with  five  servants  and  an  overseer.  The 
school  was  to  have  dependance  on  the  college,  into  which» 
as  soon  as  it  should  be  sufficiently  endowed  and  fit  for  the 
reception  of  students,  pupils  were  to  be  admitted  from  the 
school,  and  advanced  according  to  their  proficiency  in 
learning.* 

It  cannot,  therefore,  with  propriety  be  charged  upon 
either  the  Company  or  the  colonists  that  they  were  un- 
mindful of  the  importance  of  education  to  the  advance- 
ment of  Christianity  and  the  prosperity  of  the  little  com- 
munity. And  it  is  but  justice  to  the  good  men  of  a  former 
age  to  record  this  instance  of  their  pious  zeal,  in  the  effort 
which  they  made  to  cause  God's  "  way  to  be  known  upon 
earth,"  his  "  saving  health  among  all  nations." 

Sir  George  Yeardly  having  expressed  a  wish  to  retire 
from  the  office  of  governor,  in  1621  Sir  Francis  Wyatt  was 
appointed  to  succeed  him ;  and  it  is  to  be  presumed  that  the 
enactments  of  the  legislature  of  1619  had  not  been  carried 
into  full  eflfect ;  for  in  the  instructions  of  the  Company  to 
the  new  governor,  he  was  directed  "  to  take  into  especial 
regard  the  service  of  Almighty  God  and  the  observance 
of  his  divine  laws,  and  that  the  people  should  be  trained  up 
in  true  religion  and  virtue.  And  since  their  endeavours 
for  the  establishment  of  the  honour  and  rights  of  the  church 
and  ministry  had  not  yet  taken  due  effect,"  the  Company 
required  of  the  governor  and  assembly  "  to  employ  their 
utmost  care  to  advance  all  things  appertaining  to  the  order 
and  administration  of  divine  service,  according  to  the  form 
of  the  Church  of  England ;  carefully  to  avoid  all  factious 
and  needless  novelties,  which  only  tended  to  the  distur- 
bance of  peace  and  unity ;  and  to  cause  that  the  ministers 
should  be  duly  respected  and  maintained,  and  the  churches 

*  Stith,  204;  1  Holmes,  173. 


40  PROTESTANT  BPISCOPAL   CHURCH  [1621. 

ar  places  appointed  for  divine  service  decently  accommo- 
dated, according  to  former  order  in  that  behalf."* 

The  spiritual  good  of  the  natives  seems  also  to  have 
been  an  object  of  deep  solicitude ;  for  in  the  same  body  of 
instructions,  the  Company  pressed  upon  the  governor  and 
assembly,  in  a  particular  manner,  "  the  using  all  probable 
means  of  bringing  over  the  natives  to  a  love  of  civilization, 
and  to  the  love  of  God,  and  his  true  religion."  To  this 
purpose  a  pious  example  among  the  English  in  their  own 
persons  and  families  was  strongly  recommended  ;  and  the 
employment  of  the  natives  as  labourers  for  hire  was  di- 
rected, to  familiarize  them  to  the  customs  of  civilized  life, 
and  thus  gradually  to  bring  them  to  a  knowledge  of  Chris- 
tianity, that  they  might  be  employed  as  instruments  "  in 
the  general  conversion  of  their  countrymen,  so  much  de- 
sired." It  was  also  recommended  "  that  each  town, 
borough,  and  hundred,  should  procure,  by  just  means,  a 
certain  number  of  Indian  children,  to  be  brought  up  in  the 
first  elements  of  literature  ;  that  the  most  towardly  of  these 
should  be  fitted  for  the  college,  in  building  of  which  they 
purposed  to  proceed  as  soon  as  any  profit  arose  from  the 
estate  appropriated  to  that  use;  and  they  earnestly  re- 
quired their  earnest  help  and  furtherance  in  that  pious  and 
important  work ;  not  doubting  the  particular  blessing  of 
God  upon  the  colony,  and  being  assured  of  the  love  of  all 
good  men  upon  that  account."! 

But  these  prosperous  beginnings  and  commendable 
efibrts  were  destined  soon  to  be  entirely  defeated  by 
causes  from  which  no  danger  was  apprehended.  The 
whites  (ever  since  Hhe  marriage  of  Pocahontas)  had  lived 
on  terms  of  amity  with  the  natives,  nor  had  anything  of 
recent  date  occurred  to  interrupt  the  harmony.  The 
peace  existing  between  the  parties  was  the  result  of  solemn 
treaty,  and  repeated  assurances  to  the  English  of  entire 

»  Stith,  194;   1  Hening»'«  S|a$-   ,     ,.,    t  1  3urk,  tW5, 826. 
utes,  at  large,  114.  '^   '  "       ' 


1622.]  IN    VIRGINIA.  41 

friendship  on  the  part  of  their  savage  neighbours  com- 
pletely disarmed  suspicion.  "  Sooner  shall  the  sky  fall," 
said  the  wily  Indian  chief,  "  than  the  peace  shall  be  vio- 
lated on  my  part."  But  in  the  midst  of  all  these  profes- 
sions, a  conspiracy,  consisting  of  no  less  than  thirty  Indian 
nations,  was  for  nearly  four  years  maturing  its  plans  for 
the  utter  extirpation  of  the  English  at  a  single  blow  ;  and 
its  proceedings  were  marked  by  that  characteristic  cunning, 
and  consummate  duplicity  so  well  understood  by  him  who 
has  studied  the  savage  of  North  America.  Not  a  word 
was  said,  nor  a  sign  given,  which  could  betray  the  secrets 
of  the  confederacy ;  and  of  all  the  thirty  nations,  not  a 
single  Indian  was  found  for  four  years  to  violate  his  en- 
gagements. They  kept  their  counsel  but  too  well  for  the 
unfortunate  colony;  for,  on  the  22d  of  March,  1622,  hordes 
of  savages  burst  upon  the  unsuspecting  and  defenceless 
whites,  and,  involving  in  indiscriminate  slaughter  all  whom 
they  met,  without  distinction  of  age  or  sex,  in  the  short 
space  of  one  hour,  murdered  no  less  than  three  hundred 
and  forty-seven  men,  women,  and  children.  The  attack 
was  made  simultaneously  at  thirty-one  different  settle- 
ments, and  of  the  labourers  on  the  lands  of  the  college, 
seventeen  were  slain.  The  inhabitants  who  escaped 
sought  of  course  the  protection  of  James  Town,  where 
the  governor  concentrated  the  remains  of  the  colony;  the 
plantations  were  abandoned,  and  to  the  horrors  of  massacre 
were  soon  superadded  the  miseries  of  famine.  Of  eighty 
plantations  which  were  advancing  to  completion,  eight 
only  remained ;  and  of  twenty-nine  hundred  and  sixty  in- 
habitants, eighteen  hundred  were  all  that  were  left.*  These 
survivors  turned  their  thoughts  on  vengeance  towards 
their  foes,  and  the  affairs  of  the  college  were  forgotten. 

*  "  A  declaration  of  the  state  of  infidels  upon  the  English,  the  22d  of 

the   colony  and  affairs   in  Virginia,  March  last,"  p   13.     Purchas,  book 

with  a  relation  of  the  barbarous  mas-  ix.  ch.  xv. ;  1  Burk,  240  ;  1  Holmes's 

sacre  in  the  time  of  peace  and  league,  Annals,  1 78. 
treacherously  executed  by  the  native 


42  PROTESTANT   EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [1622- 

The  massacre  of  Opecancanough  thus  gave  a  death-blow 
to  the  first  efforts  made  in  America  for  the  establishment 
of  a  college,  and  years  elapsed  before  the  attempt  was 
renewed. 

As  connected  with  the  slaughter  of  the  whites,  an  inci- 
dent occurred  which  should  find  a  place  in  this  narrative, 
because  it  affords  proof  of  the  success  with  which  the 
clergy  of  the  colony  had  laboured  for  the  conversion  of 
some,  at  least,  of  the  heathen  around  them.  The  preserva- 
tion of  that  portion  of  the  colony  which  escaped,  was 
owing  solely  to  the  affection  and  fidelity  of  a  Christianized 
native.  This  Indian,  by  name  Chanco,  lived  with  Richard 
Pace,  and  was  beloved  by  his  master  with  an  affection  at 
once  Christian  and  parental. 

On  the  night  preceding  the  massacre,  the  brother  of 
Chanco  slept  with  him,  and  enjoining  secrecy,  communi-, 
cated  to  him  the  intended  massacre,  with  a  command  from 
his  chief  Opecancanough,  that  he  should  murder  his  master. 
The  grateful  Indian,  immediately  on  his  brother's  depar- 
ture, hastened  to  Pace,  and  disclosed  what  had  been  com- 
municated to  him.  His  master  knew  him  too  well  to 
doubt  his  information  for  a  moment,  and  instantly,  before 
day,  repaired  to  the  governor  at  James  Town,  which,  with 
the  adjoining  settlements,  was  put  in  a  posture  of  defence, 
and  so  escaped  the  threatened  ruin.  "And  thus,"  says  a 
contemporary,  who  furnishes  this  account,  "  the  rest  of  the 
colony,  that  had  warning  given  them,  by  this  means  was 
saved.  Such  was  (God  be  thanked  for  it)  the  good  fruit 
of  an  infidel  converted  to  Christianity;  for  though  three 
hundred  and  more  of  ours  died  by  many  of  these  pagan 
infidels,  yet  thousands  of  ours  were  saved  by  the  means  of 
one  of  them  alone  which  was  made  a  Christian."* 

It  has  been  remarked,  by  a  European  annalist,!  that  "the 
emigrants,  notwithstanding  the  humane  instructions  of  their 

♦  4  Purchas,  p.  1790;    1    Burk,  t  Chalmers,  b.  1.58. 

2«. 


1622.]  IN   VIRGINIA.  43 

sovereign,  and  the  prudent  orders  of  the  Company,  iiad 
never  been  solicitous  to  cultivate  the  good-will  of  the 
aborigines."  However  true  this  assertion  may  be  in 
many  instances,  it  is  gratifying  to  find,  in  the  history  of 
Chanco,  that  it  is  not  true  in  all.  A  reflection  here 
presents  itself,  not  unworthy  of  a  passing  notice.  We 
have  now  twice  seen  the  colony  saved  through  the  agency, 
direct  or  indirect,  of  the  clergy.  In  the  commencement 
of  the  enterprise,  the  piety  of  Mr.  Hunt  was  exerted  to  ap- 
pease the  quarrels  of  the  rival  leaders  of  the  colony;  and 
it  was  the  Christianity  taught  by  the  clergy  which  induced 
the  native  convert  to  become  an  inmate,  an  affectionate 
servant,  and  a  Christian  friend  in  the  habitation  of  an  Eng- 
lish settler.  That  Christian  friendship  saved  the  colony 
from  destruction.  It  will  not,  therefore,  be  deemed  rash 
to  conclude  that  the  clergy  were  not  the  most  useless  mem- 
bers of  the  infant  settlement ;  and  that  they  did  not  de- 
serve to  be  so  considered  is  attested  by  a  modern  historian, 
who,  while  he  sneers  at  Christianity,  yet  describes  the 
clergy  of  this  day  as  "  pious  missionaries,  with  a  temper 
and  demeanour  truly  Christian."*  To  the  ingenuity  of  the 
same  historian  must  be  left  the  task  of  reconciling  the 
declaration  just  quoted,  with  a  statement  elsewhere  made 
by  him,  that  "  the  clergy  had  very  early  been  regarded 
with  a  jealousy  which  checked  their  aspiring  pretensions."f 
Aspiring  pretensions  belong  not  to  pious  men,  with  a  tem- 
per and  demeanour  truly  Christian ;  nor  is  it  creditable  to 
the  characters  of  the  founders  of  Virginia  to  represent  them 
as  having  been  roused  to  jealousy  by  the  exhibition  of  hum- 
ble piety.  The  fact  is,  that  the  clergy  and  the  colony  are 
both  misrepresented,  if  the  "  early"  period  here  spoken  of  is 
meant  to  embrace  the  time  prior  to  1622,  for  there  is  no 
evidence  to  establish  the  fact  of  jealousy  on  the  one  hand, 
or  ambition  on  the  other. 

*  1  Burk,  250.  t  2  Burk,  appendix,  xxxi. 


44  PROTESTANT    EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [1624. 

The  next  record  of  the  early  existence  of  the  church  in 
Virginia  is  to  be  found  in  the  legislation  of  1624.  The 
colony  had  at  this  time,  by  an  accession  of  strength  from 
the  mother  country,  recovered  in  a  great  degree,  from  the 
disastrous  effects  of  the  massacre  in  1622  ;  and  a  colonial 
assembly  was  convened  by  Sir  Francis  Wyatt,  the  laws  of 
which  consisted  of  thirty-five  articles.  The  first  seven 
related  to  the  church  and  ministry,  and  enacted, — 

I.  That  in  every  plantation,  where  the  people  were  wont 
to  meet  for  the  worship  of  God,  there  should  be  a  house  or 
room  set  apart  for  that  purpose,  and  not  converted  to  any 
temporal  use  whatsoever ;  and  that  a  place  should  be 
empaled  and  sequestered,  only  for  the  burial  of  the  dead. 

II.  That  whosoever  should  absent  himself  from  divine 
service  any  Sunday,  without  an  allowable  excuse,  should 
forfeit  a  pound  of  tobacco ;  and  that  he  who  absented  him* 
self  a  month,  should  forfeit  fifty  pounds  of  tobacco. 

III.  That  there  should  be  a  uniformity  in  the  church, 
as  near  as  might  be,  both  in  substance  and  circumstance, 
to  the  canons  of  the  Church  of  England  ;  and  that  all  per- 
sons should  yield  a  ready  obedience  to  them,  upon  pain  of 
censure. 

IV.  That  the  twenty-second  of  March  (the  day  of  the 
massacre)  should  be  solemnized  and  kept  holy ;  and  that 
all  other  holydays  should  be  observed,  except  when  two 
fell  together  in  the  summer  season,  (the  time  of  their  field 
labours,)  when  the  first  only  was  to  be  observed,  by  reason 
of  their  necessities  and  employments. 

V.  That  no  minister  should  be  absent  from  his  cure 
above  two  months  in  the  whole  year,  upon  penalty  of  for- 
feiting half  his  salary;  and  whosover  was  absent  above 
four  months,  should  forfeit  his  whole  salary  and  cure. 

VI.  That  whosoever  should  disparage  a  minister,  with- 
out sufficient  proof  to  justify  his  reports,  whereby  the  minds 
of  his  parishioners  might  be  alienated  from  him,  and  his 
ministry  prove  the  less  effectual,  should  not  only  pay  five 


1624.]  IN   VIRGINIA.  45 

hundred  pounds  of  tobacco,  but  should  also  ask  the  minis- 
ter's forgiveness  publicly  in  the  congregation. 

VII.  That  no  man  should  dispose  of  any  of  his  tobacco 
before  the  minister  was  satisfied,  upon  forfeiture  of  double 
his  part  towards  the  salary;  and  that  one  man  of  every 
plantation  should  be  appointed  to  collect  the  minister's 
salary,  out  of  the  first  and  best  tobacco  and  corn.* 

The  adoption  of  these  laws  was  the  last  act  of  legislation 
which  affected  the  church,  under  the  government  of  the 
Company.  It  was  in  1624  that,  under  the  forms  of  a 
judicial  proceeding,  the  charter  of  the  Company  was 
arbitrarily  resumed  by  the  king,  and  the  proprietary 
government  ceased  in  Virginia. 

*  I  Hening'a  Virginia  Statutes,  at  large,  J22  ;  Stith,  319. 


46  PROTESTANT    EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [1628. 


CHAPTER   III. 
1628-1651. 

Visit  of  Lord  Baltimore — Refuses  to  take  the  Oath  of  Supremacy — Witch- 
craft— Tyranny  of  the  Governor — Stephen  Reek's  Case — Missionaries 
from  the  Independents  of  New-England — Driven  away  by  Act  of  Con- 
formity— Right  jof  Presentation  and  Induction — Loyalty  of  Virginia — 
Attachment  to  the  Church — Banishment  of  Mr.  Harrison,  a  Con- 
gregational Minister — Subjugation  of  Virginia  to  the  Commonwealth. 

The  change  in  government  does  not  seem  to  have  inter- 
rupted the  administration  of  existing  laws.  The  pedantic 
monarch,  who  had  now  become  sole  proprietor,  was  am- 
bitious of  digesting  a  plan  of  permanent  government,  and 
required  time  and  study  for  the  full  development  of  his 
talent  for  legislation.  Meanwhile,  and  until  the  period  of 
royal  leisure  should  arrive,  he  appointed  a  provisional 
government  to  supply  the  present  exigency,  and  the  colony 
proceeded  quietly  under  the  laws  already  in  being.  It  is 
not  improbable,  therefore,  that  the  church  slowly  gathered 
strength,  and  assumed  more  of  a  permanent  character, 
under  the  protection  of  the  enactments  already  recited. 
The  only  laws  concerning  religion  which  are  to  be  found 
on  the  records,  provide  that  "  all  those  that  worke  in  the 
ground,  of  what  qualitie  or  condition  soever,  shall  pay  tithes 
to  the  ministers ;"  and  that  "  there  bee  an  especiall  care 
taken  by  all  commanders  and  others  that  the  people  doe 
repaire  to  their  churches  on  the  Saboth  day;  and  to  see 
that  the  penalty  of  one  pound  of  tobacco  for  every  time  of 
absence,  and  fifty  pounds  for  everie  month's  absence,  sett 
downe  in  the  act  of  the  Gene  rail  Assembly,  1623,  be  levyed, 
and  the  delinquents  to  pay  the  same ;  as  alsoe  to  see  that 


1629.]  IN  Virginia/  47 

the  Saboth  day  be  not  ordinarily  profaned  by  workeing  in 
any  imployments,  or  by  iournyeing  from  place  to  place."* 
There  is,  however,  in  this  portion  of  our  narrative  little 
more  than  conjecture  to  guide  us  ;  nor  is  there  any  incident, 
prior  to  the  year  1628,  which  throws  any  light  on  the  re- 
ligious condition  of  the  country.  It  was  in  that  year  that 
Lord  Baltimore  visited  Virginia ;  and  called  forth,  by  his 
arrival,  evidence  of  the  strong  attachment  of  the  colony  to 
the  principles  of  the  Protestant  faith,  as  held  by  the  Church 
of  England.  His  lordship  was  a  member  of  the  Church  of 
Rome ;  and  the  assembly,  which  was  in  session  at  the  time 
of  his  arrival,  by  an  exercise  of  authority,  the  lawfulness  of 
which  has  been  questioned,!  required  of  him  and  his  fol- 
lowers to  take  the  oaths  of  supremacy  and  allegiance. 
This  was  declined  by  his  lordship ;  and  the  assembly  con- 
tented itself  with  referring  the  whole  matter  to  the  king 
and  council.  The  occurrence  is  recorded  as  illustrative  of 
the  general  attachment  of  the  colony  to  the  reformed  re- 
ligion;  and  as  indicating  the  prevalent  opinion  that  the 
church  in  Virginia  was  a  branch  of  the  establishment  at 
home,  and  entitled  to  tlie  protection  of  the  same  laws.J 

In  the  year  1629,  Sir  John  Hervey  entered  on  his  ad- 
ministration as  governor,  under  the  authority  of  a  royal 
commission ;  and  on  the  twenty-fourth  of  March,  in  the 
succeeding  year,  he  convened  an  assembly.  The  tyranny 
of  his  sway  is  attested  by  all  the  historians  of  the  period, 
and  a  mildness  in  the  administration  of  the  laws,  touching 
the  discipline  of  the  church,  was  one  of  the  first  subjects  of 
official  notice.  The  decisions  of  the  court  of  high  commis- 
sion in  England,  were  acknowledged,  in  words,  to  be  'au- 
thority in  the  ecclesiastical  concerns  of  the  colony,  so  far 
as  they  could  have  any  application;  but,  in  point  of  fact, 
their  influence  was  very  rarely  felt.     Indeed,  it  may  well 


*  I  Hening's  Virginia   Statutes,         t  Bozman's  Maryland,  236,  237. 
at  large,  144.  t  2  Burk,  25. 


48  PROTESTANT   EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [1628. 

be  questioned  whether  that  influence  was  felt  at  all ;  as, 
during  the  first  twenty-six  years  of  the  colony's  existence, 
no  record  is  to  be  found  of  any  severity  inflicted  for 
the  non-observance  of  the  ordinances  of  the  church,  nor 
any  instance  of  the  application  of  ecclesiastical  dis- 
cipline for  crimes  of  a  spiritual  nature.  It  has,  indeed, 
been  said  that  among  the  early  records  is  to  be  found 
the  history  of  the  trial,  condemnation,  and  execution  of 
a  woman,  by  fire,  for  witchcraft ;  and  this  has  led  a  late 
historian  to  insinuate  the  existence  of  a  persecuting  and 
intolerant  spirit  in  religion.*  If  the  supposed  execution 
ever  took  place,  it  is  not  perceived  that  it  sanctions  the 
inferences  which  have  been  made.  There  is  no  evidence 
that  the  judgment  was  rendered  by  an  ecclesiastical  court ; 
and  it  is  well  known  that  the  belief  in  witchcraft  was  uni- 
versal in  Europe  until  the  sixteenth  century,  and  even 
maintained  its  ground  with  tolerable  firmness  until  the 
middle  of  the  seventeenth.  It  was  an  offence  cognizable 
by  the  civil  courts,  having  been  made  a  felony,  without 
benefit  of  clergy,  by  statute  1  James  I,  c.  12,  (enacted 
in  1603,)  so  that,  if  the  fact  of  the  execution  mentioned 
above  rested  on  certain  testimony,  it  would  still  be  a  gra- 
tuitous imputation  to  charge  it  upon  the  church.  The  only 
record  of  a  trial  for  witchcraft  in  Virginia,  is  believed  to  be 
that  of  Grace  Sherwood  of  Princess  Ann  county;  and  if 
it  be  this  to  which  the  historian  has  alluded,  it  does  not 
sustain  his  insinuation ;  for  it  was  a  trial  before  the  civil 
authority ;  it  did  not  take  place  until  1705,  6;  nor  does  it 
appear  from  the  record  that  the  accused  was  executed.f 
Virginia,  therefore,  is  entitled  to  the  honourable  distinction 
of  having,  in  the  infancy  of  her  political  existence,  sustained 
religion  without  severity,  when  her  course  found  but  little 
countenance  in  the  world's  example.     And  if  she  should 

*  2  Burk,  appendix,  xxxi.  t  CoHections  of  the  Virginia  His- 

torical Society,  vol.  i.  p.  73. 


1629.]  IN   VIRGINIA.  49 

be  deemed  justly  chargeable  with  inconsistency  in  enacting 
severely*  and  executing  mildly,  the  inconsistency  v^ras  at 
least  amiable ;  and  she  need  not  blush  to  own  that  the 
feelings  of  humanity  triumphed  over  the  sternness  of  a 
mistaken  theory. 

Such  mildness,  however,  was  far  from  agreeable  to 
Sir  John  Hervey;  and,  in  the  assembly  of  1629,  an  act 
was  passed,  at  his  instigation,  enjoining,  under  severe 
penalties,  a  strict  conformity  to  the  canons  of  the  church  :* 
and  there  is  evidence  to  show  that  after  this  time  infrac- 
tions of  church  law  were  visited  with  punishment.  The 
enactments  of  this,  and  the  period  immediately  subse- 
quent to  it,  are  often  characterized  by  harshness  ;  and  if,  as 
has  been  said,  they  were  "judicious,"!  their  necessity  indi- 
cates the  sad  fact  that  the  practical  fruits  of  Christianity 
did  not  accompany  the  possession  of  a  sound  creed:  in 
other  words,  that  the  religion  of  the  day  was  more  nominal 
than  real.  It  is,  however,  a  point  worthy  of  examination, 
whether  this  supposed  necessity  was  not  itself  created  by 
the  severity  of  the  enactments  and  proclamations  under  the 
royal  governor.  To  coerce  men  into  the  outward  exercise 
of  religious  acts  by  penal  laws,  is  indeed  possible ;  but  to 
make  them  love  either  the  religion  which  is  thus  enforced, 
or  those  who  enforce  it,  is  beyond  the  reach  of  human 
power.  There  is  an  inherent  principle  of  resistance  to 
oppression,  seated  in  the  very  constitution  of  most  men, 
which  disposes  them  to  rebel  against  the  arbitrary  exercise 
of  violence  seeking  to  give  direction  to  opinions ;  and  it  is 
not,  therefore,  to  be  wondered  at,  that  one  sanguinary  law 
compel  men  to  live  piously,  should  beget  the  necessity  for 
more.  In  addition  to  this  consideration,  it  is  to  be  borne  in 
mind,  that  the  utmost  severity  in  enforcing  ecclesiastical 
law  was  the  fashion  of  those  who  were  in  power  at  home ; 
and  a  similar  course  in  the  colony  would  therefore  be 
deemed  an  acceptable  offering  to  the  authorities  of  the 

♦  1  Hening'a  Virginia  Statutes,  at  large,  149.         t  2  Burk,  31. 


so  PROTESTANT   EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [l62ff. 

mother  country.  Without  intending  then  to  assert  that 
the  religious  condition  of  the  colony  was  all  that  could 
be  desired,  it  may  be  said  that  the  existence  of  these 
severe  enactments  furnishes  no  conclusive  evidence  that 
Christianity  was  at  a  low  ebb,  and  wickedness  triumphant. 
But,  however  this  may  be,  nothing  is  more  certain  than 
that  punishments  were  inflicted  on  the  colonists,  not  for 
professing  a  faith  different  from  that  which  was  established, 
but  for  not  complying  with  laws  made  to  enforce  that 
which  they  had  professed.  Upon  the  ancient  records  is 
to  be  found  the  entry  of  the  excommunication  of  a  colonist 
"for  forty  days,  for  using  scornful  speeches,  and  putting  on 
his  hat  in  church,  when,  according  to  an  order  of  court,  he 
was  to  acknowledge  and  ask  forgiveness  for  an  offence."* 
But  the  most  memorable  instance  is  furnished  in  the  case 
of  Stephen  Reeic,  which  occurred  in  1642,  under  the  first 
administration  of  Sir  William  Berkeley.  It  has  already 
been  mentioned,  that  the  decrees  of  the  court  of  high  com- 
mission were  acknowledged  as  authority  in  the  ecclesias- 
tical concerns  of  the  colony.  They  had  now  come  to  be 
the  established  rules  of  conduct;  and  the  authority  of 
Archbishop  Laud  was  not  less  conclusive  in  Virginia  than 
it  was  in  England.  His  opinions  concerning  the  puritans 
were  implicitly  received  and  acted  upon,  so  that  the  colony 
afforded  no  countenance,  nor  even  a  home  to  one  of  that 
class ;  for  during  the  short  administration  of  Sir  Francis 
Wyatt,  who  succeeded  Hervey,  (from  1639  to  1641,)  several 
laws  were  enacted  against  the  puritans,  though  there  were 
then  none  in  the  colony,  "to  prevent,"  as  was  said,  "the  infec- 
tion from  reaching  this  country."!  The  greatest  reverence 
and  respect  for  the  character  and  doctrines  of  the  arch- 
bishop were  enjoined  under  heavy  penalties ;  and  no  re- 
flection, however  slight,  was  allowed  against  royal  or  epis- 

*  1  Hening'g  Virginia   Statutes,        t  Beverly,  57 ;  2  Burk,  75. 
at  large^  223. 


1642.]  IN    VIRGINIA.  51 

copal  authority.  Under  this  state  of  things,  Reek,  either  in 
a  moment  of  exasperation  at  the  oppression  of  tyranny,  or 
in  the  indiscreet  indulgence  of  a  jocose  spirit,  was  unfor- 
tunately heard  to  say  that  "  his  majesty  was  at  confession 
with  my  Lord  of  Canterbury."  Whether  the  expression 
was  considered  as  amounting  to  a  charge  of  popery  against 
the  king,  or  as  importing  a  belief  that  his  majesty  wa^ 
under  the  prelate's  guidance,  is  not  recorded ;  but  the  un- 
fortunate delinquent  was  pilloried  for  two  hours,  with  a 
label  on  his  back,  setting  forth  his  offence,  fined  fifty 
pounds,  and  imprisoned  during  pleasure.* 

The  usual  effects  of  punishment,  in  cases  of  this  kind, 
were  soon  apparent.  Such  punishment  never  yet  failed 
to  give  resolution  to  the  spirit  of  resistance  ;  and  men  are 
often  led,  by  severity,  to  the  adoption  of  measures,  of  which, 
if  unmolested,  they  would  probably  have  never  thought. 
On  the  records  of  the  first  church  in  Boston,  there  may  be 
found,  in  the  very  year  in  which  Reek  was  punished,  the 
history  of  an  application  sent  from  Virginia,  addressed 
-to  the  General  Court  of  Massachusetts,  and  gentlemen  of 
influence  in  the  community,  beseeching  them  ''  to  send 
ministers  of  the  gospel  into  that  region,  that  its  inhabitants 
might  be  privileged  with  the  preaching  and  ordinances  of 
Jesus  Christ."t  And  (as  we  have  seen  that  the  case  of 
Reek  did  not  stand  alone)  it  can  scarcely  admit  of  doubt, 
that  the  application  was  prompted  by  opposition  to  the 
indiscreet  and  oppressive  measures  pursued  in  Virginia. 

It  has,  indeed,  been  said  by  a  modern  historian,J  (whose 
inaccuracies  may  find  some  extenuation  in  the  fact  that  he 
is  a  foreigner,  and  wrote  under  many  disadvantages  in  his 
materials,  and  at  a  distance  from  the  scene  of  action,)  that 
this  application  to  Massachusetts  was  made  by  the  little 

♦  1  Hening's  Virginia  Statutes,  1  Mather's  Magnalia,  Hartford  ed., 
at  large,  552  ;  2  Burk,  6T.  538;  though  Mather  places  it  in  1641. 

t  Emerson's  Historical  Sketch  of  t  1  Graham's  Hist,  of  the  United 
the  first  Chiurch  in  Boston,  p.  75  ;  States,  313. 


62  PROTESTANT   EPISCOPAL   CHURCH  [l642. 

remnant  of  puritans,  who  are  supposed  to  have  entered  the 
colony  in  1619.  No  authority  is  given  by  him  for  the 
statement,  nor  is  it  known  on  what  ground  it  rests.  It  is  be- 
lieved to  be  erroneous ;  the  most  diligent  research  has  not 
been  rewarded  by  the  discovery  of  any  such  fact ;  and  as 
twenty-three  years  had  now  elapsed  since  the  arrival  of 
puritans  in  16^19,  during  all  which  time  the  Church  of 
England  was  the  establishment,  it  will  not  be  deemed  im- 
probable that  the  distinct  existence  of  these  dissenters  had 
been  gradually  lost,  under  the  combined  influence  of  an  act 
of  conformity,  the  vigilance  of  the  governor  and  council, 
and  the  known  want  of  a  pastor.  The  application,  there- 
fore, has  been  considered  as  that  of  members  of  the  estab- 
lishment driven  into  opposition  by  the  severity  of  rulers ; 
and  is  viewed  in  this  light ;  though  it  is  possible,  and  in- 
deed probable,  that  the  application  was  suggested  by  some 
of  those  who,  as  we  are  informed  by  Winthrop,  had  emi- 
grated from  New-England  two  years  before,  and  sought  a 
home  in  the  southern  colonies.* 

'  The  lesson. presented  is  plain  and  impressive.  Up  to 
the  period  of  Hervey's  arrival,  in  1629,  there  was  no 
complaint",  the  colonists  were  content  to  remain  in  the 
bosom  of  that  church  in  which  they  had  been  reared ; 
and  there  is  ample  evidence  of  a  conscientious  and 
general  attachment  to  the  faith  which  was  established. 
The  colony  of  Massachusetts  Bay  was  planted  by  men 
who,  for  the  most  part,  were  decided  in  their  opposition  to 
the  Church  of  England.  That  church  received  as  little 
countenance  among  them,  as  puritanism  found  in  Virginia : 
and  yet,  notwithstanding  this  marked  difference  of  opinion, 
a  portion  of  the  church  in  Virginia  is  found,  goaded  into 
madness  by  the  folly  of  rulers,  and  willing  to  manifest  its 
resentment  by  an  alliance  with  those  who  could  furnish  no 
aid,  but  at  the  expense  of  that  church  which  once  had  their 
best  affections. 

*  2  Savages*  Winthrop,  ^l. 


1642.]  IN   VIRGINIA..  63 

The  application  Vo  Boston  was  laid  before  a  meeting 
of  the  ministers  of  that  place,  when  three  were  desig- 
nated to  answer  the  call :  of  these  three,  one  only,  Mr. 
TdmsoA,  could  be  prevailed  on  to  obey  the  summons;* 
he  was,  however,  joined  afterward,  by  Mr.  Knolles  of  Wa- 
tertown  and  Mr.  James  of  New-Haven ;  and  these  three 
gentlemen  went  as  Congregational  missionaries  to  the 
Church  of  England  in  Virginia.f  Their  stay,  however, 
was  but  short,  for  an  act  of  the  legislature  of  this  year, 
enacted  "  that  for  the  preservation  of  purity  and  unity  of 
doctrine  and  discipline  in  the  church,  and  the  right  ad- 
ministration of  the  sacraments,  no  minister  be  admitted  to 
officiate  in  this  country,  but  such  as  shall  produce  to  the 
governor  a  testimonial  that  he  hath  received  his  ordination 
from  some  bishop  in  England,  and  shall  then  subscribe, 
to  be  conformable  to  the  orders  and  constitutions  of  the 
Church  of  England,  and  the  laws  there  established :  upon 
which  the  governor  is  hereby  requested  to  induct  the  said 
minister  into  any  parish  that  shall  make  presentation  of 
him :  and  if  any  other  person,  pretending  himself  a  min- 
ister, shall,  contrary  to  this  act,  presume  to  teach  or 
preach  publicly  or  privately,  the  governor  and  council  are 
hereby  desired  and  empowered  to  suspend  and  silence  the 
person  so  offending;  and  upon  his  obstinate  persistance, 
to  compel  him  to  depart  the  country  with  the  first  conve- 
nience."J  If  the  unwelcome  visit  of  these  ministers  was 
not  the  cause  of  the  passage  of  this  act,  it  was  unquestion- 
ably this  law  which  compelled  their  speedy  return.§  Of 
the  effect  of  their  visit,  this  account  is  obtained  from  the 
statements  of  such  as  were  of  their  own  persuasion. 
"  They  had,"  says  Mather,||  "  little  encouragement  from 
the  rulers  of  the  place,  but  they  had  a  kind  entertainment 

*  Emerson's  Historical  Sketch  of  t  Trott's    Laws    of   the    British 

the  first  Church  in  Boston,  p.  75  ;  Plantations,   p.   116  ;    1    Henings's 

1  Mather's   MagnaUa,  538 ;  though  Statutes,  at  large,  277. 

Mather  places  it  in  1641.  ^1  Holmes's  Annals,  S71,  note  3. 

t  1  Holmes's  Annals,  264.  |{  1  Math.  Mag.  539. 


54  PROTESTANT   EPISCOPAL   CHURCH  [1642. 

with  the  people."  And  Winthrop*  remarks,  that  "  though 
the  state  did  silence  the  ministers,  because  they  would  not 
conform  to  the  order  of  England,  yet  the  people  resorted 
to  them  in  private  houses  to  hear  them."  That  their  suc- 
cess was  but  limited,  will  appear  at  a  future  period  in  this 
narrative. 

There  is  one  clause  in  the  act  of  conformity  j^ust  recited 
which  is  worthy  of  notice,  inasmuch  as  the  subject  which 
it  embraced  led  afterward  to  much  discussion  and,  indeed, 
litigation ;  and  was  finally  adjusted  by  legislative  interpo- 
sition- It  related  to  the  rights  of  presentation  and  induc- 
tion; the  former  of  which  was,  by  implication  at  least, 
given  to  the  parish,  and  the  latter  to  the  governor.  But 
before  the  passage  of  this  act,  it  was  a  matter  of  dispute 
whether  the  parishes,  as  builders  and  endowers  of  all  the 
churches,  had  not,  by  the  law  of  England,  the  right  of  pres- 
entation ;  and  after  its  enactment,  many  parishes  still  con- 
tended for  the  exercise  of  the  right,  under  the  law~  of  Eng- 
land, independent  of  the  statute.f  But  on  whatever  ground 
the  right  rested,  it  was  certainly  exercised  by  the  parishes; 
and  it  is  believed  that  it  continued  to  be  exercised  up  to 
the  period  of  the  American  Revolution.  As  a  specimen  of 
the  letters  of  induction  commonly  used,  a  copy  of  one,  with 
the  omission  of  names  only,  made  from  the  original,  is  sub- 
joined ;  in  which  it  will  be  remarked  that  the  right  of  the 
parish  to  make  the  presentation  seems  to  be  recognised. 

"A. B.,  his  majesty's  lieutenant,  and  governor-general 
of  the  colony  and  dominion  of  Virginia, 

"To  the  vestry  of  Hungar's  parish  in  Northampton 
county. 

"  In  virtue  of  the  presentation  which  you  have  made  to 

*  See  2  Savage's  Winthrop,  96 ;  ginia,  by  Richard  Bland,  Esq.,  one 

Hubbard's  History  of  New-England,  of  the  Representatives  in  Assembly 

411.  for  the  county  of  Prince  George.     A 

f  A  Letter  to  the  Clergy  of  Vir-  pamphlet,  published  in  1660. 


1642.]  IN   VIRGINIA.*  55 

me  of  the  Rev.  C.  D.,  to  be  your  minister,  I  do  induct  him 
into  the  real,  actual,  and  corporal  possession  of  the  parish 
of  Hungars,  in  the  county  of  Northampton,  with  all  the 
rights,  profits,  and  appurtenances  thereunto  belonging." 

Particuliarity  of  statement  on  this  point  will  not,  per- 
haps, be  deemed  useless,  when  it  is  understood  that  the 
legislation  of  a  future  period,  which  most  deeply  affected 
the  church  in  its  temporal  interests,  involved  a  question 
as  to  the  actual  ownership  of  the  church  property;  the 
right  of  presentation  aided  in  settling  that  question:  and 
at  a  future  period  of  this  history,  it  will  be  found  important 
to  remember  that,  from  the  beginning,  the  jus  proprietatis 
was  supposed  to  be  in  the  body  of  people,  or  parish,  by 
which  the  church  edifice  was  erected,  and  its  lands  ob- 
tained. 

At  this  time  another  circumstance  occurred  which  in- 
vites remark,  inasmuch  as  history  has  connected  it  with 
the  religious  opinions  of  the  colony.  It  seems  that  Mr. 
George  Sandys,  one  of  the  agents  of  the  colony  in  Eng- 
land, petitioned  parliament,  in  the  name  of  his  constituents, 
for  the  restoration  of  the  old  company.  The  colony,  how- 
ever, formally  disavowed  the  act,  and  entreated  permission 
to  remain  under  the  royal  government  ;*  this  measure 
is  supposed  to  have  been  induced  by  attachment  to  the 
Church  of  England.  The  petition  of  Mr.  Sandys  was  pre- 
ferred to  the  long  parliament;  and  the  mother  country 
was  then  passing  through  the  troubles  which  resulted  in 
the  temporary  overthrow  of  monarchy.  The  attachment 
of  Virginia,  as  has  already  been  stated,  was  to  the  Church 
of  England ;  nor  is  there 'any  reason  to  doubt  that,  not- 
withstanding the  disaffection  of  some,  among  the  great 
mass  of  the  inhabitants  it  was  a  conscientious  attachment. 
The  proceedings  of  the  long  parliament,  and  the  spirit  of 

♦  I  Hening'8  Virginia  Statutes,  at  large,  230. 


66  PROTESTANT   EPISCOPAL   CHURCH  £l643. 

those  who  ruled  the  disorganizers,  were  objects  of  suspicion 
in  Virginia.  The  colonists  saw  plainly  that  the  measures 
in  progress  tended  to  the  subversion  of  the  church ;  and 
they  viewed  the  puritans  (whom  they  cordially  disliked) 
as  engaged  in  an  effort,  not  merely  to  subvert  the  throne, 
but  to  destroy  the  Church  of  England  also.  And  this,  it  is 
said,  induced  the  colony  to  favour  the  royal  cause.* 

There  is  probably  some  truth  in  this  conjecture  of  the  his- 
torian, but  it  is  not  the  whole  truth.  The  circumstance  does, 
indeed,  furnish  evidence  that  Virginia  preferred  the  Church 
of  England,  and  entertained  but  little  partiality  for  the 
puritans ;  and,  according  to  the  view  just  presented,  she 
deserves,  at  least,  to  be  complimented  for  political  sagacity, 
in  having  foreseen  results  which  were  afterward  verified 
by  the  facts.  But  there  was  more  than  this  in  the  occur- 
rence. Virginia  was  loyal.  She  was  the  last  colony  to 
submit  to  the  parliament.  Hundreds  of  the  cavaliers 
sought  and  found  refuge  within  her  borders.  There  is 
ample  evidence  in  her  history  of  a  devoted  attachment  to 
the  crown.  And  who,  at  this  day,  will  reproach  her  on  that 
account  ?  It  is  but  a  disingenuous  effort,  in  our  love  for  the 
political  institutions  of  our  own  country,  to  offer  a  lame  and 
insufficient  apology  for  loyalty  to  a  throne,  when  exhibited 
by  men,  who  had  been  taught  by  situation,  habits,  and  edu- 
cation to  deem  loyalty  a  virtue.  The  descendants  of  the 
cavaliers,  and  there  are  some  such  in  Virginia,  have  surely 
no  cause  to  blush  for  the  feeling  of  honour  which  kept  their 
fathers  faithful  to  what  they  thought  to  be  duty.  If,  how- 
ever, it  was  a  fault  in  the  colony  to  offer  resistance  to  the 
republican  principles  and  practices  of  the  commonwealth, 
let  the  fault  be  put  down  to  the  true  account — -Virginia's 
loyalty ;  but  let  not  the  church  in  this  country  be  injured 
at  this  day  by  an  artful  insinuation,  that  adherence  to  her 
principles  involved  attachment  to  monarchy;  let  her  not 

*  2  Burk,75. 


1648.]  IN    VIRGINIA.  yt. 

be  sacrificed  to  prejudices  which  are  easily  excited,  but 
allayed  with  difficulty. 

The  assembly  of  dissenters,  collected  by  the  missionaries 
from  Massachusetts,  whose  efforts  have  been  recorded  on 
a  previous  page,  amounted  in  1648,  to  one  hundred  and 
eighteen  members.  It  had  experienced  from  its  com- 
mencement the  opposition  of  government ;  Mr.  Durand  its 
elder  had  been  already  banished  by  the  governor ;  and  in 
this  year,  Mr.  Harrison,  its  pastor,  having  been  ordered  to 
depart  from  the  country,  sought  congeniality  of  sentiment 
among  the  Congregationalists  or  Independents  of  New-Eng- 
land.* One  who  was  contemporary  with  the  transactions 
here  related,  has  left  us  the  following  statement,  which 
presents  a  picture  of  persecution,  for  which  no  apology 
should  be  offered :  "  And  there  was  in  Virginia  a  certaine 
people  congregated  into  a  church,  calling  themselves  Inde- 
pendents, which  daily  encreasing,  severall  consultations 
were  had  by  the  state  of  thatColoney,  how  to  suppress  and 
extinguish  them,  which  was  daily  put  in  execution  ;  as 
first,  their  pastor  was  banished  ;  next,  their  other  teachers; 
then  many  by  informations  clapt  up  in  prison,  then  gener- 
ally disarmed  (which  was  very  harsh  in  such  a  country 
where  the  heathen  live  round  about  them)  by  one  Colonel 
Samuel  Matthews,  then  a  counsellor  in  Virginia,  so  that 
they  knew  not  in  those  straights  how  to  dispose  of  them- 
selves."f  Mr.  Harrison,  on  his  return,  represented  that 
many  of  the  council  were  favourably  disposed  towards  the 
introduction  of  puritanism,  and  "  one  thousand  of  the  peo- 
ple, by  conjecture"  were  of  a  similar  mind. J  There  is  but 
little  doubt  that  the  banishment  of  Mr.  Harrison  was  con- 
nected with  other  considerations  than  those  of  religion. 
The  time  at  which  it  occurred  was  but  a  few  months  prior 

*  1    Holmes's    Annals,    289 ;    3  Maryland.     A  pamphlet,   published 

Savage's  Winthrop,  334.  in    1656.     The    author    was    John 

t  Ijcah  and   Rachel!,  or  the  two  Hammond, 
fruitfull    Sisters     of    Virginia    and        t  2  Savage's  Winthrop,  334. 

H 


58  PROTESTANT   EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [l648. 

to  the  execution  of  the  unfortunate  Charles ;  and  the  re- 
ligious opinions  of  Mr.  Harrison  were  taken  as  an  index 
to  his  political  sentiments  ;  he  was  banished,  probably,  as 
much  for  the  latter  as  the  former ;  and  the  transaction' 
affords  another  proof  of  the  deep  sympathy  which  Virginia 
felt  for  the  fallen  king. 

After  the  beheading^of  Charles,  the  parliament  directed  its 
attention  to  the  subjugation  of  the  colonies.  Virginia  made 
resistance ;  she  now  contained  a  population  of  twenty 
thousand,*  and  was  under  the  government  of  a  man,  who 
yielded  to  none,  in  attachment  to  the  family  of  the  late 
monarch.  Sir  William  Berkeley  resolved  not  to  sur- 
render without  a  struggle ;  and  in  this  determination  he 
was  strengthened  by  the  cavaliers,  who,  as  has  been  before 
mentioned,  had  in  large  numbers  sought  a  refuge  in  Vir- 
ginia. Certain  Dutch  trading  ships  were  also  at  the  time 
lying  off  James  Town,  engaged  in  a  traffic  which  had  been, 
interdicted  by  the  parliament;  and  fearful  of  the  loss  of 
property,  and  perhaps  of  life,  under  the  decision  of  the 
parliament's  courts  in  England,  the  commanders  of  these 
ships  determined  to  make  common  cause  with  Virginia. 
The  vessels  were  accordingly  filled  with  men,  and  moored 
in  the  most  convenient  position  for  pouring  a  broadside 
into  an  approaching  enemy  ;  while  troops,  commanded  by 
the  governor  in  person,  covered  the  eminences  that  over- 
looked the  waters  which  formed  the  peninsula.  When 
the  squadron  approached  James  Town,  the  leaders  of  the 
parliamentary  forces  were  startled  by  a  preparation  for 
resistance  alike  formidable  and  unexpected  ;  and  the  offi- 
cers of  the  commonwealth,  not  daring  to  hazard  an  attack, 
resorted  to  negotiation.  Some  of  the  members  of  the 
council  happened  to  be  the  owners  of  a  large  quantity  of 
goods  which  had  been  shipped  for  them  in  England,  on 
board  some  of  the  vessels  of  the  invading  fleet,  and  their 

>f3;<^>.^  *  1  Holmes'.  Annak,  316. 


1651.]  IN  vmaiNiA.  5& 

influence  was  sought  in  effecting  an  accommodation. 
They  yielded  to  considerations  of  interest,  produced  a 
division  of  sentiment  in  the  council,  and  at  length,  sorely 
against  the  wishes  of  the  governor,  it  was  resolved  to 
capitulate.  The  measure  having  been  determined  on,  all 
that  Sir  William  Berkeley  could  do,  was  to  unite  all  parties 
in  the  resolution  to  insist  on  the  most  honourable  terms. 
In  this  he  met  with  no  difficulty  ;  and  the  conditions  of 
surrender  having  been  discussed  and  agreed  on  in  a  grand 
assembly  of  governor,  councillors,  and  burgesses,  they 
were  sent  to  the  commander  of  the  parliamentary  forces, 
with  a  solemn  assurance,  that  if  they  were  not  accepted 
without  the  slightest  alteration  or  qualification  the  colony 
was  prepared  to  endure  the  worst  rather  than  submit. 
The  parliamentary  leader  was  most  willing  to  accept  of 
the  surrender  on  their  own  terms  ;  and  truly  has  it  been 
said  of  them,  that  they  were  **the  most  liberal  and  ample 
that  were  ever  procured  under  similar  circumstances ;" 
and  form  "  an  honourable  and  lasting  record  of  the  spirit 
and  intelligence  of  Virginia."* 

In  these  articles  of  capitulation,  the  governor  and  council 
were  excused  from  taking  the  oalh  to  the  commonwealth 
for  one  year ;  and  were  not  to  be  censured  for  praying  for 
the  kinu,  or  speaking  well  of  him,  in  their  private  houses 
and  neighbourly  conference.  It  was  also  stipulated  "  that 
the  use  of  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer  shall  be  permitted 
for  one  yeare  ensueing,  with  reference  to  the  consent  of 
the  major  part  of  the  parishes,  provided  that  those  which 
relate  to  kingship,  or  that  government  be  not  used  pub- 
liquely,  and  the  continuance  of  ministers  in  their  places, 
they  not  misdemeaning  themselves,  and  the  payment  of 
their  accustomed  dues  and  agreements  made  with  them 
respectively,  shall  be  left  as  they  now  stand,  dureing  this 
ensueing  yeare."f 

*  2  Burk,  80,  et  seq.    Beverly.  f  2  Burk,  90 ;    1   Hening's   Vir- 

ginia Statutes,,  at  large,  36S. 


60  PROTESTANT   EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [1651. 


CHAPTER    IV. 
1651-1693. 

Introduction  of  Puritans — ^Hatred  of  Puritanism — Reproved  by  Cromwell 
— Virginia  throws  off  obedience  to  the  Commonwealth — State  of  the 
Church  in  1661 — Bad  Character  of  many  of  the  Clergy — Legislation  of 
1662 — Intolerance  towards  Quakers — Conspiracy  of  Puritans — Dread  of 
Popery — The  Reverend  Dr.  Blair,  first  Commissary — His  Character  and 
Labours— Establishment  of  William  and  Mary  College. 

During  the  time  which  intervened  between  the  surrender 
of  Virginia  to  the  commonwealth  and  the  restoration  of 
Charles  the  Second,  little  is  to  be  found  which  illustrates 
the  condition  of  the  church.  It  is  certain  that  the  success 
of  the  parliamentary  party  led  to  the  introduction  into  the 
colony  of  new  residents  who  entertained  but  little  affection 
for  the  Church  of  England  ;  and  it  may  be  that  amo»g 
these  individuals,  congregations  were  organized  on  the  model 
which  had  been  set  up  in  the  mother  country ;  but  it  is  also 
certain,  that  if  such  were  the  fact,  the  influence  of  this  ex- 
ample was  but  slightly  felt,  and  the  great  body  of  the  people 
still  retained  their  attachment  for  the  church  of  their  fathers. 
The  legislation  of  the  period  under  review  affords  us  but 
little  light.  In  1653,  we  find  a  clergyman  declared  inca- 
pable of  being  a  member  of  the  House  of  Burgesses,  as  it 
might  ** produce  bad  consequences.***  In  1655,  "many 
places  were  destitute  of  ministers,  and  like  still  to  continue 
so,  the  people  not  paying  their  accustomed  dues,"  and 
manifesting  great  negligence  in  procuring  religious  instruo 
tion;t  and  in  1657,  an  act  for  settling  church  government 

-r'i    *♦  1  Heuing's  Statutes,  at  large,  378.  1  Ibid.  393. 


16S1.]  IN   VIRGINIA.  ftl 

provided  that  to  the  people  of  the  respective  parishes  should 
be  referred  all  matters  touching  the  churchwardens  and 
vestry,  agreements  with  their  ministers,  and,  in  general, 
such  things  as  concerned  the  parish  or  parishioners.*  The 
interference  of  the  legislature,  however,  does  not  seem  to 
have  caused  any  change  in  the  feelings  or  habits  of  the 
colonists,  so  far  at  least  as  the  church  was  concerned.  A 
contemporary  describes  them  as  "a  people  which  generally 
bear  a  great  love  to  the  stated  constitutions  of  the  Church 
of  England,  in  her  government  and  public  worship;  which 
gave  us  (who  went  thither  under  the  late  persecutions  of 
it)  the  advantage  of  liberty  to  use  it  constantly  among 
them,  after  the  naval  force  had  reduced  the  colony  under 
the  power  (but  never  to  the  obedience)  of  the  usur- 
pers."! 

Indeed,  during  the  whole  continuance  of  the  protectorate, 
Virginia  seems  to  have  been  an  object  of  suspicion  to  Crom- 
well. Her  attachment  to  the  royal  cause  was  known;  and 
her  silent  endurance  of  the  religious  system  which  was 
then  triumphant  at  home,  was  justly  supposed  to  be  an 
extorted  acquiescence  in  what  she  could  not  remedy,  rather 
than  the  voluntary  submission  of  a  cordial  affection.  There 
was  a  circumstance  which  occurred  about  this  time,  well 
calculated  to  increase  Cromwell's  distrust.  A  set  of  com- 
missioners, at  the  head  of  whom  was  one  Claiborne,  a  felon 
convict  who  had  escaped  from  justice  in  Maryland  during 
the  reign  of  Charles  the  First,  was  employed,  under  the 
auspices  of  Cromwell,  "  in  the  holy  work  of  rooting  out 
the  abominations  of  popery  and  prelacy  in  Maryland."J 
This  chief  commissioner  was  well  known  in  Virginia,  for 
he  had  lived  there,  and  from  the  concurrent  testimony  of 
the  historians  of  the  times,  his  character  seems  to  have 


*  I  Hening*s  Statutes,  at  large,         t2Burk,  113.    I^ah  and  Racheir, 

433.  or  the  two  fruitfull  Sisters  of  Vir- 

t  Virginia's  Cure,  an  advisive  nar-  ginia  and  Maryland.     A  pamphlet  of 

rative  concerning  Virginia,  p.  22,  1656. 


62  PROTESTANT   EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [1661. 

been  well  understood.  "  It  was  not  religion,"  says  a  writer 
of  that  day,  "  it  was  not  punctilios  these  commissioners 
stood  upon  ;  it  was  that  sweete,  that  rich,  that  large  country 
they  aimed  at."*  Virginia  dared  to  sympathize  with  the 
victims  of  Claiborne's  oppression,  and  to  afford  relief  to 
such  of  them  as  sought  an  asylum  within  her  borders; 
"and,"  says  the  historian  quoted  above,  "this  supposed 
attempt  in  Virginia  to  interrupt  the  work  of  righteousness, 
was  looked  on  as  the  instigation  of  Satan,  to  retard  the 
establishment  of  God*s  religion  and  the  dominion  of  the 
saints."t  It  called  forth  from  the  Protector  a  severe  reproof 
to  the  governor  and  council,  in  which  he  descanted  on  *'  the 
presumption  and  impiety  of  this  interference,"  and  admon- 
ished Virginia  in  future  to  attend  solely  to  her  own  con- 
cerns.J 

The  circumstances  above  related  furnish,  it  will  be  ob- 
served, testimony  to  something  moire  than  the  fact  of  Crom- 
well's suspicion  of  Virginia.  There  could  have  been,  in 
the  mass  of  the  people,  little  or  no  disposition  cordially  to 
co-operate  in  the  diffusion  and  establishment  of  puritanical 
opinions  and  practices  in  Virginia,  when  they  were  so 
ready  to  afford  a  refuge  to  those  who  fled  from  them  in 
Maryland. 

Sir  William  Berkeley,  who,  by  the  articles  of  capitulation 
in  1651,  had  secured  to  himself  the  right  of  transporting 
himself  and  his  effects  to  Europe  within  one  year,  still  lin- 
gered in  the  colony  under  various  pretexts  ;  and  thus  is  the 
suspicion  strengthened  that  he  secretly  indulged  the  hope 
of  a  restoration  of  royalty,  and  remained  on  the  spot  to 
avail  himself  of  any  circumstances  which  might  seem 
favourable  to  the  production  of  such  an  event.  A  very 
large  number  of  cavaliers  had  been  driven  abroad  by 
Cromwell,  and  crowds  of  them  resorted  to  Virginia  ;§  and 
there  is  reason  to  believe  that  there  wasa  secret  and  unsus- 

»  Leah  and  Rachell.  t  Ibid. 

t  2  Burk,  113.  ^1  Holme's  Annals,  316. 


1659.]  IN    VIRGINIA.  63 

peeled  correspondence  carried  on  between  these  refugees 
and  the  ex-governor.* 

One  of  those  refugees,  a  devoted  loyalist  and  a  relative 
of  Sir  William  Berkeley,  has  left  a  narrative  of  the  voyage 
which  he,  together  with  others  of  the  king's  adherents, 
niade  to  Virginia.  From  him  we  learn  that  the  colony  was 
looked  upon  by  the  cavaliers  as  an  asylum  for  them,  in 
which  they  were  certain  of  finding  those  who  sympathized 
with  them  in  their  sufferings,  and  shared  with  them  in  their 
political  attachments;  and  the  house  and  the  purse  of  Sir 
William  Berkeley  "  were  open  to  all  of  the  royal  party  who 
made  Virginia  their  refuge."t 

Upon  the  death  of  the  governor  Matthews,  in  the  begin- 
ning of  1659,  the  Virginians,  according  to  the  statements 
of  the  earlier  historians,  resolved  to  throw  off  the  govern- 
ment of  the  protectorate ;  and  repairing  in  crowds  to  the 
residence  of  Sir  William  Berkeley,  who  was  then  living  in 
retirement,  requested  of  him  to  resume  the  government  of 
the  colony.  He,  it  is  said,  declined,  unless  they  would 
solemnly  promise  to  adventure  their  lives  and  fortunes 
with  him  for  the  king.  The  pledge  was  given ;  and  in 
January,  1659,  Charles  the  Second  was  proclaimed  in  Vir- 
ginia, and  Berkeley  resumed  the  government,  sixteen  months 
before  the  king  was  restored  to  the  throne.J 

Later  writers  have,  however,  doubted  the  correctness  of 
this  statement,  and  have  laboured  hard  to  prove  that  Vir- 
ginia was  essentially  republican  at  this  period,  and  cared 
but  little  for  the  restoration  of  royalty.^  There  may  be  a 
deficiency  of  proof  to  establish  the  fact  of  a  tumultuous 
assemblage  having  requested  Berkeley  to  resume  the  reins 
of  government;  but  a  fair  exposition  of  the  records  of  that 

*2Burk,,  114.  ^  Chalmers,  b.  i.  125 ;  1  Holmes's  An- 

t  Journal  of  a  Voyage  to  Virginia,     nals,  311. 
by    Colonei   Norwood  ;    Churchill's         ^  1  Hening's  Stat.,  at  large,  513 
Collection  of  Voyages,  vol.  vi.  p.  170.     note,  526  note;    Bancroft's   United 

t  Beverly,  p.  55;  2  Burk,  118;     States,  240  to  253.     Bancroft  is  in- 
debted entirely  to  Hening. 


(84  PROTESTANT    EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [1661. 

day,  together  with  the  testimony  of  contemporaneous  his- 
tory, will  place  beyond  a  doubt  the  loyalty  of  Virginia.* 

Charles  had  scarcely  ascended  the  throne  before  he  trans- 
mitted to  Governor  Berkeley  a  new  commission,  and  gave 
him  permission  to  visit  England.  Upon  this  visit,  which 
was  made  immediately,  he  received  a  body  of  instructions 
which  formed  the  basis  of  the  colonial  legislation  for  the 
church,  in  1662.  The  condition  of  Virginia  in  ecclesiastical 
matters  at  the  period  of  the  restoration,  is  gathered  from  a 
pamphlet  which  was  delivered  to  the  Bishop  of  London  in 
1661,  during  the  visit  of  Sir  William  Berkeley,  and  probably 
at  his  instigation. 

There  were  in  the  colony  at  that  time  about  fifty 
parishes,  situated,  for  the  most  part,  on  the  banks  of  the 
rivers,  and  extending  themselves  for  some  length,  form- 
ing narrow  belts  of  land  along  the  shore.  Many  of 
these  parishes  had  nothing  more  than  a  legislative  exist- 
ence in  the  acts  of  assembly  which  defined  their  bounda- 
ries, and  in  many  there  was  neither  church,  parsonage,  nor 
glebe.  Most  of  them  were  destitute  of  clergymen,  as  the 
whole  number  of  ministers  in  the  colony  was  about  one- 
fifth  of  the  number  of  parishes.f  From  the  same  source 
of  information  we  learn  that  the  scarcity  of  ministers  was 
an  evil  which  had  long  been  felt,  and  that  applications  had 
been  from  time  to  time  made  to  the  Bishop  of  London  '*  for 
help  to  preserve  the  Christian  religion  by  supplying  them 
with  ministers."  Such,  indeed,  was  the  want  of  clergy- 
men, that  a  bounty  of  twenty  pounds  sterling  was  granted 
by  the  legislature  of  1656,  to  any  person  who  should  at  his 
**  proper  cost  and  charge  transport  a  sufficient  minister'* 
into  the  colony.J  These  applications,  if  not  entirely  fruit- 
less, were  of  but  little  benefit  to  the  colony ;  the  country 
was  not  in  the  best  repute,  and  but  few  clergymen  of  merit 
were  found  willing  to  make  it  their  permanent  habitation* 

•  Vide  Appendix,  note  A.  narrative  concerning  Virginia. 

t  Virginia**  Cure,  or  an  advisive        i  1  Hening's  Stat,  at  Targe,  4 18. 


1662.]  IN   VIRGINIA.  65 

Clergymen  emigrated,  indeed,  but  so  far  as  the  colony  was 
concerned,  better  had  it  been  had  they  remained  at  home. 
**  Many  came,  such  as  wore  black  coats,  and  could  babble 
in  a  pulpit,  roare  in  a  tavern,  exact  from  their  parishioners, 
and  rather  by  their  dissolutenesse,  destroy  than  feed  their 
flocks.  Loath  was  the  country  to  be  wholy  without  teach- 
ers, and  therefore  rather  retain  them  than  be  destitute: 
yet  still,  endeavours  for  better  in  their  places,  which  were 
obtained,  and  these  wolves  in  sheep's  clothing  by  their 
assemblies  questioned,  silenced,  and  some  forced  to  depart 
the  country."* 

The  narrative  which  was  presented  to  the  Bishop  of 
London  in  1661,  suggested  as  remedies  for  the  evils  under 
which  the  Virginia  church  laboured,  the  building  of  towns, 
and  proposing  to  the  king  a  collection  throughout  the  king- 
dom ;  and  to  ensure  a  supply  of  qualified  clergymen,  it 
recommended  the  establishment,  at  the  two  universities,  of 
"Virginia  fellowships,"  imposing  upon  the  fellows  at  their 
ordination,  at  the  expiration  of  seven  years,  the  duty  of 
going  to  Virginia  and  officiating  as  parish  priests,  for  seven 
years  more. 

How  far  the  measures  here  proposed  found  favour  with 
those  in  authority  is  unknown ;  but  in  the  body  of  instruc- 
tions given  to  Sir  Willliam  Berkeley,  the  first  article  re- 
commended "  the  duties  of  religion,  the  use  of  the  Book  of 
Common  Prayer,  the  decent  repairs  of  churches,  and  a 
competent  provision  for  conforming  ministers.  For  this 
purpose,  a  convenient  house,  with  a  glebe  of  a  hundred 
acres,  for  the  exercise  of  their  industry,  were  directed  to 
be  assigned  to  them,  together  with  a  liberal  maintenance  to 
be  furnished  out  of  the  fruits  and  productions  of  the  earth 
and  the  labours  of  the  planters."!  Sir  William  Berkeley 
transmitted  to  his  deputy  a  copy  of  the  instructions  which 
he  had  received ;  and  as  the  legislature  was  then  in  ses- 

♦  Hammond's  Leah  and  Racheil,  p.  5.  f  S5  Burk,  124 

I 


W^  PROTESTANT   EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [1682. 

sion,  preparing  a  revised  code,  this  intimation  of  the  royal 
pleasure  was  naturally  enough  naade  the  guide  in  legisla- 
tion. 

The  enactnnents  of  the  legislature,  so  far  as  they  concern 
religion,  nnay,  it  is  thought,  be  most  conveniently  presented 
under  four  heads. 

I.  As  it  respected  church  edifices,  the  law  declared  that 
a  church  should  be  "  built  in  each  parish  of  the  country, 
unless  any  parish,  as  now  settled,  by  reason  of  the  fewness 
or  poverty  of  the  inhabitants,  be  incapable  of  sustaining 
so  great  a  charge  ;  in  which  case,  such  parishes  shall  be 
joined  to  the  great  parish  of  the  same  county ;  and  that  a 
chapel  of  ease  be  built  in  such  places,  at  the  particular 
charge  of  that  place."  It  was  also  made  the  duty  of  the 
churchwardens  to  "  keep  the  church  in  repair,  and  provide 
books  and  decent  ornaments;  viz.,  a  great  Bible,  two  Com- 
mon Prayer  books,  a  communion  cloth  and  napkins,  a 
pulpit,  and  cushion." 

II.  As  it  respected  the  duties  and  compensation  of  the 
clergy,  and  the  regular  performance  of  divine  service,  it 
was  enacted,  "  that  the  canons  set  down  in  the  liturgy  of 
the  Church  of  England,  for  celebrating  divine  service  and 
administration  of  the  sacraments,  be  duly  observed  and 
kept ;  and  that  the  whole  liturgy,  according  to  the  said  in- 
junctions, be,  by  the  minister  or  reader  at  church  or  chapel, 
every  Sunday  throughly  used."  It  was  also  made  the 
duty  of  the  minister  of  each  parish  "  to  preach  constantly 
every  Sunday;  viz.,  one  Sunday  in  a  month  at  each  chapel 
of  ease  in  his  parish,  if  there  be  any,  and  the  others  in  his 
parish  church ;  and  that  twice  a  year,  at  least,  he  admin- 
ister the  sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper  there."  To  se- 
cure to  the  people  divine  service  in  the  absence  of  the 
minister,  it  was  enacted  that  "  every  parish,  not  having  a 
minister  to  officiate  every  Sunday,  might  make  choice  of  a 
grave  and  sober  person,  of  good  life  and  conversation,  to 
read  divine  service,  every  intervening  Sunday,  at  the  parish 


1662.]  IN    VIRGINIA..  V-*  gjy 

church,  when  the  minister  preacheth  in  any  other  place." 
And  it  was  also  declared,  that  neither  minister  nor  reader 
should  teach  any  other  catechism  than  "  that  inserted  in 
the  Book  of  Common  Prayer ;  and  that  the  minister  ex- 
pound no  other  than  that :  that  our  fundamentals,  at 
least,  may  be  well  laid ;  and  that  no  reader,  upon  pre- 
sumption of  his  own  abilities,  do  attempt  the  expounding 
that  or  any  other  catechism,  or  the  scriptures."  The 
minister  or  reader  was  also  required  to  keep  a  record  of 
his  official  acts.  As  to  the  dues  of  the  minister,  (as  they 
were  termed,)  it  w^as  provided  that  an  annual  salary  of 
eighty  pounds  should  be  settled  on  every  minister,  "  to  be 
paid  in  the  valuable  commodities  of  the  country;  if  in  to- 
bacco, at  twelve  shillings  per  hundred  weight;  if  in  corn, 
at  ten  shillings  per  barrel."*  It  was  also  made  the  duty 
of  the  churchwardens  "  to  collect  these  dues,  cause  them 
to  be  brought  to  convenient  places,  and  honestly  pay 
them." 

III.  As  to  the  rights  and  duties  of  the  laity,  it  was 
enacted  that  "  the  major  part  of  each  parish"  should 
choose  "  twelve  of  the  most  able  men  of  each  parish"  to 
be  a  vestry ;  out  of  which  number  the  minister  and  vestry 
were  annually  to  select  two  churchwardens  ;  and  to  them 
also  was  given  the  power  of  supplying  all  vacancies  in 
their  body;  and  none  were  to  be  permitted  to  act  as  ves- 
trymen, until  they  should  take  "  the  oaths  of  allegiance  and 
supremacy  to  his  majesty,  and  subscribe  to  be  comform- 
able  to  the  doctrine  and  discipline  of  the  Church  of  Eng- 
land." The  due  observance  of  the  Lord's  day,  by  attend- 
ance upon  public  worship,  and  refraining  from  travel,  ex- 
cept in  cases  of  emergent  necessity,  were  required  under 
the  penalty  of  a  fine  of  fifty  pounds  of  tobacco.  As  illus- 
trative of  the  spirit  of  the  age,  it  should  be  added  that  a 
special   proviso   in   this   statute   excluded   "Quakers,  or 

*  A  Letter  to  the  Clergy  of  Virginia,  by  Richard  Bland,  Esquire,     k 


^  PROTESTANT   EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [1662. 

Other  recusants,  who,  out  of  non-conformity  to  the  church," 
totally  absented  themselves  from  worship,  from  the  benefit 
of  its  comparatively  mild  penalty;  and  declared  them  still 
to  be  liable  to  the  penalties  of  statute  23  Elizabeth,  which 
were  for  each  month's  absence  twenty  pounds  sterling ;  and 
for  the  continued  absence  of  a  twelvemonth,  to  give,  in 
addition  to  the  fine,  security  for  their  good  behaviour.  It 
was  also  enacted  by  the  law  of  Virginia,  that  each  Quaker 
attending  an  "  unlawful  assembly  or  conventicle,"  if  taken 
there,  should  pay  a  fine  of  two  hundred  pounds  of  tobacco 
for  each  offence.  And  "  whereas,"  to  use  the  language  of 
the  preamble,  "many  schismatical  persons,  either  out  of 
averseness  to  the  orthodox  established  religion,  or  out  of  the 
new-fangled  conceits  of  their  own  heretical  inventions,  did 
refuse  to  have  their  children  baptized  ;"  it  was  enacted  that 
whoever,  "in  contempt  of  the  divine  sacrament  of  bap- 
tism," should  thus  refuse,  when  he  might  carry  his  child  to 
a  lawful  minister  within  the  county  to  be  baptized,  should 
be  amerced  two  thousand  pounds  of  tobacco,  half  to  the 
parish,  and  half  to  the  informer. 

IV.  For  the  advancement  of  education,  and  conse- 
quent increase  of  religious  instructers,  the  following  ju- 
dicious law  was  enacted :  "  Whereas,  the  want  of  able 
and  faithful  ministers  in  this  country  deprives  us  of  those 
great  blessings  and  mercies  that  always  attend  upon  the 
service  of  God ;  which  want,  by  reason  of  our  great  dis- 
tance from  our  native  country,  cannot,  in  probability,  be 
always  supplied  from  thence :  be  it  enacted,  that  for  the 
advance  of  learning,  education  of  youth,  supply  of  the 
ministry,  and  promotion  of  piety,  there  be  land  taken  up, 
or  purchased,  for  a  college  and  free-school ;  and  that 
there  be,  with  as  much  speed  as  may  be  convenient, 
housing  erected  thereon  for  entertainment  of  students  and 
scholars,"* 

*  For  these  several  laws,  see  Trott's  Laws  of  the  British  Plantations  in 
America;  article  Virginia,  Nos.  1,  3,  7,  8,  9,  10  11.  23.  25.  28.  29;  2 
Hening's  Virginia  Statutes,  at  large,  p.  44. 


1663.]  IN   VIRGINIA.  69 

These  are  the  principal  enactments,  touching  the  church, 
which  were  made  in  1662.  In  the  succeeding  year,  a  spirit 
of  intolerance,  for  which  no  better  apology  has  been 
rendered  than  that  it  was  the  spirit  of  the  age,  seems 
to  have  been  manifested  towards  the  unfortunate  Qua- 
kers. Those  who  are  disposed  to  find  an  excuse  for  this 
severity,  might  urge,  in  extenuation  of  the  passage  of  the 
law  inflicting  additional  penalties  on  the  Quakers,  that 
the  eflTort  for  their  suppression  was  made  on  political 
rather  than  on  religious  considerations ;  for  the  preamble 
in  reference  to  the  assemblies  of  Quakers  states,  that 
"  under  that  and  other  names  of  separation,  persons  have 
taken  up  and  maintained  sundry  dangerous  opinions  and 
tenets ;  and,  under  pretence  of  religious  worship,  often 
assemble  themselves  in  great  numbers,  in  several  parts  of 
this  colony,  to  the  great  endangering  of  its  public  peace 
and  safety:"*  but,  unfortunately  for  the  charity  which 
would  adopt  this  excuse,  it  must  be  remembered,  that 
though  ordinarily  there  is  wisdom  in  an  adherence  to 
the  rule  of  law  which  makes  the  preamble  a  key  to  the 
interpretation  of  the  statute ;  yet  in  the  case  of  a  penal 
enactment,  the  maker  of  the  law  and  of  its  preamble  is 
the  same  individual ;  and  he  will  scarcely  fail  to  justify  to 
the  world  the  severity  of  the  enactment,  by  the  insertion 
in  the  preamble  of  what,  to  him  at  least,  appears  to  be  a 
sufficient  apology.  It  would  be  difficult  to  find  a  penal 
statute  with  a  preamble,  in  which  the  preamble  does  not 
sanction  the  severity  of  the  law ;  for  men  are  not  usually 
willing  to  exhibit  gratuitous  cruelty.  Were  it  always  cer- 
tain that  the  preamble  told  nothing  but  the  truth,  the  rule 
of  interpretation  above  alluded  to  might  safely  be  made 
of  universal  application ;  but  when  it  is  known,  in  some  of 
its  statements,  to  be  untrue,  it  obviously  furnishes  no  safe 

*  2  Hening's  Statutes,  at  large,  180 ;  Beverly,  57. 


y 


76  PROTESTANT   EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [1663. 

guide.  Such  in  the  case  under  consideration  happens  to 
be  the  fact.  It  is  stated  that  Quakers  assembled  "  in  great 
numbers,"  when  at  this  period  their  number  in  the  colony 
was  comparatively  small ;  so  small,  indeed,  that  they  are 
known  to  have  had  but  one  congregation  at  most,  if,  in- 
deed, they  had  any.  Another  unfortunate  discrepancy 
between  the  preamble  and  the  law  is,  that  while  the  one 
professes  the  existence  of  an  evil  which  called  for  a  remedy, 
in  the  assemblage  of  those  under  *'  other  names  of  separa- 
tion" as  well  as  of  Quakers,  the  other  applies  the  pro- 
posed remedy  to  Quakers  only.  The  statement  in  the 
preamble,  therefore,  it  is  believed,  is  entitled  to  little  credit ; 
and,  under  all  the  circumstances,  it  is  difficult  at  this  day 
to  find  the  true  cause  of  this  hostility  to  a  class  of  men  pro- 
verbially peaceable,  unless  we  refer  it  to  a  complaisant 
spirit  of  acquiescence,  ready  to  return  a  faithful  echo  to 
the  known  opinions  of  the  reigning  monarch  respecting 
those  whose  principles,  he  said,  he  had  discovered  to  be 
"  inconsistent  with  any  kind  of  government."* 

Whatever  may  have  been  the  causes  which  led  to  the 
passage  of  the  law,  in  its  enforcement  there  were  not  want- 
ing instances  of  disfranchisement  and  petty  annoyance  ;t 
though  Virginia  did  not  proceed  as  far  as  her  sister  colony 
of  Massachusetts  in  inflicting  the  punishment  of  death. 
No  Quakers  were  hanged  in  Virginia.  It  has  been  said 
that  this  forbearance  "  was  not  owing  to  the  moderation 
of  the  church,  or  spirit  of  the  legislature." J  As  to  the 
church,  it  is  not  perceived  that  she  had  any  agency  in  the 
enactment  of  the  law ;  and  as  to  the  legislature,  it  certainly 
was  as  competent  to  punish  Quakers  with  death,  as  it  was 
to  inflict  a  lighter  penalty.     Nor  can  it  be  for  a  moment 

*  See  King   Charles's   Letter  to  f  2  Burk,  131. 

the    Colony    of  Massachusetts;    2  %  Jefferson's  Noter  on  Virginia, 

Hazard,  605-7 ;  2  Coil.  Mass.  Hist,  query  xvii. 
Soc.  viii.  52.  55. ' 


1663.]  IN    VIRGINIA.  71 

doubted  that  the  severest  punishment  would  have  received 
the  royal  sanction  ;  for  in  the  letter  of  Charles  to  the  colony 
of  Massachusetts,  to  which  allusion  has  already  been  made, 
the  language  of  the  king  is  remarkable  : — "  We  cannot  be 
understood  hereby  to  direct  or  wish  that  any  indulgence 
should  be  granted  to  those  persons  commonly  called  Qua- 
kers." If,  therefore,  there  was  any  moderation  exhibited  at 
all,  it  must  have  been  by  the  legislature ;  and  as  it  is  the 
only  redeeming  feature  which  this  body  presents  in  the 
transaction,  it  seems  hard  to  rob  it  of  this  trifling  modicum 
of  merit.  That  it  was  not  disposed  to  signalize  itself  by  its 
want  of  moderation,  is  evident  from  a  circumstance  which 
occurred  in  the  very  same  body  by  which  the  law  was 
enacted.  The  sheriff  of  Norfolk  reported  to  the  House  of 
Burgesses,  that  one  of  their  members,  the  representative 
from  his  county,  was  "  loving  to  the  Quakers  and  attended 
their  meetings."  The  accused  member  did  not  hesitate  to 
avow  his  attachment  to  the  persecuted  sect,  but  denied 
that  there  was  evidence  to  prove  his  attendance  upon  their 
meetings.  This  was  admitted  by  the  House ;  but  upon  his 
refusal  to  take  the  oaths  of  allegiance  and  supremacy, 
which  were  required  of  all  the  members,  he  was  expelled  \ 
and  with  that  step  the  legislature  was  content,  without  in- 
stituting an  inquiry  or  directing  a  prosecution  against  the 
suspected  Quaker.* 

There  was  another  class  of  non-conformists  in  the  colony, 
more  numerous  and  more  dangerous  than  the  Quakers, 
against  whom  the  law  of  1642f  was  put  in  force.  These 
were  veteran  soldiers,  who,  having  imbibed  the  spirit 
of-  insurrection  under  Cromwell,  had  been  transported 
to  Virginia  after  the  restoration,  on  account  of  their 
turbulent  and  mutinous  dispositions.  Their  assemblages, 
there  is  reason  to  believe,  were  perverted  from  reli- 
gious to  treasonable  purposes ;  and  under  the  influence 
of  these  men,  a  plot  was  concocted  among  the  secta- 

*  2  Henmg's  Statutes,  at  large,  198.  f  Vide  ante,  p.  03. 


72  PROTESTANT   EPISCOPAL   CHURCH  [1663. 

ries  of  their  creed,  for  the  subversion  of  the  govern- 
ment, presenting  a  singular  compound  of  fanaticism  and 
villany.  It  was  betrayed  by  one  of  their  own  number  on 
the  evening  previous  to  its  intended  execution,  and  the  just 
indignation  of  the  colony  was  satisfied  with  the  death  of 
four  only  of  the  conspirators.  As  there  were  political 
dangers  resulting  from  the  meetings  of  these  misguided 
men,  which  were  suspected  by  the  government,  it  will  per- 
haps be  deemed  no  undue  exercise  of  severity  that  the 
law  which  pi;phibited  their  meetings  was  enforced,  as  the 
readiest  as  well  as  mildest  mode  of  correcting  the  evil. 

Scarcely  had  the  fears  excited  by  the  discovery  of  this 
plot  been  permitted  to  subside,  before  a  fresh  cause  of  ap- 
prehension was  found.  This  was  the  dread  of  popery 
under  the  reign  of  the  second  James.  The  attachment  of 
the  king  to  the  Church  of  Rome  was  strongly  suspected  in 
the  colony,  insomuch  that  a  distinguished  citizen  had  not 
hesitated  to  say  to  the  governor,  "  that  his  majesty.  King 
James,  would  wear  out  the  Church  of  England  :  for  that, 
when  there  were  any  vacant  offices,  he  supplied  them  with 
men  of  a  different  persuasion."  And  that  he  was  not  alone 
in  this  opinion  may  be  inferred  from  the  fact,  that  when,  at 
the  instigation  of  the  governor,  he  was  prosecuted  for  his 
words,  the  council,  to  save  appearances,  after  a  short  ex- 
amination, discharged  him  unpunished.  The  clergy,  too, 
were  not  backward  in  sounding  the  alarm.  In  the  county 
of  Stafford,  the  reverend  Mr.  Waugh  preached  openly 
against  popery ;  and  as  mysterious  hints  were  circulating 
of  a  supposed  plot  between  the  Indians  and  the  few  papists 
in  the  colony,  (who  had  probably  fied  from  Maryland,)  to 
destroy  the  protestants,  it  was  not  difficult  to  rouse  the 
people  to  angry  excitement,  and  commotions  arose  which 
foreboded  no  peaceful  termination.*  The  accession  of 
William  and  Mary  served  to  allay  apprehension,  and  that 

*  2  Burk,305. 


1689."]  IN    VIRGINIA.  is 

event  was  accordingly  hailed  with  joy  by  the  great  body  of 
the  people. 

Prior  to  the  year  1689,  the  reverend  Mr.  Temple  seems 
to  have  exercised  within  the  colony  functions  somewhat 
similar  to  those  confided  to  a  bishop's  commissary.  How 
long  he  had  so  exercised  them  is  matter  of  uncertainty,  nor 
is  it  known  that  he  acted  under  any  other  than  verbal  au- 
thority. Jn  this  year  Sir  Francis  Nicholson  entered  on  his 
duties  as  lieutenant-governor ;  and  associated  with  this  fact 
there  occurs  the  name  of  a  clergyman,  whose  memory  is 
intimately  connected  with  the  progress  of  religion  and 
learning  for  many  years  in  Virginia.  This  clergyman  was 
the  reverend  Dr.  Blair,  who  is  supposed  to  have  been  the 
first  commissary  duly  commissioned  by  the  Bishop  of  Lon- 
don for  any  of  the  colonies.  His  commission  was  read 
before  the  council  on  the  day  after  the  installation  of  Sir 
Francis  Nicholson,  and  his  authority  was  duly  acknow- 
ledged. 

The  duty  of  a  commissary  under  the  English  law  is,  "  to 
supply  the  office  and  jurisdiction  of  the  bishop  in  the  out- 
places of  the  diocess  ;"*  and  it  will  be  remembered  that  all 
the  colonies  were  considered  as  forming  a  part  of  the  dio- 
cess of  the  Bishop  of  London.  To  the  Episcopalian,  it  is 
scarcely  necessary  to  say  that  the  rites  of  ordination  and 
confirmation  were  not  within  the  powers  of  the  commis- 
sary. For  certain  purposes  only,  was  he  the  bishop's  repre- 
sentative :  it  was  his  duty  to  make  visitations  through  the 
diocess,  inspect  the  state  of  the  churches,  deliver  charges, 
and,  in  some  instances,  to  administer  discipline.  Deposi- 
tion from  the  ministry,  however,  was  understood  to  be  be- 
yond his  authority ;  and  therefore  the  evils  which  resulted 
from  the  continuance  in  the  church  of  an  unworthy  clergy- 
man, were  not  remedied  by  the  appointment  of  a  com*-  ^* 
missary. 

As  Dr.  Blair  contributed  in  hisday  as  much  to  the  causd' 

*  Terms  de  la  Ley* 


74  PROTESTANT   EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [l689. 

of  learning  and  the  diffusion  of  Christianity  as  any  indi- 
vidual in  the  southern  colonies  of  this  continent,  a  passing 
tribute  is  due  to  his  nn^mory.  He  was  a  native  of  Scot- 
land, in  which  country  he  received  his  education,  and  was 
beneficed  in  the  Episcopal  church  there.  Having  a  prospect, 
of  discharging  his  ministerial  functions  more  usefully  else- 
where, he  quitted  his  preferments,  and  went  into  England 
towards  the  close  of  the  reign  of  Charles  II.  The  then 
Bishop  of  London  (Dr.  Compton)  prevailed  upon  him  to 
go  as  a  missionary  into  Virginia,  and  his  first  visit  to  tliis 
country  was  made  about  the  year  1685.  A  careful  and 
diligent  observer  of  the  true  state  of  things  within  the 
colony,  he  was  enabled  correctly  to  apprehend  its  wants ; 
and  by  his  exemplary  deportment  and  unremitting  labours 
in  the  discharge  of  his  ministerial  duties,  he  did  good  ser- 
vice to  the  cause  of  religion,  and  obtained  the  confidence 
and  affection  of  all  classes  in  the  community.  Recom- 
mended by  the  intrinsic  worth  of  his  character  to  the 
Bishop  of  London,  he  was  appointed  commissary,  as  we 
have  seen,  in  J  689;  and  so  far  from  relaxing  in  the  dis- 
charge of  pastoral  duty,  after  his  appointment,  he  deemed 
himself  thereby  bound  to  furnish  a  brighter  example  of 
ministerial  fidelity  and  diligence  to  all  the  clergy  of  the 
colony.  Dr.  Blair  was  eminently  a  practical  man ;  and 
blessed  as  he  was  with  sincere  piety,  a  clear  mind,  and  in- 
defatigable perseverance,  his  services  were  invaluable  to  the 
church  in  Virginia.  Perceiving  that  the  only  safe  reliance 
of  the  country  for  duly  qualified  clergymen  must  be  upon 
her  own  sons,  and  that  the  effort  to  obtain  them  was  hope- 
less in  the  absence  of  schools  and  higher  seminaries  of 
learning,  he  directed  his  energies  to  the  encouragement  of 
education.  His  labours  in  the  cause  were  unwearied.  It 
will  be  remembered  that  in  the  legislation  of  1662,  one  of 
the  enactments  provided  for  the  erection  of  a  college :  this 
wise  provision  had  been  permitted  to  slumber  on  the  sta- 
tute book*     Dn  Blair  revived  the  project ;  and  at  no  little 


1689.]  IN    VIRGINIA.  75 

personal  expense  and  labour,  succeeded  at  last,  as  will  be 
seen  hereafter,  in  the  accomplishnnent  of  his  wishes. 

Of  the  activity  and  practical  usefulness  of  this  excellent 
man,  sufficient  evidence  will  be  furnished  in  the  statement, 
that  when,  at  the  advanced  age  of  eighty-eight,  he  died,  he 
had  been  during  sixty-four  years  a  nninister  of  the  gospel ; 
fifty-three  years  commissary  for  Virginia ;  president  of  a 
college  for  forty-nine  years ;  and  a  member  of  the  king's 
council  for  fifty. 

As  a  monument  of  his  piety,  he  has  left  behind  him  four 
volumes  of  discourses  upon  the  sermon  on  the  mount,  of 
which  an  opinion  may  be  formed  from  the  fact  that  they 
received  the  warm  approbation  of  Dr.  Doddridge.*  To 
his  active  usefulness  and  piety  he  added  learning,  and  pos- 
sessed in  an  eminent  degree  the  virtues  of  hospitality  and 
generosity;  while  his  manner  in  the  discharge  of  his  vari- 
ous important  duties  was  such  as  conciliated  the  esteem 
and  affection  of  men  of  all  parties  and  of  all  opinions. 
With  the  single  exception  of  Dr.  Bray,  the  commissary  of 
Maryland,  there  was  no  clergyman  of  the  establishment 
ever  sent  to  this  country,  during  its  cokmial  existence,  to 
whom  the  church  in  the  southern  part  of  the  continent  was 
more  deeply  indebted :  and  the  /Lmerican  of  this  day,  as 
he  looks  upon  the  walls  of  William  and  Mary,  the  second 
college  built  upon  the  continent,  may  recall,  with  a  feeling 
of  thankfulness,  the  memory  of  Dr.  James  Blair. f 

Under  the  auspices  of  Sir  Francis  Nicholson,  the  first 
act  of  the  commissary  was  an  effort  to  procure  the  neces- 
sary funds  for  the  erection  of  the  contemplated  colleget 
The  aid  of  the  legislature  was  deemed  necessary,  and  tp 
obtain  it,  it  was  proposed  that  the  lieutenant-governor 
should  convene   an    assembly:    peculiar    circumstances, 


♦  Family  Expositor.  phrey's  History   of    the    Venerable 

t  Dr.     Waterland's    Prefnce     to  Society,  9,  10,  11  ;  2  Holmes's  An» 

Blair's  Discourses  ;  3  Burk,  111  ;  2  mAs,  22. 

Miller's    Retrospect,     336 ;     Hum- 


76  PROTESTANT    EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [1693. 

however,  rendered  this  measure  impossible  at  that  time, 
and  all  hope  of  immediate  assistance  from  the  legislature 
was  abandoned.  But  Dr.  Blair  was  not  easily  to  be  dis- 
couraged. A  private  subscription-list  was  opened  by  him, 
and  in  a  short  time  two  thousand  five  hundred  pounds  were 
contributed  towards  the  object ;  and  this  sum  was  furnished 
in  part  by  the  liberality  of  a  few  merchants  in  London.  It 
was  not  until  the  year  1691  that  legislative  patronage  was 
obtained  for  the  proposed  seminary.  In  that  year  the 
project  received  the  sanction  of  the  assembly,  and  was  by 
that  body  warmly  recommended  to  the  patronage  of  their 
majesties.  The  commissary  was  at  the  same  time  de- 
puted as  the  agent  of  the  legislature  to  visit  England,  and 
present  the  petition  for  the  college.  The  support  afforded 
by  the  lieutenant-governor  to  the  plan  deserves  honourable 
notice.  The  legislature,  as  a  testimony  of  affection  and 
respect,  having  presented  to  Sir  Francis  Nicholson  the 
sum  of  three  hundred  pounds,  he  immediately  bestowed 
one-half  of  it  upon  the  college.  Those  who  are  interested 
in  the  literature  of  the  country,  will  gratefully  concur  in  the 
propriety  of  recording  the  names  of  men  who  were  among 
the  friends  of  education  in  North  America,  at  that  early 
period  when  friends  were  necessarily  few. 

The  agency  of  Dr.  Blair  proved  entirely  successful. 
The  charter  was  drawn  in  exact  conformity  to  his  wishes, 
and  the  whole  measure  met  with  the  royal  favour.  The 
sum  of  two  thousand  pounds  w^as  then  due  from  Virginia 
to  the  crown  on  account  of  certain  quit- rents,  and  this  sum 
was  bestowed  by  the  king  upon  the  college.  In  addition 
to  this  donation,  a  grant  was  made  to  the  institution,  of 
twenty  thousand  acres  of  choice  land,  together  with  the 
revenue  arising  from  a  tax  of  one  penny  per  pound  on  all 
tobacco  exported  from  Virginia  or  Maryland  to  any  of  the 
other  colonies  ;*  and  the  office  of  surveyor-general  of  Vir- 
ginia was  granted  by  the  charter  to  the  corporation,  to  be 

♦  2  Burk,  311,  313,  314. 


1693.]  IN    VIRGINIA.  77 

executed  by  deputies  appointed  by  the  president  and  mas- 
ters, subject  to  the  approbation  of  the  governor  and  coun- 
cil. The  college  was  also  enri  powered  to  send  one  repre- 
sentative to  the  House  of  Burgesses ;  and  Dr.  Blair  was 
named  in  the  charter  as  the  first  president  of  the  new  insti- 
tution, which  received  the  name  of  William  and  Mary.* 

In  the  year  1693,  the  legislature  determined  that  the 
college  should  be  erected  at  Williamsburg,  which  was 
then  called  Middle  Plantation;  and  not  long  afterward,  an 
export  duty  for  its  benefit  was  imposed  upon  all  skins  and 
furs  sent  out  of  the  colony.f  But  the  indefatigable  commis- 
sary was  doomed  to  encounter  difliculties  still.  The  money 
which  had  been  subscribed  was  collected,  and  the  college 
edifice  commenced ;  but  in  the  year  1705,  when  it  was 
half  completed,  it  was  burned  to  the  ground.  It  was  now 
sixteen  years  since  Dr.  Blair  had  first  exerted  himself  in 
this  important  work ;  and  at  the  end  of  that  long  period, 
he  found  himself  under  the  necessity  of  commencing  his 
toilsome  task  anew.  Such  discouragements  might  well 
have  damped  his  ardour ;  and  had  he  been  an  ordinary 
man,  it  is  not  improbable  that  the  disappointments  of  the 
past  would  have  checked  all  future  effort.  But  true  to  his 
character,  he  persevered,  and  at  length  had  the  happiness 
of  seeing  the  college  completed. 

The  want  of  clergymen,  however,  was  one  not  to  be 
immediately  supplied,  even  after  the  college  went  into 
operation ;  and  as  it  was  a  want  very  deeply  felt,  the  legis- 
lature, deeming  the  provision  made  for  the  clergy  inade- 
quate, in  1696  enacted,  that  each  minister  should  have  six- 
teen thousand  pounds  of  tobacco  as  a  salary:  and  that 
where  glebes  had  not  been  already  purchased,  they  should 
be  forthwith  obtained  ;  and  that  dwellings  should  be  erected 
upon  them  for  the  comfortable  residence  of  the  clergy.  J 

*  Trott's  Laws  of  the  British  t  Trotf  s  Laws,  "  Virginia,"  No. 
Plantations,  article  "  Virginia."  34. 

t  3  Hening's  Stat.,  at  large,  123. 


fS  PROTESTANT    EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [1700. 


CHAPTER    V. 
1700-1731. 

Kindness  to  the  French  Refugees — Their  good  Character — Their  Church — 
Punishment  of  Vice  and  Blasphemy— Kindness  to  German  Settlers — 
Their  Church — Progress  of  William  and  Mary  College — Instruction  of 
the  Indians — List  of  Parishes — State  of  the  Church — Numbers  and 
Character  of  the  Clergy — Causes  of  the  depressed  state  of  Religion 
examined. 

The  opening  of  the  century  upon  which  we  are  now 
entering  was  marked  by  an  act  of  humanity,  which  stands 
out  in  strong  contrast  to  that  spirit  of  intolerance,  already 
recorded,  which  found  its  victims  among  the  unfortunate 
Quakers.  It  is  well  known  that  upon  the  revocation  of  the 
Edict  of  Nantes,  in  1685,  an  immense  number  of  French 
Protestants  found  their  way  into  foreign  countries  ;  of  these, 
about  forty  thousand  sought  refuge  in  England,  and  parlia- 
ment, with  a  noble  generosity,  voted  fifteen  thousand  pounds 
sterling  to  be  distributed  among  persons  of  quality,  and  all 
such  as  were  incapable,  from  age  or  infirmity,  of  labouring 
for  a  subsistence.  Of  these  unfortunate  refugees.  King 
William,  in  the  year  1690,  sent  a  large  portion  to  Virginia, 
and  lands  were  allotted  to  them  on  James  River.  These 
were  naturalized  by  a  special  law  passed  for  the  purpose, 
and  in  1699  another  body  of  six  hundred,  conducted  by 
their  clergyman,  PhUlipe  de  Richebourg,*  came  over,  and 
were  placed  on  the  south  side  of  James  River,  about 
twenty  miles  above  the  falls,  on  lands  formerly  occupied  by 
a  powerful  tribe  of  Indians  called  the  Monacans. 

In  the  year  1700  the  assembly  of  Virginia  passed  an  act, 

♦  1  Martin's  History  of  North  Carolina,  232. 


1700.]  IN    VIRGINIA.  79 

making  the  French  refugees  who  inhabited  the  Monacan 
towns  a  distinct  parish  by  themselves,  and  exempted  them 
from  the  payment  of  all  taxes.*  Strangers,  for  the  most 
part,  to  the  language  of  the  country,  their  worship  could  not 
have  conformed  to  the  ritual  of  the  Church  of  England,  even 
had  such  been  their  inclination,  nor  could  an  English  clergy- 
man have  officiated  usefully  among  them.  They  had,  there- 
fore, their  own  minister,  and  worshipped  after  their  own 
mode,  and  the  law  already  mentioned  left  them  at  liberty  to 
agree  with,  and  pay  their  clergyman  as  their  circumstances 
would  admit.  And  never,  probably,  did  any  people  better 
repay  the  hospitable  kindness  of  the  land  which  afforded 
them  a  refuge.  Many  of  their  descendants  are  still  left  in 
New- York,  Virginia,  the  Carolinas,  and  other  parts  of  our 
country ;  and  among  the  brightest  ornaments  of  the  state, 
in  the  halls  of  legislation  and  of  justice,  as  well  as  in  the  sa- 
cred office,  may  be  found  the  names  of  some  of  the  French 
refugees.  No  man  in  America  need  ever  blush  to  own  him- 
self one  of  their  descendants ;  for  the  observation  has  more 
than  once  been  made,  and  it  is  believed  to  be  true,  that 
among  their  descendants  the  instances  have  been  rare  in- 
deed of  individuals  who  have  been  arraigned  for  crime 
before  the  courts  of  the  country. 

The  law  which  gave  to  these  emigrants  the  exemptions 
already  mentioned,  was,  by  the  terms  of  its  enactment,  to 
continue  in  force  for  a  term  of  time  sufficient  to  afford  them 
an  opportunity  of  becoming  familiarized  to  the  country, 
and  of  qualifying  themselves  to  contribute  without  diffi- 
culty their  quota  to  the  support  of  the  government ;  and 
for  these  purposes  seven  years  was  deemed  sufficient. 
That  it  did  not  prove  so,  however,  is  probable  from  the  fact, 
that  in  1705  the  legislature  again  re-enacted  the  former  law, 
and  extended  the  term  of  its  continuance,  giving  at  the 


*  1  Holmcs'8  Annals,  432,  472,  492  ;  Trott's  Laws,  "Virginia"  No.  37; 
3  Hening's  Statutes,  at  large,  201. 


#S*  PROTESTANT   EPISCOPAL   CHURCH  [1705. 

sartie  time  to  their  parish  the  name  of  "  King  William 
parish,  in  the  county  of  Henrico."* 

The  statute  book  of  this  year  presents  also  an  act  for  the 
^ppressibn  of  Vice,  and  the  restraint  and  punishment  of 
blasphemdUif,  wicked,  and  dissolute  persons,  the  provisions- 
of  which  invite  notice,  simply  as  being  illustrative  of  the 
tehnper  of  the  tim^s.     It  was  enactedj  that  if  any  person- 
brought  up  in  the  Christian  religion  should,  by  teaching, 
writing,  printing,  or  advised  speaking,  deny,  first,  the  being' 
of  God  or  the  Trinity;  secondly,  should  say  there  were= 
more  gods  than  one ;  thirdly,  should  deny  the  truth  of  the 
Christian  religion ;  or,  fourthly,  should  deny  the  Divine  au- 
thority of  the  Scriptures, — such  offender,  upon  conviction' 
before  the  general  court,  for  the  first  offence,  should  be 
rendered   incapable  of  holding  any  office,  ecclesiastical,' 
civil,  or  military,  within  the  colony;  and  for  the  second- 
oflfence,  should  be  disabled  from  bringing  any  suit  at  law  or 
in  equity,  or  from  being  a  guardian,  executor,  or  adminis- 
trator, or  grantee  in  a  deed  of  gift,  or  legatee  or  devisee  in 
a  will,  or  from  bearing  any  office  in  the  colony  for  ever; ^' 
and  should  also  suffer  three  years  imprisonment  from  the 
time  of  conviction.     To  guard,  however,  against  the  per- 
version of  the  law  to   purposes  of  oppression,  it   was 
required  that  information  of  the  words  spoken  should  be 
given  within  one  month  after  they  were  uttered,  and  that 
the  prosecution  should  be  commenced  within  a  year  after 
the  information.     And  if  public  recantation  in  open  court 
were  made  within  six  months  after  the  first  conviction,  the 
offender  was  to  be  released  from  the  penalties.     For  the 
suppression  of  cursing,  swearing,  and  drunkenness,  a  fine 
was  imposed,  recoverable  before  any  magistrate,  either 
upon  his  own  personal  observation  and  knowledge  of  the 
offence,  or  upon  the  oath  of  a  single  witness ;  and  in  case 
of  inability  to  pay  the  fine,  the  Idsh  was  substituted  as  a 

♦  Trott'g  Laws,  "Virginia,"  No.  38  ;  1  Holmes'*  Annals,  p.  498. 


1713.3  ^^   VIRGINIA.  81 

punishment.  For  the  observance  of  the  Lord's  day,  every 
person  of  the  age  of  twenty-one  years  and  upward,  who 
should  wilfully  be  absent  from  the  parish  church  for  one 
month,  ar,  being  there,  should  not  in  a  decent  and  orderly 
manner  remain  until  the  service  was  ended ;  or  any  persons 
who  should  on  that  day  be  present  at  any  disorderly  meet- 
ing, gaming  or  tippling,  or  should  make  any  journey,  or 
travel  on  the  road  except  to  and  from  church,  (cases  of 
necessity  and  mercy  excepted,)  or  who  should  be  found 
working  at  their  ordinary  labour,  further  than  was  abso- 
lutely necessary  for  the  sustenance  of  man  and  beast, 
should,  on  conviction,  be  fined,  and,  on  failure  to  pay  the 
fine,  should  be  whipped.  From  the  operation  of  the  clause 
requiring  attendance  at  the  parish  church,  it  should  however 
be  remembered  that,  by  express  words,  dissenters  irom  the 
establishment  were  exempted. 

This  act  was  required  to  be  publicly  read  twice  a  year 
by  each  clergyman  in  the  colony,  and  the  fines  arising 
under  it  were  to  be  applied  by  the  churchwardens  for  the 
benefit  of  the  poor.* 

The  year  1713  was  rendered  memorable  by  an  act  of 
kindness  shown  to  certain  German  emigrants,  similar  to 
that^which  had  been  manifested  towards  the  French  refu- 
gees. It  seems  that  a  small  body  of  Germans  had  settled 
above  the  falls  of  the  Rappahannock,  on  ^he  southern 
branch  of  the  river,  in  the  county  of  Essex.  This  was  at 
that  period  the  frontier  of  civilization,  and  therefore  it  was 
alike  the  suggestion  of  interest  and  humanity  to  afford  to 
these  foreigners  protection  and  encouragement.  Accord- 
ingly they  were  exempted,  as  the  French  had  been,  from 
all  ordinary  taxes  for  the  term  of  seven  years,  and  were 
formed  into  the  "parish  of  St.  George,"  with  power  to  em- 
ploy their  own  minister  and  upon  their  own  terms;  and 
thus  were  two  religious  bommunities,  differing  in  many 

*  Trott's  Lawff,  "  Virginia,"  No,  46;  3  Hening's  Statates,  at  large,  358. 


92  PROTESTANT  EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  {1718. 

particulars  from  the  establishment,  not  tolerated  merely, 
but  favoured  wkh  valuable  privileges  by  the  legisla- 
ture.* ^ 

The  college  also  seems  to  have  possessed  the  favourable 
regard  of  the  assehibly,  as  in  1718  a  law  was  passed  by 
that  body,  appropriating  from  the  public  funds  one  thou- 
sand pounds,  to  be  applied  by  the  visiters  and  governors 
of  the  institution,  to  thetnaintenance  and  education  of  poor 
children  who  were  natives  of  the  colony.f  How  far  this 
intended  benefit  was  carried  into  effect  is  unknown ;  it  is, 
however,  to  be  hoped  that  these  funds  were  rendered  more 
profitable  to  the  college  than  were  the  donations  conferred 
upon  it  by  the  king  and  others  at  its  commencement ;  for 
of  these,  according  to  the  testimony  of  Dr.  Blair,  the  insti- 
tution never  received  the  benefit  of  one-half.J  Indeed, 
•notwithstanding  all  the  efforts  of  the  president  and  other 
friends  of  the  college,  its  progress  was  by  slow  and  labori- 
ous steps.  The  practice  was  common  among  the  higher 
classes  of  society,  of  sending  their  sons  to  be  educated  at 
one  of  the  English  universities;  nor  could  it  be  entirely 
overcome  after  they  had  a  college  among  themselves. 
For  more  than  seventy  years  after  its  establishment,  it  is 
isaid,  it  had  rarely  more  than  twenty  students  at  an}^one 
time.§  There  are  circumstances,  however,  which  justify 
the  suspicion  of  mistake  in  this  statement. 

As  connected  with  the  history  of  this  institution,  it  deserves 
here  to  be  recorded  that  the  rulers  in  the  colony  and  the  offi- 
cers of  the  college  manifested  a  praiseworthy  zeal  in  the  en- 
deavour to  make  it  a  blessing  to  the  children  of  the  natives. 
The  honourable  Robert  Boyle  had  made  a  donation  of 
money  to  the  institution,  to  be  applied  to  the  education  of 

*  Trott's  Laws,  "  Virginia,"  No.  in  1727.    Of  these,  Mr.  Hartwell  was 

39;  4  Hening's  Stat.,  at  large,  306.  one  of  the  council ;  and   Mr.  Chil- 

t  4  Hening's  Stat.,  at  large,  74.  ton  was  attorney-general.  Dr.  Blair's 

t  "  The  present  State  of  Virginia  situation   has    already   been    stated. 

and  the  College,"  by  Mr.  Hartwell,         ^  2  Miller's  Retrospect,  336. 

Dr.  Btair,  and  Mr.  Chilton,  published 


1722.]  IN    VIRGINIA.  83 

Indian  children  therein.  To  carry  into  effect  this  benevo- 
lent intention,  the  plan  at  first  adopted  was  to  procure  cap- 
tive Indian  children,  who  had  been  made  slaves  by  some 
conquering  tribe,  and  place  them  in  the  college  for  instruc- 
tion; but  during  the  administration  of  Sir  Alexander  Spots- 
wood,  who  came  to  the  government  in  1710,  this  plan  was 
laid  aside,  and  one  was  substituted  for  it  which  was  far 
more  effectual  tn  accomplishing  the  ends  of  the  benevolent 
donor.  The  governor  went  in  person  among  the  tributary 
and  other  neighbouring  tribes  of  Indians,  and  prevailed 
upon  them  to  send  their  children  to  be  educated.  He 
exerted  himself,  also,  so  successfully  among  remote  and 
almost  unknown  tribes,  that  he  obtained  native  pupils  from 
a  distance  of  more  than  four  hundred  miles  in  the  interior ; 
some  of  these  he  had  taken  as  hostages,  purposely  to  afford 
them  the  advantages  of  education ;  and,  at  his  own  expense, 
he  established  and  supported  a  preparatory  school  on  the 
frontiers,  in  which  Indian  lads  might  be  fitted  for  admission 
into  the  college,  without  being  far  removed  from  their 
parents.*  ' 

Of  the  number  and  situation  of  the  parishes  in  the 
colony,  about  this  time,  and  of  the  general  condition  of  the^ 
church,  more  is  known  with  certainty  thaii  at  any  previous 
period  in  this  narrative.  Casting  the  eye  upon  the  map  of 
Virginia,  the  most  striking  features  of  its  eastern  portion 
are  the  majestic  rivers  which  find  their  way  into  the  Chesa- 
peake Bay.  These  rivers  naturally  enough  formed  conve- 
nient boundaries  for  the  larger  portions  of  the  country; 
and  the  name  of  neck  was  applied  to  the  region  of  territory 
lying  between  two  of  these  noble  streams ;  a  term,  the 
use  of  which  is  still  common.  The  division  is  one  of 
great  convenience,  and  in  former  tim^s  was  important,  as 
fixing  the  boundaries  of  the  several  escheators.  Of  these 
necks  there  are  four;  the  northern  neck  is  situated  be» 

*  Beverly's  Virginia. 


84  PUOTESTANT   EPISCOPAL   CHURCH  [1722. 

tween  the  Potomac  and  Rappahannock  rivers ;  the  second 
between  the  Rappahannock  and  York ;  the  third,  be- 
tween York  and  James;  and  the  fourth  on  the  south 
side  of  the  James,  between  it  and  the  southern  frontier  of 
the  colony.  Besides  these,  there  was  one  other  grand  di- 
Tision  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  Chesapeake  Bay,  form- 
ing what  then  was,  and  still  is,  called  the  "  eastern  shore." 
There  were  at  that  day  six  counties  within  the  northern 
neck,  which  still  retain  their  names;  viz.,  1.  Lancaster , 
having  within  it  the-  two  parishes  of  Christ  Church  and 
St.  Mary  White  Chapel ;  2.  Northumberland^  having  two, 
Fairfield  and  Boutracy,  and  Wicomico ;  3.  Westmoreland, 
containing  Copely  and  Washington;  4.  Richmond,  con- 
taining North  Farnham  and  a  part  of  Sittenburn  ;  5.  King 
George,  containing  Hanover  and  the  residue  of  Sitten- 
burn"; 6.  Stafford,  containing  St.  Pauls  and  Overworton. 

In  the  neck  between  Rappahannock  and  York  rivers 
there  were  also  six  counties,  the  names  of  which  are  still 
there,  though  portions  of  their  territory  have  since  been 
appropriated  to  the  formation  of  additional  counties. 
These  six  were,  1.  Glocester,  in  which  were  situated  the 
four  parishes  of  Pesso,  Abingdon,  Ware,  and  Kingston ; 

2.  Middlesex,  containing  the  single  parish  of  Christ  Church; 

3.  King  and  Queen,  having  the  parishes  of  Stratton  Major 
and  St.  Stephens  ;  4.  King  William,  containing  St.  Johns 
and  St.  Margarets;  5.  Essex,  in  which  were  South  Farn- 
ham, St.  Anne,  and  St.  Marys ;  6.  Spotsylvania,  which 
contained  the  parish  of  St.  George. 

In  the  neck  between  York  and  James  rivers  there  were 
seven  entire  counties,  and  part  of  an  eighth.  These  seven 
werCj  I: Elizabeth  C%,  which  contained  a  parish  of  the 
same  name  ;  2.  Warwick,  containing  the  parishes  of  Denby 
and  Mulberry  Island ;  3.  York,  in  which  were  the  two 
parishes  of  Charles  and  York-Hampton,  and  part  of  a 
third  called  Bruton ;  4.  James  City,  in  which  were  James 
City,  Merchants  Hundred,  and  a  third,  the  name  of  which 


1722.]  IN   VIRGINIA.  85 

is  unknown,  together  with  the  residue  of  Bruton,  and  a  part 
of  Wilmington ;  5.  New-Kent^  which  contained  Blisland 
and  St.  Peters ;  6.  Charles  City,  having  within  it  Western 
and  part  of  Wilmington;  7.  Hanover,  in  which  was  St. 
Pauls.  The  eighth  county,  of  which  a  part  only  was 
within  this  neck,  was  Henrico,  which  was  divided  by  the 
James  River,  and  contained  the  parishes  of  Henrico  and 
St.  James,  separated  from  each  other  by  the  river ;  and  a 
part  also  of  the  parish  of  Bristol. 

On  the  south  side  of  James  River  were  seven  entire 
counties,  together  with  the  remaining  part  of  Henrico. 
These  were,  1.  Princess  Ann,  in  which  was  the  parish  of 
Lynhaven ;  2.  Norfolk,  with  one  parish  called  Elizabeth 
River ;  3.  Nansemond,  in  which  were  included  Lower 
Parish,  Upper  Parish,  and  Chickabuc ;  4.  Isle  of  Wight, 
containing  Warwick,  Squeake  Bay,  and  Newport;  5. 
Surry,  having  Lyon's  Creek  and  Southwark;  6.  Prince 
George,  in  which  was  Martin  Brandon  and  the  rest  of 
Bristol ;  7.  Brunswick,  the  whole  of  which  formed  the  parish 
of  St.  Andrews. 

On  the  eastern  shore  were  the  two  counties  of  Northamp' 
ton  and  Accomac;  the  first  contained  the  parish  of  Hun- 
gers;  the  second  that  of  Accomac.  Thus  it  will  be  per- 
ceived that  the  whole  number  of  counties  was  twenty-nine ; 
and  of  parishes  there  were  fifty- four.*  There  was,  how- 
ever, great  inequality  in  the  size  of  these  parishes.  Some 
were  sixty  miles  long;  while  others  were  very  small. 
This  was  accidental,  and  resulted  from  the  settlements 
having  been  first  formed  on  bodies  of  good  land  near  to 
the  rivers.  It  must  be  remembered  that  the  size  of  a 
parish  was  estimated,  not  entirely  by  the  extent  of  its  terri- 
tory, but  by  the  number  of  its  tithables.f 

In  each  of  these  parishes  there  wais'  a  convenient  church 

*  Beverly's  Virginia.  t  Present  State  of  Virginia,  p.  61k 

Beverly's  Virginia. 


86  PROTESTANT   EPISCOPAL   CHURCH  [1723. 

edifice,  built  of  stone,  brick,  or  wood,  and  furnished  with 
all  things  necessary  for  the  decent  performance  of  divine 
service.  In  many  of  the  larger  parishes  there  were  also 
one  or  more  chapels  of  ease ;  so  that  probably  the  whole 
number  of  places  of  worship  was  not  less  than  seventy. 
In  every  parish  there  was  also  a  dwelling-house  for  the 
minister;  in  most,  if  not  in  all  of  them,  a  glebe  of  two 
hundred  and  fifty  acres,  and  in  some,  a  small  stock  of 
cattle.* 

The  inhabitants  were  almost  entirely  of  the  Church  of 
England,  and  at  the  period  now  under  review,  there  is  said 
to  have  been  but  one  dissenting  place  of  worship  in  the 
colony  ;  this  was  a  meeting-house  for  a  small  congregation 
of  Quakers  in  Nansemond  county.f  But  it  is  believed,  on 
the  authority  of  Dr.  Blair,  J  that  this  statement  is  incorrect ; 
as  he  informs  us  that  there  were  three  meeting-houses  for 
the  Quakers,  and  one  for  the  Presbyterians. 

More  than  half  of  the  churches  of  the  establishment 
were  probably  supplied  with  clergymen ;  and  in  such  as 
were  destitute  of  regular  ministrations,  it  seems  to  have 
been  the  custom  to  substitute  the  services  of  a  lay  reader, 
except  on  occasions  when  the  zeal  of  a  neighbouring  minis- 
ter prompted  him  to  carry  his  pastoral  labours  beyond  the 
limits  of  his  own  parish,  and  to  preach  or  administer  sacra- 
ments in  the  vacant  churches  near  to  him. 

One  hundred  ahd  fifteen  years  had  now  elapsed  since  the 
first  clergyman  landed  in  Virginia,  and  yet  candour  calls' 
for  the  acknowledgment  that  the  state  of  religion  was  much 
lower  than  in  some  of  the  other  colonies.  It  was  not  that 
the  government  had  been  entirely  indifferent  to  their  under? 

*  The  Present  State  of  Virginia,  ish,  "at  Williamsburg,  the  seat  of  the 

p.  71.     This  volume  was  written  by  colonial  government, 

the  reverend  Hugh  Jones,  who  lived  f  Beverly's  Virginia, 

for  many  years  in  the  colony,  and  was  t  Present  State  of  Virginia  and 

aflPone  time  a  lecturer  in  Bruton  par-  the  College,  p.  64. 


1722.]  IN   VIRGINIA.       .  6T 

taking  to  make  provision  for  its  support :  to  outward  ap- 
pearance the  condition  of  the  church  seemed  prosperous 
enough.  The  traveller,  in  his  journey ings  through  the 
colony,  might  see  on  every  hand  the  neat  spire  of  a  sub* 
stantial  church  lifting  its  head  amid  the  foliage  of  the  forest 
in  which  it  was  placed  ;  his  eye  rested  on  the  cultivated 
grounds  which  surrounded  the  comfortable  habitations  of 
the  clergy;  and  he  might  from  these  tokens  have  hastily 
concluded  that  he  was  in  the  bosom  of  a  deeply  pious  popu- 
lation :  yet  was  there,  in  very  many,  a  lamentable  Want  of 
the  practical  fruits  of  godliness.  There  was  a  deficiency 
of  spirituality  in  the  religion  of  that  day.  The  "form  of 
sound  words"  which  imbodied  devotion,  most  "useful  as  an 
auxiliary  in  the  united  worship  of  a  congregation,  and  beau- 
tifully chaste  and  simple  in  the  ritual  of  the  church  to  which 
the  colonists  belonged,  was  scrupulously  observed;  but  in 
the  use  of  that  form  alone,  too  many,  it  is  to  be  feared, 
rested  :  such  ugfe  was  substituted  for  the  power  of  godUnoss 
in  renewing  a  sinful  nature ;  for  the  operation  of  the  Holy 
Ghost  upon  an  unsanctified  heart.  It  would  be  unjust  to 
include  all  in  this  sentence.  There  is  evidence  that  some, 
both  of  clergy  and  laity,  were  deeply  imbued  with  the 
spirit  of  genuine  piety ;  they  were  worthy  and  consistent 
Christians ;  but  they  certainly  did  not  form  the  most  numer- 
ous class  of  the  population. 

In  the  contemplation  of  this  state  of  things,  points  arise 
well  worthy  of  attentive  consideration :  they  imbody  the 
lessons  of  experience,  and  it  is  therefore  hoped  that  a  brief 
examination  of  facts  connected  with  this  unhappy  condition 
of  affairs  will  prove  neither  uninteresting  nor  useless. 

And  first,  as  to  the  clergy  of  the  colony.  The  usual 
mode  of  obtaining  a  living  was  this :  the  clergyman  in  Eng- 
land, who  was  desirous  of  emigrating  to  Virginia,  informed 
the  Bishop  of  London  of  his  willingness  to  become  a  mis- 
sionary to  the  colony.  Upon  producing  his  letters  of  orders 
and  testimonials  as  to  character,  he  obtained  from  the 


&9  PROTESTANT    EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [1722. 

bishop  a  license  and  certificate,  together  with  an  order  on 
the  treasurer  for  the  sum  of  twenty  pounds,  to  defray  the 
expenses  of  the  voyage.  On  his  arrival  in  the  colony,  he 
applied  to  the  governor,  (who  was  in  effect  the  chief  ruler 
in  the  church,)  or  to  the  parishioners  of  some  vacant  living, 
and  sometimes,  to  both :  and  if  his  ministrations  were  agree- 
able to  the  congregation,  he  was  "  received"  (such  was  the 
term  in  use)  as  their  minister.*  It  must  not,  however,  be 
supposed  that  by  being  thus  received^  the  clergyman  ac- 
quired a  permanent  settlement.  By  the  act  of  1642,t  the 
induction  of  a  clergyman  "into  any  parish  that  shall  make 
presentation  of  him,"  was  directed  to  be  performed  by  the 
governor  ;  but  it  was  entirely  at  the  option  of  .the  parish  to 
make  or  withhold  such  presentation.  Without  induction, 
the  clergyman  was  held  to  possess  no  freehold  in  his  living, 
but  was  at  any  time  liable  to  removal,  at  the  pleasure  of 
the  vestry,  without  trial  or  even  crime  alleged  against  him. 
Under  these  circumstances,  there  were  but  few  of  the  clergy 
who  could  consider  their  situations  as  permanent,  for  there 
were  but  few  who  could  prevail  upon  their  vestries  to  pre- 
sent them  for  induction.J  The  general  custom,  therefore, 
was  to  hire  the  minister  from  year  to  year.§ 

With  every  disposition  on  the  part  of  the  Bishop  of  Lon- 
don to  send  none  but  deserving  clergymen  into  the  colony, 
(and  of  the  anxiety  of  several  of  the  prelates  of  that  see 
in  this  particular  there  is  abundant  proof,)  still  it  was 
scarcely  possible  to  avoid  making  at  times  injudicious  ap- 
pointments :  for  clergymen  of  reputation,  fixed  in  comfort- 
able livings  at  home,  were  not  often  among  the  applicants  to 
go  abroad ;  and  the  class  of  clergymen  needed  in  Virginia 
seems  to  have  been  but  imperfectly  understood  at  home. 
Men  of  piety,  experience,  and  prudence,  men  well  ac- 
quainted with  the  world,  were  the  only  men  whose  services 

*  Jones's  "  State  of  Virginia,"  p.        t  Beverly's  Virginia. 
103.  i  Present  State   of  Virginia,    by 

f  Ante,  p.  63.  Hartwell,  Blair,  and  Chilton,  p.  66. 


1722.]  IN   VIRGINIA.  '89 

in  Virginia  promised  extensive  usefulness ;  but  such  men 
found  ample  and  profitable  employment  in  England. 
The  class  which  usually  came  (the  assertion  is  made 
on  the  authority  of  a  contemporary*)  was  one  unfitted, 
from  entire  ignorance  of  human  nature,  as  well  as  from 
the  absence  of  discretion  and  prudence,  to  appreciate  the 
true  condition  of  the  country.  They  w^re  utterly  unable 
to  accommodate  themselves  to  the  perpetually  recurring 
exigencies  of  a  new  country,  and  a  state  of  society,  of 
which,  as  the  past  afforded  no  precedent,  so  neither  could 
it  furnish  any  guides  to  conduct.  The  egregious  mistake 
was  made  by  many  who  recommended  clergymen  to  the 
Bishop  of  London,  of  supposing  that  very  inferior  powers 
of  mind,  and  but  a  limited  stock  of  attainments,  tvould  suf- 
fice for  a  missionary  to  Virginia ;  whereas  if  any  station 
on  earth  calls  for  the  loftiest  spirit  of  devotion,  a  nobleness 
of  soul  which  can  forget  self,  and  intellectual  endowments 
of  the  highest  order,  it  is  that  of  the  Christian  missionary. 
Men  of  inferior  capacities  may  be  useful  in  the  ministry  of 
the  church,  for  God,  in  his  wise  providence,  often  makes 
them  the  honoured  instruments  of  good  to  their  fellow-men  ; 
but  such  men  are  not  often  designed  to  be  pioneers  in  the 
great  work  of  planting  the  church  of  God  in  regions  where 
it  is  utterly  unknown. 

Many  of  the  clergy,  therefore,  were,  as  might  have  been 
anticipated,  unfitted  for  their  stations.  The  precariousness 
of  the  tenure  by  which  they  held  their  livings,  contributed 
also  not  a  little  to  beget  in  them  a  spirit  of  indifference  in 
the  discharge  of  their  duties ;  and  to  complete  the  list  of 
unpropitious  circumstances,  the  irregularities  and  crimes  of 
an  unworthy  clergyman  could  not  be  visited  effectually 
with  the  severities  of  ecclesiastical  censure.  Far  removed 
from  his  diocesan,  find  standing  in  but  little  awe  of  the 
powers  of  his  commissary,  he  sometimes  offended  religion 

*  Jones's  State  of  Virginia,  appendix,  95. 
M 


00  PROTESTANT   EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [1722. 

and  -morals  with  impunity,  and  still  remained  in  the  church 
a  reproach  to  her  ministry.  The  commissary  could  not 
degrade  him  by  a  removal  from  the  priesthood ;  it  was 
beyond  his  authority  ;  and  even  in  the  exercise  of  his  ordi- 
nary pov^ers  and  duties,  he  was  obliged  to  encounter  the 
prejudices  of  the  people  themselves.  He  summoned  the 
clergy,  indeed,  to  conventions,  in  which  he  presided  ;  but 
these  conventions  possessed  but  the  shadow  of  power.* 
He  attempted  visitations,  but  with  little  success;  for  un- 
fortunately, they  were  strangely  associated  in  the  minds  of 
the  people  with  ecclesiastical  courts,  and  of  these,  from 
the  times  of  Archbishop  Laud,  even  the  very  name  was 
offensive  in  Virginia.f  - 

If  we  turn  from  the  clergy  to  the  laity,  facts  present 
themselves,  such  as  might  naturally  be  supposed  to  exist 
under  the  ministrations  of  such  a  body  of  clergy.  Indeed, 
it  scarce  admits  of  doubt,  that  between  the  two  classes 
there  was  a  mutual  action  and  reaction  for  evil ;  each 
probably  contributed  to  make  the  other  worse.  Disputes 
were  perpetually  arising  between  pastors  and  people; 
and,  almost  without  exception,  they  might  be  traced  to  the 
uncertainty  of  a  living  which  harrassed  the  clergyman.} 
There  are  instances  recorded  which  show  the  fact  of  ex- 
clusion of  the  minister  on  grounds  purely  mercenary.  It 
has,  indeed,  been  said  by  an  historian,  whose  general  ac- 
curacy is  acknowledged,  that  the  clergy  were  very  rarely 
removed  by  the  parish  without  sonde  great  provocation? 
and  then,  if  their  conduct  had  not  been  grossly  scan- 
dalous, it  is  said,"  they  were  immediately  received  into 
other  parishes.§  There  is  error  in  this  statement.  Upon 
the  testimony  of  the  commissary  himself,  confirmed  by  that 
of  one  of  the  governor's  council,  and  of  the  attorney-gen- 

♦  Jones's  State  of  Virginia,  23,  et  J  Jones,  72. 

se(j.  ^  Beverly. 

t  Jones's  State  of  the  Church,  36, 
8. 


1722.]  ...  IN    VIRGINIA.  &| 

eral,  it  is  denied.  If  a  clergyman  was  faithful  to  his  duty, 
and  preached  against  the  sins  and  vices  of  his  people,  he 
was  removed:  and  the  instances  are  numerous  of  clergy- 
men having  been  displaced  by  vestries  without  a  charge 
made,  or  even  a  reason  assigned  for  it.*  The  same  fact 
is  also  confirmed  by  err  contemporary  to  whom  reference 
has  already  been  made.f  He  states  that  the  clergy  had 
the  church  doors  often  shut  against  them,  and.  their  sala- 
ries were  stopped  by  the  vestry  ;  who,  as  he  expresses  itj 
**  thought  themselves  the  parson's  master ;"  and  he  cites 
instances  in  proof  of  his  assertion.  Some  of  these  instances 
may,  perhaps,  not  be  unacceptable,  as  affording  an  illustra- 
tion of  a  lawless  condition  of  affairs,  quite  sufficient  to  de- 
stroy the  spiritual  welfare  of  any  church.  A  deacon  had 
visited  England  to  obtain  priest's  orders;  during  his  ab- 
sence his  parishioners  had  seen  fit  to  choose  another  clergy- 
man ;  and  on  his  return,  when  sent  by  the  governor  to  his 
parish,  the  people  peremptorily  refused  to  receive  him,  and 
he  was  left  without  redress.  It  is  difficult  here  to  deter- 
mine whether  the  people  or  the  intruding  clergyman  was 
most  in  fault ;  but  that  a  clergyman  could  thus  effectually 
supplant  an  absent  brother^  certainly  affords  proof  of  a 
lamentable  want  of  discipline  and  church  order.  Another 
instance  is  afforded  in  the  case  of  a  Mr.  Latane,  a  French 
gentleman  of  learning  and  piety,  who,  because  of  some 
trifling  dispute  with  a  portion  of  his  vestry,  was  shut  out 
of  his  church.  The  reason  assigned  for  this  act  of  exclu- 
sion was  (according  to  our  authority)  "  that  he  had  a  small 
tang  of  French  in  his  speech,  and  they  could  not  under- 
stand him,"  though,  as  he  adds,  they  were  long  in  making 
the  discovery,  for  they  had  been  hearing  him  for  seven 
years  without  complaint.  It  was  also  not  unusual,  in  case 
of  a  vacancy  by  death  or  otherwise,  for  the  people  actually 

*  Present  State  of  Yirginia,  by  f  Jones' 104, 105 

Hartwell,  Blair,  and  Chilton,  p.  66. 


92  PROTESTANT   EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [1722. 

to  refuse  to  proceed  to  the  election  of  a  successor,  that  they 
might  escape  the  payment  of  a  salary  which  did  not  exceed 
eighty  pounds.**^ 

The  effect  of  such  a  system,  as  was  staled  by  the  com- 
missary, was  to  make  the  clergy,  who  were  not  inducted, 
subservient  and  dependant :  and  good  clergymen  refused 
to  conie  over,  because  they  had  been  taught  by  the  experi- 
ence of  those  who  preceded  them,  and  who  had  retreated 
as  soon  as  they  could,  that  if  they  came,  insult  and  oppres- 
sion awaited  them.f  Another  evil,  more  properly  to  be 
attributed  to  the  general  state  of  feeling  among  the  people, 
than  to  any  necessary  connection  with  the  system  of  lay 
reading  which  had  been  introduced,  was  found  to  follow 
upon  that  system.  The  readers  employed  were  com- 
monly the  parish  clerks,  who  imitated  the  practices  of  the 
clergy  in  the  performance  of  their  public  duties  in  almost 
everything  except  the  use  of  the  clerical  vestments  and  the 
administration  of  the  sacraments ;  these  men  were  some- 
times made  use  of  as  instruments  by  a  discontented  ves- 
try; and  in  the  absence  of  the  clergy,  not  unfrequently 
succeeded  in  procuring  the  favourable  opinions  of  the 
parishioners,  and  in  sowing  disaffection  towards  a  minister 
among  the  people  of  his  charge.  J 

These  facts  leave  but  little  room  for  wonder  at  the  dis- 
covery that  Christianity,  in  the  blessed  and  salutary  influ- 
encerof  its  power  over  the  hearts  and  lives  of  men,  was  ex- 
hibited by  but  few.  These  facts  may  also  serve  to  remove 
an  opinion  entertained  by  some,  that  the  depressed  state  of 
religion  in  Virginia  was  the  natural  and  unavoidable  result  of 
Sin  establishment.  Whatever  may  be  the  evils  which  are  sup- 
posed necessarily  to  flow  from  extending  to  any  one  religi- 

*  Present   State  of  Yirginia,  by  unifonn  in  all  parts  of  the  country,  it 

Blair,  &c.,  66.  may  not    improperly  be  mentioned, 

■f  Ibid.  66.  that  according  to  Jones  the  surplice 

t  Jones,  68.      As    clerical    vest-  was  never  dispensed  with  in  Virginia 

meats  have  here  been  spoken  of,  and  in  his  day,  except  from  absolute  ne- 

the  use  of  the  surplice  has  not  been  cessity.     Jones,  p.  69. 


1727]  IN   VIRGINIA.  93 

ous  system  the  exclusive  patronage  of  the  state,  candour 
requires  the  admission  here,  that  the  calamitous  condition 
of  the  church  in  things  spiritual  must  be  traced  to  some 
other  cause.  Establishments,  it  must  be  remembered,  were 
not  confined  to  Virginia  :  in  the  colonies  of  Massachusetts 
Bay  and  Connecticut,  the  system  of  the  Independents  was 
as  much  established  as  the  Church  of  England  was  in  Vir- 
ginia ;  and  yet  the  two  first  named  colonies  are,  even  at 
this  day,  adduced,  and  with  great  propriety,  as  examples 
of  communities  in  which  was  found  a  degree  of  devoted 
piety  and  practical  religion  unsurpassed  in  the  history  of 
any  communities  of  the  same  extent.  It  could  not  therefore 
have  been  that  the  establishment  simply  of  the  Church  of 
England  in  Virginia  was  the  cause  of  the  evils  which  have 
been  described. 

There  is  also  another  consideration  which  would 
seem  to  refute  this  opinion.  The  Church  of  England, 
it  is  true,  was  nominally  placed  under  the  protection 
of  the  state ;  but  it  certainly  derived,  in  many  important 
particulars,  no  protection  from  it.  In  effect,  it  was  not 
an  establishment.  It  experienced  the  evils  of  an  alli- 
ance without  reaping  its  advantages.  Its  clergy  were  not 
secured  in  the  permanent  enjoyment  of  its  livings,  but  were 
left  entirely  dependent  upon  the  will  of  their  parishioners; 
while  the  parishioners  were,  perhaps,  not  unfrequently 
tempted  to  annoy  their  clergyman,  as  an  easy  mode  of 
manifesting  displeasure  towards  their  rulers.  The  plan 
was  essentially  a  popular  one,  and  the  mere  name  of  es- 
tablishment cannot  change  its  character.  It  may  safely, 
therefore,  be  said  that,  to  most  practical  purposes,  it  was 
no  establishment  at  all ;  and  there  certainly  was  wanting 
that  feature  which  is  commonly  supposed  to  be  most  fatal 
to  ardent  piety  in  establishlnents,  namely,  comfortable 
livings  permanently  secured  to  indolent  or  unfaithful  in- 
cumbents. 

And  if  it  should  be  supposed  that  the  Church  of  England 
in  Virginia,  while  it  neglected  to  secure  its  own  clergy  in 


04r  PROTEfiTANT   EPISCOPAL   CHURCH  [l727. 

the  enjoyment  of  a  competent  maintenance,  yet,  by  virtue 
of  its  established  character,  excluded  pious  ministers  of 
other  denominations,  and  therefore  contributed  to  the  de-. 
pressed  state  of  religion  among  the  people ;  it  should  be 
remembered  that  at  this  period  they  were  not  excluded. 
It  is  stated,  upon  the  evidence  of  the  commissary,  that  a 
Presbyterian  congregation  existed  at  this  very  time  in  the 
colony ;  and  there  is  positive  testimony  to  show  the  period 
at  which  it  was  introduced,  as  the  following  extracts  from 
Ae  records  of  the  Presbyterian  church  will  evince.  Under 
the  year  1722,  it  is  said,  "A  representation  being  made  by 
some  of  our  members  of  the  earnest  desires  of  some  Pro- 
testant dissenting  families  in  Virginia,  together  with  a  com- 
fortable prospect  of  the  increase  of  our  interest  there,  the 
synod  have  appointed  that  Mr.  Hugh  Conn,  Mr.  John 
Orme,  and  Mr.  William  Stewart,  do  each  of  them  severally 
visit  said  people,  and  preach  four  Sabbaths  to  them,  between 
this  and  the  next  synod;"  and  under  the  succeeding  year 
it  is  stated,  that  ''Messrs.  Conn,  Orme,  and  Stewart,  ful- 
filled their  appointment  with  respect  to  Virginia."*  Upon 
the  report  of  these  gentlemen,  measures  were  taken  to  con- 
tinue ministerial  services  to  the  members  of  the  infant  con- 
gregation. And  it  will  be  seen,  in  the  future  pages  of  this 
narrative,  that  their  number  speedily  increased,  so  that  long 
before  the  period  of  the  American  Revolution,  there  were 
ministers  and  congregations  of  various  Christian  denomi- 
nations in  the  colony.  The  existence  of  the  establish- 
ment, therefore,  did  not  operate  to  their  exclusion ;  and 
when  once  introduced,  their  situation  was  similar  to  that 
df  ministers  of  the  establishment,  for  both  were  dependent 
on  the  will  of  the  people. 

The  evil,  then,  must  be  traced  to  another  cause,  and  that 
will  be  found  in  the  characters  of  a  majority  of  the  clergy, 
and  in  the  temper  and  conduct  of  the  people ;  and,  as  has 
been  already  intimated,  each  contributed  to  produce  the 

*  From  First  Book  of  Minutes  of  the  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia. 


J  727.]  IN   VIRGINIA*  9& 

Other.  Some  improvement  in  the  condition  of  things  would 
probably  have,  been  seen,  had  Virginia,  Hke  Massachusetts, 
been  furnished,  for  the  most  part,  with  native  clergymen ; 
but  the  most  effectual  remedy  would  have  been  found  in 
the  presence  of  some  controlling  power,  able  to  correct  and 
punish  the  irregularities  and  crimes  of  unworthy  ministers, 
to  introduce  and  elicourage  good  ones,  and  to  exercise  a 
wholesome  influence  in  securing  to  deserving  men  a  com- 
petent maintenance.  The  reformation  of  the  laity  would 
have  followed  as  a  consequence  of  these  things.  A  faithful 
bishop  would  have  been  a  blessing  to  the  colony,  and  this 
was  plainly  perceived  by  the  worthy  part  of  the  clergy  in 
Virginia;*  nor  did  they  hesitate  to  ask  that  one  might  be 
sent,  with  powers  so  limited  in  certain  particulars  as  to 
allay  the  suspicious  fears  of  the  people,  who  dreaded  no- 
thing more  than  ecclesiastical  tyranny.  The  necessity  of 
such  aii-officer  was  felt,  too,  by  the  wisest  and  best  men  in 
the  church  at  home ;  and  before  this  period  efforts  had  been 
made  by  the  venerable  society  for  propagating  the  Gospel 
in  foreign  parts,  which  were  perseveringly  continued  for 
many  years,  to  have  a  bishop  consecrated  and  sent  to  these 
colonies.f  These  efforts  failed  more  than  once,  when  the 
plan  seemed  to  be  on  the  eve  of  accomplishment,  and  the 
wisdom  of  that  Providence  which  defeated  its  success, 
though  inscrutable  at  the  time,  seems  now  to  be  sufficiently 
obvious. 

Whatever  may  be  thought  of  the  claim  of  episcopacy 
to  be  considered  as  the  only  apostolic  system  of  eccle- 
siastical order,  one  point,  it  is  presumed,  will  be  acceded 
to  by  all.  It  is  this ;  that  among  those  who  hold  to  its  pro- 
priety and  necessity,  there  should  be  no  unnecessary  delay 
in  furnishing  to  a  distant  church  an  officer  so  important  as 
a  bishop.  A  community  of  Episcopal  churches  without  a 
bishop  to  preside  over  them,  must  beviewed,  upon  the  sjrs- 

*  Jones,  p.  99.  a  distinct  part  ip  a  futi  lie  volume  of 

t  The  history  of  these  efforts  fonns    this  work. 


9^  PROTESTANT   EPISCOPAL   CHURCH  [1727. 

tern  of  Episcopalians,  as  a  body  without  a  head.  The 
mother  country,  which  then  withheld  this  essential  ecclesi- 
astical officer  from  these  colonies,  has  in  later  days  pursued 
a  different,  and,  it  is  thought,  far  wiser  course.  Her  colo- 
nies are  now^  supplied  ;  and  the  increase  in  that  supply 
keeps  pace,  as  it  should  do,  with  the  necessities  of  her 
growing  settlements.* 

Whether  the  obstacles  to  the  spiritual  welfare  of  the 
church,  which  have  just  been  detailed,  were  duly  appre- 
ciated by  those  in  authority,  may  well  be  doubted  ;  though 
an  insufficiency  in  the  salaries  of  the  clergy  seems  not  to 
have  escaped  attention.    It  will  be  remembered  that  under 

*  In  the  course  of  his  researches,  in  preparing  these  pages,  the  author  has 
met  with  an  attestation  sa  unexpected  to  the  expediency  of  a  government 
essentially  episcopal,  that  he  here  presents  it.  It  gomes  from  the  Baptists, 
and  is  to  be  found  in  the  record  of  the  proceedings  of  that  sect  in  Vir- 
ginia. In  an  association  of  the  churches,  held  in  1774,  it  was  determined 
that  apostles  \vere  ofiicers  which  still  belonged  to  the  church  of  Christ ;  this 
was  founded  on  Eph.  iv.  11,  12,  13. 

The  association,  having  thus  determined,  proceeded  "  to  the  choice  of  an 
apostle,"  and  the  individual  was  set  apart  by  having  the  hands  of  every 
ordained  minister  laid  on  him.  '^  His  vyork  was  to  perVade  the  churches,  to 
do,  pr  at  least  to  see  to  the  work  of  ordination,  and  to  set  in  order  things 
that  were  wanting,  and  to  make  report  to  the  next  association." 

The  subject  underwent  much  discussion,  and  it  is  said  by  the  Baptist 
historian,  that  the  warmth  of  the  debate  excited  against  some  a  strong 
suspicion  of  vanity  and  ambition.  Soon  after,  two  others  were  appointed 
apostles.  The  plan  was  at  length  abandoned  :  the  unholy  passions  which 
have  been  hinted  at,  it  is  probable-  were  exercised  in  the  effort  to  make  it 
nugatory ;  but,  be  this  as  it  may,  the  apostles  made  but  a  discouraging 
repoi't  of  their  success  to  the  association,  and  none  others  were  ever  ap- 
pointed. They  were  viewed  as  officers  of  human  appointment  merely,  and  this 
may  explain  the  facts  of  opposition  to  them,  and  of  their  final  suppression. 
"  This,"  says  our  authority,  "  is  only  the  old  plan  of  bishops,  &c.,  under  a 
new  name ;"  and  "  either  the  spirit  of  free  government  ran  too  high  among 
the  churches  to  submit,"  or  the  thing  "not  being  from  God,  soon  fell." 
Whatever  may  have  been  the  cause  of  its  discontinuance,  the  fact  of  its 
introduction  would  seem  to  intimate  that  the  necessity  was  felt  of  some- 
thing like  episcopal  supervision. — Scrapie's  History  of  the  Rise  and  Prog- 
ress of  the  Baptists  in  Virginia,  pp.  58,  59. 


1727.]  IN    VIRGINIA.  07 

the  law  of  1662,  the  clergy  were  to  receive  an  annual 
stipend  in  the  commodities  of  the  country,  equivalent  in 
value  to  eighty  pounds:  but  a  depreciation  in  the  value 
of  the  chief  staple  of  the  country,  tobacco,  having  dimin- 
ished the  worth  of  the  clergyman's  salaries  about  one-sixth, 
to  remedy  the  evil,  the  legislature  of  1727  enacted  that 
"every  minister,  received  into  any  parish  by  the  vestry,^'' 
should  have  an  annual  salary  of  sixteen  thousand  pounds  of 
tobacco,  together  with  the  cask  in  which  it  was  packed. 
Not  less  than  two  hundred  acres  of  land  was  also  directed 
to  be  purchased  and  appropriated  for  a  glebe  in  each  parish, 
and  comfortable  buildings,  where  they  did  not  already 
exist,  were  to  be  provided  for  the  use  of  the  minister  at  the 
expense  of  the  parish.  The  minister  on  his  part  was  bound 
to  keep  all  the  buildings  in  repair  during  his  incumbency ; 
and  on  failure  so  to  do,  he  was  made  liable  to  an  action  at 
the  suit  of  the  churchwardens.  '^*J«  l*m  n 

It  is  evident  that  this  law,  however  just  it  may  have  been 
in  providing  a  competent  maintenance  for  the  clergy,  was 
still  deficient.  The  true  cause  of  the  evil  was  left  un- 
touched, for  the  clergy  were  not  secured  in  the  enjoyment 
of  their  salaries.  It  was  still  optional  with  the  vestries  to 
receive  them,  and  they  might  still  refuse  to  present  them  for 
induction,  without  which  they  acquired  no  permanent  in- 
terest. The  usual  practice  under  this  enactment  was  this  : 
when  a  parish  became  vacant,  the  governor  and  commis- 
sary wrote  commendatory  letters  to  the  vestry,  upon 
which  the  clergyman  recommended  was  generally  re- 
ceived into  the  parish,  and  took  benefit  of  its  temporals 
and  charge  of  its  spirituals,  so  long  as  it  might  please  the 
people  to  permit  him.* 

Before  dismissing  the  subject  of  clerical  salaries,  it  is  due 
to  the  assemblies  of  Virginia  to  state,  that  in  general  a  de- 
sire was  manifested  to  make  a  provision  for  the  mainte- 

*  Letter  to  the  Clergy  of  Virginia,  by  Richard  Bland,  Esquire. 
N 


98  PROTESTANT   EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [l72'7. 

nance  of  their  ministers  as  ample  as  the  condition  of  the 
country  would  allow.  The  character  of  Virginia  has  ever 
been  marked  by  a  spirit  of  liberality  and  generosity,  nor 
did  she  detract  from  that  character  in  her  treatment  of 
the  clergy,  so  far  as  the  amount  of  salary  is  concerned ; 
thus,  when  in  1731  a  law  was  passed  for  the  inspec- 
tion of  tobacco,  which  in  its  operation  excluded  from  the 
market  such  as  was  of  inferior  quality,  the  value  of  the 
minister's  salaries  increased  to  one  hundred,  and  in  some 
instances  to  one  hundred  and  twenty  pounds ;  and  the 
legislature  interfered  not,  but  allowed  them  the  full  benefit 
of  the  increase  in  value.  It  should  not,  however,  be  con- 
cealed, that  while  thus  liberal  in  providing  for  temporal 
wants,  there  was  a  suspicious  apprehension  of  ecclesias- 
tical domination,  founded  upon  some  of  the  past  incidents 
of  English  ecclesiastical  history,  which  probably  led  to  the 
mistake  of  not  securing  the  clergyman  against  the  caprice 
of  his  flock. 


»(< 


1731.]  IN   VIRGINIA.  99 


CHAPTER    VI. 
1731-1746. 

Introduction  of  Presbyterians — Visit  of  Mr.  Whitfield — Low  state  of  Reli- 
gion— Efforts  of  Morris  to  revive  it — His  Character  and  Conduct — Amus- 
ing example  of  his  Simplicity  and  Ignorance — Charge  of  the  Governor 
to  the  Grand  Jury  against  Presbyterians — Mr.  Roan's  Case — Help  from 
Synod  in  New- York — Reverend  Samuel  Davies,  his  Character  and  La- 
bours— Act  of  Toleration  extended  to  Virginia — Dread  of  Popery  and 
New  Lights — Commencemeat  of  struggle  with  Dissenters — Morgan 
Morgan. 

Thus  far  we  have  endeavoured  to  trace  the  course  of  the 
church  in  Virginia,  while  she  continued  to  be  almost  the 
only  religious  denomination.  In  her  future  progress  we 
shall  have  occasion  to  view  her  in  company  with  other  reli- 
gious societies,  which  began  to  spring  up  around  her.  It 
has  already  been  seen  that  a  few  meetings  of  Quakers,  and 
one  society  of  Presbyterians,  had  obtained  something  like 
a  permanent  existence  within  the  limits  of  the  colony. 
There  is,  however,  evidence  that  the  number  of  Presbyte- 
rian societies  was  greater  than  is  here  named.  There  was 
but  one  society,  it  is  probable,  in  the  eastern  part  of  the 
colony,  as  stated  by  Commissary  Blair ;  but  in  the  more 
remote  western  parts,  which  had  been  opened  to  the  enter- 
prise of  the  colonists  by  the  exploring  expeditions  under 
Governor  Spottswood,  it  is  believed  that  there  were  several 
Presbyterian  societies.  On  the  western  side  of  the  Blue 
Ridge,  a  large  proportion  of  the  early  settlers,  who  in  the 
first  instance  came  from  Ireland,  and  last  from  Pennsylva- 
nia, were  dissenters.  They  were  so  far  removed  from  the 
seat  of  the  colonial  government,  that  they  encountered  but 


100  PROTESTANT   EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [1740. 

little  opposition  from  the  ruling  powers,  and  their  congre- 
gations were  regularly  organized  and  placed  under  the  care 
of  pastors  whose  names  have  come  down  to  us.*  In  the 
year  1740,  that  extraordinary  man,  the  reverend  Mr.  Whit- 
field, visited  Virginia,  and  experienced  a  kind  reception  at 
the  hands  of  the  commissary,  Dr.  Blair.  At  his  request, 
Mr.  Whitfield  preached  at  the  seat  of  government,  and  in 
other  places ;  and  it  is  not  improbable  that  his  ministrations 
tended  to  create  an  increased  interest  on  religious  subjects 
among  some  of  the  members  of  the  establishment.  At  any 
rate,  he  obtained  a  ready  and  unprejudiced  hearing,  be- 
cause he  was  a  clergyman  of  the  Church  of  England,  and 
a  deeper  sense  of  piety  was  exhibited  among  some  of  the 
establishment  soon  after  his  visit.f 

It  is  not  calumny  to  say,  that  at  the  period  in  which  de- 
partures from  the  church  first  took  place,  religion  was  in  a 
deplorably  low  state.  The  causes  of  this  have  already 
been  placed  before  the  reader,  and  they  certainly  are  suffi- 
cient to  account  for  the  fact.  But  we  must  not  too  hastily 
conclude  that  there  was  no  real  piety  left  in  the  colony,  nor 
that  the  irreligious  were  all  members  of  the  establishment. 
On  both  these  points  we  have  the  direct  testimony  of  one 
who  was  an  eyewitness,  and  who  in  fact  organized  presby- 
terianism  in  Eastern  Virginia.  "  I  have  reason  to  hope," 
says  he,  "  there  are  and  have  been  a  few  names  in  various 
parts  of  the  colony,  who  are  sincerely  seeking  the  Lord, 
and  groping  after  religion  in  the  communion  of  the  Church 
of  England."}  Some  such  he  knew;  while,  on  the  other 
hand,  he  informs  us,  that  "  there  are  and  have  been  in  this 
colony  a  great  number  of  Scotch  merchants,  who  were 
educated  Presbyterians ;  but  (I  speak  but  what  their  con- 
duct more  loudly  proclaims)  they  generally,  upon  their 
arrival  here,  prove  scandals  to  their  religion  and  country, 

*  Appendix  to  CampbelPs  History  t  Davies'  State  of  Religion  among 
of  Virginia,  p.  304.  Dissenters  in  Virginia,  p.  10. 

t  Ibid.  p.  5. 


1742.]  IN    VIRGINIA.  101 

by  their  loose  principles  and  immoral  practices;  and  either 
fall  into  an  indifFerency  about  religion  in  general,  or  affect 
to  be  polite  by  turning  deists,  or  fashionable  by  conforming 
to  the  church."*  The  testimony  of  this  witness  will  per- 
haps be  deemed  unexceptionable,  when  it  is  stated  that  he 
manifests  no  bigoted  prejudice  against  the  church.  "  Had 
the  doctrines  of  the  Gospel,"  says  he,  "  been  solemnly  and 
faithfully  preached  in  the  established  church,  I  am  per- 
suaded there  would  have  been  but  few  dissenters  in  these 
parts  of  Virginia  ;  for  their  first  objections  were  not  against 
the  peculiar  rites  and  ceremonies  of  that  church,  much  less 
against  her  excellent  articles,  but  against  the  general  strain 
of  the  doctrines  delivered  from  the  pulpit,  in  which  these 
articles  were  opposed,  or  (which  was  the  more  common 
case)  not  mentioned  at  all ;  so  that  at  first  they  w^ere  not 
properly  dissenters  from  the  original  constitution  of  the 
Church  of  England,  but  the  most  strict  adherents  to  it,  and 
only  dissented  from  those  who  had  forsaken  it."f 

The  task,  however,  of  dwelling  upon  such  a  picture  is 
far  from  grateful,  and  therefore  we  gladly  pass  on  to  a 
statement  of  some  of  the  steps  towards  reformation.  An 
individual  whosie  piety  it  would  be  wrong  to  question, 
though  it  was  not  always  tempered  with  discretion,}  seems 
to  have  been  made  the  means  of  good  to  many ;  and  he 
certainly  was  the  instrument  of  introducing  several  Pres- 
byterian clergymen  into  the  eastern  part  of  the  colony. 
This  man,  whose  name  was  Morris,  having,  about  this 
time,  become  deeply  interested  in  the  salvation  of  his  soul, 
and  having  found-comfort  in  the  doctrine  of  "Christ  cruci- 
fied," felt  himself  called  on  to  speak  with  his  neighbours 
and  friends,  and  exhort  them  in  conversation  to  devote 
themselves  to  the  service  of  God.  His  attainments,  if  we 
may  judge  from  his  letters,  seem  to  have  been  limited,  anr' 


♦  Bavies'  State   of  Religion,  p.  f  Ibid.  p. 

29,  note.  t  Ibid.  p. 


102  PROTESTANT    EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [1742. 

he  never  undertook  to  preach ;  but  he  read  to  such  of  his 
neighbours  as  would  become  his  auditors  the  few  books 
which  had  been  profitable  to  him.  Among  these,  Luther  on 
Galatians,  and  some  of  John  Bunyan's  works,  held  a  con- 
spicuous place.  His  reading  was  not  without  effect,  as  some 
of  his  hearers  entered  into  his  feelings,  and  manifested  an 
interest  in  things  spiritual,  to  which  they  were  before 
strangers.  It  was  not  long  before  he  added  to  his  little 
library  a  volume  of  sermons  which  Mr.  Whitfield  had 
preached  in  Glasgow,  and  he  forthwith  invited  his  neigh- 
bours to  come  and  hear  them.  Their  perusal  was  so  far 
blessed,  that  several  were  brought  to  serious  reflection, 
which  resulted  in  repentance  towards  God  and  faith  in  the 
Redeemer.  On  every  Lord's  day,  and  sometimes  on  other 
days  of  the  week,  Morris  read  these  sermons  at  his  dwell- 
ing, and  his  neighbours  flocked  to  hear  them.  At  length  it 
was  determined  to  build  a  meeting-house  for  the  purpose  of 
reading  only.  No  prayers  were  used,  for  none  of  the  little 
flock  felt  competent  to  undertake  the  task  of  praying  ex- 
tempore, and  the  services  of  the  church  were  probably 
associated  in  their  minds  with  the  want  of  piety  so  deplo- 
rably manifested  by  many  of  its  members.  The  fame  of 
Morris  as  a  reader  soon  spread,  and  he  obeyed  invitations 
from  other  parts  of  the  country  at  some  distance  from  his 
dwelling.  But  now  an  obstacle  arose  to  further  proceed- 
ings, which  seems  not  to  have  been  anticipated.  Morris 
and  his  hearers  had  absented  themselves  from  the  worship 
of  the  parish  church,  contrary  to  the  laws  of  the  land,  as 
they  were  informed ;  and  some  of  them  were  summoned 
to  court  to  answer  for  the  offence.  They  appear,  however, 
on  this  occasion  not  to  have  been  seriously  molested  ;  and 
there  is  an  amusing  simplicity  manifested  in  the  ignorance 
of  Morris  and  his  adherents  as  to  the  distinctive  names  of 
the  diflferent  religious  sects  in  Christendom.  They  were 
asked  to  declare  the  denomination  to  which  they  belonged  . 
they  knew  nothing  of  any  dissenters  but  the  Quakers,  and 


1743.J  IN    VIRGINIA.  103 

they  were  not  disposed  to  class  themselves  with  them  ;  at 
length,  (as  Morris  himself  states,)  they  were  fortunately 
relieved  from  their  embarrassment  by  his  recollecting  that 
Luther  was  a  noted  reformer,  and  that  his  book  had  been 
useful  to  them  ;  and  they  declared  themselves  Lutherans, 
without  having  the  slightest  intention  to  encroach  upon  the 
rights  of  another  denomination  by  an  appropriation  of  its 
name. 

This  name  they  retained  until  they  were  better  in- 
structed in  1743  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Robinson,  a  Presbyterian 
minister,  who  had  been  sent  by  the  presbytery  of  New- 
castle to  visit  Pennsylvania,  Virginia,  and  North  Carolina. 
Under  the  guidance  of  Mr.  Robinson,  they  were  taught  to 
conduct  the  public  worship  of  God  according  to  the  forms 
used  among  Presbyterians,  and  to  the  reading  of  sermons, 
extempore  prayer  and  singing  were  now  added.  Mr. 
Robinson  was  speedily  followed  by  other  clergymen  of  his 
denomination,  and  now  the  attention  of  government  seems 
to  have  been  excited. 

Early  in  1745,  the  governor  in  an  address  to  the  grand 
jury  of  the  general  court,  confined  his  remarks  almost  ex- 
clusively to  the  introduction  into  the  colony  of  a  system  of 
religious  worship  different  from  that  of  the  establishment ; 
extracts  from  this  address  will  best  exhibit  the  view  taken 
by  the  government. 

"  I  must  on  this  occasion  turn  to  your  thoughts,  and 
recommend  to  your  present  service  another  subject  of  im- 
portance, which,  I  thank  God,  has  been  unusual,  but  I  hope 
will  be  most  effectual ;  I  mean  the  information  I  have  re- 
ceived of  certain  false  teachers  that  are  lately  crept  into 
this  government;  who,  without  order  or  license,  or  pro- 
ducing any  testimonial  of  their  education  or  sect,  professing 
themselves  ministers,  under  the  pretended  influence  of  new 
light,  extraordinary  impulse,  and  such  like  satirical  and 
enthusiastical  knowledge,  lead  the  innocent  and  ignorant 


104  PROTESTANT    EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [1745. 

people  into  all  kinds  of  delusion :  and  in  this  frantic  and 
prophane  disguise,  such  is  their  heterodoxy,  that  they  treat 
all  other  modes  of  worship  with  the  utmost  scorn  and  con- 
tempt; and  as  if  they  had  bound  themselves  on  oath  to  do 
many  things  against  the  religion  of  the  blessed  Jesus,  that 
pillar  and  stay  of  the  truth  and  reformed  church,  to  the 
great  dishonour  of  Almighty  God,  and  the  discomfort  of 
serious  Christians,  they  endeavour  to  make  their  followers 
believe  that  salvation  is  not  to  be  obtained  in  their  own 
communion. 

"  As  this  denunciation,  if  I  am  rightly  advised,  in  words 
not  decent  to  repeat,  has  been  by  one  of  them  publicly 
affirmed,  and  shows  what  manner  of  spirit  they  all  of  them 
are  of,  in  a  country  hitherto  remarkable  for  uniformity  in 
worship,  and  where  the  saving  truths  of  the  gospel  are 
constantly  inculcated ;  I  did  promise  myself,  either  that 
their  preaching  would  be  in  vain,  or  that  an  insolence  so 
criminal  would  not  long  be  connived  at. 

"  And,  therefore,  since  the  workers  of  a  deceitful  work, 
blaspheming  our  sacraments,  and  reviling  our  excellent 
liturgy,  are  said  to  draw  disciples  after  them,  and  we 
know  not  whereunto  this  separation  may  grow,  but  may 
easily  foretel  into  what  a  distracted  condition,  by  long  for- 
bearance, this  colony  will  be  reduced,  we  are  called  upon 
by  the  rights  of  society,  (and  what,  I  am  persuaded,  will 
be  with  you  as  prevailing  an  inducement,)  by  the  princi- 
ples of  Christianity,  to  put  an  immediate  stop  to  the  de- 
vices and  intrigues  of  these  associated  schismatics,  who 
having,  no  doubt,  assumed  to  themselves  the  apostacy  of 
our  weak  brethren,  we  may  be  assured  that  there  is  not 
anything  so  absurd  but  what  they  will  assert,  nor  any 
doctrines  or  precepts  so  sacred  but  what  they  will  per- 
vert, and  accommodate  to  their  favourite  theme  railing 
against  our  religious  establishment ;  for  which,  in  any 
country,  the  British  dominions  only  excepted,  they  would 
be  very  severely  handled. 


1745.]  IN    VIRGINIA.  105 

**  However,  not  meaning  to  inflame  your  resentment,  we 
may  without  breach  of  charity  pronounce,  that  'tis  not 
liberty  of  conscience,  but  freedom  of  speech  they  so  earn- 
estly prosecute ;  and  we  are  very  sure  that  they  have  no 
manner  of  pretence  to  any  shelter  under  the  acts  of  tolera- 
tion, because,  admitting  they  have  had  regular  ordination, 
they  are  by  those  acts  obliged,  (nor  can  they  be  ignorant 
of  it,)  not  only  to  take  the  oaths,  but,  with  the  test,  to  sub- 
scribe, after  a  deliberate  reading  of  them,  some  of  the  arti- 
cles of  our  religion,  before  they  presume  to  officiate.  But 
in  this  indulgent  grant,  though  not  expressed,  a  covenant  is 
intended,  whereby  they  engage  to  preserve  the  character 
of  conscientious  men,  and  not  to  use  their  liberty  for  a  cloak 
of  maliciousness.  So  that  I  say,  allowing  their  ordination, 
yet  as  they  have  not  by  submitting  to  those  essential  points 
qualified  themselves  to  gather  a  congregation ;  or  if  they 
had,  in  speaking  all  manner  of  evil  against  us,  have  for- 
feited the  privilege  due  to  such  compliance ;  insomuch  that 
they  are  entirely  without  excuse,  and  their  religious  pro- 
fessions are  very  justly  suspected  to  be  the  result  of  Jesuit- 
ical policy,  which  also  is  an  iniquity  to  be  punished  by  the 
judges.  I  must,  therefore,  as  in  duty  bound  to  God  and 
man,  charge  you  in  tne  most  solemn  manner,  to  make 
strict  inquiry  after  those  seducers  ;  and  if  they,  or  any  of 
them  are  still  in  this  government,  by  presentment  or  in- 
dictment to  report  them  to  the  court,  that  we  who  are  in 
authority  under  the  defender  of  our  faith,  and  the  appointed 
guardians  to  our  constitution  and  state,  exercising  our 
power,  in  this  respect,  for  the  protection  of  the  people  com- 
mitted to  our  care,  may  show  our  zeal  in  the  maintenance 
of  the  true  religion ;  not  as  the  manner  of  some  is,  by  vio- 
lent oppression,  but  in  putting  to  silence  by  such  method 
as  our  law  directs,  the  calumnies  and  invectives  of  these 
bold  accusers,  and  in  dispelling,  as  we  are  devoutly  dis- 
posed, so  dreadful  and  dangerous  a  combination. 

**  In  short,  we  should  deviate  from  the  pious  path  we  pro- 


106  PROTESTANT    EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [1745. 

fess  to  tread  in,  and  should  be  unjust  to  God,  to  our  king, 
to  our  country,  to  ourselves,  and  to  our  posterity,  not  to 
take  cognizance  of  so  great  a  wickedness,  whereby  the 
grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  is  turned  into  lascivious- 
ness."* 

It  would  be  injustice  to  the  character  of  Governor  Gooch, 
by  whom  the  foregoing  charge  was  delivered,  to  consider 
it  as  a  mere  exhibition  of  the  spirit  of  bigotry.  Rumours 
had  reached  him  of  intemperate  and  disrespectful  expres- 
sions used  by  the  dissenters,  which,  though  probably  exag- 
gerated, were  yet  not  without  some  foundation  in  truth ; 
for  it  would  have  been  strange,  indeed,  if,  under  all  the  cir- 
cumstances, nothing  had  been  said  against  the  establish- 
ment by  the  discontented.  And  fortunately,  justice  has 
been  done  to  the  memory  of  the  governor  in  this  transac- 
tion, by  one  whose  testimony  will  not  be  suspected.  The 
Rev.  Samuel  Davies,  a  Presbyterian  divine  of  high  and  de- 
served reputation  both  for  talent  and  piety,  was,  as  has  been 
already  stated,  the  most  efficient  agent  in  the  introduction  of 
the  Presbyterian  system  into  Eastern  Virginia.  In  the  sketch 
which  he  has  left  of  the  rise  of  the  Presbyterians  in  that  col- 
ony, and  to  which  we  have  already  referred,  he  thus  speaks 
of  the  governor,  and  by  his  candour,  does  honour  both  to  the 
subject  of  his  remarks  and  to  himself.  "  The  honourable 
Sir  William  Gooch,  our  late  governor,  always  discovered 
a  ready  disposition  to  allow  us  all  claimable  privileges,  and 
the  greatest  aversion  to  persecuting  measures ;  but  con- 
sidering the  shocking  reports  spread  abroad  concerning  us 
by  officious  malignants,  it  was  no  great  wonder  that  the 
council  discovered  considerable  reluctance  to  tolerate  us. 
Had  it  not  been  for  this,  I  persuade  myself  they  would 
have  shown  themselves  the  guardians  of  our  legal  privi- 
leges, as  well  as  generous  patriots  to  their  country,  which 

♦  3  Burk,  119. 


1745.]  IN    VIRGINIA.  107 

is  the  general  character  given  of  them."*  The  charge  of 
his  excellency  seems  to  have  been  not  without  effect. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Roan,  who  had  been  sent  by  the  presby- 
tery of  Newcastle,  had  indulged  himself  in  speaking  freely 
about  the  degeneracy  of  the  clergy  of  the  establishment ; 
and  one  of  his  hearers,  whom  Morris  terms  "  a  perfidious 
wretch,"  deposed  that  he  heard  Mr.  Roan  utter  blasphe- 
mous expressions  in  his  sermons.  An  indictment  was  found 
against  him,  but  he  retired  from  the  colony.  Some  of  those 
who  had  invited  him  to  preach  at  their  houses  were  fined. 
Mr.  Roan,  it  is  scarcely  necessary  to  say,  was  not  guilty 
of  blasphemy.  The  very  witnesses  who  had  been  sum- 
moned to  sustain  the  indictment  were  prepared,  on  tfie 
trial,  to  testify  in  his  favour ;  and  the  creature  at  whose 
instigation,  and  on  whose  testimony,  probably,  the  bill  had 
been  found,  fled  the  country,  and  never  returned. 

The  Presbyterians  of  the  colony  determined,  in  their  dif- 
ficulties, to  seek  aid  from  abroad  :  accordingly,  in  1745  a 
deputation  from  Virginia  attended  a  synod  in  New- York ; 
and  an  address  was  sent  from  that  body  to  Sir  William 
Gooch.  The  bearers  of  it,  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Tennent  and 
Finley  were  received  with  respect  by  the  governor,  and 
he  gave  them  liberty  to  preach.  After  a  short  time  they 
left  the  colony,  and  fines  were  again  inflicted  upon  Presby- 
terians for  not  attending  on  the  services  of  the  establish- 
ment. After  having  been  again  visited  by  Mr.  Whitfield, 
the  Rev.  Samuel  Davies  already  mentioned  was  sent  by  the 
presbytery  in  1747. 

As  this  gentleman  was  more  instrumental  than  any  other 
Presbyterian  divine  in  placing  on  a  secure  foundation  the 
religious  denomination  to  which  he  belonged,  it  becomes 
necessary  to  bestow  upon  him  a  more  enlarged  notice.  At 
the  time  of  Mr.  Davies'  arrival  in  Virginia  and  settlement 
in  the  county  of  Hanover,  according  to  his  own  testimony 

*  Davies^  State  of  Religion,  &c.,  p.  21. 


108  rROTESTAWT    EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [l745. 

there  were  not  ten  avowed  dissenters  within  one  hundred 
miles  of  him.*  On  his  arrival,  his  first  care  was  to  secure 
himself  and  his  followers  from  molestation,  by  a  compliance 
with  the  laws  of  the  colony.  The  terms  on  which  dissen- 
ters were  tolerated,  were,  obtaining  a  license  from  some 
judicial  body  for  each  meeting-house,  causing  such  license 
to  be  put  upon  record,  taking  the  usual  oaths  of  fidelity  to 
the  government,  and  subscribing  the  thirty-nine  articles  of 
the  Church  of  England,  with  certain  enumerated  excep- 
tions. These  exceptions  embraced  the  thirty-fourth,  con- 
cerning "  traditions  of  the  church,"  the  thirty-fifth,  "  of  the 
homilies,"  the  thirty-sixth,  "  of  the  consecration  of  bishops 
and  ministers,"  and  so  much  of  the  twentieth  as  declares 
**  the  church  hath  power  to  decree  rites  and  ceremonies,  and 
authority  in  controversies  of  faith." 

With  these  terms  Mr.  Davies  complied,  and  obtained 
licenses  for  no  less  than  four  meeting-houses,  to  which, 
in  a  short  time,  three  more  were  added  ;  and  among  the 
seven,  some  of  which  were  forty  miles  distant  from  each 
other,  he  divided  his  labours.  Of  these  meeting-houses, 
three  were  in  Hanover  county,  one  in  Henrico,  one  in 
Caroline,  one  in  Louisa,  and  one  in  Goochland.  This 
region  of  country,  therefore,  may  justly  be  considered 
as  the  birthplace  of  Presbyterianism  in  Eastern  Virginia.f 
The  health  of  Mr.  Davies  was  precarious,  but  his  labours 
were  unremitting.  Possessing  talents  of  a  high  order, 
and  gifted  with  no  ordinary  share  of  eloquence,  he 
readily  succeeded  in  obtaining  hearers ;  and  many  who 
were  at  first  allured  by  curiosity  or  respect  for  genius, 
returned  to  hear  him  under  the  influence  of  holier  motives. 
In  three  years  his  meeting-houses  presented  the  spectacle 
of  large  and  attentive  congregations,  and  among  them  he 
numbered  three  hundred  communicants.  In  truth,  so  far 
as  natural  qualifications  were  concerned,  he  seems  to  have 

♦  2  Douglass's  Summary,  380;  t  2  Douglass's  Summary,  37e> 
Davies,  p.  28.  380  ;  Davies,  21,  22, 


1745.]  IN   VIRGINIA.  109 

been  admirably  adapted  to  the  work  on  which  he  entered, 
while  his  piety  was  beyond  all  question ;  and  in  the  retro- 
spect of  so  much  accomplished  in  a  short  time,  under  God, 
by  the  labours  of  a  single  man,  we  are  forcibly  impressed 
with  the  thought  that  too  much  care  cannot  be  manifested 
in  the  selection  of  the  instruments  by  whom  either  the  great 
truths  of  the  Gospel  or  the  peculiarities  of  a  sect  are  to  be 
planted  and  extended.  One  able  and  devoted  missionary 
will  accomplish  more  than  ten  men  of  a  different  stamp. 

Mr.  Davies,  however,  did  not  carry  on  his  work  without 
encountering  opposition.  The  officers  of  the  government, 
who  of  course  adhered  to  the  establishment,  strenuously 
contended  that  his  proceedings  were  illegal,  inasmuch  as 
the  English  "  act  of  toleration"  did  not  extend  to  Vir- 
ginia. This  position  was  denied  by  the  dissenters,  who 
claimed  equal  rights  with  their  brethren  at  home,  and  the 
matter  was  brought  before  the  courts  of  the  colony.  Pey- 
ton Randolph,  afterward  the  first  president  of  congress, 
was  then  attorney-general  of  Virginia,  and  the  point  was 
argued,  on  one  occasion,  by  Mr.  Randolph  on  the  one  side^ 
and  by  Mr.  Davies  on  the  other :  it  is  certainly  no  small 
compliment  to  the  latter  gentleman  to  say,  that  he  was  able 
to  argue  such  a  point  at  all  against  such  an  antagonist ;  it 
is  therefore  a  higher  tribute  to  his  abilities  to  add,  that  he 
was  frankly  acknowledged  to  have  sustained  his  cause  with 
great  learning  and  eloquence. 

Upon  the  disputed  point  Mr.  Davies  was  in  the  right ', 
and  when  afterward,  by  appointment  of  Princeton  College,. 
he  visited  England  to  solicit  benefactions,  he  obtained  from 
the  attorney-general,  Sir  Dudley  Rider,  a  declaration  that 
the  English  act  of  toleration  was  the  law  of  Virginia.  Forti- 
fied by  this  opinion,  on  his  return,  he  resumed  his  labours  in 
the  colony,  and  continued  them  until  1759,  when  he  was 
appointed  president  of  Princeton  College,  in  which  situation 
he  died.*     Before  leaving  the  character  of  Mr.  Davies,  it 

*  AUen^s  Biographical  Dictionary,  p.  330. 


110  PROTESTANT   EPISCOPAL   CHURCH  [1745* 

is  due  to  him  to  remark,  that  though  firm,  he  was  yet  in 
manner  conciliatory :  he  experienced  much  kindness  from 
the  reverend  Dr.  Dawson,  the  commissary,  notwithstanding 
the  marked  difference  of  opinion  between  them  ;  and  this 
kindness  was  repaid  by  sincere  respect  and  affection.* 

The  successful  establishment  of  the  Presbyterians,  how- 
ever, was  not  the  sole  cause  of  annoyance  to  the  members 
of  the  church ;  for  about  this  time  was  exhibited  a  fresh 
instance  of  that  aversion  to  popery  which,  it  must  be  con- 
fessed, characterized  Virginia  during  her  colonial  existence. 
The  circumstance  which  called  it  forth,  was  the  news  of 
the  landing  in  Scotland  of  the  Pretender,  under  the  auspices 
of  France.  This  event  produced  a  strong  sensation  among 
all  classes ;  and  the  expressions  of  loyalty  to  the  reigning 
family,  and  of  attachment  to  the  Church  of  England,  were 
numerous  and  unequivocal.  The  reverend  Dr.  Dawson, 
who  had  succeeded  Dr.  Blair  both  as  president  of  the  col- 
lege and  commissary,  convened  the  clergy,  and  an  address 
from  that  body,  transmitted  to  the  king  through  the  medium 
of  the  Bishop  of  London,  breathed  a  most  loyal  and  anti- 
papistical  spirit ;  while  the  governor  issued  his  proclama- 
tion against  Romish  priests,  who,  it  was  said,  came  as  emis^ 
saries  from  Maryland,  to  seduce  the  people  from  their 
allegiance. 

And  to  the  successful  enterprise  of  the  Presbyterians, 
and  the  anticipated  inroads  of  the  Papists,  it  would  seem 
that  there  was  added  the  fear  of  other  en6mies  of  the 
church;  for  in  1746  we  find  the  governor  issuing  his  pro- 
clamation and  forbidding,  under  the  severest  penalties,  the 
meeting  of  "  Moravians,  New  Lights,  and  Methodists."! 
How  numerous  these  obnoxious  dissentients  may  have 
been,  or  how  far  his  excellency  succeeded  in  suppressing 
them,  we  have  not  the  means  of  ascertaining ;  the  proba- 

*  For  a  sketch  of  the  rise  of  Pres-  differ  in  some  slight  particulars  from' 

byterianism  in  Virginia,  the   reader  the  sketch  here  presented  ;    I  have 

may  consult  The  Literary  and  Evan-  followed  Davies. 
gelical  Magazine,  vol.  2,  and  Miller's         f  3  Burk,  124,  5,  6. 
Life  of  Dr.  Rogers,  eh.  2.    These 


1746.]  IN    VIRGINIA.  Ill 

bility  is,  however,  that  after  an  entrance  was  once  effected, 
and  a  lodgment  secured  within  the  colony  by  the  opponents 
of  the  church,  they  increased  in  strength  notwithstanding 
the  resistance  of  those  in  authority  :  certain  it  is,  that  from 
this  period  onward  through  a  succession  of  many  years, 
the  course  of  the  church  was  not  free  from  lets  and  hin- 
derances ;  and  we  may  here  most  properly,  it  is  thought, 
fix  the  commencement  of  a  struggle  which  was  terminated 
by  her  almost  entire  overthrow. 

It  is  a  coincidence  singular  enough  to"  attract  attention, 
that  the  part  of  our  narrative  which  records  the  efforts 
of  a  layman  to  introduce  the  Presbyterian  system  into  the 
eastern  part  of  the  colony,  should  also  bring  into  view  that 
period  of  time  which  witnessed  the  zealous  labours  of  an- 
other layman  to  establish  Episcopal  services  in  the  western 
part  of  Virginia.  It  will  be  remembered  that  in  the  east 
dissenters  were  rare  ;  while  in  the  west,  as  we  have  seen, 
but  few  of  the  inhabitants  belonged  to  the  establishment : 
they  were,  for  the  most  part,  Presbyterian  emigrants  from 
Ireland  originally,  and  last  from  Pennsylvania.  The  name 
of  one  layman  is  identified  with  the  rise  of  Presbyterianism 
on  one  side  of  the  mountains ;  the  simultaneous  commence- 
ment of  the  Episcopal  church  on  the  other  side,  is  to  be 
found  in  the  biography  of  another. 

Morgan  Morgan  was  a  native  of  Wales,  whence  he  emi- 
grated in  early  life  to  the  province  of  Pennsylvania.  In 
the  year  1726  he  removed  to  what  is  now  the  county  of 
Berkeley  in  Virginia,  and  built  the  first  cabin  which  was 
reared  on  the  south  side  of  the  Potomac,  between  the  Blue 
Ridge  and  the  North  Mountain.  He  was  a  man  of  ex- 
emplary piety,  devoted  to  the  church;  and,  in  the  year 
1740,  associated  with  Dr.  John  Briscoe  and  Mr.  Hite,  he 
erected  the  first  Episcopal  church  in  the  valley  of  Virginia. 
This  memorial  of  his  zeal,  it  is  believed,  is  still  standing,  and 
now  forms  that  part  of  the  parish  of  Winchester  which  is 
known  as  "  Mill  Creek  Church."     But  he  has  left  behind 


112  PROTESTANT   EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [1746. 

him  other  and  more  valuable  records  of  his  quiet  and  use- 
ful life.  "  He  went  about  doing  good,"  and  was  most  fre- 
quently to  be  found  by  the  bedsides  of  the  sick  and  the 
dying.  With  no  mad  zeal,  assuming  to  itself  infallibility 
and  superior  holiness,  but  with  the  soberness  of  a  sound 
mind  and  the  earnestness  of  a  pious  heart,  he  sought  to  im- 
press upon  others  the  value  of  the  Gospel  of  Christ ;  in  this 
good  work  he  forgot  not  his  own  household,  but  laboured 
to  train  up  his  children  "  in  the  nurture  and  admonition  of 
the  Lord."  The  fruit  of  his  labour  was  abundantly  visible 
in  the  piety  of  a  son  who  bore  his  own  name ;  and  who,  in 
the  destitution  of  Episcopal  clergymen  in  western  Virginia, 
officiated  at  the  early  age  of  sixteen  as  a  lay  reader  in  the 
church  which  his  father  had  erected.  The  father  lived  on, 
a  pattern  of  piety,  enjoying  at  times,  under  the  ministra- 
tions of  an  Episcopal  clergyman,  the  solemn  services  and 
comfortable  sacraments  of  that  church  which  had  his  heart's 
best  affections,  until,  at  the  advanced  age  of  seventy-eight, 
he  died  under  the  roof  of  that  son,  whose  piety  and  filial  ten- 
derness smoothed  his  passage  to  the  grave. 

But  clergymen  were  not  always  lo  be  had,  and  Morgan 
Morgan  had  been  taught  by  his  father  that  the  public  wor- 
ship of  God  was  not  to  be  neglected  on  that  account.  He 
officiated  himself,  but  never  was  known  to  assume  the  dig- 
nity nor  exercise  the  duties  which  belong  peculiarly  to  the 
ministry:  he  confined  himself  strictly  to  that  which  a  lay- 
man might  lawfully  do.  In  the  latter  years  of  his  life,  the 
wants  of  the  church  were  greatly  increased  from  the  dis- 
tracted state  of  the  country;  and  he,  like  Morris,  was 
often  called  from  home  to  perform  in  vacant  churches 
those  religious  duties  which  were  proper  for  a  layman. 
Like  Morris,  too,  he  obeyed  the  call ;  and  as  his  circum- 
stances were  easy,  he  determined,  in  the  urgency  of  the 
case,  to  devote  himself  exclusively  to  the  work  of  keeping 
alive  and  quickening  piety  in  the  church  of  his  fathers ; 
and  thus  did  he  exhibit  "  the  singular  spectacle  of  a  lay- 


1746.]  IN    VIRGINIA.  113 

man,  in  his  appropriate  station,  and  with  due  regard  to  all 
the  peculiarities  and  regulations  of  the  church,  seeking  to 
keep  up  her  institutions  under  circumstances  of  peculiar 
discouragement."  The  history  of  his  success  is  thus  re- 
lated by  the  writer  to  whom  we  are  indebted  for  our 
sketch  ;  and  it  certainly  affords  abundant  encouragement 
to  the  zeal  and  efforts  of  the  pious  layman  who  may  be 
engaged  in  building  up  the  church.  "  While  the  church  to 
which  he  belonged  shall  have  existence  in  the  valley  of 
Virginia,  his  pious  labours  must,  and  will  be  remembered 
with  gratitude.  In  a  dark  day,  when  desolation  and  death 
seemed  brooding  over  her  interests,  he  commenced  a  career 
of  active  exertion,  which  was  hoping  almost  against  hope; 
and  by  efforts  of  the  most  disinterested  nature,  revived  the 
attachment  of  her  friends,  and  kept  her  from  descending  to 
the  dust.  Though  encumbered  with  the  weight  of  years, 
and  though  but  a  layman,  thus  precluded  from  some  of  the 
most  interesting  exercises,  yet  his  labours  were  abundantly 
blessed  by  God,  and  the  spirit  of  piety  was  kept  alive. 
Through  the  counties  of  Jefferson,  Berkeley,  and  part  of 
Frederick,  Hampshire,  and  a  small  portion  of  Maryland, 
he  exercised  the  duties  of  a  lay  reader.  He  was  a  wel- 
come visitant  everywhere,  and  was  beloved  by  rich  and 
poor ;  and,  what  does  not  always  happen  when  the  ser- 
vices of  the  church  are  kept  up  by  a  layman,  he  had  large 
and  attentive  audiences.  The  character  of  the  man  was 
his  passport  to  respect  and  attention,  and  his  love  for  the 
church  of  his  fathers  stimulated  the  love  of  others.  It  is 
firmly  believed  that  the  fruits  of  his  labours  will  be  long 
traced  in  the  valley  of  Virginia."* 

His  bones  are  now  resting  in  the  churchyard  of  "  Mill 
Creek  Church ;"  and  though  his  name  on  earth  was  but 
little  known  out  of  the  immediate  sphere  of  his  usefulness, 
yet,  doubtless,  "  he  shall  be  better  known  at  the  resurrec- 
tion of  the  just." 

*  See  Episcopal  Recorder,  vol.  i.  No.  5.  '^^ 

F 


114  PROTESTANT   EPISCOPAL   CHURCH  [1748. 


CHAPTER    711. 
1748-1771. 

Lawsuit,  Legislation  fixing  Clergyman's  right  to  Glebes— State  of  the 
Clergy — Substitution  of  Money  for  Tobacco  in  paying  Clergy — Difficul- 
ties thence  arising — Injustice  to  Clergy — Appearance  of  Baptists — Their 
bitter  Enmity — Great  Question  of  the  legality  of  paying  the  Clergy  in 
Money — Suit  to  settle  it — Mr.  Henry,  his  first  Appearance — Question 
settled  against  the  Clergy — Efforts  in  Virginia  to  obtain  the  Episcopate 
— Opposed  by  some  of  the  Clergy — Their  Conduct  approved  by  the 
Legislature. 

Allusion  has  already  oeeii  made  on  a  previous  page  of 
this  narrative,  to  the  uncertain  tenure  by  which  the  clergy 
held  their  livings ;  and  the  year  on  which  we  are  now  en- 
tering afforded  a  striking  practical  illustration  of  the  evils 
resulting  from  the  existing  system.  It  will  be  remembered 
that  under  the  act  of  1727,  ^^  every  minister ^  received  into 
any  parish  by  the  vestry"  was  entitled  to  demand  the  salary 
fixed  by  law  of  sixteen  thousand  pounds  of  tobacco.  After 
the  passage  of  this  law,  the  usual  mode  of  proceeding  to 
supply  a  vacant  parish  was,  as  has  been  stated,  to  receive 
some  clergyman  recommended  by  the  governor  and  commis- 
sary, and  under  such  reception  the  clergyman  claimed  the 
profits  of  the  parish. 

It  seems  that  by  direction  of  the  vestry  of  Lunenburg 
parish  in  Richmond  county,  an  individual  entered  upon  the 
glebe  lands  contrary  to  the  wishes  of  the  incumbent,  the 
reverend  Mr.  Kay.  Mr.  Kay  brought  an  action  of  tres- 
pass against  the  intruder,  and  in  1748  the  suit  came  before 
the  general  court  for  judgment,  upon  the  single  point  whe- 
ther the  bare  reception  of  a  minister  by  the  vestry,  under 


1748.]  IN   VIRGINIA.  115 

the  act  of  1727,  there  having  been  no  fornnal  induction  in 
the  case,  would  enable  the  minister  to  maintain  an  action 
of  trespass  against  one  who  entered  on  the  glebe  lands  by- 
order  of  the  vestry.  Judgment  was  finally  rendered  for 
Mr.  Kay  on  this  point,  but  it  was  by  a  divided  court ;  and 
as  the  matter  created  much  unpleasant  excitement  through- 
out the  colony,  the  assembly,  then  in  session,  to  prevent  a 
prejudice  against  religion  by  the  recurrence  of  a  similar 
difficulty,  enacted,  that  "every  minister  received  into  a  par- 
ish is  entitled  to  all  the  spiritual  and  temporal  benefits  of 
it,  and  may  maintain  an  action  of  trespass  against  any  per- 
son or  persons  who  shall  disturb  him  in  the  possession  and 
enjoyment  thereof."* 

This,  it  is  believed,  is  the  first  act  of  legislation  which 
secured  the  clergyman  against  the  exercise  of  that  caprice 
in  a  vestry  which  might,  by  petty  annoyance,  lead  to  a 
removal  from  his  charge  ;  but  it  certainly  was  not  intended 
to  prevent  the  removal  of  an  unworthy  incumbent,  against 
whom  a  direct  accusation  of  improper  conduct  could  be 
preferred  ;  nor  should  it  have  had  in  its  operation  the  effect 
of  giving  impunity  to  the  wicked  and  the  worthless.  It 
was  therefore  a  wholesome  enactment,  and  it  is  only  to  be 
lamented  that  it  was  not  of  earlier  date ;  had  it  been,  the 
church  in  Virginia  would  probably  have  enrolled  in  its 
ministry  more  men  worthy  of  the  sacred  office ;  but  as  it 
was,  it  came  too  late  to  remedy  an  evil  which  for  years 
"had  been  operating  to  prevent  the  best  men  from  seeking 
clerical  employment  in  the  colony.  If  the  authority  of  a 
contemporary  who  laboured  long  and  faithfully  in  Virginia 
may  be  relied  on,  much  the  larger  part  of  the  clergy  were 
at  this  time  deficient  in  the  great  duty  of  placing  distinctly 
before  the  people  the  fundamental  truths  of  the  Gospel. 
Most  of  them  might,  indeed,  have  led  lives  externally 
decent,  at  any  rate  they  are  not  charged  with  any  flagrant 

*  Bland's  Letter  to  the  Clergy  of  Virginia. 


116  PROTESTANT   EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [1755. 

violations  of  propriety  in  their  outward  deportment ;  but 
nothing  was  more  common,  as  we  gather  from  the  writer 
to  wiiom  we  are  indebted  for  these  facts,  than  to  be  con- 
fronted, when  he  enjoined  a  duty  or  condemned  a  sin,  with 
the  inquiry,  "  Why  did  not  other  ministers  tell  us  so?  were 
they  not  as  wise  as  you  ?"  Nay,  from  some  of  the  clergy 
themselves  he  was  compelled  to  endure  opposition  and  re- 
proach ;  and  opprobrious  epithets,  calculated  to  alarm  pre- 
judice or  provoke  ridicule,  were  freely  resorted  to,  to  de- 
stroy or  diminish  the  effects  of  his  ministry.* 

With  such  priests,  it  is  easy  to  believe  what  is  recorded 
of  the  people.  "  The  Sabbath  day  was  usually  spent  by 
them  in  sporting  "j^  and  no  question  seems  to  have  been 
made  whether  the  practice  was  right  or  wrong.  And  with 
such  a  people,  it  is  not  probable  that  the  errors  and  vices 
of  their  teachers  formed  the  subject  of  very  serious  com- 
plaints, or  that  direct  efforts  were  made  often  to  displace 
an  unworthy  clergyman.  The  act,  therefore,  which  has 
just  been  recited,  it  may  well  be  supposed,  under  all  the  cir- 
cumstances, served  as  much  to  impart  confidence  to  wick- 
edness, as  to  afford  security  to  virtue.  No  wonder  is  it 
that  the  church  languished,  while  dissenters  acquired 
strength  at  her  expense.  She  was  not  true  to  herself. 
The  devout  use  of  her  formularies,  the  faithful  preaching 
of  her  doctrines,  the  consistent  piety  of  her  clergy,  would 
have  presented  more  effectual  checks  to  the  growth  of  dis- 
sent than  any  exertion  of  civil  authority  ;  these,  under  God, 
are  at  all  times  her  best  bulwarks,  for  these  remove  all 
grounds  of  reasonable  complaint ;  and  the  absence  of  these 
can  never  be  supplied  by  the  mere  support  of  the  arm  of 
civil  power. 

In  the  year  1755,  a  petition  was  preferred  to  the  legisla- 
ture by  the  clergy  themselves,  which  furnishes  evidence 


♦  The  Life  of  the  Rev.  Devereux  t  Ibid,  28. 

Jarrat,  28,  86. 


1755.]  IN    VIRGINIA.  117 

that  the  picture  here  presented  of  that  body  is  not  exag- 
gerated. The  petition  sets  forth  "  that  the  salary  appointed 
by  law  for  the  clergy  is  so  scanty,  that  it  is  with  difficulty 
they  support  themselves  and  families,  and  can  by  no  means 
make  any  provision  for  their  widows  and  children,  who 
are  generally  left  to  the  charity  of  their  friends  ;  that  the 
small  encouragement  given  to  clergymen  is  a  reason  why 
so  few  come  into  this  colony  from  the  two  universities ; 
and  that  so  many  who  are  a  disgrace  to  the  ministry  find 
opportunities  to  fill  the  parishes  ;  and  that  the  raising  of  the 
salary  would  prove  of  great  service  to  the  colony,"  and 
the  petitioners  prayed  accordingly  that  their  salaries  might 
be  increased.  The  petition  was  not  granted  by  the  House 
of  Burgesses  ;  but  it  is  due  to  that  body  to  state,  that  the 
country  was  then  engaged  in  an  expensive  war  with  the 
French,  which  called  for  an  unusual  taxation  of  the  peo- 
ple.* The  representations  here  made  of  the  character  of 
many  of  the  clergy  are  sustained  by  other  statements  con- 
cerning them  which  have  come  down  to  us.  In  a  letter 
from  Dr.  Rundle,  bishop  of  Derry,  written  in  1740,  he 
speaks  of  three  ministers  whom  he  had  discarded  from  his 
diocess,  and  to  whom  he  had  refused  certificates,  and  yet, 
he  adds,  they  "  have  obtained  good  livings  in  America." 

The  year  1757  was  one  of  unparalleled  distress  in  the 
colony :  the  war  just  alluded  to  had  not  terminated  ;  and  to 
increase  the  privations  consequent  upon  a  state  of  hostility, 
there  was  a  failure  in  the  great  staple  of  the  country. 
There  was  not  a  sufficiency  of  tobacco  made  in  the  whole 
colony  to  have  afforded  to  every  man  who  was  tithable 
two  hundred  pounds,  out  of  which  to  pay  his  taxes.  So 
great  was  the  scarcity,  that  the  assembly  was  obliged  to 
issue  money  from  the  public  funds  to  save  the  population 
from  starving.  In  this  emergency,  the  legislature  enacted, 
that  inasmuch  as  payment  in  tobacco  was  impossible,  the 

*  Bland's  Letter  to  Virginia  Clergy. 


118  PROTESTANT    EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [175T. 

clergy  should  receive  "  a  price  for  iheir  salaries,  equal  to 
crop  tobacco  at  eighteen  shillings  per  hundred  weight," 
which  gave  to  them  for  that  year  one  hundred  and  forty- 
four  pounds,  a  salary  larger  than  they  had  ever  received 
before.*  There,  probably,  was  tobacco  enough  to  have 
paid  the  clergy  alone,  and  the  scarcity  in  the  commodity 
had  of  course  so  much  enhanced  its  value  at  the  time,  that 
had  payment  been  made  in  the  article  itself,  its  sale  would 
have  yielded  to  its  owners  very  large  returns.  Whether 
this  consideration  operated  on  the  minds  of  the  clergy  to 
produce  discontent  is  unknown  ;  certain  it  is,  however,  that 
the  law  occasioned  much  murmuring,  and  the  clergy  con- 
tended that  it  was  a  violation  of  their  rights  to  compel 
them  to  yield  to  this  plan  of  substitution.  A  portion  of 
them  was  not  content  patiently  to  submit;  accordingly 
they  met  in  convention  at  the  college,  and  instructed  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Camm  (who  was  then  the  commissary)  to  make  a 
representation  on  the  subject  to  the  Bishop  of  London,  or 
to  the  Lords  of  Trade.  It  is  probable  that  their  complaint 
was  made  to  their  diocesan,  as  there  is  extant  a  letter  from 
that  prelate  to  the  Board  of  Trade,  in  which  he  inveighs 
against  this  law  as  being  subversive  of  the  rights  of  the 
clergy.t 

On  the  contested  point,  it  will  probably,  at  this  day,  be 
conceded  that  the  clergy  were  in  the  right ;  and  as  the 
matter  in  its  consequences  was  one  of  much  moment  to  the 
church,  it  demands  attention.  The  act  of  1757  was  not 
the  first  law  which  had  compelled  the  clergy  to  receive 
money  in  lieu  of  tobacco.  In  1755,  the  crop  having  failed, 
the  legislature  passed  "  an  act  to  enable  the  inhabitants  of 
the  colony  to  discharge  their  tobacco  debts  in  money  for 
the  present  year :"  by  this  act,  payments  to  be  made  in 
tobacco  might  be  satisfied  in  money,  at  the  rate  of  sixteen 
shillings  and  eight  pence  per  hundred  weight,  at  the  option 

*  Bland's  Letter  to  Virginia  Clergy.  t  Ibid. 


1757.]  IN   VIRGINIA.  119 

of  the  debtor.  The  act  was  to  continue  in  force  ten  months, 
and  no  longer,  and  did  not  contain  the  usual  clause  of  sus- 
pension, until  it  should  receive  the  royal  assent.  The  clear 
necessity  for  the  act,  and  its  being  made  to  extend  to  all 
other  tobacco  creditors  as  well  as  ministers,  probably  satis- 
fied the  clergy ;  at  any  rate  they  made  no  objection,  and 
bore  the  loss  without  a  murmur.  The  rich  planters,  who 
had  tobacco  to  sell,  received  for  it  fifty  or  sixty  shillings 
per  hundred  weight,  while  they  paid  off  their  debts  due  in 
the  commodity  at  sixteen  shillings  and  eight  pence,  so  that 
the  law  proved  to  them  a  source  of  great  profit.  Remem- 
bering the  effect  of  this  law  upon  their  interests,  in  the 
year  1757,*  upon  a  surmise  that  the  crop  would  be  de- 
ficient, the  act  of  1755  was  re-enacted.  The  crop  did  fail, 
and  tobacco  was  again  worth  fifty  shillings.  The  clergy 
felt  the  hardship  thus  repeated,  and  were  disposed  to  re- 
sist. The  act  was  attacked  by  a  publication  on  the  part 
of  Commissary  Camm,  and  this  led  to  a  war  of  pamphlets 
between  the  commissary  on  the  one  side,  and  Colonels 
Bland  and  Carter  on  the  other.  The  people,  who  at  first 
merely  laughed,  soon  became  excited  by  a  sense  of  in- 
terest, and  so  strongly  did  the  popular  current  set  against 
the  clergy,  that  the  printers  of  the  colony  shut  their  presses 
against  them,  and  Mr.  Camm  at  last  resorted  to  Mary- 
land for  publication.-]- 

This  was  an  unfortunate  contest  for  the  church  and  the 
clergy.  In  every  conflict  of  the  kind,  the  merits  of  the 
question,  originally  involved  in  the  dispute,  are  apt  to  be 
lost  sight  of;  and  in  the  ardour  of  controversy,  it  is  not 
unusual  for  men  to  transfer  their  condemnation  from 
opinions,  to  those  who  avow  them  ;  and  such  there  is  rea- 
son to  believe  was  the  course  pursued  in  this  instance. 
While  among  the  clergy  there  were  some  who  were  above 
just  suspicion  or  reproach,  it  must  be  owned  that  as  a  body 

*  Mr.  Wirt  fixes  it  in  1758.  Life  f  Wirt's  Life  of  Patrick  Henry, 
of  Patrick  Henry,  39.  39,  40. 


120  PROTESTANT   EPISCOPAL   CHURCH  [1757. 

they  were  anything  but  invulnerable  ;  and  the  opportunity 
for  censure  afforded  by  their  conduct  was  too  inviting  to 
be  overlooked  by  their  antagonists.  The  leading  laymen 
looked  around,  and  saw  almost  every  parish  supplied  with 
an  incumbent  of  some  sort,  while  the  state  of  religion  was, 
in  their  view,  far  from  flourishing  ;  they  did  not  hesitate  to 
impute  this  condition  of  things  to  the  clergy  themselves, 
and  the  people  at  large  were  ready  enough  to  lend  a  will- 
ing ear  to  the  charge.*  It  was  not  that  there  was  any 
partiality  for  the  dissenters,  for  the  general  sentiment 
was  against  them  ;t  but  there  was  growing  up  in  men's 
minds  a  gradual  alienation  from  the  church,  because  it  was 
identified  with  those  who  were  suspected  of  being  more 
anxious  to  enrich  themselves  than  to  benefit  the  souls  of 
others,  and  men  began  to  admit  the  suspicion  that  the  es- 
tabUshment  was  proving  a  burden  instead  of  a  blessing. 

Doubtless,  injustice  was  done,  in  this  process,  to  many  a 
worthy  man,  who  was  made  to  suffer  by  the  indiscriminate 
censure  which  visited  his  order,  while  he  probably  would 
have  been  as  prompt  as  any  one  in  removing  those  who  had 
subjected  both  the  church  and  himself  to  undeserved  re- 
proach. This  unfortunate  dispute  is  recorded  because  it 
was  one  of  the  links  in  a  chain  of  causes  which  was  oper- 
ating silently  but  surely  for  the  prostration  of  the  church : 
everything  which  provoked  hostility  and  awakened  preju- 
dice, of  course  prepared  men's  minds  for  the  final  blow 
struck  in  the  stormy  times  of  that  revolution,  to  which  the 
country  was  even  then  approaching  with  unsuspected  but 
certain  step. 

It  was  in  the  midst  of  this  growing  spirit  of  disaffection 
towards  the  church  that  a  new  and,  as  events  proved,  a 
most  inveterate  enemy  appeared.  About  the  year  1765, 
and  while  the  Rev.  Mr.  Robinson  was  commissary,  the 
Baptists  first  made  their  appearance  in  Amelia  and  some 

*  Life  of  Jarrat,  79, 83,  86,  103.  t  Jarrat's  Life,  69. 


1762.]  IN   VIRGINIA.  121 

of  the  adjacent  counties,  and  by  insisting  on  the  peculiar 
tenets  of  their  sect,  they  began  to  shake  the  faith  of  many 
who  belonged  to  the  church.*  It  must  not,  however,  be 
supposed  that,  previous  to  this  time,  none  of  this  sect  had 
been  seen  in  Virginia.  The  first  who  came  were  emi- 
grants from  England  as  early  as  the  year  1714  ;  others 
also  came  from  Maryland  in  the  year  1743  if  but  their  in- 
crease was  but  small  for  a  long  time  after  their  introduc- 
tion. There  was  a  bitterness  in  the  hatred  of  this  denomi- 
nation towards  the  establishment,  which  far  surpassed  that 
of  all  other  religious  communities  in  the  colony ;  and  it 
was  always  prompt  (as  the  future  pages  of  our  work 
will  show)  to  avail  itself  of  every  prejudice  which  religious 
or  political  zeal  could  excite  against  the  church.  Their 
first  preachers  came  from  the  North,  and  some  few  arose 
in  the  South:  all  met  with  opposition  from  those  in 
power.  "  The  ministers  (says  Leland)  were  imprisoned, 
and  the  disciples  buffeted."  This  is  but  too  true.  No 
dissenters  in  Virginia  experienced  for  a  time  harsher  treat- 
ment than  did  the  Baptists,  They  were  beaten  and  im- 
prisoned ;  and  cruelty  taxed  its  ingenuity  to  devise  new 
modes  of  punishment  and  annoyance.  The  usual  conse- 
quences followed ;  persecution  made  friends  for  its  vic- 
tims ;  and  the  men  who  were  not  permitted  to  speak  in 
public,  found  willing  auditors  in  the  sj^mpathizing  crowds 
who  gathered  around  the  prisons  to  hear  them  preach  from 
the  grated  windows-!  It  is  not  improbable  that  this  very 
opposition  imparted  strength  in  another  mode,  inasmuch 
as  it  at  least  furnished  the  Baptists  with  a  common  ground 
on  which  to  make  resistance ;  and  such  common  ground 
was  in  a  great  degree  wanting  in  their  creed ;  for  not  to 
speak  of  their  great  division  into  Regulars  and  Separates,^ 

*  The  Virginia  Baptist  Chronicle,         t  Scrapie's    History  of  Virginia 
by  John  Leland.     (This  work  I  saw     Baptists,  pp.  1,  344. 
in  MS.,  among  the  papers  of  the  late         |  Seniple's    History    of  Virginia 
E.  Hazzard,  Esq.,  of  Philadelphia.)       Baptists,  pages  15,  17,  22,  207,  427. 

^  Semple's  History,  passim. 


122  PROTESTANT  EPISCOPAL   CHURCH  [l76Sr. 

some  "held  to  predestination,  others  to  universal  provision; 
some  adhered  to  a  confession  of  failh>  others  would  have 
none  but  the  Bible ;  some  practised  laying  on  of  hands, 
others  did  not  ;"*  and,  in  fact,  the  only  particular  in  which 
there  seems  to  have  been  unanimity,  was  in  the  favourite 
exclusive  opinion  of  the  sect,  that  none  but  adult  believers 
are  fit  subjects  of  baptism,  and  that  immersion  is  the  only 
effectual  or  authorized  mode  of  administering  that  sacra- 
ment. 

It  is  obvious  that  no  time  could  have  been  more  ina»- 
spicious  than  this,  for  calling  public  attention  to  the  contro- 
versy with  the  laity  on  the  subject  of  substituted  payments 
in  money,  in  lieu  of  tobacco.  And  yet  it  was  not  possible 
for  the  clergy,  without  an  entire  surrender  of  their  rights, 
to  let  the  matter  rest.  It  has  been  seen  that  through  their 
commissary  the  subject  was  brought  to  the  notice  of  the 
Bishop  of  London  and  the  Lords  of  Trade,  and  finally  it 
came  before  the  king  and  council.  The  act  of  1757  was 
denounced  by  his  majesty  as  a  usurpation,  and  he  declared 
it  utterly  null  and  void.  Sustained  by  this  declaration,  the 
clergy  resolved  not  to  yield,  but  to  bring  the  question  up 
for  a  judicial  decision.  Accordingly,  suits  were  com- 
menced, in  several  of  the  counties,  by  the  clergy  to  recover 
their  stipends  in  tobacco.  As  the  decision  in  one  cause 
would  settle  the  principle  in  all,  it  was  not  necessary  to 
bring  all  to  trial ;  and  to  lest  the  success  of  the  experiment, 
it  was  resolved  to  try  the  action  brought  by  the  reverend 
Mr.  Maury  in  the  county  of  Hanover. 

The  case,  as  presented  to  the  court,  was  briefly  this : 
the  plaintiff's  declaration  was  founded  on  the  law  of  1748, 
which  gave  specifically  sixteen  thousand  pounds  of  tobacco. 
To  this,  the  defendant  pleaded  specially  the  act  of  1757, 
which  allowed  payment  to  be  made  in  money,  at  the  rate 
of  sixteen  shillings  and  eight  pence  per  hundred  weight. 

♦  Leiandi. 


1763.]  IN   VIRGINIA.  123 

To  this  plea  the  plaintiff  demurred  on  two  grounds  :  first, 
that  the  act  of  1758  had  never  received  the  royal  assent 
and  was  therefore  not  law ;  and  secondly,  that  the  king, 
in  council,  had  declared  that  act  to  be  null  and  void.  In 
1763  the  case  came  on  for  argument  upon  the  demurrer. 
The  court  sustained  the  demurrer;  thereby  deciding  that 
the  plea  of  the  defendant  was  no  good  defence,  and,  of 
course,  that  the  act  of  1748,  under  which  the  clergy  claimed 
the  specific  tobacco,  was  unrepealed.  This  was,  in  effect, 
a  decision  of  the  cause  for  the  clergy  ;  but,  before  a  final 
judgment,  certain  other  steps  were  necessary.  It  having 
been  settled  that  the  defence  made  was  not  a  good  one,  if 
the  defendant  had  none  better  to  offer,  it  only  remained  to 
inquire  by  a  jury  the  amount  of  damages  which  the  plaintiff 
had  sustained,  and  to  render  a  final  judgment  on  their  find- 
ing. The  defendants  had  not  pleaded  over  after  the  judg- 
ment on  the  demurrer,  and  the  case  stood  upon  a  Writ  of 
inquiry  of  damages ;  and  nothing  was  more  reasonable 
than  the  expectation  of  the  clergy  that  the  jury  would  at 
once  render  a  verdict  for  their  claim  under  the  ^ct  of  J  748. 
In  fact,  the  counsel  originally  employed  by  the  defendant 
looked  upon  this  result  as  inevitable,  candidly  said  so  to  his 
client,  and  retired  from  the  cause.  And  such,  probably, 
would  have  been  the  result,  but  for  the  celebrated  Patrick 
Henry.  He  had  been  employed  upon  the  withdrawal  of 
the  former  counsel ;  and  as  the  very  loose  practice  of  the 
county  courts  of  that  day  permitted  great  latitude  of  remark 
in  advocates,  when  he  came  before  the  jury,  instead  of  en- 
tering upon  a  calm  investigation  of  the  amount  of  damages 
actually  sustained,  he  skilfully  played  upon  the  passions  of 
his  hearers,  aroused  their  prejudices,  and  poured  forth  tor- 
rents of  eloquence  upon  the  decision  of  the  king  in  council, 
as  indicating  a  wanton  disregard  of  the  true  interests  of  a 
suffering  people,  and  a  heartless  contempt  of  their  necessi- 


124  PROTESTANT    EPISCOPAL   CHURCH  [1763. 

ties.*  It  is  very  certain  that  all  this  had  nothing  to  do  with 
the  question  before  the  jury ;  but  they  readily  imbibed  sen- 
timents so  much  in  accordance  with  their  interests,  and  so 
agreeable  to  their  prejudices  against  the  clergy ;  and, carried 
away  by  an  eloquence  as  extraordinary  as  it  was  unex- 
pected, (for  it  was  Mr.  Henry's  first  cause  in  any  court,)  they 
yielded  to  their  feelings,  and  returned  a  verdict  of  one 
penny  damages.  The  court,  inflaenced  as  much  as  the 
jury  by  the  fascinating  powers  of  the  advocate,  unani- 
mously refused  to  grant  a  new  trial;  and  this  refusal  was 
received  with  a  shout  of  acclamation  by  the  crowd  both 
within  and  without  the  house.  The  people,  in  fact,  looked 
upon  it  as  their  cause  ;  the  triumph  of  Mr.  Henry  was  their 
triumph :  and  a  striking  picture  of  the  spirit  of  the  populace 
in  this  matter  is  afforded  in  the  fact,  that  as  soon  as  the  de- 
cision was  made,  the  people,  in  spite  of  all  efforts  made  by 
the  officers  to  preserve  order  in  the  court,  seized  Mr.  Henry 
at  the  bar,  bore  him  out  of  the  courthouse,  and  raising  him 
on  their  shoulders,  carried  him,  in  a  sort  of  triumphal  pro- 
cession, about  the  courtyard.     It  was,  indeed,  a  sponta- 

*  A  picture  of  the  scene  here  described,  together  with  a  sketch  of  this 
remarkable  speech,  has  been  preserved  by  one  who  witnessed  its  effect' with 
the  deepest  interest,  even  by  Mr.  Maury  himself  The  report  of  Mr. 
Maury  does  not  fully  sustain  the  glowing  description  given  by  the  biogra- 
pher of  Mr.  Henry  ;  but,  with  a  degree  of  candour  most  honourable  to 
Mr.  Maury,  it  does  show  that  the  advocate  possessed  extraordinary  powers 
of  eloquence.  It  was  in  the  course  of  this  speech,  says  Mr.  Maury, 
that,  when  Mr.  Henry  declared  that  a  king  who  annulled  and  dis- 
allowed laws  of  a  salutary  nature,  instead  of  being  the  father,  degenerated 
into  the  tyrant  of  his  people,  that  the  opposing  advocate  cried  oat,  **  He  has 
spoken  treason."  The  bench,  however,  did  not  think  so,  and  Mr.  Henry 
proceeded  without  interruption  in  the  delivery  of  as  bold  a  philippic  as  ever 
subject  uttered  against  his  sovereign.  Calling  to  mind  the  relation  in 
which  Virginia  then  stood  to  the  crown  of  England,  it  must  be  confessed 
that  the  speech  contained  much  more  treason  than  logic  :  it  was  an  appeal 
to  men's  passions,  not  to  their  understandings,  and  was  managed  with  con- 
summate address. — MS.  letter  from  Mr.  Maury  to  the  reverend  Mr.  Camm, 
furnished  to  the  author  by  James  Maury,  Esq. 


1763.]  iPf  VIRGINIA.  125 

neous  though  undignified  tribute  to  the  extraordinary  pow- 
ers of  a  very  extraordinary  man;  but  it  was  also  the 
triumph  of  wrong  over  right. 

The  news  of  the  defeat  of  the  clergy,  connected  as  it 
was  with  the  unlooked-for  display  of  Mr.  Henry's  elo- 
quence, spread  with  rapidity  through  the  colony  ;  and  so 
decided  was  public  sentiment,  that  the  clergy,  hopeless  of 
success,  never  brought  any  of  the  other  cases  to  trial ;  they 
were  all  dismissed  by  the  plaintiffs.  In  Mr.  Maury's  case 
no  appeal  was  taken  ;  and  Mr.  Camm  assigns  as  the  reason 
for  this,  that  the  legislature  voted  money  to  support  the 
defendants  in  the  appeal,  and  the  clergy  were  too  poor  to 
contend  against  the  wealth  of  the  public  treasury.  It  i^ 
not  known  with  certainty  that  the  assembly  made  provision 
to  sustain  the  defendants  in  this  particular  case ;  though 
the  journals  show,  in  1767,  an  engagement  to  defend  all 
suits  brought  by  the  clergy  for  their  salaries,  payable  on 
or  before  the  last  day  of  May,  1759.* 

With  all  the  prejudices  which  resulted  from  the  transac- 
tions just  related,  operating  against  the  church,  no  time 
could  have  been  more  inauspicious  for  agitating  another 
question,  to  the  history  of  which  the  course  of  events  has 
now  brought  us.  For  many  years,  applications  had  been 
repeatedly  made  by  members  of  the  church  in  this  country 
for  a  resident  bishop.  In  the  first  instance,  these  applica- 
tions issued  alike  from  laity  and  clergy  ;  a  variety  of  cir- 
cumstances, fully  recorded  in  a  future  volume  of  this  work, 
had  conspired  to  defeat  the  success  of  the  applications,  and 
sometimes  when  they  seemed  to  be  on  the  eve  of  accom- 
plishment. 

Notwithstanding  all  disheartening  events,  they  were, 
however,  still  continued,  and  principally  by  the  clergy  of 
some  of  the  northern  colonies.  New- York  and  New-Jer- 
sey, with  the  occasional  aid  of  Connecticut,  were  conspicu- 

*  See  Wirt*B  Life  of  Patrick  Henry,  section  1. 


126  PROTESTANT   EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [1771. 

ous  in  these  solicitations.  They  spared  no  efforts  to  bring 
into  their  view^s  their  brethren  of  the  other  colonies,  in  the 
reasonable  expectation  that  a  unanimous  appeal  to  the 
church  of  the  mother  country  would  not  be  disregarded. 
The  clergy  of  New- York  and  New-Jersey  entered  into  a 
voluntary  union,  known  as  '*  The  United  Convention  of  New- 
York  and  New-Jersey ;"  and  from  the  manuscript  records 
of  that  body  kept  by  the  late  Bishop  Seabury,  who  then 
resided  in  New-York,  and  was  its  secretary,  the  fact  is 
ascertained  that  the  reverend  Dr.  Cooper,  then  president 
of  King's  (now  Columbia)  College  in  New- York,  and  the 
reverend  Mr.  M'Kean,  missionary  at  Am  boy  in  New- 
Jersey,  were  specially  deputed  to  visit  the  southern  part  of 
the  continent,  for  the  purpose  of  securing  the  co-operation 
of  their  brethren  in  that  region  in  procuring  an  American 
episcopate.* 

It  must  not,  however,  be  supposed  that  the  unanimity 
which  had  marked  the  earlier  applications  on  this  subject 
still  continued.  The  laity  were  now  nearly  ripe  for  the 
revolution  which  soon  commenced  ;  and  bishops  were  an 
object  of  suspicion  to  many  who  truly  loved  the  church, 
because,  in  their  minds,  the  civil  and  ecclesiastical  constitu- 
tions of  the  mother  country  were  identified  ;  the  political 
aspect  of  affairs,  therefore,  presented  to  the  laity  a  new 
and  serious  obstacle  to  the  measure  ;t  and  in  their  opin- 
ions there  were  not  wanting  many  of  the  clergy  who 
concurred. 

It  was  while  affairs  were  in  this  posture,  that,  in  April, 
1771,  Mr.  Camm,  the  commissary,  by  public  advertisement, 
requested  a  general  attendance  of  the  clergy  of  the  colony 
at  the  college,  on  the  fourth  of  May.  There  were  at  that 
time  more  than  one  hundred  churches  in  Virginia,  and  most 
of  them  were  furnished  with  ministers.     On  the  appointed 

♦  Journals  of  the  United  Conven-         t  Bishop  White's  Memoirs,  p.  61. 
tion  of  1767,  pp.  32,  33, 34,  35 ;  Sea- 
bury  MSS. 


1771.]  IN    VIRGINIA.  127 

day  a  number  of  the  clergy  met,  and  a  proposition  was 
made  to  address  the  king  in  behalf  of  an  American  episco- 
pate. The  whole  number  of  clergymen  in  attendance  was, 
however,  so  small,  that  most  of  them  desired  the  commis- 
sary to  convene  another  meeting,  and  to  inform  those  sum- 
moned of  the  proposition  which  would  be  considered  at 
the  meeting.  This  was  accordingly  done ;  and  on  the 
fourth  of  June,  the  day  appointed  for  the  meeting,  twelve 
clergymen  only  appeared.  This  number  was  less  than 
that  which  had  attended  the  previous  meeting,  and  a  ques- 
tion very  naturally  arose,  whether  so  small  a  portion  of  the 
clergy  could  with  propriety  be  deemed  a  convention  of  the 
Virginia  clergy.  This  having  been  settled  in  the  affirma- 
tive, though  not  without  opposition,  it  was  then  proposed 
to  address  his  majesty  on  the  subject  of  the  episcopate,  and 
the  proposition  was  rejected,  A  third  question  was  then 
presented  for  consideration,  on  the  propriety  of  addressing 
the  Bishop  of  London  for  his  opinion  and  advice,  and  all 
concurred  in  the  adoption  of  such  a  measure. 

The  business  of  the  meeting,  it  would  seem,  should  here 
have  terminated  ;  but  before  adjournment,  a  successful 
effort  was  made  to  reconsider  the  vote  upon  the  subject  of 
an  address  to  the  king,  and  such  an  address  was  finally 
resolved  on.  This  proposition  to  reconsider  was  very 
warmly  opposed  by  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Henly  and  Gwatkin, 
two  of  the  professors  in  the  college  ;  but  it  is  due  to  both 
these  gentlemen  to  add,  that  their  opposition  was  entirely 
on  grounds  unconnected  with  the  question  of  church  gov- 
ernment or  ministerial  imparity:  they  distinctly  avowed 
their  cordial  and  conscientious  approval  of  the  episcopal 
system,  and  resisted  the  present  effort  on  considerations 
of  expediency  alor^p.  The  arguments  by  which  they  sus- 
tained their  opposition  were  founded  upon,  1.  respect  for 
the  Bishop  of  London ;  2.  the  disturbances  occasioned  by 
the  stamp  act;  3.  a  recent  rebellion  in  North  Carolina,  but 
just  suppressed ;  and  4.  the  general  clamour  at  that  time 


128  PROTESTANT   EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [1771» 

against  the  introduction  of  bishops.  The  vote  to  address 
the  king  was  adopted,  notwithstanding  the  opposition ;  a 
committee  was  appointed  to  apply  to  such  of  the  clergy  as 
were  not  present  for  their  signatures  to  the  purposed  ap- 
plication, and  Mr.  Henly  and  Mr.  Gwatkin  solemnly  pro- 
tested against  the .  whole  proceeding  in  the  following 
terms : — 

"  First,  because,  as  the  number  of  the  clergy  in  this  colony 
is  at  least  a  hundred,  we  cannot  conceive  that  twelve  cler- 
gymen are  a  sufficient  representation  of  so  large  a  body. 

"Secondly,  because  the  said  resolution  contradicts  a 
former  resolution  of  the  same  convention,  which  puts  a 
negative  upon  the  question,  ^whether  the  king  should  he  ad- 
dressed upon  an  American  episcopate,*  And  that  an  as- 
sembly met  upon  so  an  important  an  occasion,  should  re- 
scind a  resolution  agreed  to  and  entered  down  but  a  few 
minutes  before,  is  in  our  apprehension  contrary  to  all  order 
and  decorum. 

■  "  Thirdly,  because  the  expression  American  episcopate 
includes  a  jurisdiction  over  the  other  colonies;  and  the 
clergy  of  Virginia  cannot,  with  any  propriety,  petition  for 
a  measure  which,  for  aught  that  appears  to  the  contrary, 
will  materially  affect  the  natural  rights  and  fundamental 
laws  of  the  said  colonies,  without  their  consent  and  appro- 
bation. 

*♦  Fourthly,  because  the  establishment  of  an  American 
episcopate,  at  this  time^  would  tend  greatly  to  weaken  the 
connection  between  the  mother  country  and  her  colonies,  to 
continue  their  present  unhappy  disputes,  to  infuse  jealousies 
and  fears  into  the  minds  of  Protestant  dissenters,  and  to 
give  ill-disposed  persons  occasion  to  j-aise  such  distur- 
bances as  may  endanger  the  very  existence  of  the  British 
empire  in  America. 

"  Fifthly,  because  we  cannot  help  considering  it  as  ex- 
tremely indecent  for  the  clergy  to  make  such  an  applica- 


V 


1771.]  IN  viRGiNiA;    *^  129 

tion  without  the  concurrence  of  the  president,  council,  and 
representatives  of  this  province ;  a  usurpation  directly 
repugnant  to  the  rights  of  mankind. 

"  Sixthly,  because  the  Bishops  of  London  have  always 
hitherto  exercised  ecclesiastical  jurisdiction  over  this  col- 
ony; and  we  are  perfectly  satisfied  with  the  mild,  just,  and 
equitable  government  of  our  excellent  diocesan,  the  present 
Lord  Bishop  of  London ;  and  do  think  a  petition  to  the 
crown  to  strip  his  lordship  of  any  part  of  his  jurisdiction, 
but  an  ill  return  for  his  past  labours,  and  contrary  to  our 
oath  of  canonical  obedience.  We  do  further  conceive,  as 
it  had  been  unanimously  determined  by  this  very  conven- 
tion that  his  lordship  should  be  addressed  for  his  opinion 
relative  to  this  measure,  the  clergy  ought  to  have  waited 
for  his  lordship's  paternal  advice,  before  they  had  pro- 
ceeded any  further  in  an  affair  of  such  vast  importance. 

"  Seventhly,  because  we  have  particular  objections  to 
that  part  of  the  resolution  by  which  the  committee  are 
directed  to  apply,  as  it  is  termed, /or  the  hands  of  the  ma- 
jority  of  the  clergy  of  this  colony :  a  method  of  proceeding, 
in  our  opinion,  contrary  to  the  universal  practice  of  the 
Christian  church,  it  having  been  customary  for  the  clergy 
to  sign  all  acts  of  an  ecclesiastical  nature  in  public  conven- 
tion ;  whereas,  the  manner  of  procuring  their  concurrence 
now  proposed,  is  unworthy  the  decorum  and  dignity  by 
which  so  venerable  a  body  ought  ever  to  be  guided." 

Whatever  may  be  thought  of  the  insufficiency  of  some 
of  these  grounds  of  protest,  it  will  probably  be  conceded  of 
the  rest  that  they  were  not  without  weight ;  at  least  such 
seems  to  have  been  the  opinion  of  others  of  the  clergy 
besides  Messrs.  Henly  and  Gwalkin  ;  for  the  Rev.  Messrs. 
Hewitt  and  Bland  subsequently  joined  in  the  foregoing 
protest;  while  the  opinion  of  the  laity  on  the  subject,  was 
very  strongly  indicated  by  a  unanimous  vote  of  the  legisla* 
ture,  in  the  following  words : — "  Resolved,  Tiemine  contra* 


130  PROTESTANT   EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [1771. 

dicente,  that  the  thanks  of  thi&  House  be  given  to  the  Rev. 
Mr.  H^nly,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Gwatkin,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Hewitt, 
and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Bland,  for  the^  wise  and  well-timed  oppo- 
sition they  have  made  to  the  pernicious  project  of  a  few 
mistaken  clergymen,  for  introducing  an  American  bishop  ; 
a  measure,  by  which  much  disturbance,  great  anxiety,  and 
apprehension  would  certainly  take  place  among  his  ma- 
jesty's faithful  American  subjects ;  and  that  Mr.  Richard 
Henry  Lee  and  Mr.  Bland  do  acquaint  them  therewith."* 

When  it  is  remembered  that  the  majority  of  the  legisla- 
ture belonged  to  the  establishment,  the  conclusion  will, 
probably,  not  be  deemed  erroneous,  that  the  opposition 
rested  almost  entirely  upon  political  considerations  ;  and 
such  a  conclusion  derives  confirmation  from  the  fact,  that 
fifteen  years  afterward,  Mr.  Lee,  who  was  appointed  to 
convey  the  thanks  of  the  House  to  the  protesting  clergy, 
as  president  of  congress  lent  his  aid  to  the  efforts  made  to 
procure  consecration  for  Bishops  White  and  Prevost,  and 
certified  that  they  sought  nothing  in  their  application  in- 
consistent with  the  civil  institutions  of  the  United  States.f 

The  circumstances  here  related  led  to  an  unfortunate 
alienation  between  the  clergy  of  the  northern  provinces, 
who  desired  a  bishop,  and  such  of  the  Virginia  clergy  as 
had  opposed  the  recent  measures  in  that  colony.  The 
history  of  this  alienation  is  preserved  in  the  pamphlets  of 
the  day,  to  which  these  Virginia  proceedings  gave  birth. 
On  the  part  of  the  northern  ministers  was  published  "  An 
Address  from  the  Clergy  c.  New- York  and  New- Jersey 
to  the  Episcopalians  in  Virginia,"  which  was  replied  to  in 
a  spirited  pamphlet  by  Mr.  Gwatkin.  These  publications^ 
however^  satisfactorily  show  that,  save  on  one  point,  both 
parties  entertained  the  same  opinion ;  that  point  was  the  ex- 
pedienci/f  at  that  time,  of  making  the  proposed  effort.  In- 
fact,  Mr.  Gwatkin  declared  explicitly  that  the  authors  of  the 

*  3  Burk,  364, 5.  Bishop  White's  Memoirs,  53 


1771.]  IN    VIRGINIA.  1-31 

protest  had  "  not  any  aversion  to  episcopacy  in  general, 
to  that  mode  of  it  established  in  England,  or  even  to  an 
American  episcopate  introduced  at  a  proper  time,  hy  proper 
authority ,  and  in  a  proper  manner:''''  the  opposition  to  an 
"  immediate  establishment,"  he  stated  to  be  ''  a  prudential 
regard  to  the  practicable^  a  desire  to  preserve  peace,  heal 
divisions,  and  calm  the  angry  passions  of  an  inflamed  peo- 
ple." And  at  this  distance  of  time,  it  will  probably  be 
acknowledged  that  on  the  question  of  expediency,  the  Vir- 
ginia clergy  judged  wisely.  In  the  temper  of  the  times, 
the  application  could  not  but  have  proved  unsuccessful ; 
to  make  it,  therefore,  could  only  serve  to  exasperate  a  very 
large  portion  of  the  colonists,  without  the  prospect  of  ob- 
taining the  end  desired. 


fjii   &iii;'S-^\ 


.UiuiiillS 


182  PROTESTANT   EPISCOPAL   CHURCH  [1772. 


CHAPTER    VIII. 
1772-1778. 

Appearance  of  the  Methodists — Their  adherence  to  the  Church — Conduct 
of  the  Episcopal  Clergy  in  the  Revolution — Many  of  them  Whigs — Some 
become  Officers  in  the  Continental  Army — Conduct  of  the  Baptists  at 
breaking  out  of  the  Revolution — Petitions  of  Presbyterians,  Baptists, 
and  others  against  the  Church — Counter  Petitions — Act  of  1776  destroy- 
ing Establishment — Distress  of  the  Clergy — Their  Treatment — Legis- 
lative Proceedings  of  1777  and  1778 — Ordinations  by  the  Methodists, 
condemned  by  Mr.  Asbury. 

Odr  attention  nnust  now  be  directed  to  another  religious 
denomination,  which,  upon  its  first  appearance,  clainoing 
alliance  with  the  church,  received  countenance  from  some 
of  its  clergy  ;  but  which  ultimately  proceeded  to  the  length 
of  an  entire  separation.  It  was  about  the  period  of  time 
which  we  have  now  reached  that  the  Methodists  began  to 
increase  in  Virginia.  There  were  doubtless  individuals, 
and,  it  may  be,  preachers  of  that  society,  to  be  found  in  the 
colony  before  1772;*  but  they  seem  thus  far  not  to  have 
made  any  very  strong  impression,  and  certainly  one  not 
hostile  to  the  church.  In  truth,  they  professed  to  belong  to 
the  church  ;  and  as  a  portion  of  their  subsequent  success 
is  attributable  to  this  circumstance,  a  brief  review  of  facts 
connected  with  that  society  becomes  necessary. 

It  is  well  known,  that  until  the  latter  years  of  his  life, 
the  founder  of"  Methodism,"  (Mr.  John  Wesley,)  who  was 
a  presbyter  of  the  Church  of  England,  professed  a  strong 
attachment  to  that  church,  and  gave,  to  his  followers  in  the 

*  Vide  ante,  p.  1 10,  Gov.  GoocVs  Proclamation  against  the  Methodists. 


1772.]  IN  VIRGINIA.  138 

mother  country,  a  list  of  "  reasons  for  not  separating  from 
tiie  ciiurch,"  the  good  sense  of  which  was  unfortunately- 
forgotten  by  him  at  a  subsequent  period.  In  his  "farther 
appeal  to  men  of  reason  and  religion,"*  he  thus  addresses 
the  members  of  the  Church  of  England : — "  We  do  not 
dispute  concerning  any  of  the  externals  or  circumstantials 
of  religion.  There  is  no  room  ;  for  we  agree  with  you 
therein.  We  approve  of,  we  adhere  to  them  all ;  all  that 
we  learned  together  when  we  were  children,  in  our  cate- 
chism and  common  prayer  book.  We  were  born  and  bred 
in  your  own  church,  and  desire  to  die  therein;"  "  We  hold, 
and  ever  have  done,  the  same  opinions  which  you  and  we 
received  from  our  forefathers."  "  We  approve  both  the 
doctrines  and  discipline  of  our  church,  and  inveigh  only 
against  ungodliness  and  unrighteousness."  In  accordance 
with  these  sentiments  the  first  Methodists  in  America  acted. 
Their  preachers  were  all  laymen  ;  they  never  administered 
the  sacraments,  but  received  the  Lord's  Supper  themselves 
at  the  hands  of  the  clergy  of  the  Church  of  England  ;  and 
they  claimed  to  be  nothing  more  than  members  of  a  reli- 
gious society  formed  within  the  bosom  of  the  established 
church  at  home,  and  extended  to  America. f  The  language 
of  the  Methodist  preachers  was,  that  "  all  who  left  the 
church  left  the  Methodists." J  Nay,  such  was  the  avowed 
attachment  of  the  society,  that  in  public  opinion  it  was  so 
far  identified  with  the  church,  as  to  share  with  it  the  odium 
which  from  political  causes  then  rested  upon  the  establish- 
ment in  Virginia.  The  Methodists  were  suspected  of  being 
inimical  to  the  liberties  of  America.§  This  suspicion,  in 
the  minds  of  many,  originated  in  nothing  but  the  known 
adherence  of  the  society  to  an  ecclesiastical  system  which 
had  the  support  of  the  civil  power.  It  derived  strength 
afterward  from  the  fact,  that  Mr.  Wesley,  who,  in  the  com- 


♦  Page  134.  J  Ibid.  110. 

t  Jarratt's  Life,  108.  \  Ibid.  110,  112. 


184  PROTESTANT    EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [1772. 

mencement  of  the  dispute  between  England  and  the  colo- 
nies had  defended  the  latter,  suddenly  changed  his  opinions, 
and  wrote  and  preached  against  the  American  cause  with 
so  much  warmth  as  to  provoke  this  memorable  rebuke  from 
the  celebrated  Junius: — "You  have  forgotten  the  precept 
of  your  Master,  that  God  and  mammon  cannot  be  served 
together.  You  have  one  eye  upon  a  pension,  and  the  other 
upon  heaven  ;  one  hand  stretched  out  to  the  king,  the  other 
raised  up  to  God.  I  pray  that  the  first  may  reward  you, 
and  the  last  forgive  you."  The  term  rebels,  was,  from  the 
influence  of  Mr.  Wesley's  opinions  on  his  English  follow- 
ers, one  of  frequent  application  to  the  American  Method- 
ists by  their  English  brethren ;  and  thus  were  they  sub- 
jected to  the  misfortune  of  a  double  suspicion,  which  on 
one  side  or  the  other  must  have  been  misplaced. 

Their  profession  of  regard,  however,  obtained  for  them, 
as  has  already  been  hinted,  favour  from  some  of  the  clergy 
of  Virginia,  and  in  one  instance  at  least,  if  not  in  more,  the 
pulpit  of  the  parish  church  was  surrendered  for  the  use  of 
the  lay  preacher.*  The  evil  effects  of  this  kindness  were 
felt  by  the  church,  after  the  final  separation  of  the  Method- 
ists from  the  establishment ;  for  there  were  those  who, 
having  once  been  taught  to  regard  them  as  brethren,  and 
ignorant  of  the  extent  to  which  the  separation  had  been 
carried,  could  not  be  made  to  understand  that  on  the  im- 
portant subject  of  the  Christian  ministry  differences  of 
opinion  existed  which  were  irreconcilable.f 

As  the  political  aspect  of  aflfairs  became  more  gloomy, 

.  '  r 

*  Jarratt's  Life,  p.  108. 

t  The  late  Bishop  Ravenscroft  of  North  Carolina  has  been  heard  to  aay, 
that  in  the  discharge  of  his  duties  as  a  parish  priest  in  Virginia,  he  some- 
times encountered  aged  churchmen,  who  could  not  understand  that  there 
■were  any  subjects  of  disagreement  between  the  church  and  the  Methodists, 
Their  language  was,  "  Father  Jarratt  gave  us  all  to  the  Methodists."  It 
should  be  added  that  Father  Jarratt  lived  long  enough  to  see  the  error  of  his 
course  in  this  particular.     See  Jarratt's  Life,  p.  120,  et  seq. 


1775.]  IN  viRGiNrA.  135 

il  may  well  be  supposed  that  the  absorbing  topic  was  the 
approaching  struggle  which  the  wisest  patriots  of  America 
now  began  to  perceive  was  inevitable.  The  whole  conti- 
nent was  ripe  for  resistance,  and  awaited  but  the  first  blow 
to  fly  to  arms.  In  this  mood  of  mind,  it  was,  of  course,  to  be 
expected  that  the  hostility  towards  the  church  in  Virginia, 
would  become  more  confirmed  in  the  breasts  of  all  who 
took  part  with  the  colonies.  The  clergy  were  generally 
friends  to  the  mother  country  : — attached  to  it  by  the  cir- 
cumstance of  birth,  and  bound  as  they  were  individually 
by  the  oath  of  allegiance,  it  would  be  unjust  hastily  to  con- 
demn them  for  their  preference.  With  many  of  them 
scruples  of  conscience  really  existed,  as  to  the  propriety  or 
lawfulness  of  a  resort  to  arms  under  all  the  circumstances. 
Admit  the  fact  that  the  view  which  they  entertained  was 
erroneous,  (as  it  certainly  was,)  still  it  might  have  been, 
and  in  many  cases  was,  a  very  honest  error.  The  ques- 
tion, as  to  the  proper  course  to  be  pursued,  was  one  on 
which  honest  and  intelligent  men  might  easily  differ,  with- 
out justifying  an  imputation,  on  the  one  hand,  of  a  want  of 
understanding  and  disregard  of  liberty ;  or,  on  the  other,  of 
a  spirit  of  rebellion  and  the  guilt  of  treason. 

The  subject  is  one  of  so  much  delicacy,  that  even 
now  it  is  dangerous  to  discuss  it,  from  fear"  of  misappre- 
hension. The  period  has  hardly  yet  arrived  for  the  exer- 
cise of  a  dispassionate  judgment  upon  the  events  con- 
nected with  the  history  of  the  American  revolution.  There 
is  an  association  formed,  from  the  cradle,  between  names 
and  things,  which  the  men  of  this  generation  have  not 
yet  outgrown:  the  watchwords  of  party  in  the  stormy 
times  of  the  revolution,  have,  in  modern  days,  a  power  to 
awaken  emotions  akin  to  those  which  glowed  in  the  bosoms 
of  our  ancestors.  Before,  therefore,  we  condemn  all  who, 
in  the  perilous  struggle,  took  part  with  the  mother  country, 
we  should  place  ourselves,  in  imagination,  in  their  situation, 
and  it  may  serve  to  temper  the  harshness  of  our  judgment. 


136  PROTESTANT   EPISCOPAL   CHURCH  [1775. 

About  to  embark,  and  with  seeming  hopelessness,  in  a 
struggle  with  a  power  which  from  infancy  had  been  an  ob- 
ject of  veneration,  and  fidelity  to  which  had  been  inculcated 
as  a  virtue  from  the  very  cradle  ; — with  that  fidelity  further 
guarantied  by  a  solemn  oath,  from  which,  it  was  sup- 
posed, nothing  could  absolve  the  conscience  of  an  honest 
man ;  and  with  a  feeling  of  patriotism,  which  it  is  hard  to 
er/idicate  from  the  bosom  of  an  upright  man,  (for  it  must 
be  remembered  that  England  was  the  birthplace  of  many 
of  the  loyalists,  and  arose  upon  their  memories  surrounded 
with  all  the  cherished  endearments  of  home ;) — under  such 
circumstances,  it  must  be  confessed  that  there  were  many 
inducements  which  might  lead  the  judgment  to  pause  ere 
that  decisive  step  was  taken  which,  in  the  event  of  success, 
severed  a  man  for  ever  from  the  spot  of  his  birth ;  and,  in 
the  event  of  defeat,  classed  him  among  those  who  were 
traitors  to  its  interests. 

It  is  not  intended,  by  these  remarks,  to  express  approba- 
tion of  the  opinions  of  such  of  the  clergy  as  adhered  to  the 
cause  of  England ;  for  the  contest,  on  the  part  of  these 
colonies,  was  a  righteous  resistance,  into  which  they  were 
forced  ;  and  it  is  therefore  thought  that  the  clergy  erred  ; 
but  it  is  also  thought  that  there  is  some  extenuation  of  that 
error,  a  notice  of  which  is  demanded  by  a  sense  of  justice. 
But  the  error  was  not  confined  to  the  clergy,  a  portion  of 
the  laity  adopted  their  opinions;  it  was,  however,  very 
small,  for  the  great  mass  of  the  population  in  Virginia  was 
opposed  to  England,  and  this  rendered  the  situation  of  the 
clergy  only  the  more  disagreeable.  Nor  were  all  the 
clergy  loyalists  ;  they  numbered  in  their  ranks  some  sturdy 
republicans,  though  these  formed  a  minority,  including  not 
quite  one-third  of  the  whole  body.*    Upon  the  loyal  clergy, 

*  The  enemies  of  the  Episcopal  church  have  but  too  often  been  ready  to 
arouse  prejudice  by  representing  churchmen,  generally,  as  opposed  to  the 
cause  of  the  colonies  in  the  struggle  for  independence.  There  certainly 
was  no  state  more  forward  than  Virginia  in  the  War  of  the  Revolution,  and 


1775.]  IN   VIRGINIA.  '  137 

more  than  upon  any  other  class  in  the  community,  it  may 
be  said,  there  rested  the  weight  of  popular  odium  ;  and  the 
burden,  when  shared  with  others,  was  shared  with  the 
Methodists. 

In  1775,  the  storm  which  had  so  long  been  gathering, 
burst  upon  America,  and  the  first  blood  was  spilled  at 
Lexington.  Every  colony  was  speedily  on  the  alert,  and 
a  voluntary  convention  of  the  delegates  to  the  Virginia 
legislature,  meeting  after  its  adjournment,  succeeded  the 
last  royal  assembly  which  was  ever  held  in  "the  ancient 
dominion."  The  Baptists  were  not  slow  in  discovering  the 
advantageous  position  in  which  the  political  troubles  of  the 
country  had  placed  them.  Their  numerical  strength  was 
sucfi  as  to  make  it  important  to  both  sides  to  secure  their 
influence;  they  knew  this,  and  therefore  determined  to 
turn  the  circumstance  to  their  profit  as  a  sect.  Persecu- 
tion had  taught  them  not  to  love  the  establishment,  and 
they  now  saw  before  them  a  reasonable  prospect  of  over- 
turning it  entirely.  In  their  association,  they  had  calmly 
discussed  the  matter,  and  resolved  on  their  course  :  in  this 
course  they  were  consistent  to  the  end  ;  and  the  war 
which  they  waged  against  the  church,  was  a  war  of  exter- 

yet  a  large  majority  of  its  inhabitants  were  Episcopalians.  Of  the  clergy 
may  be  named  Bishop  Madison,  Messrs.  Bracken,  Belmaine,  Buchanan, 
Jarratt,  Griffith,  Davis,  and  others  who  were  avowed  and  decided  partisans 
of  the  colonies.  Nay,  in  one  instance,  a  clergyman  of  Virginia,  the  Rev, 
Mr.  Muhlenberg,  relinquishing  his  charge,  accepted  the  commission  of  col- 
onel in  the  American  army,  raised  his  regiment  among  his  own  parishioners, 
and  served  through  the  whole  of  the  war,  from  which  he  retired,  at  its  close^ 
with  the  rank  of  brigadier-general.  (Thatcher's  Military  Journal,  152.) 
The  Rev.  Mr.  Thruston,  of  Frederick  county,  also  bore  arms  as  a  colonel  in 
the  continental  service.  Of  the  laity,  were  General  Washington,  Patrick 
Henry,  Richard  Henry  Lee,  the  mover  of  the  declaration  of  Independence, 
his  brother,  Francis  Lightfoot  Lee,  one  of  the  signers,  George  Mason,  Ed- 
mund Pendleton,  Peter  Lyons,  Paul  Carrington,  William  Fleming,  William 
Grayson,  with  the  families  of  the  Nelsons,  and  Meades,  and  Mercers,  and 
Harrisons,  and  Randolphs,  and  hundreds  of  o^hej:  names,  deservedly  dear  to 
Virginia. 

• 


138  PROTESTANT   EPISCOPAL    CH1TRCH  [1776. 

minalion.  They  seem  to  have  known  no  relentings,  and 
their  hostility  never  ceased  for  seven-and-twenty  years.* 
They  revenged  themselves  for  their  sufferings,  by  the  al- 
most total  ruin  of  the  church:  and  now  commenced  the 
assault,  for,  inspired  by  the  ardours  of  a  patriotism  which 
accorded  with  their  interests,  or  willing  to  avail  themselves 
of  a  favourable  opportunity  to  present,  in  their  case,  an  ad- 
vantageous contrast  to  a  part  of  the  church,  they  addressed 
the  convention,  and  informed  that  body  that  their  religious 
tenets  presented  no  obstacle  to  their  taking  up  arms  and 
fighting  for  the  country ;  and  they  tendered  the  services  of 
their  pastors  in  promoting  the  enlistment  of  the  youth  of 
their  religious  persuasion.  They  presented,  also,  to  the 
convention  a  petition,  in  which  they  made,  the  certainly 
reasonable  request,  "that  they  might  be  allowed  to  wor- 
ship God  in  their  own  way,  without  interruption  ;  that  they 
might  be  permitted  to  maintain 'their  own  ministers,  sep- 
arate from  others;  that  they  might  be  married,  buried, and 
the  like,  without  paying  the  clergy  of  other  denomina- 
tions."! A  complimentary  answer  was  returned  to  their 
address ;  and  an  order  was  made  that  the  sectarian  clergy 
should  have  the  privilege  of  performing  divine  service  to 
their  respective  adherents  in  the  army,  equally  with  the 
regular  chaplains  of  the  established  church. J  This,  it  is 
believed,  was  the  first  step  made  towards  placing  the 
clergy,  of  all  denominations,  upon  an  equal  footing  in 
Virginia. 

This  was,  ere  long,  succeeded  by  another  measure, 
which  gave  a  decisive  blow  to  the  Establishment.  The 
**  declaration  of  rights,"  which  had  been  made  in  the  early 
part  of  1776,  had  proclaimed  to  all  men  the  free  exercise 
of  religion;  but  the  statutory  provisions  and  common  law 
doctrines  concerning  the  church  had  not  been  formally  re- 

*  Journals  of  Convention  of  Au-         t  Semple's    History   of   Virginia 
gust   16,   1775,  p.  17.      Richmond    Baptists,  pp.  25,  26,  27,  62. 
edition  of  1816.  t  4  Burk,  59. 


1776.]  IN  VIRGINIA.  13d 

pealed  or  altered.  The  legislature,  which  was  convened 
in  October  of  1776,  was  therefore  addressed  by  numerous 
petitions,  from  various  parts  of  the  state,  entreating  for  all 
religious  sects  "  protection  in  the  full  exercise  of  their  sev- 
eral modes  of  worship,  and  exemption  from  the  payment 
of  all  taxes  for  the  support  of  any  church  whatever,  further 
than  what  might  be  agreeable  to  their  own  private  choice 
or  voluntary  obligation."*  Of  these  petitioners,  some 
prayed  that  all  "  church  establishments"  might  be  put  down; 
"  all  taxes  on  conscience"  removed  ;  that  the  right  of  "  pri- 
vate judgment*'  might  be  unrestrained,  and  each  individual 
left  "  to  rest  upon  bis  own  merit"  Others  simply  asked  to 
be  freed  from  the  payment  of  parochial  charges,  except  for 
the  support  of  their  own  clergy  and  poor.  The  presbytery 
of  Hanover  sought  the  entire  demolition  of  all  laws  which 
made,  or  gave  precedence  to,  an  establishment;  prayed 
that  all  religious  sects  might  be  protected  in  their  modes  of 
worship ;  and  that  the  support  of  religion  might  be  left 
entirely  to  voluntary  contribution ;  they  stated  that  there 
was  "  no  argument  in  favour  of  establishing  the  Christian 
religion,  but  what  may  be  pleaded  in  favour  of  the  tenets 
of  Mohammed,  by  those  who  believe  the  Alcoran."-|- 

In  these  petitions,  all  classes  in  the  community,  with  the 
exception  of  Churchmen  and  Methodists,  joined ;  these  sent 
in  their  respective  petitions  for  the  continuance  of  the  es- 
tablishment ;J  and  if  the  testimony  of  the  Baptist  chronicler 
may  be  relied  on,  the  alliance  between  their  opponents  will 
scarce  be  thought  to  deserve  the  epithet,  holy;  for  we  are 
informed  by  him,  that  "  the  Presbyterians,  Baptists,  Qua- 
kers, deists,  and  the  covetous,  all  prayed  for  this  ;"§  thus 
presenting  a  strange  and  unnatural  union  of  discordant 
materials,  to  be  employed  in  the  prostration  of  one  form  of 

*  Journal  of  the  Virginia  House         t  Journals  of  Convention,  p.  25. 
of  Delegates  for  1776,  pp.  7,  15,  21,     Richmond  edition,  1828. 
24,26,35,48.  %  Ibid.  p.  47. 

^  Leland's  Chronicle. 


140  PIIOTESTANT   EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [1776. 

religion,  and  the  setting  up  of  others.  The  Baptists,  though 
not  to  be  outdone  in  zeal,  were  surpassed  in  ability  by  the 
Presbyterians;  and  among  inany  well  written  nnemorials 
from  that  denomination,  the  ablest  will  probably  be  thought 
to  have  come  from  the  presbytery  of  Hanover,  the  scene 
of  Mr.  Da  vies'  former  labours,  and  the  birthplace  of  Presby- 
terianism  in  Eastern  Virgmia. 

It  has  been  said  that,  at  this  time,  the  dissenters  from 
the  establishment  constituted  at  least  two-thirds  of  the 
people;*  and  the  fact  may  be  so;  though  there  are  cir- 
cumstances which  would  seem  to  render  it  doubtful. 
Only  fourteen  years  prior  to  this  time,  according  to  the 
evidence  of  an  eyewitness,  whose  pursuits  were  likely 
to  make  him  familiar  with  the  various  shades  of  religi- 
ous opinion  in  Virginia,  the  general  sentiment  of  the 
eastern  part  of  the  state  was  opposed  to  the  dissenters. f 
There  must,  therefore,  within  a  comparatively  short  space 
of  time,  have  been  a  most  extraordinary  change  of  reli- 
gious opinion,  if  the  friends  of  the  church  had  in  fourteen 
years  been  reduced  to  a  third,  or  less  than  a  third,  of  the 
whole  population.  In  addition  to  this,  as  will  be  seen  pres- 
ently, the  friends  of  the  church,  in  resisting  these  petitions, 
besought  the  legislature  to  submit  the  question  of  the  over- 
throw of  the  establishment  to  the  great  body  of  the  people  ;J 
thus  indicating  at  least  the  belief  that  their  numerical 
strength  exceeded  that  of  their  opponents.  The  point  is 
one,  however,  of  little  moment ;  for  if  the  measure  sought 
by  the  petitioners  was  one  legally  and  morally  rights  it 
should  have  been  adopted,  even  had  no  one  solicited  it ; 
and  if  wrong,  no  numbers  applying  for  it  could  make  its 
adoption  proper.  It  is  thought  that  if  the  course  adopted 
by  Virginia  requires  any  apology  at  all,  it  has  better  ground 

♦  4  Burk,  180.     This  volume  is  t  Jarratt's  Life,  59. 

a  continuation  of  Burk,  by  Jones  and  %  4  Burk,  182. 

Girardin.    1  Jefferson**  Works,  3h 


1776.]  IN   VIRGINIA.  141 

to  stand  on  than  is  furnished  by  the  religious  opinions  of  a 
majority  of  the  inhabitants. 

The  grounds  on  which  the  petitioners  in  general  rested 
their  claim  were,  that  they  laboured  under  burdens  and 
restrictions  inconsistent  with  equal  rights,  in  the  compul- 
sory payment  of  taxes  for  the  support  a  church  to  which 
they  neither  d,  nor  could  (  onscientiously  belong.  This 
hardship,  it  was  urged,  was  more  particularly  felt  in  the 
frontier  counties,  which  possessed  an  abundant  population, 
composed  mostly  of  dissenters,  upon  whom  had  fallen  the 
heavy  burden  of  purchasing  glebes  and  supporting  the 
established  clergy,  where  but  few  Episcopalians  could  be 
found  to  share  the  expense  or  reap  the  advantage.  The 
temporal  interests  of  the  whole  community,  it  was  urged, 
would  be  promoted  by  allowing  to  every  man  the  liberty 
of  enjoying  without  restraint  the  rights  of  conscience  :  the 
nature  of  Christianity,  it  was  said,  was  such  that  it  might 
safely  be  intrusted  to  its  own  purity  for  its  preservation, 
without  calling  in  the  aid  of  the  civil  power ;  that  no  being 
but  the  Creator  himself  could  authoritatively  prescribe  the 
mode  of  rendering  to  him  that  homage  which  he  demanded 
as  his  due :  and  the  severity  of  some  of  the  earlier  laws, 
imposing  penalties  on  the  unfortunate  Quakers,  was  com- 
plained of  as  unworthy  of  an  enlightened  people.  Tiie 
practical  evils  resulting  from  the  last  cause  mentioned, 
were  nothing ;  for,  from  the  testimony  of  an  historian  far 
from  friendly,  we  learn  that  the  general  liberality  of  opinion 
diffused  throughout  Virginia  had  greatly  mitigated,  and, 
it  may  be  said,  annulled  in  practice,  most  of  these  penal 
regulations.  A  mild  and  tolerating  spirit,  he.  says,  ani- 
mated even  the  Episcopal  clergy  ;  and  dissenters  of  every 
denomination  were  regarded  with  Christian  charity  and 
benevolence.* 

♦  4  Burk,  180 


142  PROTESTANT   EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [l776. 

The  counter  memorials,  on  the  part  of  the  church  and 
Methodists,  solicited  the  continuance  of  the  establishment 
upon  principles  of  justice,  of  wisdom,  and  of  policy.  First, 
of  justice  :  it  was  said  that  when  the  clergy  of  the  estab- 
lished church  undertook  the  care  of  parishes  in  Virginia, 
they  depended  upon  the  public  faith  for  receiving,  during 
life,  or  good  behaviour,  a  fair  compensation  for  their  ser- 
vices ;  this  was  promised  by  the  laws  of  the  land,  and  had 
become  a  vested  right,  held  by  a  tenure  not  less  sacred 
than  that  by  which  each  citizen  held  his  private  property. 
As  to  such  of  the  clergy  as  had  no  cures,  it  was  argued, 
that  having  entered  into  holy  orders,  after  spending  their 
early  years  in  making  preparation,  with  expectations  rea- 
sonably built  upon  existing  laws,  such  expectations  could 
not  now  be  frustrated  without  imposing  upon  them  an  act 
of  injustice.  On  the  ground  of  wisdom,  it  was  urged  that 
all  experience  had  shown  that  a  religious  establishment  in 
a  state  was  conducive  to  peace  and  happiness  ;  the  practice 
of  men  being  regulated  by  their  opinions,  it  was  wise  in 
a  state  to  afford  security  for  the  permanent  maintenance  of 
opinions,  which,  derived  from  the  doctrines  of  Christianity, 
would  give  stability  to  virtue,  and  confidence  to  truth.  And 
on  considerations  of  policy,  the  continuance  of  the  estab- 
lishment was  urged,  because,  should  all  denominations  be 
placed  by  law  on  a  level,  such  equality  could  not  long  con- 
tinue :  attempts  would  be  made  by  the  most  powerful  to 
extort  an  acknowledgment  of  superiority,  or,  at  any  rate 
to  ejtercise  the  power  which  such  superiority  conferred ; 
and  the  contests,  thus  engendered,  could  not  but  give  birth 
to  confusion,  and  perhaps  civil  commotion.  And,  finally, 
the  memorialists  prayed  that,  before  a  decision  was  made, 
the  question  might  be  submitted  to  the  people  at  large,  as 
they  had  the  best  reasons  for  believing  that  a  majority  of 
the  citizens  desired  the  continuance  of  the  church  establish- 
ment.* 

•  Journals  of  1776,  p.  47 ;  4  Burk,  180,  et  «eq. ;  1  Jefferson's  Works,  32. 


1776.]  IN   VIRGINIA.'  148 

The  subject  involved  in  these  memorials  underwent  a 
long  and  solemn  debate.  The  great  advocates  for  the 
church  were  Mr.  Pendleton  and  Robert  Carter  Nicholas ; 
and  its  great  opponent,  Mr.  Jefferson,  represents  the  strug- 
gle as  having  been  the  severest  in  which  he  was  ever  en- 
gaged.* "  The  petitions  were  referred  to  the  committee 
of  the  whole  House  on  the  state  of  the  country :  and,  after 
desperate  contests  in  that  committee,  almost  daily,  from 
the  eleventh  of  October  to  the  fifth  of  December,"  the  dis- 
cussion was  terminated  by  the  passage  of  an  act  which 
repealed  all  laws  of  parliament  rendering  criminal  the 
maintaining  any  opinion  in  matters  of  religion,  forbearing 
to  repair  to  church,  or  exercising  any  mode  of  worship 
whatever,  or  which  prescribed  punishments  for  the  same. 
The  dissenters  were  by  the  law  exempted  from  all  contri- 
butions for  the  support  of  the  Episcopal  church.  Arrears 
of  salaries  due  to  the  clergy  were,  however,  secured,  and 
they  were  permitted  to  receive  them  until  the  first  day  of 
the  ensuing  year.  Glebes  already  purchased  were  reserved 
for  the  use  of  the  Episcopal  clergy ;  and  the  churches  and 
chapels  already  built,  with  the  books  and  church  plate, 
were  preserved  for  the  use  of  the  Episcopalians.  And  this 
was  the  second  law  enacted  by  the  first  republican  legisla- 
ture in  Virginia.!  The  question  was  also  agitated,  but  its 
determination  was  expressly  reserved  until  a  future  period* 
whether  there  should  be  a  general  assessment  on  the 
inhabitants  for  the  support  of  religion,  or  whether  such 
support  should  be  left  dependent  solely  on  voluntary  con- 
tributions. 

In  recording  these  transactions,  the  remark,  it  is  hoped, 
will  not  be  deemed  out  of  place,  that  however  natural  may 
have  been  the  desire  on  the  part  of  the  clergy  to  perpetuate 
the  establishment,  as  affording  to  them  the  means  of  sub- 
sistence, yet,  on  account  of  the  existence  of  the  church 

•  1  Jeflferson*s  Works,  32.        f  9  Hening's  Statutes,  at  largo,  p.  164. 


144  PROTESTANT   EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [1776. 

itself,  anxiety  was  needless.  Among  the  reasons  which  an 
intelligent  Episcopalian  renders  for  his  attachment  to  the 
church,  he  will  not  forget  to  mention  the  fact,  that  there 
seems  to  be  in  the  system  of  episcopacy  what  has  been 
well  termed  "  a  conservative  principle,"  which  secures  the 
existence  of  the  church  under  circumstances  the  most 
calamitous  ;  so  that  of  all  religious  denon)inations,  there  is, 
perhaps,  not  one  which  requires  the  aid  of  a  legal  estab- 
lishment less  than  does  a  church  episcopally  constituted. 
No  American  Christian,  it  is  presumed,  desires  here  a 
union  of  church  and  state  ;  and,  of  all  American  Chris- 
tians, the  Episcopalian  probably  has  least  need  .  desire  it. 
The  lessons  of  the  past  on  this  subject  are  strikingly  im- 
pressive. The  histories  of  the  suffering  churches  of  the 
Christians  of  St.  Thomas  in  India,  of  the  Waldenses,  of  the 
Scotch  Episcopalians,  together  with  that  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  church  in  America,  all  seem  to  attest  the  fact^ 
that  for  the  preservation  of  purity  of  doctrine  and  primi- 
tive discipline,  in  Episcopal  churches,  no  union  with  the 
civil  power  is  necessary.  The  first  three  were  tried  in  the 
fiery  furnace  of  persecution,  and,  unsustained  by  any  human 
aid,  after  years  of  suffering,  came  forth  the  same  in  doc- 
trine and  in  discipline  that  they  were  when  first  called  to 
exercise  the  virtue  of  patient  endurance ;  while  the  last, 
though  for  a  time  prost  ated  in  the  dust,  and  clinging  to 
existence  by  almost  a  single  tie,  has  risen  from  her  depres- 
sion without  the  aid  of  a  legal  establishment ;  and  holding 
on  the  even  tenour  of  her  way,  is  now  exhibiting  in  her 
youthful  strength,  the  same  faith,  imbodied  in  the  same 
form  of  sound  words,  and  united  to  the  same  system  of 
polity  which  formed  her  distinguishing  features  in  the  day 
of  prosperity,  before  she  was  shrouded  in  the  darkness  of 
that  cloud  which  for  a  time  almost  hid  her  from  view. 
Surely,  in  the  retrospect  of  facts  like  these,  an  Episcopalian 
may  be  pardoned,  should  he  deem  it  something  more  than 
a  fond  fancy,  that  the  church  of  his  affections  does  possess 


1776.]  IX  VIRGINIA.        i^fe«t  145 

within  herself  a  principle  of  preservation,  and  that  "the 
foundations  of  episcopacy  stand  sure  in  the  storm,  not  less 
than  in  the  sunshine."* 

The  effect,  upon  the  clergy,  of  the  law  which  destroyed 
the  establishment,  was  such  as  might  have  been  anticipated 
by  all,  and  was  foreseen  by  some :  for  the  feelings  of  at- 
tachment entertained  by  a  portion  of  the  people  for  the 
church,  did  not  probably  extend  very  far  towards  the 
clergy,  individually;  many  of  them  were  personally  ob- 
noxious, on  account  of  the  opinions  which  they  enter- 
tained in  the  contest  with  England  ;  and  among  their  most 
decided  opponents,  on  political  questions,  were  to  be  num- 
bered many  Episcopalians,  who  distinguished  between  the 
church  and  her  ministers.  Deprived  of  their  livings,  some 
among  the  clergy  must  have  found  it  difficult  to  procure  a 
subsistence  by  continuing  in  the  exercise  of  pastoral  duty, 
among  a  people  who  disliked  them,  personally,  for  their 
politics  ;  whose  contributions,  if  made  at  all,  were  precari- 
ous, because  entirely  voluntary;  and  who,  besides,  were 
harassed  in  their  occupations,  and  straitened  in  their 
means,  by  a  war  which  demanded  from  every  one  a  por- 
tion of  his  time  and  of  his  money.  The  business  of  in- 
struction was  resorted  to  by  some,  but  with  limited  suc- 
cess ;  for  the  war  of  the  revolution  left  the  youth  of  the 
day  but  little  opportunity  for  education.  Many  a  stout 
lad  shouldered  his  musket,  and  entering  the  army,  at  the 
age  of  fifteen  or  sixteen  years,  never  relinquished  his 
weapon,  except  in  death  upon  the  battle-field,  until  the 
struggle  had  terminated  in  the  acknowledgment  of  his 
country's  independence. 

Some  of  the  clergy,  to  whose  churches  glebes  were 
attached,  still  continued,  under  the  law,  to  occupy  and 
enjoy  them,  and   officiated  in  their  pulpits.      As,  how- 

*  BritishCriticfor  January,  1831,     reference  to  the  Scotch    Episcopal 
article   vii.  ;   where  this  subject   is     church, 
forcibly  illustrated,  particularly  with 

T 


146  PROTESTANT   EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [1770. 

ever,  they  still  adhered  to  the  English  ritual,  and,  of 
course,  prayed  for  his  majesty  of  England,  they  could 
not  fail  to  give  offence.  Threats  and  adnnonitions  had 
the  effect  of  frightening  some,  who  discontinued  the 
practice,  and  closed  their  churches ;  while  there  were 
others,  made  of  sterner  stuff,  who  persisted  in  the  per- 
formance of  what  they  believed  to  be  their  duty;  and,  un- 
certain how  far  the  excitement  of  the  times  might  lead  to  the 
execution  of  some  of  the  threats,  in  one  instance,  at  least, 
the  clergyman  is  known,  after  a  farewell  to  his  family, 
whom  he  would  not  permit  to  accompany  him,  to  have 
ascended  the  pulpit  with  his  pistols  concealed  in  his  bo- 
som^ to  be  used,  if  necessary,  for  the  protection  and  pres- 
ervation of  his  life.*  Such  firmness  was  not  without 
its  effect ;  the  resolute  minister  was  never  interrupted ; 
his  house  became  the  asylum  of  many  of  his  persecuted 
brethren,  as  one  of  the  surest  places  of  safety;  and  con- 
tinuing in  Virginia  through  the  whole  of  the  revolutionary 
storm,  he  lived  to  become  a  good  citizen  of  the  infant  re- 
public, and  to  see  the  church  of  his  affections  rising  from 
the  dust.  Tradition  has  preserved  anecdotes  and  incidents 
of  the  day,  which  clearly  prove  the  suffering  condition  to 
which  some  of  the  clergy  were  reduced.  They  encoun^ 
tered  poverty,  suspicion,  insult,  and  violence :  and  an  in- 
stance of  the  latter  is  related,  which,  as  it  furnishes  the  best 
illustration  of  the  spirit  of  the  times,  is  here  recorded. 

A  clergyman  of  the  establishment,  who  had  made  him- 
self offensive  by  his  attachment  to  England,  was  called 
from  his  bed  at  night,  under  the  pretext  of  being  required 
by  a  sick  parishioner ;  and  having,  by  this  artifice,  fallen 
into  the  hands  of  his  enemies,  he  was  taken  to  a  retired 
spot  in  the  woods,  out  of  the  reach  of  assistance,  stripped 
naked,  tied  to  a  tree,  severely  whipped,  and  then  left  in 

•  MS.  letter  in  the  author^s  possession,  concerning  some  of  the  old 
Virginia  clergy. 


1776.]  IN  VIRGINIA.  147 

that  situation,  until  he  was  discovered  on  the  next  morn- 
ing and  relieved.* 

During  the  years  1777  and  1778,  the  subject  of  religion 
continued  to  be  brought  to  the  attention  of  the  legislature, 
by  petitions  and  counter  petitions.  Some  of  these,  admit- 
ting the  question  of  establishments  to  be  a  debatable  point, 
still  prayed  that  the  efforts  made  to  injure  what  was  left  of 
the  establishment  might  be  checked.  The  presbytery  of 
Hanover,  as  before,  protested  against  any  assessment  for 
the  support  of  religion ;  while,  on  the  other  hand,  the 
county  of  Caroline,  approving  of  the  act  which  released 
dissenters  from  taxation  for  the  benefit  of  the  establish- 
ment, prayed  that  there  might  be  an  assessment  for  the 
support  of  the  Gospel ;  that  it  might  not  be  left  to  charity 
for  its  subsistence,  as  otherwise  the  parsimonious  and  in- 
different, who  derived  benefit  from  its  existence,  would 
yield  nothing  for  its  support.  Others  complained  of  irregu- 
larities in  the  worhsip  of"  sectaries,"  who  held  night  meet- 
ings, to  the  injury  of  religion ;  and  asked  that  none  but 
"  licensed  preachers"  should  be  allowed  to  officiate  in  the 
public  worship  of  God  ;  and  they  charged  their  opponents 
with  artfully  procuring,  at  such  meetings,  "  the  votes  of 
infants,"  to  the  injury  of  religion  in  general,  and  of  the 
establishment  particularly.f  Before  the  adjournment  of 
the  legislature  of  May,  1779,  "a  bill  for  establishing  re- 
ligious freedom,"  putting  upon  an  equality  all  denomina- 
tions, and  providing  for  a  general  assessment  for  the  sup- 
port of  religion,  was  prepared  ;  and  after  passing  two  read- 
ings in  the  House  of  Delegates,  seems  to  have  been  sent 
abroad  among  the  people,  that  the  general  opinion  of  the 
community  might  be  obtained  thereon,  prior  to  the  next 
meeting  of  the  legislature.  J 


*  MS.  letter  in  the  author's  pos-  tare  of  HtT,  1778,  pp.  l7,  27,  37, 

session,  concerning  some  of  the  old  54,  May;  14,  .57,  75,  95,  October. 
Virginia  clergy.  X  Journal,  May,  1779,  pp.  34,  46  ; 

t  See  the  Journals  of  the  Legisla-  Journal  of  October,  1779,  p.  37. 


148  PROTESTANT    EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [1776. 

It  will  hardly  be  imputed  to  the  clergy  as  a  crime,  that, 
in  the  situation  to  which  they  found  themselves  reduced, 
many  should  be  willing  to  abandon  the  country  entirely. 
Many  did  abandon  it ;  and  parishes  from  time  to  time  be- 
came vacant,  so  that,  ere  long,  a  large  majority  of  the 
cures  were  left  unsupplied.  The  sacraments  were  no 
longer  administered  in  many  of  the  parishes  ;  and  this  con- 
dition of  affairs  led  to  an  effort,  on  the  part  of  the  Method- 
ists, to  remedy  the  evil  by  an  irregular  ordination  of  min- 
isters among  themselves.*  Some  of  the  clergy  of  the 
church  advised  them  against  the  measure,  but  in  vain ;  and 
in  1778,  a  considerable  number  of  the  lay  preachers  earn- 
estly importuned  Mr.  Asbury,  a  prominent  preacher  among 
the  Methodists,  "  to  take  proper  measures  that  the  people 
might  enjoy  the  privileges  of  all  other  churches,  and  no 
longer  be  deprived  of  the  Christian  sacraments."t  Mr, 
Asbury,  who  seems,  at  that  time,  to  have  been  suspiciously 
watched,  and  indeed  confined  in  the  state  of  Delaware, 
as  one  disaffected  to  the  American  cause,  professed  the 
strongest  attachment  to  the  Church  of  England,  and  vio- 
lently opposed  the  proposed  plan  ;  nay,  he  went  so  far  as 
to  write  to  some  of  the  clergy  of  the  establishment,  re- 
proving them  for  not  having  checked,  in  its  incipient  stage, 
this  approach  to  disorder. J  Upon  the  refusal  of  Mr.  As- 
bury to  co-operate  with  them  in  their  plan  of  ordination,  a 
majority  of  the  preachers  withdrew  from  all  connection 
with  him  and  Mr.  Wesley ;  and  choosing  from  their  num- 
ber three  senior  members,  these  last  proceeded  to  what 
they  called  an  ordination  of  the  rest,  by  the  imposition  of 
their  hands ;  and  the  preachers  thus  set  apart  proceeded  to 
baptize  and  administer  the  Lord's  Supper,  wherever  they 
went,  to  those  whom  they  deemed  suitable  recipients. 
Afterward,  Mr.  Asbury,  having  obtained  his  liberty,  visited 
Virginia,  and  by  all  the  address  in  his  power,  with  inde- 

*  Jarratt's  Life,  111.  ley,  350,  1  ;  Jarratt's  Life,  111,  112. 

t  Coke  and  M  ore's  Life  of  We«-        t  Jarratt's  Life,  113. 


1778.]  IN   VIRGINIA..  149 

fatigable  labour  and  attention,  succeeded,  at  length,  in 
bringing  back  the  seceders  one  after  another,  and  by  a 
vote  of  one  of  the  conferences,  the  ordination  was  declared 
invalid,  and  union  was  restored  ;*  while  to  prevent,  as  far 
as  possible,  a  renewal  of  the  complaint  of  the  want  of  the 
sacraments,  some,  at  least,  of  the  Episcopal  clergy  travelled 
over  large  circuits  for  the  purpose  of  baptizing  the  children 
of  Methodists,  and  administering  the  Eucharist ;  and  con- 
tinued to  do  so  until  the  final  separation  of  the  Methodists 
from  the  church,  without  desiring  or  receiving,  for  the  ser- 
vice, the  smallest  compensation.! 

♦  Coke  and  More's  Life  of  Wes-  f  Jarratt*s  Life,  114 

ley,  351  ;  Jarratt's  Life,  114. 


150  PROTESTANT   EPISCOPAL   CHURCH  [1779. 


CHAPTER    IX. 
1779-1784. 

General  Assessment  for  support  of  the  Clergy  negatived — Disastrous  effects 
of  the  Revolution  upon  the  Church — Enemies  of  the  Church  petition 
for  a  general  Assessment — Legislative  sanction  to  the  principle  that 
Christianity  should  be  supported  by  the  State,  but  not  any  particular 
Denomination — Mr.  Henry's  efforts — His  Christian  Character — Incor- 
poration of  the  Church — History  of  the  Secession  of  the  Methodists — 
Mr.  Wesley's  Conduct — Consecration  of  Dr.  Coke  considered. 

In  reply  to  the  application  which  we  suppose  to  have  been 
made  to  the  people  for  their  sentiments,  various  answers 
were  sent  in :  some  expressed  the  opinion,  "  that  the  Chris- 
tian religion,  free  from  the  errors  of  popery,  and  a  general 
contribution  for  the  support  thereof,  ought  to  be  established 
from  a  principle  of  public  utility;  and  prayed  that  the 
reformed  Protestant  religion,  including  the  different  denom- 
inations thereof,  with  a  general  assessment  for  the  sup- 
port of  the  same,  might  be  established."  Others  asked  for 
the  passage  of  the  bill  precisely  as  set  forth  ;  while  another 
class  asked  for  its  rejection,  and  suggested  such  a  religious 
establishment  as  they  supposed  would  be  beneficial.* 
Amid  these  conflicting  opinions  it  was  difficult  to  determine 
what  was  the  popular  will ;  and  this  legislative  expedient, 
which  could  only  serve,  if  successful,  injudiciously  to  shift 
to  the  shoulders  of  some  of  the  people  a  responsibility 
which  should  fearlessly  have  been  met  by  their  representa- 
tives, terminated  in  making  more  uncertain  that  which 
before  was  dubious  enough. 

See  Journals. 


1779.]  IN    VIRGINIA.  151 

Some  of  the  Episcopalians  ventured  also  (as  the  circum- 
stances presented  a  favourable  opportunity)  once  more 
to  solicit  security  in  the  enjoyment  of  the  church  property. 
Their  application  extended  no  further  ;  for  with  the  expe- 
rience of  the  past  still  dwelling  freshly  in  their  remem- 
brance, and  with  the  opposition  of  their  enemies  increased 
rather  than  abated,  they  could  scarcely  have  hoped  for  an 
eatire  restoration  to  all  the  privileges  which  they  had  lost. 

Whatever  may  have  been  the  extent  of  their  application, 
nothing  seems  to  have  been  gained  by  it ;  and  indeed  the 
only  legislation  of  this  year  which  affected  the  church,  ap- 
pears to  have  affected  it  injuriously. 

It  will  be  remembered  that  in  the  first  assembly  of  1776, 
the  question  whether  support  should  be  given  to  the  clergy 
by  general  assessment,  or  by  leaving  them  to  voluntary 
contribution,  was  purposely  left  open  and  its  decision  de- 
ferred to  some  future  occasion.  There  can  be  little  doubt 
that  the  distinguished  individual  who  was  the  leader  in 
securing  the  adoption  of  the  measures  already  detailed, 
entertained  the  belief  that  it  would  be  no  difficult  task  to 
complete,  at  a  future  session,  the  work  which  he  had  begun ; 
and  to  negative  the  plan  of  a  general  assessment  for  the 
support  of  Christianity :  nor  would  his  expectations  in  this 
particular  have  been  disappointed,  but  for  a  circumstance, 
recorded  by  himself  as  having  interposed  obstacles.  In 
his  chief  object,  that  of  giving  a  death  blow  to  the  legalized 
superiority  of  the  establishment  over  all  other  denomina- 
tions of  Christians,  he  was  very  cordially  supported  by  a 
large  body  of  allies  who  belonged  to  the  dissenting  inter- 
est ;  but  when  that  great  end  was  once  attained,  and  every 
religious  society  stood  upon  the  same  level,  the  question  in 
dispute  assumed  to  these  allies  a  very  different  aspect,  and 
they  deserted  the  standard  under  which  they  had  before 
achieved  their  victory.  They  had  prostrated  the  church, 
they  had  proved  themselves  to  be  not  at  all  reluctant  to 
strip  her  clergy  of  that  competent  maintenance  which  was 


152  PROTESTANT    EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [1779. 

secured  to  them  by  the  possession  of  property ;  but  they 
now  manifested  an  aversion,  more  natural  than  consistent, 
to  being  left  to  find  a  precarious  support  for  themselves  in 
the  tender  mercies  of  a  set  of  voluntary  contributors : 
they  were,  therefore,  the  advocates  of  a  general  assess- 
ment ;*  and  the  manner,  almost  approaching  to  querulous- 
ness,  in  which  this  desertion  is  recorded,  accompanied  as  it 
is  by  an  insinuation  as  to  the  motives  of  the  deserters,  jus- 
tifies the  suspicion  that  the  defection  was  felt  to  be  ungen- 
erous.f  The  impartial  reader  of  a  future  day  will  prob- 
ably conclude  that  it  was  a  game,  not  unskilfully  played 
on  either  side,  in  which  the  troops  outwitted  the  general. 
'  At  any  rate,  it  is  our  province  to  record  the  fact,  that  in 
each  successive  meeting  of  the  legislature  from  1776  to 
1779,  this  questio  vexaia  was  brought  up  for  discussion,  and 
the  friends  of  voluntary  contribution,  apprehensive  prob- 
ably of  a  final  vote  against  them,  laboured,  and  not  without 
success,  to  suspend  the  decision  from  time  to  time,  and  leave 
the  matter  to  be  debated  anew  in  the  succeeding  year.  In 
1779,  all  things  being  now  ready  for  a  final  vote,  the  ques- 
tion was  settled  against  the  system  of  a  general  assessment, 
and  the  establishment  was  finally  put  down.J 

The  Baptists  were  the  principal  promoters  of  this  work, 
and  in  truth  aided  more  than  any  other  denomination  in  its 
accomplishment.  Their  historian  boasts  that  they  alone 
were  uniform  in  their  efforts  to  destroy  the  system  of  aii 
assessment  and  introduce  the  plan  of  voluntary  contribu- 
tion ;  that  in  the  other  denominations  there  was  much  divis- 
ion of  sentiment  between  ministers  and  people,  and  that 
remonstrance  came  at  last  from  none  but  Baptists. §  Whe- 
ther this  be  so  or  not,  it  is  very  certain  that  in  the  associations 
of  that  sect  held  from  year  to  year,  a  prominent  subject  of 
discussion  always  was,  as  to  the  best  mode  of  carrying  on 


*  See  the  Journals.  X  Ibid. ;  4  Burk,  377. 

f  See  1  Jefferson's  Works,  32.  i)  Scrapie's  History,  72, 73. 


783.]  IN   VIRGINIA.  153 

the  war  against  the  former  establishment.*  After  their 
final  success  in  this  matter  of  voluntary  contribution,  their 
next  efforts  were  to  procure  a  sale  of  the  church  lands : 
this,  however,  it  seems,  was  not  undertaken  without  some 
misgivings  of  its  propriety ;  for  when  the  question  was  put 
in  their  "  general  committee,"  whether  the  glebes  were 
public  property,  it  was  settled  in  the  affirmative  by  a  ma- 
jority of  but  one  vote.  That  one  vote  sealed  the  fate  of 
the  church  lands ;  for  the  efforts  of  the  Baptists  never 
ceased,  until,  as  we  shall  see  hereafter,  the  glebes  were 
sold.f 

The  history  of  the  church  for  the  next  few  years,  pre- 
sents a  picture  of  but  little  variety ;  when  we  catch  a  new 
feature  in  it,  it  is  but  to  remark,  that  it  is  in  melancholy 
keeping  with  the  rest,  and  differs  only  by  the  introduction 
of  a  deeper  shade.  With  roofless  and  deserted  churches, 
with  broken  altars,  and  a  clergy,  some  of  whom  were  re- 
duced to  the  hard  alternative  of  flight  or  starvation,  it  may 
readily  be  conceived  what  was  its  suffering  condition.  It 
existed,  but  more  than  that  can  hardly  be  said  of  it  with 
truth.  On  the  nineteenth  of  April,  1783,  precisely  eight 
years  after  the  first  effusion  of  blood  ai  Lexington,  peace 
was  proclaimed  to  the  American  army  by  order  of  the 
commander-in-chief.  Time  was  now  afforded  to  men  to 
direct  their  attention  to  the  permanent  establishment  of 
such  institutions,  civil  and  religious,  as  might  comport  with 
their  desires,  or  views  of  duty.  Much  was  to  be  done : 
and  rejoicing  with  thankfulness  as  now  we  may,  in  the  pres- 
ent prosperity  of  the  church  in  Virginia,  it  is  well  to  look 
back  on  its  condition  as  it  emerged  from  the  revolution, 
and  by  a  contemplation  of  the  difficulties  which  stood  in 
the  way  of  its  resuscitation,  be  moved  to  the  exercise  of 
gratitude.  When  the  colonists  first  resorted  to  arms,  Vir- 
ginia, in  her  sixty-one  counties,  contained  ninety-five  par- 

*  Semple,  64,  65,  70,  71,  73.  f  Ibid.  73,  74. 

U 


154  PROTESTANT  EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [1783. 

ishes,one  hundred  and  sixty-four  churches  and  chapels,  and 
ninety-one  clergymen.*  When  the  contest  was  over,  she 
came  out  of  the  war,  with  a  large  number  of  her  churches 
destroyed  or  injured  irreparably,  with  twenty-three  of  her 
ninety-five  parishes  extinct  or  forsaken,  and  of  the  remain- 
ing seventy-two,  thirty-four  were  destitute  of  ministerial 
services?  while  of  her  ninety-one  clergymen,  twenty-eight 
only  remained,  who  had  lived  through  the  storm,  and  these, 
with  eight  others  who  came  into  the  state  soon  after  the 
struggle  terminated,  supplied  thirty-six  of  the  parishes.  Of 
these  twenty-eight,  fifteen  only  had  been  enabled  to  con- 
tinue in  the  churches  which  they  supplied  prior  to  the  com- 
mencement of  hostilities ;  and  thirteen  had  been  driven 
from  their  cures  by  violence  or  want,  to  seek  safety  or 
comfort  in  some  one  of  the  many  vacant  parishes,  where 
they  might  hope  to  find,  for  a  time  at  least,  exemption  from 
the  extremity  of  suflfering.f 

For  the  destruction  of  the  sacred  edifices,  most  of  which 
were  substantial  buildings  of  brick,  every  fair  allowance 
should  be  made  because  of  the  confusion  and  lawless  state 
of  affairs  inseparable  from  war.  The  buildings  were  in 
some  instances  required  by  the  necessities  of  the  public, 
and  appropriated  to  objects  foreign  from  the  purpose  of 
their  erection ;  it  was  not,  therefore,  to  be  wondered  at, 
that,  if  used  at  all,  they  should  sustain  injury  at  the  hands 
of  a  soldiery  which,  like  all  others,  was  not  remarkable  for 
a  reverence  of  things  sacred.  But  there  was  often  a  wan- 
tonness in  the  injury  done,  a  deliberate  desecration,  which 
admits  of  no  apology,  and  oflfers  no  better  excuse  than  that 
it  was  the  work  of  passionate  ignorance,  which  identified 
the  very  "  stones  of  the  temple"  with  support  to  the  crown 
of  England.     The  evidences  of  this  work  of  needless  ruin 

*  MS.  list  of  parishes  and  incum-  t  This  statement  is  derived  from 

bents  in  Virginia  in  1776 ;  MSS.  of  a  comparison  of  the  lists  of  1775  and 

General  Convention;  list  of  the  par-  1776,  with  that  reported  to  the  First 

ishes  and  clergy  of  Virginia,    from  Convention  in  1785. 
the  Virginia  Almanac  for  1776. 


1783. J  IN   TIRGINIA.  155 

are  still  visible  but  too  often  in  Eastern  Virginia.  It  is 
scarcely  possible  for  the  Churchman,  even  now,  to  look 
without  tears  upon  the  venerable  remains  of  mouldering 
churches  which  meet  his  eye  in  the  "  ancient  dominion."  As 
he  gazes  upon  the  roofless  walls,  or  leans  upon  the  little 
remnant  of  railing  which  once  surrounded  a  now  deserted 
chancel,  as  he  looks  out  through  the  openings  of  a  broken 
wall  upon  the  hillocks  under  which  the  dead  of  former 
years  are  sleeping,  with  no  sound  to  disturb  his  melancholy 
musings  save  the  whispers  of  the  wind  through  the  leaves 
of  the  forest  around  him,  he  may  be  pardoned  should  he 
drop  a  tear  over  the  desolated  house  of  God ;  and  if  he  be 
a  pious  Churchman,  the  wreck  around  him  may  awaken 
thoughts  of  submission  and  humiliation,  which  will  send 
him  from  the  spot  a  sadder  and  a  better  man. 

In  the  midst  o(  such  ruin  as  has  been  described,  the  little 
remnant  of  the  clergy  looked  around  them  in  vain  for  those 
who  were  to  repair  the  waste  places  over  which  they  could 
do  nothing  but  weep.  Funds  were  required  to  rebuild 
ruined  edifices,  but  they  knew  not  whence  these  funds  were 
to  be  derived.  Sprely  smitten  by  poverty,  they  had  not 
even  the  ordinary  alleviations  of  hope  to  cheer  them,  for 
there  was  a  prejudice  against  them  and  the  church,  harder 
to  encounter  than  poverty.  They  were  not  certain  that 
they  possessed  even  the  right  to  repair,  for  it  was  not  set- 
tled that  the  ownership  of  the  property  should  -eontinue  ia 
the  church.  They  had,  it  is  true,  some  friends,  warm  and 
able  friends,  who,  occupying  stations  which  they  honoured 
by  talent,  were  not  backward  to  assert  their  claims  in  the 
halls  of  legislation :  hut  they  had  also  enemies  possessed  of 
talent  and  influence ;  and  these  last,  if  they  did  not  lead, 
were  sustained  by  popular  opinion,  though  there  is  reason 
to  think  that  that  which  sustained  them  was  in  part  at  least 
created  by  them. 

These,  then,  were  the  difficulties  which  the  Churchmen 
of  Virginia  had  to  encounter,  and,  for  the  present,  they 


156  PROTESTANT    EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [1784. 

seem  to  have  thought  that  they  could  do  but  little  more 
than  patiently  wait  until,  in  the  progress  of  events,  Provi- 
dence should  make  their  way  plain  before  them.  It  was 
not  long  before  they  were  enabled  to  make  their  first  step 
forward.  It  will  be  remembered  that  the  party  opposed  to 
a  general  assessment  for  the  support  of  the  clergy,  had 
finally  succeeded,  in  1771),  in  the  establishment  of  the  oppo- 
site system  of  voluntary  contribution.  Whether  the  ex- 
periment had  resulted  unfavourably  to  the  growth  of  re- 
ligion among  the  people,  or  had  materially  impaired  the 
means  of  their  teachers,  is  not  known  ;  but  from  some 
cause,  the  discovery  seems  to  have  been  made,  that  if  the 
clergy  were  retained  at  all,  it  was  best  to  make  such  pro- 
vision for  their  necessities  as  would  be  permanent  and  cer- 
tain. Accordingly,  in  the  assemblies  of  1784,  (for  there 
were  two,)  a  number  of  petitions,  from  diflTerent  counties 
of  the  state,  in  which  Churchmen  and  some  of  the  members 
of  other  religious  societies  united,  was  presented  to  the 
legislature,  praying  that  "as  all  persons  enjoyed  the  benefit 
of  religion,  all  n)ight  be  required  to  contribute  to  the  ex- 
pense of  supporting  some  form  of  worship  or  other."* 

The  substance  of  these  petitions  forms  a  part  of  the  his- 
tory 0f  the  times  :  that  from  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
church  set  forth  that  "  their  church  laboured  under  many 
inconveniences  and  restraints,  by  the  operation  of  sundry 
laws  in  force,  which  direct  modes  of  worship,  and  enjoin 
the  observance  of  certain  days,  and  otherwise  produce 
embarrassment  and  difficulty ;  and  praying  that  all  acts 
which  direct  modes  of  faith  and  worship,  and  enjoin  the 
observance  of  certain  days,  may  be  repealed ;  that  the 
present  vestry  laws  may  be  repealed  or  amended  ;  that  the 
churches,  glebe  lands,  donations,  and  all  other  property 
heretofore  belonging  to  the  established  church,  may  be  for 
ever  secured  to  them  by  law  ;  that  an  act  may  pass  to  in- 

♦  Wirt»8  Life  of  Henrjr,  281  ;  Joumali  of  1784- 


178  4.  J  IN  viRfiiNiA.  157 

corporate  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  Virginia,  to 
enable  them  to  regulate  all  the  spiritual  concerns  of  that 
church,  alter  its  form  of  worship,  and  constitute  such 
canons,  by-laws,  and  rules  for  the  government  and  good 
order  thereof,  as  are  suited  to  their  religious  principles ; 
and  in  general,  that  the  legislature  will  aid  and  patronise 
the  Christian  religion."  »\. 

From  another  portion  of  the  inhabitants  came  a  state- 
ment to  this  effect :  "  that  they  are  of  opinion,  a  reasonable 
and  moderate  contribution  of  the  people  for  the  support  of 
ministers  of  the  Gospel,  and  the  Christian  religion  in  the 
public  worship  of  God,  is  essential  to  the  good  order  and 
prosperity  of  the  commonwealth,  and  praying  that  an  act 
may  pass  to  that  effect." 

The  memorial  of  "  the  united  clergy  of  the  Presbyterian 
church"  is  worthy  of  notice.  It  protests  against  incorpo- 
rating religious  societies  ;  and  while  they  disapprove  of 
legislative  interference,  in  "  the  spiritual  concerns  of  re- 
ligion," yet,  abandoning  their  former  ground,  they  add,  "  a 
general  assessment  for  its  support  ought  to  be  extended  to 
those  who  profess  the  public  worship  of  the  Deity,  and  are 
comprised  within  the  Bill  of  Rights," 

From  the  inhabitants  of  Mecklenburg,  Lunenburg,  arid 
Amelia  counties,  the  petition  stated,  "  that  they  conceive  the 
stability  of  our  government,  and  the  preservation  of  peace 
and  happiness  among  the  individuals  of  it,  depend,  in  a 
great  measure,  on  the  influence  of  religion,  without  which, 
no  government,  however  wisely  formed,  can  long  exist; 
that  they  consider  its  rapid  declension,  within  a  few  years, 
as  proceeding  from  the  inattention  of  the  legislature,  which 
has  an  undoubted  right  to  compel  every  individual  who 
partakes  of  those  blessings,  which  are  originally  derived 
from  it,  to  contribute  to  the  support  of  it,  and  praying  that 
an  act  may  pass  for  a  general  assessment  for  that  purpose, 
and  for  securing  to  the  Protestant  Episcopal  church  the 
property  vested  in  it." 


158  PROTESTANT   EPISCOPAL   CHURCH  [1784. 

There  were  petitions  of  an  opposite  character,  which 
prayed  "  that  no  step  might  be  taken  in  aid  of  reHgion,  but 
that  it  might  be  left  to  its  own  superior  and  successful 
influence."* 

The  committee,  to  whom  these  petitions  were  referred, 
reported  a  bill,  the  preamble  to  which,  it  will  be  seen,  re- 
cognises as  true  two  important  principles  connected  with 
a  subject  of  peculiar  delicacy  in  the  United  States.  These 
two  principles  are  these :  first,  that  the  state  ought  to  give 
the  sanction  of  its  support  to  the  general  diffusion  of  Chris- 
tian knowledge  ;  and,  secondly,  that  it  ought  not  to  give 
its  countenance  to  any  distinctions  of  pre-eminence  among 
different  societies  professing  to  be  Christian.  There  may 
be  those  who  will  deem  these  two  propositions  incompati- 
ble ;  such,  however,  was  not  the  judgment  of  some  of  the 
wisest  and  the  best  of  Virginia's  early  statesmen.  The 
bill  is  entitled,  "A  bill,  establishing  a  provision  for  teachers 
of  the  Christian  religion,"  and  the  preamble  is  as  follows  : — 
"  Whereas,  the  general  diffusion  of  Christian  knowledge 
hath  a  natural  tendency  to  correct  the  morals  of  men,  re- 
strain their  vices,  and  preserve  the  peace  of  society;  which 
cannot  be  effected  without  a  competent  provision  for  learned 
teachers,  who  may  be  thereby  enabled  to  devote  their  time 
and  attention  to  the  duty  of  instructing  such  citizens,  as 
from  their  circumstances  and  want  of  education  cannot 
otherwise  attain  such  knowledge ;  and  it  is  judged  such 
provision  may  be  made  by  the  legislature,  without  counter- 
acting the  liberal  principle  heretofore  adopted,  and  intended 
to  -be  preserved^  by  abolishing  all  distinctions  of  pre-emi- 
nence among  the  different  societies  or  communities  of 
Christians,  be  it  enacted,"  &c.  The  bill  required  of  all 
persons,  subject  to  taxes,  to  declare,  at  the  time  of  giving 
in  a  list  of  their  tithables,  to  what  religious  society  their  as- 
sessments should  be  appropriated ;  and  in  the  event  of  their 

*  Journals  of  1784, 


1784.]  IN   VIRGINIA.  159 

failing  to  do  so,  the  sums  assessed  were  to  be  paid  to  the 
treasurer,  and  applied  by  the  legislature  to  the  support  of 
seminaries  of  learning  in  the  counties  from  whieh  the  as- 
sessments might  be  paid.  This  bill  received  the  warm 
support  of  Patrick  Henry,  whose  powers  had  been  exer- 
cised so  unfortunately  for  the  church  on  a  previous  occa- 
sion. And  according  to  the  journal  of  the  House  of  Dele- 
gates, it  appears  to  have  passed  to  a  second  reading  in  that 
body,  after  which,  it  was  engrossed  and  sent  abroad  through 
the  state,  to  collect  the  opinions  of  the  people  upon  the  pro- 
priety of  its  passage  at  the  succeeding  session  of  the  legis- 
lature ;*  at  that  session  it  was  rejected  ;  and  its  failure  may 
be  in  part  owing  to  the  fact  that  Mr.  Henry  had  ceased  to 
be  a  member  of  the  House.f  The  church  shared  in  com- 
mon with  all  other  religious  denominations,  whatever  evils 
may  have  resulted  from  the  rejection  of  this  bill ;  but  there 
was  another  measure  adopted  at  this  session  of  the  legisla- 
ture, from  which  she  derived  a  benefit,  destined,  however, 
to  be  of  but  short  continuance. 

A  resolution  was  reported  by  the  chairman  of  a  com- 
mittee of  the  whole  House  on  the  state  of  the  common- 
wealth, that  in  the  opinion  of  the  committee,  "  acts  ought 
to  pass  for  the  incorporation  of  all  societies  of  the  Christian 
reliction,  which  may  apply  for  the  same  ;"  and  the  resolu- 
tion was  adopted  by  a  majority  of  nearly  one-third  of  the 
House.  Here  again  Mr.  Henry  gave  to  the  measure  his 
powerful  support;  and  we  learn,  from  his  accomplished 
biographer,  that  his  votes  on  these  two  measures  formed 
the  foundation  of  a  charge  against  Mr.  Henry  of  advocating 
the  re-establishment  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  church. 

Against  this  accusation,  he  has  already  been  defended 
with  a  success  which  is  complete ;  and  if  there  be  any- 
thing to  regret  in  the  language  which  has  been  used  by  his 
amiable  and  gifted  biographer,  in  setting  forth  that  defence, 

*  Journals  of  1784.  i  Wirt's  Life  of  Henry,  26a. 


160  PROTESTANT   EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [1784. 

it  is  to  be  found  in  the  statement  which  represents  Mr. 
Henry  as  a  believer  in  Christianity,  without  having  a  prefer- 
ence for  any  of  the  forms  in  which  it  is  presented.*    Chris- 
tianity, to  be  worth  anything,  must  assume  some  distinct 
form  of  profession  :  it  is  a  practical  principle,  and  worship 
constitutes  one  of  its  essential  features.     He  therefore  who 
acts  upon  its  principles,  cannot  be  indifferent  to  the  pecu- 
liarities which  mark  his  system  of  doctrine,  or  express  his 
feelings  of  devotion.     To  each  individual,  his  religion  must 
be  something,  not  general  but  particular,  and  all  experience 
has  shown  that  the  avowal  merely  of  Christianity  in  gen- 
eral, as  to  all  practical  effects,  is  ordinarily  equivalent  to 
an  avowal  of  no  Christianity  at  all.     The  biographer  of 
Mr.  Henry  has  recently  gone  down  to  the  grave,  amid  the 
regrets  of  his  countrymen,  honoured  for  his  talents,  and 
what  is  better  still,  respected  for  his  piety.     The  latter 
years  of  his  life  afford  a  striking  illustration  of  that  change 
in  his  sentiments,  upon  the  point  in  discussion,  which  was 
produced  by  Christianity.     He  died  in  the  Presbyterian 
communion,  for  which  he  had,  by  becoming  a  member,  ex- 
pressed his  honest  preference.     He  had  learned  more  of 
Christianity  than  he  knew  when  he  wrote  the  life  of  his 
distinguished  countryman.    Intentionally,  he  was  incapable 
of  misrepresentation,  his  hand  would  not  have  deliberately 
penned  what  he  did  not  believe;  and  yet  his  statement  as 
to  Mr.  Henry  is  inaccurate,  for  he  was  very  far  from  having 
no  preferences  in  his  religion.     He  was,  from  his  heart,  an 
Episcopalian ;  and  it  is  gratifying  to  be  able  to  record  of 
the  man,  whose  splendid  talents  alone  placed  him  among 
the  first  of  his  countrymen,  that  there  was  a  consistency  and 
humility  in  his  Christian  character  which  formed  his  highest 
honour.     It  has  been  said  that  he  was  an  unbeliever  at  one 
period  of  his  life.     On  the  authority  of  his  own  family,  the 
assertion  is  denied.f    "  He  ever  had  a  great  abhorrence  of 

*  Wirt's  Life  of  Patrick  Henry,     session,   containing   information    of 
262.  Mr.  Henry,  derived  from  his  widow 

■f  MS.  letter  in  the  author's  pos-     and  descendants. 


1784.]  IN  vmaiNiA.  161 

infidelity,  and  a^+nrlly  wrote  an  answer  to  Paine's  'Age  of 
Reason,'  but  destroyed  it  before  his  death  ;  he  received 
the  communion  as  often  as  an  opportunity  was  offered  ;  and 
on  such  occasions,  always  fasted  until  after  he  had  received 
the  sacrament,  and  spent  the  day  in  the  greatest  retirement. 
This  he  did,  both  while  he  was  governor  and  afterward." 

A  touching  anecdote,  illustrative  of  his  humility,  is  re- 
corded by  his  biographer,  for  the  introduction  of  which 
here  no  apology  can  be  necessary.  In  the  spring  of  1799, 
when  Mr.  Henry  was  verging  towards  his  threescore  and 
ten  years,  the  political  aspect  of  affairs  induced  him  to 
forego  the  comforts  of  his  retirement,  and  to  be  presented 
as  a  candidate  for  the  House  of  Delegates.  *'  On  the  day 
of  the  election,  as  soon  as  he  appeared  on  the  ground,  he 
was  surrounded  by  the  admiring  and  adoring  crowd,  and 
whithersoever  he  moved  the  concourse  followed  him.  A 
preacher  of  the  Baptist  church,  whose  piety  was  wounded 
by  this  homage  paid  to  a  mortal,  asked  the  people  aloud, 
*  Why  they  thus  followed  Mr.  Henry  ?  Mr.  Henry,'  said 
he,  *  is  not  a  god  1'  '  No,'  said  Mr.  Henry,  deeply  affected 
both  by  the  scene  and  the  remark,  *  no,  indeed,  my  friend, 
I  am  but  a  poor  worm  of  the  dust ;  as  fleeting  and  unsub- 
stantial as  the  shadow  of  the  cloud  that  flies  over  your 
fields,  and  is  remembered  no  more.'  The  tone  with  which 
this  was  uttered,  and  the  look  which  accompanied  it, 
affected  every  heart  and  silenced  every  voice.  Envy  and 
opposition  were  disarmed  by  his  humility  ;  the  recollection 
of  his  past  services  rushed  upon  every  memory,  and  he 
*read  his  history'  in  their  swimming  eyes."* 

We  know  not  how,  more  appropriately,  to  terminate  this 
passing  notice  of  a  great  and  a  good  man,  than  by  present*- 
ing  his  dying  testimony  in  favour  of  that  Christianity  which 
he  so  consistently  professed.  '*  I  have  now,"  says  he,  in 
his  last  will,  "  disposed  of  all  my  property  to  my  farpjly, 

♦  Wirt'a  Life  of  Hcniy,408, 


162  PROTESTANT   EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [1784. 

There  is  one  thing  more  I  whh  I  could  give  them,  and  that 
is  the  Christian  religii-n.  If  they  have  that,  and  I  had  not 
given  them  ne  shilling,  they  would  be  rich  ;  and  if  they 
have  not  that,  and  I  had  given  them  all  this  world,  they 
would  be  poor." 

The  church  may  be  grateful  that  she  could  number  such 
a  man  as  Mr.  Henry  among  her  members.  The  state 
which  gave  birth  both  to  him  and  his  biographer,  should 
rejoice  in  the  thought,  that  the  lustre  of  splendid  talents 
in  two  of  her  most  gifted  sons,  was  brightened  by  the 
lustre  of  humble  piety  ;  and  this  digression  will  not  be 
useless,  should  the  examples  it  presents  impress  upon  the 
reader  the  thought,  that  Christianity  crowns,  with  new 
honours,  exalted  station  on  earth,  and  qualifies  for  the  en- 
joyment of  a  more  exalted  station  still  in  heaven. 

Upon  the  adoption  of  the  resolution  touching  the  incorpo- 
ration of  such  religious  societies  as  might  apply  for  it,  an  op- 
portunity was  afforded  to  the  church  of  acquiring  and  hold- 
ing property  by  applying  for  an  act  of  incorporation;  and  on 
the  same  day  which  witnessed  the  adoption  of  the  resolution, 
leave  was  given  to  introduce  a  bill  for  the  incorporation  of 
the  clergy  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  church.  Mr.  Henry 
was  one  of  the  committee  appointed  to  bring  in  the  bill, 
the  enactments  of  which  were  substantially  as  follows  : — 

The  minister  and  vestry  of  each  parish  already  in  being, 
or  thereafter  to  be  established,  were  made  a  body  corpo- 
rate, and  as  such,  each  parish  was  authorized  to  have,  hold, 
use,  and  enjoy  all  glebe  lands  already  purchased,  all 
churches  and  chapels  already  built,  with  the  burying- 
grounds  belonging  to  them,  and  all  such  as  were  contracted 
for  and  begun  before  the  first  of  January,  1777;  to  be  held 
for  the  use  of  the  respective  parishes,  together  with  all 
books,  plate,  and  ornaments,  and  every  other  thing,  the 
property  of  the  late  established  church.  And  it  was  also 
enacted,  that  in  all  proceedings  of  ministers  and  vestries  a 
majority  of  votes  should  decide,  nor  should  the  minister  in 


1784.]  IN  VIRGINIA.  163 

any  case  be  permitted  to  interpose  his  veto  on  the  proceed- 
ings of  the  corporation. 

The  ministers  and  vestries  thus  incorporated  were 
allowed  to  acquire,  use,  and  enjoy  property,  provided  the 
income  thence  arising  did  not  exceed  eight  hundred  pounds 
per  annum. 

The  minister,  or,  in  case  of  his  absence,  the  churchwar- 
dens, were  to  call  meetings  of  the  corporators  when  neces- 
sary, and  seven  were  competent  to  transact  any  business, 
except  to  demise,  alien,  or  lease  the  church  property;  in 
which  cases  a  majority  of  the  whole  was  necessary.  They 
had  power  to  make  their  own  regulations  for  the  manage- 
ment of  their  temporal  concerns,  and  to  the  vestry  solely 
belonged  the  disposition  and  ordering  of  all  payments  of 
the  moneys  of  the  church,  by  officers  of  their  own  appoint- 
ment. 

In  cases  where  parishes  were  vacant,  and  there  were  no 
ministers  or  vestrymen,  power  was  given  to  any  two  rep- 
utable inhabitants,  members  of  the  Episcopal  church,  to 
call  together  all  Episcopalians  resident  within  that  parish, 
and  they  were  authorized,  by  a  majority  of  votes,  to  elect 
twelve  able  and  discreet  men,  members  of  the  church,  who 
should,  when  elected,  be  a  vestry  to  all  intents  and  pur- 
poses. 

Elections  of  vestrymen  were  to  be  held  on  the  Monday 
of  Easter  week  in  every  third  year  thereafter,  for  ever: 
they  were  to  be  held  at  the  parish  church,  or  some  other 
convenient  place  in  the  parish ;  their  number  was  to  be 
twelve,  and  no  person  in  the  parish  v/as  entitled  to  a  vote, 
who  did  not  profess  himself  to  be  a  member  of  the  Protes- 
tant Episcopal  church,  and  contribute  to  its  support.  The 
vestrymen  elected,  before  entering  upon  their  duties,  were 
required  to  subscribe  a  declaration  to  be  conformable  to  the 
doctrine,  discipline,  and  worship  of  the  Protestant  Epis- 
copal church.  They  were  then  to  appoint,  from  their  own 
body,  two  churchwardens,  and  had  power  to   fill   any 


1§4  PROTESTANT   EPISCOPAL   CHURCH  [1784* 

vacancies  amofig  themselves  until  the  succeeding  triennial 
election. 

Each  vestry  was  required,  once  in  three  years,  to  exhibit 
upon  oath  to  the  court  of  the  county  in  which  the  parish 
was  situated,  an  account  and  inventory  of  all  the  property 
of  their  church,  real  and  personal,  together  with  a  state- 
ment of  the  annual  revenue  thence  arising;  and  in  case  of 
failure  to  perform  this  duty  within  twelve  months  after  the 
appointed  time,  the  vestry  were  to  payone  hundred  pounds 
for  the  use  of  the  state,  and  on  a  second  failure,  to  forfeit 
their  privileges  as  a  corporation.  Wherever  the  annual 
income  was  reported  to  exceed  eight  hundred  pounds,  it 
was  the  duty  of  the  court  to  report  the  same  to  the  gover- 
nor, to  be  laid  by  him  before  the  next  General  Assembly. 

All  former  laws  made  for  the  government  of  the  church 
or  clergy,  during  the  colonial  existence  of  the  state,  were 
repealed,  and  the  church  was  thenceforth  authorized,  in 
conventions  held  as  often  as  she  might  deem  necessary,  to 
regulate  all  her  religious  concerns,  settle  all  matters  touch- 
ing doctrine,  discipline,  and  worship,  and  make  such  rules 
as  she  saw  fit  for  orderly  and  good  government.  The  con- 
vention was  to  be  composed  of  all  ministers  of  the  church, 
ex  officio,  and  of  two  laymen  from  each  parish,  to  be 
chosen  by  their  respective  vestries.  Forty  persons  were 
necessary  to  constitute  a  convention,  and  it  was  expressly 
provided  that  no  law  should  be  made  whereby  a  clergyman 
might  be  received  into,  or  removed  from,  a  cure  contrary 
to  the  consent  of  a  majority  of  the  vestry.  The  ministers 
and  laymen,  assembled  in  general  convention,  had  the  power, 
however,  upon  good  cause  shown,  to  remove  from  any 
parish  a  minister  who  was  accused  of  unworthy  behaviour, 
or  neglected  the  duties  of  his  office.* 

It  cannot  escape  observation,  that  this  law  manifests,  on 
the  part  of  the  laity,  a  suspicious  jealousy  of  the  clergy ;  it 

*  11  Hening's  Statutes,  at  large,  532. 


1784.]  IN   VIRGINIA.  165 

had  been  engendered  by  a  sad  experience  of  the  past,  and 
therefore  the  laity  kept  the  purse-strings  in  their  own  hands. 
But,  with  perhaps  one  or  two  trifling  exceptions,  the  law  is 
equitable ;  it  was  designed  to  provide  permanently  for  the 
support  of  faithful  ministers,  but  it  meant  also  to  preserve 
a  salutary  check  upon  laziness  and  wickedness.  A  pastor, 
conscientiously  disposed  to  discharge  his  duty,  might  live 
happily  and  comfortably  under  such  a  law;  and  we  hear  of 
no  complaints  made  by  the  clergy  of  that  day  against  its 
provisions.  Its  passage  was  hailed  with  thankfulness,  and 
a  day  of  brightness  seemed  about  to  dawn  upon  the  tem- 
poral interests  of  the  church. 

But  contemporaneously  with  the  circumstances  just 
related,  an  incident  occurred  which  was  afterward  to  aid 
in  dissipating  the  short-lived  joy  which  the  incorporation  of 
the  church  had  occasioned.  Up  to  this  time,  the  Methodists 
had  continued  in  alliance  wdth  the  church,  and  professed  to 
consider  themselves  as  a  part  of  it ;  but  the  time  had  now 
come  for  their  final  separation  from  it.  The  incipient 
steps  in  this  business  are  thus  related  by  two  of  the  histo- 
rians of  Methodism.*  "  When  peace  was  established  be- 
tween Great  Britain  and  the  States,  the  intercourse  was 
opened  between  the  societies  in  both  countries.  Mr.  Wes- 
ley then  received  from  Mr.  Asbury  a  full  account  of  the 
progress  of  the  work  during  the  war ;  and  especially  of 
the  division  which  had  taken  place,  and  the  difficulties  he 
met  with  before  it  was  healed.f  He  also  informed  Mr. 
Wesley  of  the  extreme  uneasiness  of  the  people's  minds 
for  want  of  the  sacraments :  that  thousands  of  their  chil- 
dren were  unbaptized  ;  and  the  members  of  the  society  in 
general  had  not  partaken  of  the  Lord's  Supper  for  many 
years.  Mr.  Wesley  then  considered  the  subject,  and  in- 
formed Dr.  Coke  of  his  design  of  drawing  up  a  plan  of 


♦  Life  of  Wesley   by  Coke  and  t  Vide  ante,  pp.  148,  149. 

More,  p.  351. 


166  PROTESTANT    EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [1784. 

church  government,  and  of  establishing  an  ordination  for 
bis  Annerican  societies.  But,  cautious  of  entering  on  so 
new  a  plan,  he  afterward  suspended  the  execution  of  his 
purposes,  and  weighed  the  whole  for  upward  of  a  year. 
At  the  conference  held  in  Leeds,  1784,  he  declared  his 
intention  of  sending  Dr.  Coke  and  some  other  preachers  to 
America.  Mr.  Richard  Whatcoat  and  Mr.  Thomas  Vasey 
offered  themselves  as  missionaries  for  that  purpose,  and 
were  accepted.  Before  they  sailed  Mr.  Wesley  abridged 
the  common  prayer  book,  and  wrote  to  Dr.  Coke,  then  in 
London,  desiring  him  to  meet  him  in  Bristol  to  receive 
fuller  powers^  and  to  bring  the  reverend  Mr.  Creighton 
with  him.  The  doctor  and  Mr.  Creighton  accordingly  met 
him  in  Bristol,  when,  with  their  assistance,  he  ordained 
Mr.  Richard  Whatcoat  and  Mr.  Thomas  Vasey  presbyters 
for  America,  and  did  afterward  ordain  Dr.  Coke  superin- 
tendent,  giving  him  letters  of  ordination  under  his  hand 
and  seal,  and,  at  the  same  time,  a  letter  to  be  printed  and 
circulated  in  America."  To  this  statement  it  should  here 
be  added,  that  Dr.  Coke  also  wrote  to  Mr.  Wesley  urging 
him  to  ordain  him  bishop.*  On  the  third  of  November, 
1784,  Dr.  Coke  arrived  in  New- York,  and  on  the  fourteenth, 
met  Mr.  Asbury  for  the  first  time,  who,  upon  hearing  of 
the  new  plan,  expressed  strong  doubts  about  it,f  which  by 
some  means  or  other  were  soon  removed,  as  subsequent 
events  proved.  On  Christmas  eve  a  general  conference 
of  the  Methodists  assembled  by  appointment  at  Baltimore, 
by  which  a  circular  letter  from  Mr.  Wesley,  of  which  Dr. 
Coke  was  the  bearer,  dated  September  10th,  1784,  was 
published,  from  which  the  following  extracts  are  presented. 
The  letter  is  addressed  to  Dr.  Coke,  Mr.  Asbury,  and  our 
brethren  in  America. 

"  By  a  very  uncommon  train  of  providences,  many  of 

*  See  Whitehead's  Life  of  Wes-  f  Coke'i  Journal- 

ley,  in  which  the  letter  is  published. 


1784.]  IN    VIRGINIA.  167 

the  provinces  of  North  America  are  totally  disjoined  from 
their  mother  country,  and  erected  into  independent  states. 
The  English  government  has  no  authority  over  them,  either 
civil  or  ecclesiastical,  any  more  than  over  the  states  of 
Holland.  A  civil  authority  is  exercised  over  them,  partly 
by  the  congress,  partly  by  the  provincial  assemblies.  But 
no  one  either  exercises  or  claims  any  ecclesiastical  au- 
thority at  all.  In  this  pecuHar  situation,  some  thousands 
of  the  inhabitants  of  these  states  desire  my  advice,  and 
in  compliance  with  their  desire  I  have  drawn  up  a  little 
sketch. 

"  For  many  years  I  have  been  importuned,  from  time  to 
time,  to  exercise  the  right  of  ordaining  part  of  our  travel- 
ling preachers.  But  I  have  still  refused  :  not  only  for  peace* 
sake,  but  because  I  was  determined,  as  little  as  possible,  to 
violate  the  established  order  of  the  national  church  to  which 
I  belonged. 

"  But  the  case  is  widely  different  between  England  and 
North  America.  Here  there  are  bishops  who  have  a  legal 
jurisdiction.  In  America  there  are  none,  neither  any  parish 
ministers  ;  so  that  for  some  hundred  miles  together,  there 
is  none  either  to  baptize,  or  to  administer  the  Lord's  Sup- 
per. Here,  therefore,  my  scruples  are  at  an  end;  and  I 
conceive  myself  at  full  liberty,  as  I  violate  no  order,  and 
invade  no  man's  right,  by  appointing,  and  sending  labourers 
into  the  harvest. 

"  I  have  accordingly  appointed  Dr.  Coke  and  Mr.  Francis 
Asbury  to  be  joint  superintendents  over  our  brethren  in 
North  America ;  as  also  Richard  Whatcoat  and  Thomas 
Vasey  to  act  as  elders  among  them,  by  baptizing  and  ad- 
ministering the  Lord's  Supper.  And  I  also  advise  the  elders 
to  administer  the  Supper  of  the  Lord  on  every  Lord's 
day. 

"  If  any  one  will  point  out  a  more  rational  and  scriptural 
way  of  feeding  and  guiding  those  poor  sheep  in  the  wilder- 


168  PROTESTANT   EPISCOPAL   CHURCH  [1784. 

ness,  I  will  gladly  embrace  it.     At  present  I  cannot  see 
any  better  method  than  that  I  have  taken."* 

The  appointment  merely  of  Mr.  Asbury  does  not  seem 
to  have  been  deemed  sufficient  to  confer  upon  him  any  new 
powers,  and  accordingly  we  find  him  receiving  such  ordi- 
nation to  the  offices  of  deacon  and  priest  as  Dr.  Coke  could 
bestow,  and  afterward  obtaining  from  the  same  hands  what 
was  deemed  a  consecration  to  the  episcopate.  The  use  of 
the  phrase,  superintendent,  was  ere  long  discontinued,  and 
that  of  bishop  (which  has  ever  since  been  retained)  was 
substituted  for  it.  The  separation  between  the  church  and 
Methodists  was  made  entire  by  the  circumstances  just  re- 
lated, and  it  is  not  here  necessary  to  pursue  further  the  his- 
tory of  the  latter ;  there  are,  however,  certain  facts  con- 
nected with  the  transaction  which  form  a  part  of  its  true 
history,  and  which,  therefore,  it  would  be  wrong  to  with- 
hold. 

The  plan  of  ordination  and  church  government  which 
Mr.  Wesley  so  appropriately  termed  new^  does  not  appear, 
from  the  account  of  Dr.  Coke,  to  have  been  communicated 
by  Mr.  Wesley  to  the  conference  prior  to  its  execution ; 
he  declared  his  intention  simply  of  sending  Dr.  Coke  and 
other  ministers  to  America.  In  fact,  we  are  elsewhere 
told  that  information  of  its  actual  execution  was  never 
given  to  the  conference  until  1786,f  before  which  time, 
probably,  intelligence  of  the  act  had  reached  them  from 
America.     It  was  therefore  the  act  of  Mr.  Wesley  alone. 

It  was  an  act,  upon  the  pr<  priety  of  which  he  took  no 
counsel  with  his  most  intimate  friends.  His  brother,  Mr. 
Charles  Wesley,  in  a  letter  to  Dr.  Chandler,  written  in 
1785,  thus  expresses  himself: — 

"  I  can  scarcely  yet  believe,  that  in  his  eighty-second 

*  Coke  and  Mote's  Life  of  Wes-  t  Myle's  Chronological  History  of 
ley,  352.  the  Methodists,  162. 


1784.]  IN    VIRGINIA.   ^X*:^^     -  169 

year,  my  brother,  my  old  intimate  friend  and  companion, 
should  have  assumed  the  episcopal  character,  ordained 
elders,  consecrated  a  bishop,  and  sent  him  to  ordain  the 
lay  preachers  in  America.  I  was  then  in  Bristol,  at  his 
elbow ;  yet  he  never  gave  me  the  least  hint  of  his  inten- 
tion. How  was  he  surprised  into  so  rash  an  action  ?  He 
certainly  persuaded  himself  that  it  was  right.*' 

The  reasons  assigned  for  the  act,  by  Mr.  Wesley,  were 
not  at  all  times  the  same.  In  his  letter,  as  published  by  the 
conference,  he  stated  that  his  scruples  were  at  an  end,  and 
he  considered  himself  at  full  liberty,  because  America  was 
destitute  of  bishops,  and  belonged  not  to  the  jurisdiction  of 
any  English  prelate.  On  another  occasion,  when,  at  the 
request  of  Jones  of  Nayland,  inquiry  was  made  of  him 
whether  it  was  true  that  he  had  invested  persons  with  the 
episcopal  character,  and  sent  tbem  to  America ;  after  some 
hesitation,  he  admitted  the  fact,  and  assigned  as  a  reason 
for  his  conduct,  that  after  the  revolution  each  denomination 
was  making  efforts  to  swell  its  numbers,  and  the  Baptists 
particularly  were  greatly  increasing,  to  the  injury  of  the 
church.*  He  had,  therefore,  taken  the  step  with  the  hope 
of  preventing  further  disorders. 

If  the  object  of  Mr.  Wesley  was  to  secure  to  America 
the  episcopate,  the  course  pursued  was  rendered  unneces- 
sary by  existing  circumstances.  Dr.  Seabury  of  Connecti- 
cut had  been  nearly  two  years  in  England  soliciting  epis- 
copal consecration,  and  in  consequence  of  difficulties,  arising 
entirely  from  the  English  law,  was  on  the  point  of  going  to 
Scotland  to  be  consecrated  there,  at  the  very  moment  when 
Mr.  Wesley  laid  his  hands  on  Dr.  Coke :  and  it  cannot  be 
supposed  that  Mr.  Wesley  was  ignorant  of  these  facts,  par- 
ticularly as  we  find  them  to  have  been  well  known  to  his 
brother  Charles* 

The  latter  gentleman,  in  the  letter  to  Dr.  Chandler, 


*  Life  of  Bishop  Horne^  by  Jones  of  Nayland,  pp.  143,  4,  6. 
Y 


170  PROTESTANT   EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [1784. 

already  referred  to,  speaking  of  the  American  Methodists, 
uses  this  language : — "  How  have  they  been  betrayed  into 
a  separation  from  the  Church  of  England,  which  their 
preachers  and  they  no  more  intended  than  the  Methodists 
here  ?  Had  they  had  patience  a  little  longer,  they  would 
have  seen  a  real  primitive  bishop  in  America,  duly  conse- 
crated by  thr6e  Scotch  bishops,  who  had  their  consecra- 
tion from  the  English  bishops,  and  are  acknowledged  by 
them  as  the  same  with  themselves.  There  is,  therefore, 
not  the  least  difference  between  the  members  of  Bishop 
Seabury's  church  and  the  members  of  the  Church  of  Eng- 
land. -  I  had  the  happiness  to  converse  with  that  truly 
apostolic  man,  who  is  esteemed  by  all  that  know  him,  as 
much  as  by  you  and  me.  He  told  me  that  he  looked  upon 
the  Methodists  in  America  as  sound  members  of  the  church, 
an-d  was  ready  to  ordain  any  of  their  preachers  whom  he 
should  find  duly  qualified."  In  point  of  fact,  Bishop  Sea- 
bury  had  received  consecration  on  the  fourteenth  of  No- 
vember, when  the  conference  assembled  at  Baltimore,  on 
the  twenty-fourth  of  the  succeeding  month. 

Without  intending,  by  these  remarks,  to  disparage  John 
Wesley,  (a  man  whose  zeal,  whose  talents,  and  whose 
efforts  exerted  perseveringly  in  the  cause  of  religion,  should 
cover  many  faults,)  we  feel  ourselves  constrained  to  adopt 
an  opinion  which  seems  to  have  assumed,  at  least,  the 
shape  of  a  suspicion  in  the  mind  of  his  brother.  With  an  in- 
tellect enfeebled  by  the  weight  of  four  score ^nd  two  years, 
he  was  seduced,  by  those  who  would  use  his  vast  influence 
for  purposes  of  their  own,  into  the  adoption  of  a  plan  which 
the  better  judgment  of  his  more  vigorous  understanding 
had  more  than  once  rejected.  It  is  beheved  to  have  been 
the  contrivance  of  a  few  individuals,  who  took  advantage  of 
the  infirmities  of  age,  to  procure  from  the  dying  ruler  a 
decree  which  should  transmit  the  sceptre  to  themselves. 
There  are  others  more  deserving  of  censure,  in  this  trans- 
action, than  John  Wesley ;  and  such  seems  to  have  been  the 


1784.]  IN    VIRGINIA.  171 

opinion  of  his  brother,  and  two  at  least  of  his  biographers.* 
Ambition  was  gratified  at  the  price  of  a  separation  be- 
tween those  who  should  never  have  been  severed,  and  of 
whom,  it  is  at  least  pleasant  to  indulge  the  hope  that  the 
day  may  yet  come,  when  they  shall  again  be  one. 

*  See  Dr.  Whitehead's  and  Mr.  Hampson's  Lives  of  Wesley.  The 
former  gentleman,  speaking  of  the  consecration  of  Dr.  Coke,  remarks,  "that 
the  person  who  advised  the  measure,  would  be  proved  to  have  been  a  felon 
to  Methodism^  and  to  have  stuck  an  assassin's  knife  into  the  vitals  of  its 
bodjr." 


172  PROTESTANT    EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [1784. 


CHAPTER    X. 
1784-1789. 

Enmity  of  Presbyterians  and  Baptists  to  the  Church — Act  for  establishing 
religious  Freedom — Mr.  Jefferson — Mr.  Madison's  Memorial-  First  Con- 
Tention  of  the  Church  in  1785 — Address  of  the  (Convention  to  Church- 
men— Means  proposed  for  support  of  the  Clergy — Canons  of  the  Church — 
Discipline — Church  in  Virginia  declines  receiving  Holy  Orders  from  Den- 
mark— First  General  Convention  ;  Virginia  represented  there — Conduct 
of  Virginia  Church  on  the  proposed  Articles  of  Union — Instruction  to 
Virginia  Delegates  to  General  Convention  of  1785 — Baptists  and  Pres- 
byterians ask  for  the  Property  of  the  Church — *'  The  proposed  Book" — 
Articles  of  Religion — Decision  of  Virginia  on  "  The  proposed  Book"  and 
Articles — Dr.  Griffith  elected  first  Bishop  of  the  Church  in  Virginia — 
Mistake  concerning  his  Election  rectified — Instructions  of  Virginia  Con- 
vention to  Delegates  to  General  Convention  of  1786 — Repeal  of  the  Act 
of  Incorporation — General  Conventions  of  1786 — Proceedings  of  Vir- 
ginia thereon — Remedies  adopted  to  supply  the  want  of  Act  of  Incorpo- 
ration— Address  of  the  Convention  of  1787  to  the  Church — Dr.  Griffith 
not  consecrated — Causes  thereof — Early  efforts  of  Virginia  in  behalf  of 
Clerical  Education — Case  of  Discipline. 

Scarcely  had  the  chi>rch  begun  to  reap  the  benefits 
resulting  from  its  incorporation  by  the  legislature,  before  it 
was  again  assailed.  The  presbytery  of  Hanover,  in  the 
game  year  in  which  the  act  of  incorporation  was  passed, 
presented  a  memorial  to  the  legislature  complaining  of  the 
peculiar  privileges  which  the  church  was  said  thereby  to 
obtain.  It  was  stated  that  she  could  "  receive  and  possess 
property  without  trouble  or  risk  in  securing  it ;  while  other 
Christian  communities  were  obliged  to  trust  to  the  preca- 
rious fidelity  of  trustees  chosen  for  the  purpose."  It  was 
in  vain  to  answer  that  there  was  no  difficulty  in  obtaining 
incorporation  for  the  Presbyterian  church ;  that  the  legis- 


1785.]  IN   VIRGINIA.     '""  173 

lature  was  ready  and  willing  to  confer  on  it  every  privilege 
which  it  had  conferred  on  any  other  religious  society.  And 
when,  at  the  next  succeeding  session  of  the  legislature,  a 
bill  was  introduced  for  the  incorporation  of  other  denomi- 
nations of  Christians,  the  presbytery  of  Hanover  petitioned 
that  it  might  not  pass,  objected  to  it  as  contrary  to  their 
views  of  propriety,  and  actually  declined  taking  any  benefit 
of  incorporation  under  it,  should  it  become  a  law.*  It  will 
scarcely  be  thought  strange  that  this  manifestation  of  a 
willingness  to  forego  what  they  themselves  owned  to  be  a 
benefit,  because  obliged  to  share  it  with  Episcopalians, 
should  have  been  construed,  as  it  was,  into  a  settled  deter- 
mination, if  possible,  to  destroy  the  Episcopal  church 
entirely. 

How  far  the  decided  opposition  of  the  Presbyterians  and 
Baptists  to  any  act  which  might  benefit  the   Episcopal 
church,  may  have  influenced  the  legislature,  it  is  impossible 
to  say.     There  was,  however,  in  that  body,  an  individual 
of  great  influence,  of  whom  (if  his  own  writings  may  be 
considered  sufficient  testimony)  it  is  not  injustice  to  say, 
that  he  would  have  thought  it  no  honour  to  be  suspected  of 
a  belief  in  Christianity  ;  and  in  eradicating  what  he  thought 
a  pestilent  error,  he  probably  was  not  unwilling  to  avail 
himself  of  all  tlie  aid  which  these  petitions  against  the 
church  could  possibly  afford.     There  is  reason  in  his  case, 
therefore,  to  believe  that  under  cover  of  an  attack  upon  a 
religious  establishment,  a  blow  was  aimed  at  Christianity 
itself.     Be  this  as  it  may,  it  is  certain  that  an  act  was 
passed  by  the  legislature  of  1785,  which  was  viewed  by 
many  as  utterly  subversive,  in  its  declarations,  of  the  Chris- 
tian religion,  and  called  forth  at  the  time  the  severe  ani- 
madversions of  some  who  still  reverenced  the  faith  of  the 
apostles.f    This  was  the  "  Act  for  establishing  Religious 

♦  See  the  Journals  of  1784-  act  for  the  establishment  of  religioui 

t  Considerations  on  an  act  of  the     freedom.     By  a  citizen  of  Philadel- 
legislature  of  Virginia,  entitled  An    phia.     1786. 


174  PROTESTANT   EPISCOPAL   CHURCH  [1785- 

Freedom,"  drawn  by  Mr.  Jefferson,*  and  preceded  by  a 
memorial  from  the  pen  of  Mr.  Madison,  which  is  supposed 
to  have  led  to  the  passage  of  the  law.  It  is,  however,  due 
to  the  last  named  gentleman  to  state  that  his  production  is 
not  an  attack  upon  Christianity ;  but  very  forcibly  presents 
objections  to  religious  establishments  in  general ;  in  the  op- 
position to  wl  ich  it  is  believed  that  a  large  majority  of  his 
countrymen,  if  not  all  of  them,  would  be  found  to  concur. 
It  is  no  part  of  our  province,  however,  to  enter  upon  a  full 
discussion  of  the  principles  avowed  in  either  of  these  docu- 
ments ;  our  duty  now  is  simply  to  present  such  facts  as 
will  enable  the  reader  to  form  his  own  opinion. 

The  memorial  was  presented  to  the  legislature  of  1785, 
as  has  been  stated,  and  offered  substantially  the  following 
views : — that  religion  must  be  left  to  the  conviction  and  con- 
science of  every  man,  and  that  his  right  to  determine  the 
question  of  his  religion  is  inalienable  ;  that  it  is  the  duty  of 
every  man  to  render  to  his  Creator  such  homage  as  he 
thinks  will  be  acceptable  to  him  ;  that  every  man  on  enter- 
ing society  reserves  his  allegiance  to  the  Universal  Sove- 
reign ;  and,  consequently,  that  in  matters  of  religion  no 
man's  rights  can  be  abridged  by  the  institutions  of  civil 
society:  hence  it  is  argued  that  if  religion  be  exempt  from 
the  interference  or  authority  of  society  at  large,  a  fortiori 
it  must  be  from  that  of  the  legislative  body.  The  memo- 
rial further  stated,  that  it  was  proper  vigilantly  to  guard 
against  the  first  experiment  upon  our  liberties  ;  and  that  if 
Christianity  might  be  established,  the  power  by  which  it 
was  done  was  competent  also  to  establish  one  sect  in  pre- 
ference to  another ;  and  that  such  preference  violates  that 
equality  which  ought  to  be  the  basis  of  every  law,  for  all 
men  enter  society  upon  equal  conditions.  It  was  urged 
also  that  the  civil  magistrate  is  not  a  competent  judge  of 
religious  truth,  nor  has  he  a  right  to  employ  religion  as  an 

*  1  Jefferson's  Works,  p.  36. 


1785.]  IN  VIRGINIA.  175 

engine  of  civil  policy.  It  is  an  unhallowed  perversion  of 
the  means  of  salvation.  Again,  Christianity  does  not  re- 
quire an  establishment  to  support  it.  It  has  no  dependance 
upon  the  power  of  this  worid  ;  and  the  effect  of  establish- 
ments is  to  corrupt  religion.  Neither  does  civil  govern- 
ment require  the  aid  of  an  establishment.  A  law  making 
an  establishment  is  but  the  signal  for  persecution ;  its  ten- 
dency is  to  banish  a  portion  of  the  citizens,  and  destroy 
moderation  and  harmony ;  it  is  therefore  adverse  to  the 
diffusion  of  Christianity ;  and  unless  such  a  law  is  clearly 
demanded  by  a  majority  of  the  citizens,  its  tendency  is  to 
enervate  the  laws  and  thus  weaken  the  bands  of  society. 

The  act  for  the  establishment  of  religious  freedom  was 
passed  the  twenty-sixth  of  December,  1785,  and  is  in  these 
words : — 

"  Whereas  Almighty  God  hath  created  the  mind  free : 
that  all  attempts  to  influence  it  by  temporal  punishments  or 
burdens,  or  by  civil  incapacitations,  tend  only  to  beget 
habits  of  hypocrisy  and  meanness,  and  are  a  departure 
from  the  plan  of  the  holy  Author  of  our  religion ;  who 
being  Lord  both  of  body  and  mind,  yet  chose  not  to  propa- 
gate it  by  coercions  on  either,  as  was  in  his  almighty  power 
to  do :  that  the  impious  presumption  of  legislators  and 
rulers,  civil  as  well  as  ecclesiastical,  who  being  themselves 
but  fallible  and  uninspired  men,  have  -assumed  dominion 
over  the  faith  of  others,  setting  up  their  own  opinions  and 
modes  of  thinking  as  the  only  true  and  infallible,  and  as  such 
endeavouring  to  impose  them  on  others,  hath  established 
or  maintained  false  religions  over  the  greatest  part  of  the 
world,  and  through  all  time :  that  to  compel  a  man  to  fur- 
nish contributions  of  money  for  the  propagation  of  opinions 
which  he  disbelieves,  is  sinful  and  tyrannical :  that  even  the 
forcing  him  to  support  this  or  that  preacher  of  his  own 
religious  persuasion,  is  depriving  him  of  the  comfortable 
liberty  of  giving  his  contributions  to  the  particular  pastor 
whose  morals  he  would  make  his  pattern,  and  whose  pow- 


A'^ 


176  PROTESTAN'T   EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [1785. 

ers  he  feels  most  persuasive  to  righteousness,  and  is  with- 
drawing from  the  ministry  those  temporal  rewards,  which, 
proceeding  from  an  approbation  of  their  personal  conduct, 
are  an  additional  incitement  to  earnest  and  unremitting 
labours  for  the  instruction  of  mankind  :  that  our  civil  rights 
have  no  dependance  on  our  religious  opinions,  any  more 
than  our  opinions  in  physic  and  geometry :  that  therefore 
the  proscribing  any  citizen  as  unworthy  of  the  public  con- 
fidence, by  laying  upon  him  an  incapacity  of  being  called 
to  offices  of  trust  and  emolument,  unless  he  profess  or  re- 
nounce this  or  that  religious  opinion,  is  depriving  him  inju- 
riously of  those  privileges  and  advantages  to  which,  in 
common  with  his  fellow- citizens,  he  has  a  natural  right: 
that  it  tends  only  to  corrupt  the  principles  of  that  religion 
it  is  meant  to  encourage,  by  bribing  with  a  monopoly  of 
"worldly  honours  and  emoluments  those  who  will  externally 
profess  or  conform  to  it:  that  though  indeed  those  are 
criminal  who  do  not  withstand  such  temptation,  yet  neither 
are  those  innocent  who  lay  t'le  bait  in  their  way  ;  that  to 
suffer  the  civil  magistrate  to  intrude  his  powers  into  the 
field  of  opinion,  and  to  restrain  the  profession  or  propaga- 
tion of  principles  on  suspicion  of  their  ill  tendency  is  a 
dangerous  fallacy,  which  at  once  destroys  all  religious 
liberty;  because,  he  being,  of  course,  judge  of  that  ten- 
dency, will  make  his  opinions  the  rule  of  judgment,  and 
approve  or  condemn  the  sentiments  of  others  only  as  they 
shall  square  with  or  differ  from  his  own :  that  it  is  time 
enough  for  the  rightful  purposes  of  civil  government  for  its 
officers  to  interfere,  when  principles  break  out  into  overt 
acts  against  peace  and  good  order ;  and,  finally,  that  truth 
is  great  and  will  prevail  if  left  to  herself,  that  she  is  the 
proper  and  sufficient  antagonist  to  error,  and  has  nothing 
to  fear  from  the  conffict,  unless  by  human  interposition  dis- 
armed of  her  natural  weapons,  free  argument  and  debate, 
errors  ceasing  to  be  dangerous  when  it  is  permitted  freely 
to  contradict  them : 


1785.]  IN    VIRGINIA.  177 

"  Be  it  therefore  enacted  by  the  General  Assembly,  that 
no  man  shall  be  compelled  to  frequent  or  support  any  reli- 
gious worship,  place,  or  ministry  whatsoever,  nor  shall  be 
enforced^  restrained,  molested,  or  burdened  in  his  body  or 
goods,  nor  shall  otherwise  suffer  on  account  of  his  religious 
opinions  or  belief;  but  that  all  men  shall  be  free  to  profess, 
and  by  argument  to  maintain  their  opinions  in  matters  of 
religion,  and  that  the  same  shall  in  nowise  diminish,  en- 
large, or  affect  their  civil  capacities. 

"And  though  we  well  know  that  this  assembly,  elected 
by  the  people  for  the  ordinary  purposes  of  legislation  only, 
have  no  power  to  restrain  the  acts  of  succeeding  assemblies, 
constituted  with  powers  equal  to  our  own,  and  that  there- 
fore to  declare  this  act  irrevocable  would  be  of  no  effect  in 
law,  yet  we  are  free  to  declare  and  do  declare  that  the 
rights  hereby  asserted  are  of  the  natural  right  of  mankind, 
and  that  if  ahy  act  shall  be  hereafter  passed  to  repeal  the 
present,  or  narrow  its  operation,  such  act  will  be  an  in- 
fringement of  natural  right."* 

The  inconsistency  of  this  latter  clause,  with  some  of  the 
principles  avowed  in  the  very  argumentative  preamble  to 
this  law,  will  not  escape  the  attention  of  the  observant 
reader.  A  solemn  protest  against  any  change  in  a  law 
which,  certainly  in  effect,  establishes  a  certain  set  of 
opinions  as  the  only  orthodox  standard  of  religious  senti- 
ment, comes  with  pecuMar  ill  grace  from  those  who  des- 
cant upon  "the  impious  presumption  of  legislators  and 
rulers,  who,  being  themselves  but  fallible  and  uninspired 
men,  have  assumed  dominion  over  the  faith  of  others,  set- 
ting up  their  own  opinions  and  modes  of  thinking  as  the 
only  true  and  infallible,  and  as  such  endeavouring  to  im- 
pose them  upon  others  through  all  time." 

There  is  an  air  af  self-satisfaction  with  which  the  author 
of  this  law  records  the  fact  of  his  having  prepared  it,  which 

♦  Revised  Code  of  Virginia,  vol.  i.  p.  41. 

Z 


178  PROTESTANT    EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [1785, 

leaves  no  doubt  that  in  the  review  of  his  political  career, 
his  mind  dwelt  with  peculiar  complacency  upon  this  inci- 
dent of  his  life :  he  informs  us  that  the  law  was  "drawn  in 
all  the  latitude  of  reason  and  right ;"  that  it  met  with  some 
opposition,  but  finally  passed  ;  and  in  the  spirit  of  exulta- 
tion, which  he  cannot  conceal,  at  the  success  of  his  effort  to 
degrade  Christianity  to  a  level  with  the  creed  of  Mecca, 
he  proceeds  to  relate  with  approbation  a  circumstance 
clearly  indicative  of  his  design  to  heap  dishonour  upon  the 
faith  of  Christians.  We  are  informed  by  him  that  an 
amendment  was  proposed  to  the  preamble  by  the  insertion 
of  the  name  of  our  Saviour  before  the  words  "  The  holy 
Author  of  our  religion  ;"  this  could  at  most  have  had  no 
other  effect  upon  the  enacting  clause,  but  that  of  granting 
the  utmost  freedom  to  all  denoxninaiions  professing  to  own 
and  worship  Christ,  without  affording  undue  preference  to 
any ;  and  against  this,  it  would  be  unreasonable  to  object : 
certain  it  is,  that  more  than  this  had  never  been  asked  by 
any  religious  denomination  in  Virginia,  in  any  petition  pre- 
sented against  the  church:  the  public,  therefore,  would 
have  been  satisfied  with  such  an  amendment;  the  proposed 
alteration,  however,  was  rejected,  and  it  is  made  the  sub- 
ject of  triumph  that  the  law  was  left,  in  the  words  of  its 
author,  "  to  comprehend  within  the  mantle  of  its  protection, 
the  Jew  and  the  gentile,  the  Christian  and  Mohammedan, 
the  Hindoo,  and  infidel  of  every  denomination."*  That 
these  various  classes  should  have  been  protected,  both  in 
person  and  property,  is  obviously  the  dictate  of  justice,  of 
humanity,  and  of  enlightened  policy,  but  it  surely  was  not 
necessary  in  securing  to  them  such  protection,  to  degrade, 
not  the  establishment,  but  Christianity  itself  to  a  level  with 
the  voluptuousness  of  Mohammed,  or  the  worship  of  Jug- 
gernaut :  and  if  it  be  true  that  there  is  danger  in  an  estab- 
lished alliance  between  Christianity  and  the  civil  power, 

•  Jeffeiwon'*  Worlw,  vol.  i.  pp.  36,  37. 


1785.]  HH  viROixiAr  179 

let  it  be  remembered  that  there  is  another  alliance  not  less 
fatal  to  the  happiness,  and  subversive  of  the  intellectual 
freedom  of  man — it  is  an  alliance  between  the  civil  author- 
ity and  infidelity:  which,  whether  formally  recognised  or 
not,  if  permitted  to  exert  its  influence,  direct  or  indirect, 
will  be  found  to  be  equally  ruinous  in  its  results.  On  this 
subject,  revolutionary  France  has  once  read  to  the  world 
an  impressive  lesson,  which  it  is  to  be  hoped  will  not 
speedily  be  forgotten. 

The  course  of  our  narrative  has  now  brought  us  to  the 
first  convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  church  ia 
Virginia,  which  was  held  after  the  war  of  the  revolution. 
It  assembled  in  the  city  of  Richmond,  on  the  18th  of  May, 
1785,  and  was  attended  by  thirty-six  clergymen  and  sev- 
enty-one laymen :  the  body  was  organized  by  the  oanani- 
mous  appointment  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Madison,  president  of 
Wilham  and  Mary  College,  as  the  presiding  oflicer,  and 
the  Rev.  Robert  Andrews  as  secretary;  and  several  topics 
of  interest  awaited  the  consideration  of  the  convention. 
Among  these  the  depressed  state  of  the  church  occupied  a 
prominent  place,  and  it  was  felt  that  immediate  measures 
were  demanded  to  arouse  the  zeal  and  stimulate  the  efforts 
of  every  Churchman  in  Virginia.  Accordingly,  the  first 
resolution  adopted  by  the  house,  after  resolving  itself  into 
a  committee  of  the  whole  upon  the  state  of  the  church,  was, 
"  that  an  address  be  prepared  to  the  members  of  the  Protest- 
ant Episcopal  church  in  Virginia,  representiilg  the  con- 
dition of  the  church,  and  exhorting  them  to  unite  in  its  sup- 
port." 

In  this  document,  after  an  allusion  to  the  eternal  interests 
involved  in  the  belief  of  Christianity,  the  convention  pro- 
ceeded to  dwell  upon  the  benefits  which  the  Christian  faith 
conferred  upon  society,  and  appealing  to  the  feelings  of 
those  who  professed  "  to  be  conscious  of  the  scriptural  au- 
thority of  the  church,"  thus  urged  her  claims :  "  Of  what  is 
the  church  nov<r  possessed  ?    Nothing  but  the  glebes  and 


180  PROTESTANT    EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [1785. 

your  affections.  Since  the  year  1776,  she  hath  been  even 
without  regular  government ;  and  her  ministers  have  re- 
ceived but  little  compensation  for  their  services.  Their 
numbers  iare  diminished  by  death  and  other  causes,  and  we 
have  as  yet  no  resource  within  ourselves  for  a  succession 
of  ministers.  Churches  stand  in  need  of  repair,  and  there 
is  no  fund  equal  to  the  smallest  want.'"  Afier  informing 
them  of  the  organization  of  the  church,  it  is  asked,  "  But 
whither  must  our  labours  tend  without  your  assistance? 
To  contempt,  they  cannot;  for  we  have  the  consciousness 
of  aiming  at  our  common  welfare  alone.  To  altnost  every- 
thing under  the  sun  belongs  a  crisis,  which,  if  embraced, 
stamps  our  endeavours  with  success  ;  if  lost,  with  ruin.  In 
this  situation  does  our  church  now  stand."  *'  We  there- 
fore entreat  you  in  the  most  solemn  manner,  we  conjure 
you  by  all  the  ties  of  religion,  to  co-operate  fervently  in  the 
cause  of  our  churchi  Should  these  our  earnest  efforts  be 
abortive,  we  shall  always  with  truth  call  the  Searcher  of 
hearts  to  witness  that  the  downfall  of  the  Protestant  Epis- 
copal church  is  not  to  be  named  among  our  offences,  and 
to  this  admonition  shall  we  ever  appeal."* 

To  remedy  the  evils  which  resulted  from  the  want  of  an 
income  for  the  support  of  the  clergy,  it  was  next  recom- 
mended that  the  several  vestries  throughout  the  state 
should  take  immediate  measures  to  procure,  by  voluntary 
subscriptions,  a  competent  support  for  the  incumbents  of 
their  respective  parishes  :  but  the  evil  to  which  the  conven- 
tion seemed  to  be  most  sensibly  alive,  was  the  want  of 
some  one  clothed  with  authority  over  the  clergy,  and  com- 
petent to  administer  discipline  when  necessary.  Accord- 
ingly, in  this  their  first  convention,  after  appointing  a  stand- 
ing committee,  composed  of  clergy  and  laity,  they  instructed 
them  to  consider  of  the  proper  steps  to  obtain  consecra- 
tion for  a. bishop,  and  of  providing  means  for  his  support, 

Ij.  *  Journal*  of  the  Convention  of  1785. 


1785.]  IN   VIRGINIA.  181 

and  to  make  report  on  these  subjects  at  the  next  conven- 
tion. And  in  the  interval,  care  was  taken  by  certain  rules 
adopted  for  the  order,  government,  and  discipline  of  the 
church,  to  provide  for  the  faithful  perfot*manee  of  their 
duty,  on  the  part  of  the  clergy,  and  to  punish  its  non-per- 
formance. Thus,  it  vt^as  directed  that  the  country  should 
be  divided  into  districts  ;  that  t)ne  of  the  clergy  of  each  dis- 
trict should  be  appointed  by  the  convention  with  the  title 
of  visiter,  who  should  preside  in  the  meetings  which  the 
clergy  of  each  district  were  required  to  hold  annually;  and 
that  the  visiter  should  annually  visit  each  parish  in  his  dis- 
trict, should  attend  to  and  inspect  the  morals  and  conduct 
of  the  clergy,  should  see  that  the  rules  of  the  church  were 
observed,  admonish  and  reprove,  privately,  those  clergy- 
men who  were  negligent,  or  acted  improperly,  and  should 
make  to  each  convention  a  report  of  all  offenders  among 
the  clergy,  and  of  the  state  of  each  parish  in  his  district. 

No  person  thereafter  was  to  be  permitted  to  enter  upon 
the  pastoral  care  of  any  parish,  who  could  not  produce 
satisfactory  evidence  of  his  moral  and  religious  character 
to  a  committee  appointed  by  the  cotivention  for  that  pur- 
pose. 

Provision  wa-s  also  made  for  the  speedy  trial  of  an  offend- 
ing clergyman,  and  even  the  bishop  (should  they  succeed 
in  obtaining  one)  was  made  amenable  to  the  convention, 
which  was  constituted  a  court  for  his  trial ;  and  from  the 
decision  made  by  that  tribunal,  no  appeal  was  to  be  al- 
lowed. Pluralities  and  non-residence  were  strictly  pro- 
hibited ;  the  use  of  the  surplice  and  gown,  preaching  once, 
at  least,  on  every  Lord's  day,  catechising  the  children,  ad- 
ministering the  Eucharist  at  stated  periods,  and  visiting 
the  sick,  were  positively  enjoined. 

And  for  the  purpose  of  conducting  divine  service  de- 
cently, it  was  also  resolved  that,  for  the  present,  the  liturgy 
of  the  Church  of  England  should  be  used,  with  such  altera- 


182  PROTESTANT   EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [1785. 

tions  only  as  had  been  rendered  necessary  by  the  American 
revolution. 

The  attention  of  the  convention  was  called  also  to  an- 
other subject.  It  seems  that  soon  after  the  recognition  of 
American  independence,  application  was  made,  by  some 
young  American  gentlemen,  to  the  Bishop  of  London  for 
orders.  Difficulties  arose  from  the  operation  of  certain 
English  statutes,  requiring  of  those  ordained  such  engage- 
ments as.Americans  could  not  take  consistently  with  the 
allegiance  Avhich  they  owed  to  their  own  country.  Mr. 
Adams,  who  was  then  the  American  minister  at  the  court 
of  St.  James,  mentioned  the  case  of  these  young  Americans 
to  the  Danish  minister,  and  he  stated  the  matter  to  his  own 
court.  The  subject  was  referred  to  the  theological  faculty 
of  Denmark,  and  the  result  was  the  expression  of  a  willing- 
ness on  the  part  of  the  church,  in  that  country,  to  confer 
orders  on  candidates  from  this.  This  was  communicated 
to  Mr.  Adams  from  the  Count  de  Rosencrone,  privy  coun- 
sellor and  secretary  of  state  to  the  King  of  Denmark ;  and 
was  by  him  communicated  to  the  presidentof  the  American 
congress.*  A  copy  of  the  Count  de  Rosencrone's  letter 
was  sent,  by  order  of  congress,  to  the  executive  authority 
in  each  of  the  states  ;  and  at  this  convention,  it  was  laid 
before  the  house,  in  a  communication  sent  to  it  from  the 
Governor  of  Virginia.  The  convention,  however,  while  it 
entertained  and  expressed  a  proper  sense  of  gratitude  to 
the  court  and  church  of  Denmark,  was  not  inclined  to  take 
any  steps,  founded  on  the  communication  received  from 
that  quarter.  To  the  adoption  of  this  course,  they  wefe 
probably  led  by  the  wish,  in  a  matter  of  much  moment  to 
the  future  harmony  of  the  several  independent  Episcopal 
churches  which  had  been  or  might  be  organized  in  the  dif- 
ferent states  of  the  confederacy,  to  act  with  prudent  cau- 
tion, and  after  consultation  with  Episcopalians  in  other 

♦  Bishop  White's  Memoirs,  9,  10. 


1785.J  IN    VIRGINIA.  183 

parts  of  the  union :  and  it  is  believed  also  that  Virginia 
partook  of  the  feeling  which  was  general  among  Episco- 
palians throughout  this  country,  that  the  consecration  -of 
American  bishops,  and  obtaining  of  holy  orders,  were  not 
to  be  sought  out  of  England,  until  all  prospect  of  obtaining 
them  there  should  seem  hopel  ss.* 

The  incipient  steps  had  already  been  taken  for  a  general 
organization  of  the  church;  and  this  fact  was  known  to  the 
convention  of  Virginia,  for  it  formed  the  basis  of  a  part  of 
her  proceedings  in  this  convention,  which  we  are  now  to 
relate. 

On  the  13th  of  May,  1784,  a  few  clergymen  from  the 
states  of  New-York,  New-Jersey,  and  Pennsylvania  as- 
sembled, by  appointment,  in  Briinswkjk,  New-Jersey,  to 
consult  upon  measures  for  the  renewal  of  a  society,  (exist- 
ing before  the  revolution,  under  charters  of  incorporation 
from  the  governors  of  the  states  above  named,)  the  object 
of  which  was  to  raise  a  fund  for  the  support  of  the  widows 
and  orphans  of  deceased  clergymen.  This  was  the  princi- 
pal object  of  the  meeting,  at  which  were  present  nine  clergy- 
men. These  gentlemen  invited  certain  laymen  of  influ- 
ence, who  were  attached  to  the  church,  and  who  happened 
to  be  in  the  town,  to  attend  their  meetings,  and  the  princi- 
ples of  an  ecclesiastical  union  among  the  churches  of  the 
different  states  were  discussed ;  nothing,  however,  was 
done  towards  the  accomplishment  of  such  a  union  beyond 
an  agreement  entered  into  among  the  gentlemen  present, 
to  procure  as  general  an  attendance  as  they  could  of  clergy 
and  laity  from  the  different  states,  at  a  meeting  to  be  held 
on  the  sixth  of  the  succeeding  October.  In  that  month,  the 
contemplated  meeting  was  held  in  New- York,  when  gentle- 
men appeared  from  Massachusetts,  Connecticut,  New- York, 
New-Jersey,  Pennsylvania,  Delaware,  Maryland,  and  Vir- 


*  Address  of  the  General  Convention  of  1785,  to  the  English  prelate*. 
-Journal  of  General  Convention,  1786. 


184  PROTESTANT    EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [l785. 

ginia.  From  the  last-named  state  the  Rev.  Dr.  Griffith  at- 
tended. This  assemblage  was  purely  voluntary;  and  those 
who  were  present  did  not  profess  to  have  authority  from 
the  churches  in  their  respective  states  ;  indeed,  most  of  the 
clergy  present  received  their  appointments  from  their  re- 
spective congregations,  and  the  utmost  extent  of  power 
possessed  by  any  member  of  the  body  was  to  deliberate 
and  propose.* 

The  result  of  the  deliberations  of  this  body  was  the  pro- 
posal ^f  certain  principles  of  ecclesiastical  union,  to  be 
submitted  to  the  churches  in  the  several  states,  as  fol- 
lows : — 

1.  That  there  shall  be  a  general  convention  of  the  Epis- 
copal church  in  the  United  States  of  America. 

2.  That  the  Episcopal  church  in  each  state  send  depu- 
ties to  the  convention,  consisting  of  clergy  and  laity 

3.  That  associated  congregations,  in  two  or  more  states, 
may  send  deputies  jointly. 

4.  That  the  said  church  shall  maintain  the  doctrines  of 
the  Gospel,  as  now  held  by  the  Church  of  England  ;  and 
shall  adhere  to  the  liturgy  of  the  said  church,  as  far  as  shall 
be  consistent  with  the  American  revolution,  and  the  con- 
stitutions of  the  respective  states. 

5.  That  inevcry  state,  where  there  shall  be  a  bishop  duly 
consecrated  and  settled,  he  shall  be  considered  as  a  mem- 
ber of  the  convention,  ex-officio. 

6.  That  the  clergy  and  laity,  assembled  in  convention, 
shall  dehberate  in  one  body,  but  shall  vote  separately:  and 
the  concurrence  of  both  shall  be  necessary  to  give  validity 
to  every  measure. 

7.  That  the  first  meeting  of  the  convention  shall  be  at 
Philadelphia,  the  Tuesday  before  the  feast  of  St.  Michael 

next.t 

On  the  first  day  of  the  meeting  of  the  convention  of  Vir- 

•  Bi«hop  White's  Memoirs,  65.  t  lb.,  66,  66. 


ginia,  these  proposals  were  submitted,  and  after  under* 
going  much  discussion,  in  a  committee  of  the  whole  house* 
it  was  determined  that  deputies  should  be  sent  from  the 
Virginia  church  to  the  propoised  convention  in  Philadel- 
phia ;  and  that  they  should  be  furnished  with  such  instruc- 
tions for  their  conduct  as  would  leave  the  convention  of 
Virginia  at  liberty  to  approve  or  disapprove  of  the  pro- 
ceedings of  the  genera]  convention.* 

As  to  the  proposed  principles  of  union,  the  convention, 
after  the  expression  of  a  willingness  to  unite  in  a  general 
ecclesiastical  constitution  with  the  members  of  the  Protes- 
tant Episcopal  church  in  the  other  states  of  America,  ac- 
ceded to  the  first,  second,  third,  and  fifth  of  the  articles  pro- 
posed as  the  basis  of  union.  As  to  the  fourth  article,  the 
convention  declined  binding  themselves  upon  the  subject 
embraced  in  it,  until  it  should  have  been  revised  in  the  ap- 
proaching general  convention,  and  reported  to  the  next 
Virginia  convention  ;  and  as  to  the  sixth  article,  the  con- 
vention refused  to  accede  to  it,  but  assented  to  the  use  of 
the  mode  of  voting  therein  prescribed  at  the  proposed  gen- 
eral convention,  reserving,  however,  a  right  to  approve  or 
disapprove  of  the  pr  ceedings  of  that  body.  Thus  jealous 
was  the  church  in  Virginia  under  her  new  organization  to 
preserve  the  rights  which  belonged  to  her  as  a  distinct  and 
independent  portion  of  the  church  of  Christ. f 

The  letter  of  instructions  furnished  to  the  reverend  Dr. 
Grifl[ith,  the  reverend  Mr.  M'Croskey,  John  Page  and  Wil- 
liam Lee,  esquires,  who  were  elected  deputies  to  the  gen- 
eral convention,  was  as  follows : — 

"  During  your  representation  of  the  Protestant  Episco- 
pal church  in  the  general  convention,  we  recommend  to 
your  observance  the  following  sentiments  concerning  doc- 

*  Journal  of  the  Convention  of  Virffinia,  f  Ibid. 

1786. 

A  A 


185  PROTESTANT   EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [178& 

trine  and  worship.  We  refer  you,  at  the  same  time,  for 
these  and  other  objects  of  your  mission,  to  our  resolutions 
on  the  proceedings  of  the  late  convention  at  New- York. 

"Uniformity  in  doctrine  and  worship  will  unquestionably 
contribute  to  the  prosperity  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
church ;  but  we  earnestly  wish  that  this  may  be  pursued 
with  liberality  and  moderation.  The  obstacles  which  stand 
in  the  way  of  union  among  Christian  societies,  are  too 
often  founded  on  matters  of  mere  form.  They  are  sur- 
mountable, therefore,  by  those  who,  breathing  the  spirit  of 
Christianity,  earnestly  labour  in  this  pious  work. 

**  From  the  Holy  Scriptures  themselves,  rather  than  the 
comments  of  men,  must  we  learn  the  terms  of  salvation. 
Creeds,  therefore,  ought  to  be  simple ;  and  we  are  not  anx- 
ious to  retain  any  other  than  that  which  is  commonly  called 
the  Apostles'  Creed. 

"Should  a  change  in  the  liturgy  be  proposed,  let  it  be 
made  with  caution;  and  in  that  case,  let  the  alterations  be 
few,  and  the  style  of  prayer  continue  as  agreeable  as  may 
be  to  the  essential  characteristics  of  our  persuasion. 

"  We  will  not  now  decide  what  ceremonies  ought  to  be 
retained.  We  wish,  however,  that  those  which  exist  may 
be  estimated  according  to  their  utility ;  and  that  such  as 
may  appear  fit  to  be  laid  aside,  may  no  longer  be  appen- 
dages of  our  church. 

"We  need  only  add,  that  we  shall  expect  a  report  of 
your  proceedings  to  be  made  to  those  whom  we  shall  vest 
with  authority  to  call  a  convention."* 

The  deputies  were  also  instructed  to  communicate  to  the 
general  convention  the  contents  of  the  Count  de  Rosen- 
crone's  letter,  and  a  standing  committee  was  appointed,  to 
which,  among  other  powers,  was  confided  that  of  calling  a 
convention. 

•  Joiimale  of  the  Convention  of  17B5. 


1785.]  IK  viHGiAiA.  1S7 

Having  thus  endeavoured  to  give  an  impulse  to  the 
church  under  its  new  organization,  the  convention  ad- 
journed. The  hopes  entertained  of  its  future  prosperous 
progress  were,  however,  but  of  short  continuance,  for  its 
enemies  were  not  disposed  to  permit  it  to  pursue  its  course 
in  peace.  The  Presbyterians  and  Baptists  began  to  pre- 
pare and  circulate  for  signatures  memorials  to  the  legisla- 
ture, which  prayed,  not  merely  for  a  repeal  of  the  law  in- 
corporating the  church,  but,  going  beyond  any  former 
petition,  asked  also  that  the  property  of  the  church  might  he 
disposed  of  for  the  benefit  of  the  public* 

While  these  measures  were  in  progress,  the  month  of 
September  arrived,  and  the  proposed  general  convention 
assembled  at  Christ  Church  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia : 
Virginia  was  represented  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Griffith  and  John 
Page,  esquire. 

The  most  important  subjects  which  came  before  this 
body  were  the  preparation  of  a  general  ecclesiastical  con- 
stitution, and  the  adaptation  of  the  liturgy  of  the  Church  of 
England  to  the  changes  in  the  American  church,  occasioned 
hy  the  revolution.  The  constitution  adopted  by  the  con- 
vention, and  submitted  by  it  to  the  church  in  the  several 
states  for  ratification,  consisted  of  eleven  articles,  and 
formed  the  basis  of  the  present  constitution  of  the  Protes- 
tant Episcopal  church  in  the  United  States.  By  the  very 
terms  of  the  instrument,  however,  it  was  not  to  become 
obligatory  as  the  fundamental  charter  of  the  church  at 
large,  until  it  had  received  the  approbation  of  the  church 
in  the  several  states.f 

The  labours  of  the  convention  in  the  work  of  altering  the 
liturgy,  gave  birth  to  the  publication  of  what  has  ever  since 
been  known,  in  the  American  Episcopal  church,  by  the 
name  of  "  The  Proposed  Book."   It  was  the  English  Book  of 


♦  See  Memorials  on  the  Legwla-        t  Journal  of  General  Convention 
tive  Journals  of  1786.  of  1785. 


1^8  PROTESTANT    BFISCOPAL    CHURCH  [1785. 

Common  Prayer,  altered,  in  the  first  place,  to  suit  the  change 
in  our  civil  relations  ;  but  the  alterations  were  not  confined 
to  this  particular.  The  convention  availed  iiself  of  the 
favourable  opportunity  presented  to  revise  the  whole  Book 
of  Common  Prayer  as  used  in  the  Church  of  England,  and 
in  the  review,  saw  fit  to  retain  the  Apostles'  Creed  only,  and 
reduced  the  number  of  articles  to  twenty.  The  proposed 
book,  however,  was  not  set  forth  authoritatively  by  the 
body  which  prepared  it,  but  was  submitted  to  the  church 
in  the  sev-eral  states  for  approval.  The  particular  history 
of  this  book  belongs  properly  to  a  future  volume  of  our 
work,  and  it  is  only  necessary  here,  for  the  illustration  of 
the  .progress  of  the  Virginia  church,  to  allyde  to  the  twenty 
articles  of  religion  as  proposed  to  her  for  adoption. 

The  first  of  these  asserted  the  doctrine  of  the  Holy  Trin- 
ity, imbodying  into  one  article  the  substance  of  the  first 
five  in  the  articles  of  the  Church  of  England. 

The  second  was,  "of  the  sufficiency  of  the  Holy  Scrip- 
tures for  salvation,"  and  was  a  transcript  of  the  sixth  arti- 
cle of  the  English  church. 

The  third,  concerning  "  the  Old  and  New  Testament," 
was  substantially  the  same  as  the  seventh  of  the  English 
churchy 

The  fourth  article  asserted  the  truth  of  the  Apostles^ 
Creed. 

The  fifth  was  concerning  original  sin,  and  expressed  in 
other  words  the  doctrine  of  the  ninth  article  of  the  Anglican 
church. 

The  sixth, "  of  free  will,"  agreed  with  the  English  article 
on  the  same  subject. 

The  seventh,  on  the  important  doctrine  of  justification, 
was  a  copy  of  the  eleventh  article  of  the  parent  church. 

The  eighth,  "  of  good  works,"  agreed  with  the  English 
article. 

The  thirteenth  and  fourteenth  of  the  Church  of  England 
were  omitted ;  and  the  ninth,  **  of  Christ  alone  without  sin," 


1785.]  IN   VIRGINIA.  ^  189 

did  not  differ  materially  from  the  article  of  the  Church  of 
England  bearing  the  same  title. 

The  tenth,  "of  sin  after  baptism,**  set  forth  the  doctrine 
on  this  subject  held  by  the  parent  church. 

The  eleventh,  *'  on  predestination,"  though  not  agreeing 
verbatim  with  the  seventeenth  article  of  the  Church  of  Eng- 
land, yet  cannot  be  construed  to  teach  any  other  doctrine 
than  that  therein  set  forth. 

The  twelfth  set  forth  the  words  of  the  eighteenths  article 
of  the  English  -church,.  **  of  obtaining  eternal  salvation  only 
by  the  name  of  Christ." 

The  nineteenth,  twentieth,  and  twenty-first  articles  of 
the  Church  of  England,  concerning  the  church  and  its  au- 
thority, together  with  the  authority  of  general  councils,* 
were  imbodied  in  the  thirteenth  article  of  the  proposed 
book. 

Omitting  entirely  the  article  concerning  purgatory,  the 
fourteenth  was,  "of  ministering  in  the  congregation,"  and 
differed  not  from  the  English  article. 

The  fifteenth,  concerning  "  the  sacraments,"  was  a  copy 
of  the  first  two  clauses  of  the  English  article  on  that  sub- 
ject. 

The  ^sixteenth,  "of  baptism,"  and  the  seventeenth,  " of 
the  Lord's  Supper,"  agreed  with  the.  English  articles  on 
those  points.  '     ' 

The  eighteenth  was  a  reprint  of  the  first  sentence  only 
of  the  thirty-first  article  of  the  English  church,  on  "  the 
one  oblation  of  Christ  finished  upon  the  cross." 

The  nineteenth, "  of  consecration  and  ordination,"  adopted 
the  English  ordinal,  with  the  exception  of  such  oaths  as 
were  inconsistent  with  the  change  wrought  by  the  Ameri- 
can revolution. 

The  twentieth  and  last  article  repeated  in  substance  the 
doctrine  of  the  parent  church  on  the  subject  "  of  a  Christian 
man's  oath."* 

*  Proposfed  Book. 


1^0  PROTESTANT    EPISCOPAL    CHUIICH  [1786. 

It  was  also  recommended  by  the  convention  to  the  sev- 
eral state  conventions  to  elect  suitable  persons  to  be  recom- 
mended to  the  prelates  of  England  for  consecration  to  the 
episcopate ;  and  a  comniittee  was  appointed  to  address  the 
archbishops  and  bishops  of  England,  requesting  them  to 
confer  the  episcopal  character  on  such  persons  as  might 
be  elected.* 

The  next  convention  of  the  church  in  Virginia  was  held 
m  Richmond,  on  the  24th  of  May,  1786,  when  the  report 
of  their  representatives  in  the  general  convention,  with  a 
journal  of  the  proceedings  of  that  body,  was  laid  before  it. 
The  first  subject  of  consideration  was  the  proposed  consti- 
tution, which  met,  for  the  most  part,  with  a  ready  adoption. 
The  only  articles  on  which  doubts  were  entertained  were 
those  which  related  to  the  proposed  book,  and  made  its 
use  obligatory  upon  the  church  in  those  states  which  should 
adopt  the  constitution ;  these,  however,  after  the  liturgy 
and  articles  were  received,  were  finally  adopted  ;  and  thus 
the  Virginia  church,  which  up  to  this  time  acknowledged 
no  authority  but  that  of  her  own  convention,  by  her  volun- 
tary act,  as  an  organized  independent  church,  expressed 
her  willingness  to  surrender  a  portion  of  her  rights,  and 
come  into  union  with  the  Protestant  Episcopal  church  in 
the  United  States. 

The  subject  of  the  proposed  book  led  to  more  discussion 
than  did  the  constitution  ;  and  it  was  found,  as  might  have 
been  expected,  that  there  was  more  conflict  of  opinion  to 
be  reconciled.  The  articles  were  referred  to  a  special 
committee,  while  the  other  parts  of  the  book  were  subjected 
to  revision  in- a  committee  of  the  whole  house.  After  dis- 
cussions, which  lasted  for  six  days,  the  house  came  to  a 
determination  upon  the  articles,  as  follows : — 

The  first,  "  of  faith  in  the  Holy  Trinity,"  was  adopted. 
^    The  second,  "of  the  sufficiency  of  the  Holy  Scriptures 

*  Journal  of  General  Convention,  1785. 


1786.]  IN  vlROiNiiu  191 

for  salvation,"  was  amended,  verbally,  without  material 
alteration  of  the  sense,  by  sayin^  of  the  books  of  Scrip- 
ture, '*  of  whose  authority  there  is  no  doubt  in  the  church," 
instead  of  "  was  never  any  doubt,"  &c.  And  so  much  of 
the  article  as  related  to  the  apocryphal  books  was  stricken 
out. 

The  third,  "of  the  Old  and  New  Testament,"  was 
adopted. 

The  fourth,  "of  the  creed,"  was  altered  by  an  addition. 
It  had  been  proposed  by  the  general  convention,  as  fol- 
lows : — "  The  creed,  commonly  called  the  Apostles'  Creed," 
&c. :  the  additional  words  inserted  were  after  the  word 
creed — "  the  creed,  as  contained  in  the  Book  of  Common 
Prayer  recommended  by  the  late  general  convention"  The 
cause  of  this  insertion  will  be  found  in  the  fact  that  the 
creed,  as  set  forth  by  the  convention,  differed  from  that  in 
the  English  liturgy  in  the  omission  of  the  words,  **he'de- 
scended  into  hell." 

The  fifth  and  sixth  articles, " of  original  sin"  and  "of 
free  will,"  were  adopted. 

The  seventh,  "of  justification  by  faith,"  was  slightly  al- 
tered :  instead  of  the  expression,  "  we  are  justified  by  faith 
only,"  it  was  changed  to,  ^*we  are  thus  justified  by  faith" 

The  eighth,  ninth,  and  tenth,  "of  good  works,"  "of 
Christ  alone  without  sin,"  and  "  of  sin  after  baptism,"  were 
adopted. 

The  eleventh  article, "  of  predestination,"  was  stricken 
out. 

The  twelfth,  "  of  obtaining  eternal  salvation  only  by  the 
name  of  Christ," 

The  thirteenth,  "of  the  church  and  its  authority,"  and 

The  fourteenth,  "of  ministering  in  the  congregation," 
were  adopted. 

The  fifteenth,  "of  the  sacraments,"  was  altered  by  the 
entire  omission  of  the  first  clause,  descriptive  of  the  nature 
of  a  sacrament* 


102  PROTESTANT   EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [1780* 

The  -sixteenth,  "of  i)aptism"  declared  that  it  was  "a 
sign  of  regeneration,  or  new  birth,  whereby,  as  by  an  in- 
strument, they  wh,o  receive,"  &c.:  the  words,  "as  by  an 
instrument/'  were  stricken  out. 

In  the  seventeenth,  "  of  the  Lord's  Supper,"  the  second 
clause,  relative  to  transubstantiation,  was  stricken  out. 

The  remaining  articles,  **  of  the  one  oblation  of  Christ 
upon  the  cross,"  "  of  consecration  and  ordination,"  and-"pf 
a  Christian  man's  oath,"  were  adopted. 

As  \o  the  residue  of  the  book,  the  convention  resolved 
that  it  should  be  approved,  ratified,  and  used,  with  the  single 
exception  of  the  rubric  before  the  communion  service, 
which  excluded  from  the  sacrament  evil  livers.  The  vote 
on  th6  adoption  was  taken  by  yeas  and  nays,  when  thirty- 
two  were  found  to  be  in  favour  of  the  adoption  of  the  book, 
and  twenty  against  it ;  among  the  latter  were  four  of  the 
clergy.* 

Pursuant  to  the  recommendation  of  the  general  conven- 
tion, it  was  also  determined  to  elect  a  suitable  person  to  be 
recommended  to  the  English  prelates  for  consecration  to 
the  episcopate  in  the  church  of  Virginia  ;  and  the  choice  of 
the  convention  fell  on  the  Rev.  Dr.  Griffith,  by  a  vote  of 
thirty-two  out  of  forty-nine.f 

This  particularity  of  statement  is  called  for  by  a  sense  of 
justice  to  the  memory  of  Dr.  Griffith.  Ata  subsequent  period, 
this  early  instance  of  an  election  to  the  episcopate  was  re- 
ferred to  by  a  portion  of  the  cl>urch  in  another  diocess^  as 
furnishing  an  important  precedent.  Dr.  Griffith  was  never 
consecrated,  from  causes  which  will  hereafter  be  stated,  but 
of  which,  it  is  now  only  necessary  to  say  that  they  touched 
not  the  purity  of  his  Christian  character,  or  the  regularity 
of  his  election.  In  the  diocess  just  referred  to,  however,  a 
mistaken  opinion  was  entertained  by  some  that  he  never 

*  Journal  of  Virginia  Convention,        t  Maryland,  on  occasion  of  the 
1786.  election  of  Dr.  Kemp, 

f  Ibid. 


1786.]  IN   VIRGINIA.  193 

obtained  consecration,  because  he  had  been  elected  "in 
haste,  and  without  due  notice."*  The  records  of  the  con* 
vention  conckisively  prove  that  these  opinions  were  entirely 
without  foundation  in  fact ;  and  those  who  Itnew  Dr.  Grif- 
fith, would  have  found  an  answer  to  the  charge,  had  all 
other  evidence  been  wanting,  in  the  probity  of  a  character 
too  high-minded  and  honest  to  have  sought  or  accepted 
an  elevation  obtained  by  disingenuous  or  dishonourable 
means.f 

At  the  same  convention,  two  deputies  were  appointed  to 
the  next  general  convention,  of  whom  Dr.  Griffith  was  one, 
and  they  were  furnished  with  the  following  letter  of  in- 
structions : — 

"  You  are  instructed  to  move  for  such  alterations  in  the 
Book  of  Common  Prayer  and  articles  of  religion,  as  shall 
be  agreed  to  by  this  convention,  as  fit  to  be  proposed  to  the 
general  convention. 

"  We  consider  the  Protestant  Episcopal  church  in 
America  as  an  incorporate,  society,  and  therefore  unity 
in  doctrine  and  worship,  its  characteristic;  conformably  to 
this,  you  will  not  carp  at  expression,  nor  carry  your  objec- 
tions to  unessential  points;  guarding  against  schisms  by 
all  possible  means,  and  giving  our  church  every  benefit  and 
strength  it  can  acquire  from  union. 

"  It  is  superfluous  to  observe  to  you,  that  the  sooner  our 
church  can  have  the  benefit  of  episcopal  superintendence, 
the  nearer  it  will  approach  to  perfection,  and  to  recommend 
to  your  attention  the  aid  of  this  necessary  character." 

The  state  was  divided  into  twenty-four  districts,  and  a 
visiter  was  appointed  for  each,  and  the  powers  of  the 
standing  committee  were  specifically  defined  ;  they  were 
to  correspond  with  the  bishops  in  Europe,  and  with  any 

»  Bishop  White's  Memoirs,  171,  307.     t  Ex  relatianey  Bishop  Whit*. 

B  B 


194  PROTESTANT   EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [1786. 

society  of  the  church  in  the  United  States ;  to  call  meet- 
ings of  the  convention  when  necessary;  to  receive  com- 
plaints against  the  clergy,  and  appoint  courts  of  inquiry  ; 
to  grant  testimonials  to  all  clergymen,  not  citizens  of  the 
state,  who  might  apply  for  parishes,  and,  during  the  recess 
of  conventions,  to  take  care  generally  of  the  interests  of  the 
church. 

The  efforts  of  the  Presbyterians  and  Baptists  to  pro- 
cure memorials  to  be  presented  to  the  legislature  for  a 
repeal  of  the  act  incorporating  the  church,  and  for  a 
distribution  of  its  property  for  the  public  benefit,  hav<e 
already  been  recorded.  The  convention  was  not  in- 
sensible to  the  danger  to  be  apprehended  from  the  deep- 
seated  hostility  of  these  two  denominations,  and  therefore 
prepared  a  petition  to  the  legislature  to  counteract  the 
effect  of  their  memorials,  and  recommended  to  the  several 
parishes  to  prepare  and  present  petitions  .>f  a  similar  char- 
acter. But  it  was  all  in  vain ;  in  the  next  session  of  the 
General  Assembly  of  Virginia,  which  succeeded  the  con- 
vention, these  memorials  and  petitions  were  brought  up  for 
consideration;  and  on  the  fifth  of  December,  1786,  the 
House  of  Delegates,  among  other  resolutions,  adopted  the 
following : — 

"  That  an  act  ought  to  be  passed  to  empower  all  soci- 
eties formed  for  religious  purposes  to  hold  such  property 
as  they  are  now  possessed  of,  to  acquire  property  of  any 
kind,  or  to  dispose  thereof  in  any  manner  that  may  be 
agreeable  to  said  society. 

"  That  the  act  for  incorporating  the  Episcopal  church 
ought  to  be  repealed."* 

On  the  ninth  of  January,  1787,  the  bill  to  carry  into 
effect  these  resolutions  was  passed  by  the  Senate,  and  thus 
became  the  law  of  Virginia.f 

*  Journal  of  House  of  Delegates,        t  Journal  of  Senate,  p.  91. 
p*  87. 


17^^86.]  IN    VIRGINIA.  195 

It  will  be  seen  that  the  whole  object  of  the  enemies  of 
the  church  had  not  been  attained  by  this  law;  they  had 
not  succeeded  in  procuring  a  distribution  of  its  property ; 
they  had  but  left  it  to  commence  its  work  anew  in  a  con- 
dition similar  to  that  in  which  it  stood  at  the  close  of  the 
revolution,  with  this  difference  in  its  favour,  that  it  had 
assumed  an  organized  form  and  better  knew  its  friends  and 
its  enemies. 

Before,  however,  we  proceed  to  record  the  steps  taken 
by  the  church  of  Virginia  to  remedy  the  evils  resulting 
from  the  repeal  of  the  act  of  incorporation,  it  becomes 
necessary  to  the  correct  understanding  of  our  future  nar- 
rative, to  withdraw,  for  a  time,  our  attention  from  Virginia, 
and  fix  it  upon  the  meetings  of  the  general  convention 
which  were  held  in  the  year  1786. 

By  the  constitution  prepared  and  submitted  by  the  gen- 
eral convention  of  the  previous  year,  it  was  provided  that 
the  first  assemblage  of  that  body  under  it  should  take 
place  in  Philadelphia  on  the  third  Tuesday  of  June,  1786, 
and  afterward  triennially,  at  such  place  as  might  be  ap- 
pointed by  the  convention.  Accordingly,  on  the  twentieth 
of  June,  1786,  delegates  appeared  in  Philadelphia  from  the 
churches  in  several  of  the  states.  Virginia  was  repre- 
sented by  Dr.  Griffith  and  the  honourable  Cyrus  Griffin, 
the  first  named  of  whom  was  made  president  of  the  con- 
vention. 

It  w^as  recommended  by  this  body  *'  to  the  church  in 
such  of  the  states  as  were  represented,  not  to  receive  to 
the  pastoral  charge  within  their  respective  limits,  clergy- 
men professing  canonical  subjection  to  any  bishop,  other 
than  those  bishops  who  may  be  duly  settled  in  the  states 
represented  in  the  convention  ;"  and  inasmuch  as  a  corres- 
pondence had  been  commenced  with  the  English  prelates 
on  the  subject  of  obtaining  at  their  hands  consecration  of 
bishops  for  America,  it  was  deemed  respectful  to  the  Eng- 
lish bench,  also  to  recommend  to  the  church  in  the  several 


1§6  PllOTESTANT   EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [l786. 

States  not  to  admit  any  minister  to  a  cure  who  might  re- 
ceive ordination  from  a  bishop  residing  in  America,  during 
the  pendency  of  the  application  then  before  the  bishops  of 
England. 

The  constitution  which  had  previously  been  submitted 
to  the  church  in  the  several  states  again  came  under  re- 
view, and  it  was  found,  as  might  reasonably  have  been  anti- 
cipated, that  very  different  instructions  had  been  given  by 
the  several  state  conventions  to  their  respective  delegates, 
both  with  respect  to  the  constitution  and  "  the  proposed 
book."  The  wisdom  of  the  excellent  man  who  has  so  long 
and  so  worthily  presided  over  the  councils  of  the  American 
Episcopal  church,  suggested  the  expedient  of  referring  all 
the  memorials  and  communications  from  the  conventions 
of  the  several  states  to  the  first  general  convention  which 
should  assemble  with  sufficient  powers  to  determine  on  the 
same ;  and  by  a  subsequent  resolution  it  was  recommended 
to  the  several  state  conventions  to  empower  their  deputies 
to  the  first  general  convention  which  might  be  held,  after 
a  bishop  or  bishops  had  been  consecrated,  to  confirm  and 
ratify  a  general  constitution  respecting  both  the  doctrine 
and  discipline  of  the  church  in  the  United  States. 

Still,  however,  the  proposed  constitution  was  revised 
and  amended.  This  seems  to  have  been  in  some  degree 
rendered  necessary  by  intimations  in  the  letters  which  had 
been  received  from  the  English  bishops,  objecting,  though 
with  great  kindness,  to  some  of  its  provisions;  and  it  was 
of  course  desirable,  as  far  as  it  could  be  done  with  propri- 
ety, to  remove  every  obstacle  to  the  accomplishment  of  the 
great  object  of  obtaining  the  episcopate. 

The  convention  adjourned  after  a  session  of  six  days,  to 
meet  at  Wilmington  in  this  state  of  Delaware  when  it 
should  be'  necessary.  Letters  having  been  received  from 
the  Archbishops  of  Canterbury  and  York,  enclosing  an  act 
of  parliament  authorizing  the  consecration  of  bishops  for 
the  Episcopal  church  in  the  United  States,  the  general  con- 


178G.]  IN   VIRGINIA.  '  197 

vention  was  called  together,  and  assembled  at  Wilmington 
on  the  tenth  of  October,  1786.  At  this  convention  Vir- 
ginia was  not  represented.  The  communications  from 
England  formed  of  course  the  subject  of  consideration,  and 
in  accordance  with  the  wishes  therein  expressed,  an  act 
was  adopted  by  the  convention,  by  which,  among  other 
things,  it  was  determined  to  restore  to  the  Apostles'  Creed 
the  words,  "  i  e  descended  int  hell,"  a  d  to  insert  in  the 
liturgy  the  Nicene  Creed  ;  and  a  copy  of  the  proceedings 
was  directed  to  be  transmitted  to  Virginia,  accompanied 
with  the  expression  of  a  hope  that  the  church  in  that  state 
would  approve  and  adopt  the  same.  The  convention  then 
proceeded  to  sign  the  testimonials  of  those  who  had  been 
elected  for  consecration ;  and  though  Virginia  was  unrepre- 
sented, yet  as  there  was  evidence  of  Dr.  Griffith's  election, 
his  testimonials  were  prepared  and  signed  also. 

We  are  now  ready  to  resume  our  narrative  of  the 
progress  of  the  church  in  Virginia.  In  the  month  of  May, 
1787,  the  third  convention  of  that  church  assembled,  but 
not  as  before,  under  an  act  of  incorporation.  According  to 
the  view  then  entertained  of  the  effect  of  the  repeal  of  the 
act,  the  powers  of  government  and  discipline  in  the  church 
had  returned  to  the  members  at  large ;  and  for  the  legiti- 
mate and  proper  exercise  of  those  powers,  the  members  of 
the  church  in  the  several  parishes  had  been  invited  to  elect 
two  deputies  from  each  parish,  with  full  powers  to  form 
and  establish  such  regulations  for  government,  discipline, 
and  worship,  as  they  might  deem  best,  and  to  provide 
means  for  the  care  and  proper  use  of  such  property  as 
yet  remained  to  the  church.  The  deputies  thus  elected 
formed  the  convention  of  1787 ;  and  the  diminished  number 
of  those  who  thus  came  together  will  justify  the  conjecture, 
that,  disheartened  by  the  persevering  hostility  and  success 
of  their  opponents  of  other  religious  denominations,  a  large 
portion  of  the  church  had  yielded  to  despondency,  and 
looked  upon  further  contest  as  hopeless.     To  supply  the 


198  PROTESTANT   EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [1787. 

want  of  an  act  of  incorporation,  the  convention  passed  an 
ordinance,  as  they  termed  it,  by  which  they  constituted  the 
vestrymen,  who  had  been  elected  under  the  law  of  incorpo- 
ration, trustees  to  hold  the  glebes  and  other  property,  and 
made  provision  for  the  triennial  election  of  vestrymen 
thereafter;  they  secured  to  such  of  the  clergy  as  had 
glebes,  the  right  of  unmolested  possession  and  enjoyment 
against  the  vestry,  and  gave  to  the  convention  full  powers 
in  all  matters  of  doctrine,  discipline,  and  worship.  They 
re-enacted  also,  in  substance,  the  body  of  canons  which  had 
been  adopted  in  1785 ;  and  for  the  purpose  of  providing  a 
uniform  mode  of  supporting  the  clergy,  it  was  recom- 
mended to  the  churchwardens  or  trustees  in  the  several 
parishes  to  convene  the  members  of  the  church,  and  call 
upon  them  to  determine  the  amount  of  compensation  which 
they  were  willing  to  afford  their  clergyman,  to  make  such 
amount  permanent,  and  by  their  voluntary  consent  to  em- 
power the  vestry  to  receive  annually  the  sum  agreed  upon 
from  the  several  members  of  the  church,  in  proportion  to 
the  tithables  which  each  one  might  possess. 

Having  thus  performed  its  duty,  the  convention  next  ap- 
pealed to  the  members  of  the  church,  and  asked  for  the  per- 
formance of  theirs  in  the  following  affectionate  terms : — 

<*  The  address  of  the  convention  to  the  members  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  church  in  Virginia. 

"  We,  your  pastors  and  lay  deputies  in  convention  as- 
sembled, have,  by  the  favour  of  Divine  Providence,  and  ac- 
cording to  the  privilege  secured  by  the  laws  of  our  country, 
to  every  society  of  Christians  of  managing  its  own  tem- 
poral concerns,  and  of  regulating  its  discipline  and  wor- 
ship, instituted  certain  fundamental  c<inons,  made  neces- 
sary by  the  repeal  of  the  incorporating  act,  and  have  framed 
rules  for  the  order,  discipline,  and  worship  of  our  church. 
We  think,  however,  that  to  discharge  fully  the  duty  we 
owe  on  this  occasion  to  God  and  to  you,  it  is  incumbent  on 


1787.]  IN   VIRGINIA.  199 

us  briefly  to  put  you  in  mind  of  some  things  which  remain 
for  you  to  do,  and  to  which,  if  you  do  not  attend,  all  our 
labours  here  must  be  ineffectual.  To  render  our  church 
truly  respectable,  and  our  institutions  of  service  to  the 
cause  of  Christianity,  a  general  and  regular  attendance  on 
public  worship,  and  the  constant  practice  of  piety  and  mo- 
rality, in  all  times  and  in  all  places,  are  indispensable. 
This  is  so  obvious,  that  we  trust  we  need  only  mention  it 
to  you.  A  moderate  but  adequate  provision  for  your 
pastor,  is  another  thing  which  must  claim  your  attention 
and  exertions.  Both  Scripture  and  common  sense  point  out 
this  to  be  your  duty;  and  the  omission  of  it  involves  con- 
sequences which  no  real  Christian  can  think  of  without 
horror.  The  want  of  proper  teachers  must  be  the  effect 
of  this  omission ;  and  ignorance  and  error,  with  all  their 
train  of  evils,  will  follow.  The  very  idea  of  being  the 
authors  of  so  great  an  injury  to  the  temporal  and  eternal 
concerns  of  mankind  must  rouse  and  alarm  you ;  and  we 
trust  will  excite  your  most  seriou  endeavours  to  provide 
for  the  preservation  of  the  pure  doctrines  of  religion.  The 
general  affairs  of  the  church  also  require  from  you  a  small 
contribution.  We  have  been  careful  to  frame  our  institu- 
tions of  a  nature  as  simple  and  unexpensive  as  possible,  but 
we  could  not  constitute  a  church  which  would  call  for  no 
support  from  its  members.  Recommending  these  things 
to  your  attention,  and  you  to  the  Almighty  guidance  and 
protection,  we  are  your  affectionate  brethren  in  Christ.** 

It  will  doubtless  be  remembered  that  in  the  convention 
of  the  preceding  year,  Dr.  Griffith  had  been  selected  as  the 
individual  to  be  consecrated  to  the  episcopate  for  Virginia. 
It  had  been  originally  contemplated  that  he  should  cross 
the  Atlantic  with  the  gentlemen  who  had  been  selected  by 
the  churches  of  New- York  and  Pennsylvania.  These  gen- 
tlemen had  visited  England,  accomplished  the  object  of 
their  mission,  and  returned  to  this  country  invested  with 


200  PROTESTANT   EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [1787. 

episcopal  authority;  but  Dr.  Griffith  did  not  accompany 
them ;  poverty  presented  an  obstacle  which  he  was  not 
able  to  surmount ;  he  was  not  supplied  with  money  for  the 
purpose,  and  the  deranged  state  of  his  private  concerns 
prevented  him  from  undertaking  the  voyage.*  The  confi- 
dence of  the  church  in  Virginia  was  however  still  continued 
to  him ;  and  the  convention,  at  its  session  in  1787,  directed 
the  standing  committee  to  solicit  his  consecration  at  the 
hands  of  Bishops  Provost  and  White,t  by  whom  the  re- 
quest would  have  been  granted,  but  for  the  obligation  to 
the  English  bishops,  to  which  they  conceived  themselves 
in  honour  pledged,  not  to  admit  any  one  to  consecration 
until  three  bishops  had  been  obtained  from  England.  J 
^-'Another  measure,  adopted  by  the  convention  of  1787, 
serves  to  indicate  the  deep  sense  entertained  by  the  church 
of  the  necessity  of  making  some  provision  for  a  supply  of 
clergymen  from  among  the  native  sons  of  the  country. 
The  former  source  of  supply  was  now  closed,  they  could 
henceforth  look  for  but  few  clergymen  from  England,  and 
an  experience  of  which  they  were  now  reaping  a  portion 
of  the  bitter  fruits,  had  probably  induced  them  to  think  that 
Virginians  would  make  the  best  ministers  for  Virginia. 
Poor  therefore  as  they  were,  they  notwithstanding  resolved 
to  recommend  it  to  the  parishes  to  provide  funds  for  the 
education  of  two  youths,  from  their  early  years,  that  they 
might  be  trained  for  the  Christian  ministry:  the  clergy 
were  requested  to  preach  annually  a  charity  sermon  in  aid 
of  the  object ;  and  the  selected  youths  were  to  be  under  the 
direction  of  the  bishop  and  standing  committee.  The  fact 
is  recorded  to  the  honour  of  the  Virginia  church,  for  it  is 
believed,  that  after  the  revolution,  this  was  the  first  step 
made  by  any  portion  of  the  church  in  this  country  in  the 
important  work  of  education  for  the  ministry.     The  spirit 

*  Bp.  White'*  Memoirs,  171,  note.         %  Bishop  White's  Memoirs,  172, 
t  Journal    of   Virginia    Conven-    note, 
tion,  1787. 


1T87.]  IN  viROiNiA.  SOI 

which  prompted  it  is  not  dead  in  Virginia,  and  the  future 
pages  of  ournarrative  will  furnish  an  agreeable  manifesta- 
tion of  it  in  the  history  of  the  flourishing  school  of  theology 
at  Alexandria. 

The  convention  having  thus  provided  for  the  affairs  of 
the  church  at  home,  it  only  remains  to  relate  their  proceed- 
ings with  reference  to  the  church  at  large,  as  founded  upon 
the  transactions  of  the  two  general  conventions  of  17S6, 
which  have  already  been  brought  to  our  notice.  The  Vir- 
ginia church  acquiesced  in  the  propriety  of  the  measure 
recommended  by  the  general  convention,  that  the  church 
in  the  several  states  should  not  receive  to  a  pastoral  charge 
within  their  respective  limits  clergymen  who  professed 
canonical  subjection  to  any  bishop  in  any  state  or  country, 
other  than  those  bishops  who  might  be  duly  settled  in  the 
states  represented  in  the  general  convention ;  but  they  de- 
clined a  compliance  with  the  recommendation  not  to  admit 
a  clergyman  who  might  receive  ordination  from  any  bishop 
residing  in  America,  during  the  pendency  of  the  application 
for  the  episcopate  to  the  English  bishops.  Bishop  Seabury 
had  now  been  consecrated,  and  some  young  gentlemen 
from  the  South  had  received  ordination  at  his  hands,  others 
might  also  apply  to  him  for  orders,  and  among  them  might 
be  Virginians ;  and  as  the  church  of  Virginia  does  not  ap- 
pear to  have  ever  entertained  a  doubt  of  the  validity  of 
Bishop  Seabury's  consecration,  she  was  probably  unwil- 
ling, in  the  dearth  of  clergymen,  to  preclude  herself  from 
the  possibility  of  a  partial  supply  from  this  source.  This, 
however,  is  hazarded  as  a  conjecture  in  the  absence  of  cer- 
tainty. 

The  opposition,  which  before  had  been  manifested,  to  the 
introduction  of  the  phrase,  "  he  descended  into  hell,"  in  the 
Apostle's  Creed,  still  continued  ;  and  the  deputies  appointed 
to  the  next  general  convention  were  instructed  to  move 
that  the  phrase  should  be  expunged,  and  also  to  oppose  the 
restoration  to  the  liturgy  of  the  Nicene  Creed. 

c  c 


^^  PROTESTANT   EMSCOrAL   CHURCH  [1787^ 

As  to  the  amended  constitution  of  the  church  at  large^ 
Virginia  assented  to  it  substantially,  declaring  only  that 
certain  articles  were  for  present  emergencies,  and  there- 
fore should  be  considered  by  her  as  of  a  temporary  char- 
acter merely ;  and  she  fully  acquiesced  in  the  propriety  of 
conferring  on  the  deputies  to  the  first  general  convention 
which  should  meet,  after  a  bishop  or  bishops  had  been  con- 
secrated, full  power  and  authority  to  confirm  and  ratify  a 
general  constitution  for  the  church  in  the  United  States. 

Discipline  had  been  long  and  shamefully  neglected  in 
Virginia,  and  the  want  of  it  had  contributed  more  than  any 
other  cause  to  prostrate  the  church  :  it  is  gratifying  there- 
fore to  meet  with  evidence  which  shows  that  under  her 
new  organization,  a nd^  when  permitted,  and  in  fact  obliged, 
to  act  for  herself,  the  church  was  not  disposed  to  tolerate 
offending  clergymen.  Such  evidence  is  furnished  in  the 
ikct  that  the  records  of  this  convention  show  the  return  of 
proceedings  of  an  examining  court,  constituted  under  the 
canon,  to  examine  into  the  alleged  delinquencies  of  an 
offending  presbyter.  We  are  thus  furnished  with  one 
more  attestation  to  a  fact  written  in  letters  of  light  upon 
the  page  of  ecclesiastical  history — that  in  the  church,  per- 
secution from  without  is  the  parent  of  purification  within ; 
and  wrong  as  it  undeniably  is,  yet,  (in  the  exercise  of  that 
high  prerogative,  by  which  God  brings  good  out  of  evil,) 
even  persecution  is  made  in  his  providence  to  minister  to 
holy  and  blessed  uses* 


1789.1  IN  TIROINIA.  203 


CHAPTER  XL 
1789-1794. 

Hesignation  of  Dr.  Griffith — Poverty  of  the  Church — Death  and  Character 
of  Dr.  Griffith — Election  of  Dr.  Madison  to  the  Episcopate — Struggles 
concerning  the  Church  Property — Condition  of  the  Church  at  the  time 
■of  Dr.  Madison's  Consecration — Bishop  Madison's  first  Address — Cleri- 
cal Education — Canon  compelling  the  Bishop  to  hold  a  Parish — Preva- 
lence of  Infidelity  and  Fanaticism — Disastrous  consequences  to  Religion 
after  the  War — Bishop  Madison's  Proposal  of  a  Union  among  different 
•Christian  Denominations — His  Plan  of  distributing  Tracts — Revision  of 
the  Canons — Virginia  refuses  to  give  the  House  of  Bishops  an  absolute 
Veto. 

Under  its  new  organization,  the  church  proceeded,  with 
but  little  to  interrupt  the  uniformity  of  its  toilsome  progr 
ress;  and  the  first  incident,  worthy  of  record,  with  which 
we  meet,  is  the  resignation  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Griffith  to  the 
convention  of  1789.  Three  years  had  now  elapsed  since 
his  election :  the  convention  had  from  year  to  year  recom- 
mended to  the  several  parishes,  contributions  by  which  a 
fund  might  be  raised  to  defray  the  expenses  consequent  on 
obtaining  the  episcopate  ;  but  whether  it  is  to  be  attributed 
to  indifference  or  poverty,  or  to  both,  so  it  was  that  funds 
had  hitherto  been  wanting;  and  this  circumstance,  in  con- 
nection with  the  private  affairs  of  the  bishop  elect,  led  him 
to  communicate  to  the  convention  of  1789  his  relinquish- 
ment of  the  appointment.  The  convention  was  not  pre- 
pared to  appoint  another  in  his  place,  and  directed  their 
deputies  to  the  general  convention  to  inform  that  body  of 
the  relinquishment  of  Dr.  Griffith. 


204  PROTESTANT   EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [1789. 

There  can  be  no  doubt  thai  the  necessity  which  forced 
Dr.  Griffith  to  the  measure  which  he  adopted,  produced  in 
its  results  a  strong  effect  upon  the  convention.  It  was 
plainly  seen  that  unless  some  remedy  was  applied  to  exist- 
ing evils,  the  church  in  Virginia  was  likely  to  languish  for 
a  long  period  of  time  under  the  want  of  episcopal  super- 
vision. The  following  appeal  therefore,  more  urgent  than 
any  which  had  preceded  it,  was  sent  abroad  by  the  stand- 
ing committee,  under  the  direction  of  the  convention,  the 
language  of  which  exhibits  no  common  degree  of  anxiety. 

"  Brethren, 
"Convinced  that  the  God  whom  we  worship  has  fur- 
nished us,  if  we  be  not  wanting  to  ourselves,  with  ample 
means  for  the  preservation  of  that  church  of  which  we  pro- 
fess to  be  members  ;  satisfied  also  that  it  claims  a  founda- 
tion the  most  truly  apostolic,  and  that  the  proper  support 
of  it  involves  our  dearest  interests,  both  temporal  and 
eternal ;  it  is  with  the  sincerest  regret  that  we  contem- 
plate the  situation  to  which  it  is  now  reduced.  We  trust 
that,  you  have  also  viewed,  with  sorrow,  a  situation  so 
humiliating  to  a  Christian  society;  and  we  ardently  hope, 
that  not  unmindful  of  the  blessings  which  the  bountiful  hand 
of  Providence  hath  so  liberally  bestowed  on  us  in  common 
with  other  Christian  societies,  you  now  feel  yourselves 
conscientiously  bound  to  improve,  with  gratitude  and  in- 
dustry, those  means  which  may  tend  to  promote  the  pros- 
perity of  our  church,  and  thus  render  the  most  pure  and 
rational  mode  of  worship  and  instruction  as  extensively 
beneficial  as  possible.  Under  these  impressions,  brethren, 
we  once  more  call  your  attention  to  the  duty  of  completing 
the  organization  of  our  church.  The  superintendence  and 
government  of  the  episcopal  office  are  indispensably  neces- 
sary. Without  them,  our  religious  concerns,  important  as 
they  are  in  the  eyes  of  every  serious  member,  we  may  add, 
of  every  worthy  citizen,  must  rapidly  decline.    But  the  at- 


1789.]  IN  VIRGINIA.  205 

tainment  of  those  benefits  which  result  from  the  episcopal 
office,  requires  exertions,  of  a  pecuniary  nature,  beyond  the 
abilities  of  a  few  individuals.  It  is  not  just,  or  consistent 
with  the  principles  of  our  religion,  that  the  generous  alone 
should  feel  those  burdens  which  belong  to  the  whole  of 
the  society,  and  which,  if  properly  distributed,  may  be 
borne  with  ease.  We  therefore  earnestly  recommend  to 
all  the  friends  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  church,  that  they 
do  cheerfully  assist  in  raising  the  sum  necessary  for  defray- 
ing the  expenses  attendant  on  the  consecration  of  a  bishop. 
Arguments  the  most  pressing  might  be  urged,  were  they 
deemed  necessary,  to  induce  a  ready  compliance  with  this 
recommendation.  But  we  hope,  that  as  you  regard  the 
interests  of  religion,  and  of  that  church  in  particular  of 
which  you  are  member^;  as  you  estimate  the  advantages 
which  civil  society  must  receive  from  a  mode  of  worship 
conducted  on  principles  the  most  rational  ;  as  you  vene- 
rate those  instructions  which  so  nearly  concern  your  tem- 
poral and  eternal  happiness ;  and  as  you  would,  with  a 
parental  tenderness,  cherish  the  best  means  of  improving 
the  morals  of  the  rising  generation,  no  one  will  on  this  occa- 
sion refrain  from  casting  his  mite  into  the  common  treasury. 
Let  it,  we  exhort  you,  brethren,  be  no  longer  said,  that  we, 
of  all  Christian  societies,  are  alone  inattentive  to  our  re- 
ligious concerns.  It  is  time  to  awake  from  an  inattention, 
which,  if  continued,  must  prove  fatal  to  the  Protestant  Epis- 
copal church.  That  the  divine  wisdom  may  influence  and 
direct  your  exertions,  at  this  important  crisis  of  our  church, 
is  the  fervent  prayer  of  your  affectionate  brethen  in  Christ." 

That  this  appeal  was  not  uncalled  for  is  evident  from  the 
fact  that  the  whole  sum  which  the  treasurer  had  received  for 
the  specific  purpose  of  defraying  the  expenses  consequent 
upon  the  consecration  of  a  bishop,  was  but  little  more  than 
twenty-eight  pounds.*     That  the  appeal  was  not  made  en- 

♦  Journal  of  1789. 


206  PROTESTANT    EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [1789. 

tirely  in  vain,  appears  from  the  circumstance  that  the  treas- 
urer's report,  at  a  subsequent  period,  exhibited  contributions 
to  an  amount  nearly  though  not  quite  equal  to  the  expenses 
of  Bishop  Madison's  consecration;  and  here  let  it  be  recorded 
with  gratitude,  (for  it  was  a  dark  day  for  the  church,)  that 
Ga)d  put  it  into  the  hearts  of  some,  who  were  strangers 
and  foreigners,  to  aid  in  establishing  the  episcopate  in  Vir- 
ginia.* 

But,  to  resume  our  narrative.  It  was  but  a  short  time 
after  the  relinquishment  of  his  appointment,  that  Dr.  Griffith 
found  in  the  grave  a  release  from  the  sorrows  and  the 
cares  of  life.  He  had  been  appointed  by  the  Virginia  con- 
vention df-  this  year  a  representative  to  the  general  con- 
vention which  met  in  Philadelphia,  in  July,  1789,  and 
reached  that  city,  but  was  never  able  to  take  his  seat  in 
the  convention.  He  died  at  the  house  of  the  bishop  of 
Pennsylvania,  on  the  third  of  August,  1789,  and  the  jour- 
nals of  the  general  convention  attest  the  respect  which 
was  entertained  for  his  character.  The  senior  clergyman 
of  the  deputation  from  each  state  attended  his  funeral  as 
a  pall-bearer,  the  residue  of  the  convention  attended  as 
mourners,  while  his  friend  Bishop  White,  and  Mr.  An- 
drews, the  lay  deputy  from  Virginia,  were  chief  mourners. 
Few  are  now  living  who  knew  Dr.  Griffith,  but  of  those 
few  there  is  one  whose  attestation  to  his  worth  will,  in  the 
judgment  of  the  church  in  America,  supply  the  want  of 
many  witnesses.  In  the  opinion  of  the  venerable  presiding 
bishop,  the  confidence  which  was  reposed  by  the  church 
of  Virginia  in  Dr.  Griffith  was  not  misplaced  :  she  had  not, 
in  his  day,  any  clergyman  within  her  limits  who  was  more 
respected,  and  certainly  there  was  none  who  had  mani- 
fested more  enlightened  or  persevering  zeal  in  the  im- 
portant work   of  reviving  and  organizing  the  prostrate 

♦  Mr.  Graham  Franks,  a  London  merchant,  gave  five  guineas  "as  a 
mark  of  his  zeal  for  the  Protestant  Episcopal  church  in  Virginia." — Journal 
of  1791. 


1790,]  IN   VIRGINIA.  207 

church.  In  his  feelings  and  conduct  he  was  thoroughly 
American  ;  he  thought  the  colonies  wronged  by  the  mother 
country,  and  throughout  the  struggle  for  independence,  he 
advocated  their  cause.  He  had  deliberately  cast  in  his  lot 
with  the  great  majority  of  his  countrymen ;  and  in  the 
alternations  of  storm  and  of  sunshine,  through  which  they 
passed  in  the  achievement  of  their  liberties,  he  was  ever 
found  true  to  his  principles.  It  doubtless  cost  him,  as  it 
did  many  other  good  men,  the  forfeiture  of  old  friendships 
and  the  severance  of  strong  ties,  but  he  felt  that  he  was 
right,  and  had  the  firmness  to  persevere.  There  may  have 
been  many  men  more  brilliant  than  Dr.  Griffith,  but  he  was 
practical  and  active,  and  when  he  died,  the  church  lost  a 
useful  and  a  worthy  man. 

Many  subjects  of  importance  came  before  the  next  con- 
vention, which  assembled  at  Richmond  in  1790.  Of  these, 
the  first  was  the  election  of  an  individual  to  fill  the  episco- 
pate :  the  choice  of  the  convention  fell  upon  the  Rev.  James 
Madison,  the  president  of  William  and  Mary  College. 
This  gentleman  was  a  native  of  Virginia,  having  been 
born  in  Rockingham  county  in  the  year  1749.  He  was 
educated  at  the  seminary,  over  which  he  afterward  pre- 
sided, and  was  distinguished  for  his  attainments  as  a  classi- 
cal scholar,  and  his  eloquence  as  a  preacher.  He  was  also 
well  read  in  the  science  of  law,  having  made  it  his  study 
under  one  of  Virginia's  most  able  jurists;  and,  in  fact,  he 
was  admitted  to  the  bar,  but  never  became  a  practitioner. 
At  all  periods  of  his  life,  he  was  much  devoted  to  scientific 
studies,  and  furnished  several  valuable  papers  to  literary 
and  philosophical  publications.  The  habits  of  Bishop 
Madison  were  those  of  a  student ;  mild  and  benevolent  in 
dieposition,  with  simple  yet  courteous  manners,  he  was 
much  esteemed  by  the  circle  of  his  immediate  friends.* 
His  constitution  was  delicate ;  and  this  circumstance  prob- 

*  Allen'i  Biographical  Dictionary. 


208  PROTESTANT   EPISCOPAL   CHURCH  [1790. 

ably  made  him  less  able  to  discharge  the  active  duties  of 
his  station :  this  was  the  more  unfortunate,  as  the  limes 
called  for  uncommon  activity  in  the  episcopal  office.  A 
glance  at  the  map  will  show,  that  from  the  present  extent 
of  our  diocesses,  the  situation  of  a  bishop  in  the  American 
Episcopal  church  is  not  a  sinecure ;  to  perform  his  duties, 
he  must  traverse  yearly  hundreds,  and,  in  some  cases, 
thousands  of  miles. 

Obliged  by  canon  to  visit  each  church  in  his  diocess  at 
least  once  in  three  years,  there  is  not  one  of  the  American 
bishops,  not  enfeebled  by  age  or  disease,  who  does  not  aim 
to  do  more  than  this.  Many  of  them  pay  an  annual  visit 
to  each  parish  ;  and  this  course  is  felt  by  them  to  be  essen- 
tial to  the  growth  and  prosperity  of  the  church.  If  in  these 
times  such  diligence  be  necessary,  it  is  obvious  that  less 
would  not  suffice  when  the  church  was  seeking  to  recover 
from  a  blow  which  had  wellnigh  destroyed  her. 

The  situation  of  the  property  which  had  belonged  to  the 
church  before  the  revolution,  still  continued  to  excite  atten- 
tion. The  efforts  of  other  denominations  to  divest  the  church 
of  the  glebes,  had  never  been  discontinued ;  each  succes- 
sive leg^islature  had  been  beset  with  petitions,  in  which  the 
ground  taken  was,  that,  as  the  property  had  originally  been 
purchased  with  funds  which  were  furnished  by  the  people, 
therefore  it  now  belonged  to  the  people,  and  should  be  ap- 
plied in  some  mode  for  the  public  benefit.  From  the  year 
1777  up  to  1799,  the  Baptists  never  failed  annually  to  me- 
morialize the  legislature  ;  and  long  after  mutual  jealousies 
among  themselves  had  prevented  cordial  and  united  action 
on  any  other  subject,  they  still  continued  unanimously  to 
ask  for  a  sale  of  the  glebes ;  in  fact,  that  was  the  only 
matter  which  the  Baptist  "general  committee"  ever  car- 
ried on  to  a  completion,  after  the  year  1792.*  The  mem- 
bers of  the  church  were  not  idle  spectators  of  these  cease- 

*  Semple'B  History,  p.  85. 


nOO.]  IN   VIRGINU.  209 

less  efforts.  Dr.  Madison  particularly  directed  his  atten* 
tion  to  the  subject,  and  read  to  the  convention  an  essay, 
(for  which  he  received  the  thanks  of  that  body,)  asserting, 
on  principles  of  law,  the  right  of  the  church  to  the  property 
in  question.*  It  was  probably  this  production  of  the  bishop 
elect  which  led  to  the  adoption,  by  the  convention,  of  the 
following  resolutions : — 

"Resolved,  that  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  convention,  that 
the  Protestant  Episcopal  church  is  the  exclusive  owner  of 
the  glebes,  churches,  and  other  property  held  by  the  Church 
of  England  in  Virginia,  at  the  commencement  of  the  revo- 
lution. 

"Resolved,  that  the  principles  upon  which  the  said  prop- 
erty is  held,  are  those  only  by  which  the  rights  of  property 
are  regulated. 

"Resolved,  that  the  interference  of  the  legislature  in  the 
sale  of  that  property,  or  in  the  disposal  of  it  to  any  other 
purpose  than  that  for  which  it  is  now  held,  would  be  a  vio- 
lation of  the  constitution."! 

The  standing  committee  were  also  directed  to  take  such 
measures  as  might  be  deemed  expedient  to  sustain  the 
rights  asserted  in  these  resolutions ;  and  that  accurate  in* 
formation  of  the  condition  of  the  property  of  the  church 
might  be  obtained,  the  several  vestries  or  parish  trustees 
were  desired  to  prepare  a  statement  of  the  real  and  per- 
sonal property  of  their  respective  churches,  and  transmit 
the  same  to  the  next  convention.J 

We  have  already  alluded  to  the  fact  that  the  earliest 
legislation  of  the  church,  after  the  separation  from  Eng- 
land, had  reference  to  the  long  neglected  subject  of  disci- 
pline. The  same  anxiety  which  prompted  this  early  action 
still  continued.  The  plan  of  dividing  the  country  into  dis- 
tricts, and  of  appointing  some  respectable  presbyter  as 
visiter  in  each  of  these  districts,  had  probably  been  found  to 

*  Journals  of  Convention,  1790.  f  Ibid.  X  Ibid. 


S^IO  PROTESTANT    EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [1790, 

aqswer  the  purposes  contemplated  in  its  adoption  ;  for  these 
officers  were  still  retaiiiedyand  the  canons  which  regulated 
,the  trial  of  offending  clergymen  were  amended  and  made 
more  explicit  in  the  convention  of  1790. 

Soon  after  the  adjournment  of  the  convention,  Dr.  Madi- 
son proceeded  to  England ;  and  on  the  nineteenth  pf  Sep- 
tember, 1790,  he  was  consecrated  in  the  chapel  of  the 
arehiepiscopal  palace  at  Lambeth^  by  the  Archbishop  of 
Canterbury  and  the  Bishops  of  London  and  Rochester; 
and  thus  was  the  Protestant  Episcopal  church  in  this  coun- 
try furnished  with  three  bishops  of  English  consecration; 
and  upon  the  return  of  Dr.  Madison,  the  Episcopal  church 
of  Virginia,  after  an  existence  of  one  hundred  and  eighty- 
four  years,  saw,  for  the  first  time,  a  bishop  within  her 
borders. 

But,  favoured  as-  k  was  in  this  particular,  the  prospects 
before  it  were  still  disheartening  enough.  As  to  the  clergy, 
greatly  reduced  in  numbers,  most  of  them  were  bowed 
down  with  want,  and  felt  all  the  misery  of  a  poverty  which 
was  wellnigh  hopeless.  Dependant  upon  the  voluntary 
aid  which  the  people  might  see  fit  to  afford,  they  were  in 
truth  pensioners  upon  their  bounty;  that  bounty,  too,  was 
in  many  cases  necessarily  limited  ;  for  in  many  of  the  par- 
ishes the  people  were  poor  themselves,  and  had  but  little  to 
bestow.  Some,  too,  who  might  have  been  willing  enough 
in  former  times  to  adhere  to  the  estabHshment,  were  ready 
now  to  shrink  from  an  avowal  of  attachment,  when  they 
found  that  the  church  was  an  object  of  dislike  to  a  large 
ajid  increasing  body  of  their  fellow-citizens,  and  that  its 
support  would  subject  its  acknowledged  members  to  some 
expense.  Those  of  the  clergy  who  were  best  paid  were 
but  poorly  paid  ;  and  the  condition  of  all  of  them  was 
humiliating  enough.  Again,  when  they  looked  around  for 
those  who  were  to  supply  their  places,  after  death  had 
removed  them  from  the  scene,  they  looked  in  vain.  The 
inducements  were  small,  indeed,  which  invited  even  the 


1790.]  IN    VIRGINIA.  211 

most  pious  young  men  to  direct  their  attention  to  the  min- 
istry ;  for  they  could  not  afford  to  starve,  and  no  law,  divine 
or  human,  required  the  sacrifice  at  their  hands  :  but  even 
had  the  number  been  large  of  those  who  were  disposed  to 
enter  upon  the  sacred  office,  the  means  of  affording  them 
a -competent  clerical  education  were  not  to  be  had;  and 
"we  are  proud  to  say,  that  in  the  American  Episcopal  church, 
even  in  the  darkest  period  of  her  history,  an  unlearaed 
ministry  could  find  few  or  no  advocates. 

The  clergy,  too,  were  constrained  from  atio the r  cause  to 
look  forward  to  the  event  of  their  own  removal  with  most 
melancholy  anticipations.  Many  of  them  had  families ; 
and  they  knew  not  whence  their  widows  and  their  orphans 
•were  to  derive  even  the  necessaries  of  life:  for  even  sup- 
posing them  to  be  in  possession  of  a  glebe,  (which  was  the 
best  condition  of  the  most  favoured,)  it  could  do  no  more 
than  yield  a  supply  to  present  necessities,  and  afforded 
no  surplus  which  might  be  reserved  for  the  wants  of  here- 
after. 

All  these  considerations  and  many  more  seem  to  have 
been  present  to  the  mind  of  Bishop  Madison,  when  he  met 
his  clergy  in  convention  for  the  first  time  after  his  conse- 
cration. In  the  charge  which  he  addressed  to  them,  enter- 
ing upon  an  examination  of  the  causes  which  had  con- 
tributed to  the  depression  of  the  church,  he  does  not  hesri- 
tate,  with  great  boldness,  to  ascribe  its  unhappy  condition 
to  the  clergy  themselves.  *'  I  do  not  think,"  says  he,  "  that 
I  should  discharge  my  duty  in  the  manner  which  my  con- 
science and  my  inclination  dictate,  were  I  not  to  speak 
upon  this  occasion  with  all  that  plainness  and  freedom 
which  the  importance  of  the  subject  demands.  T  know 
that  our  church  is  blessed  with  many  truly  pious  and  zeal- 
ous pastors,— pastors  from  whose  example  the  greatest  ad- 
vantage may  be  derived  by  all  of  us ;  but  at  the  same  time 
I  fear  there  is  too  much  reason  to  apprehend  that  the  great 
dereliction  sustained  by  our  ehurch  hath  arisen,  in  no  small 


212  PROTEST ATfT   EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [1791. 

degree,  from  the  want  of  that ^rvew^,  Christian  zeal^  which 
such  examples  ought  more  generally  to  have  inspired. 
Hath  the  sacred  fire  committed  to  our  trust  been  every- 
where and  at  all  times  cherished  by  us,  with  that  watchful 
and  zealous  attention  which  so  holy  a  deposit  required  ? 
Had  it  been  thus  cherished,  might  not  that  ancient  flame 
which  once  animated  and  enlightened  the  members  of  our 
church,  still  have  diff*used  its  warmth?  instead  of  indiffer- 
ence to  our  church,  might  we  not  now  have  beheld  many 
of  those  members  who  have  forsaken  her,  still  ardent  and 
zealous  in  her  support  ?  Let  us  then  be  renewed,  I  entreat 
you,  in  the  spirit  of  our  vocation,  in  that  holy,  fervent  zeal, 
which  should  be  the  distinguishing  characteristic  of  every 
minister  of  the  Gospel.  But  how  is  that  zeal  to  be  dis- 
played ?  I  answer,  by  our  conversation  and  our  example. 
Be  thou  an  example  of  the  believers^  in  word,  in  conversation, 
in  charity  t  in  spirit,  in  faith,  in  purity.  We  are  to  watch 
for  the  souls  of  others,  as  they  that  are  to  give  an  account. 
If  such  be  the  nature,  such  the  functions  of  our  sacred  em- 
bassy, what  minister,  what  priest,  what  bishop  is  there  who 
will  not  with  pious  awe  reflect  most  seriously  upon  the 
momentous  charge  committed  to  him ;  and  while  he  pro- 
foundly meditates  upon  the  extent  of  his  duties,  ardently 
supplicate  at  the  throne  of  grace  the  renewal  of  that  fer- 
vent zeal,  without  which  the  great  ends  of  his  ministry  can 
never  be  accomplished  ?"♦ 

This  is  but  a  small  part  of  the  earnest  exhortation  ad- 
dressed by  the  bishop  to  his  clergy.  To  the  laity  also  he 
appealed,  and  asked  their  co-operation  in  reviving  the 
church.  After  placing  before  them  the  value,  and,  indeed, 
indispensable  necessity  of  a  well-informed,  pious,  standing 
ministry  to  the  promotion  of  the  peace  of  society,  to  the 
religious  instruction  of  the  rising  generation,  to  the  admin- 
istration of  the  means  of  grace  in  the  sacraments  of  the 

*  Journal  of  Convention,  1791. 


1791.]  IN   VIRGINIA.  213 

church,  and  to  the  continuance  of  the  divinely  instituted 
medium  of  good  in  the  preaching  of  the  Gospel ;  he  recom- 
mended that  each  member  of  the  church  should  consider  it 
his  duty  "to  contribute  in  the  proportion  which  the  law  for- 
merly prescribed."* 

The  convention  was  not  unmindful  of  the  suggestions  of 
the  bishop.  A  resolution  was  adopted,  by  which  it  was 
declared  to  be  "  the  duty  of  every  member  of  the  Protes- 
tant Episcopal  church  to  contribute  towards  a  decent  and 
coinfortable  support  of  their  bishop  and  other  pastors,  a:nd 
to  defray  the  necessary  expenses  of  their  church.** 

In  the  absence  of  a  bishop,  it  was  impossible  to  correct 
the  want  of  discipline  which  had  been  so  long  and  sorely 
felt;  but  now  that  difficulty  no  longer  remained ;  accord- 
ingly, the  subject  was  brought  before  the  convention  in  the 
episcopal  charge.  The  bishop,  approving  most  cordially  of 
the  visitatorial  system,  which  had  now  been  for  some  years 
in  operation,  enjoined  it  as  an  indispensable  duty  upon  the 
several  visiters  faithfully  to  fulfil  the  purposes  of  their  ap- 
pointment ;  as,  without  godly  discipline  and  the  excision 
of  unworthy  members,  it  would  be  impossible  to  resuscitate 
the  church. 

A  portion  of  the  clergy,  assembled  at  a  visitatorial  meet- 
ing in  one  of  the  districts,  had  been  so  much  impressed  with 
the  unfavourable  prospect  of  a  future  supply  of  clergymen, 
that  the  subject  had  formed  among  them  a  topic  of  anxious 
discussion.  At  the  meeting  of  the  convention,  they  pre- 
sented the  result  of  their  deliberations  to  that  body  ;  and 
this  gave  rise  to  certain  resolutions,  and  a  canon,  whereby 
it  was  provided,  that  as  there  were  no  divinity  schools  at 
present  in  the  church,  the  instruction  of  candidates  might 
very  properly  be  made  part  of  the  business  of  each  pres- 
bytery within  its  own  bounds ;  and  the  members  of  the 
several  presbyteries  were   required,  instead  of  meeting 

*  Journal  of  Convention,  1791. 


214  PROTESTANT   EPISCOPAL   CHURCH  [1791. 

annua^ly^  on  a  certain  day,  to  assemble  as  often  as  any  stu- 
dent of  divinity  should  make  application,  to  examine  the 
applicant,  and,  if  his  literary  qualifications  satisfied  the 
requisitions  of  the  canon,  to  assign  him  a  theme  or  text  on 
which  to  prepare  a  discourse  to  be  delivered  before  them 
on  some  future  day. 

To  remove  the  solicitude,  to  which  we  have  alluded,  on 
the  subject  of  a  support  for  the  widows  and  orphans  of 
deceased  clergymen,  it  was  resolved  by  the  convention 
that  a  society,  having  for  its  object  their  relief,  was  highly 
expedient. 

There  is  to  be  found  among  the  canons  of  the  conven- 
tion of  1791,  one  which  very  strongly  indicates  thai  a  sus- 
picious apprehension  of  bishops  still  lingered  in  the  minds 
of  many  Episcopalians :  it  was  doubtless  a  remnant  of  old 
political  prejudices,  and  so  far  as  it  begat  a  watchful  jeal- 
ousy against  the  abuse  of  power  in  the  prelacy,  it  was 
wholesome  in  its  eflTects.  The  convention  declared  the 
peculiar  powers  which  belonged  to  a  bishop,  according  to 
apGTstolic  institution,  to  consist  simply  in  the  powers  of 
ordination  and  confirmation,  supervision  of  the  conduct  of 
the  clergy,  and  precedence  in  ecclesiastical  assemblies ; 
and  they  accordingly  enacted  that  'the  episcopal  oflice 
should  be  understood  to  imply  no  other  rights  than  those 
just  expressed ;  and  that  every  bishop,  after  his  consecra- 
tion, should  hold  a 'parish,  and  perform  the  duties  of  a 
parish  minister,  when  not  occupied  in  the  discharge  of 
episcopal  duties.*  This  last  provision,  it  may  be  remarked, 
was  needless  ;  for  that  strong  master,  necessity,  has  always 
obliged,  and  must  long  continue  to  oblige,  most  of  the 
American  bishops  to  be  laborious  parish  priests ;  the 
church  needs  clergymen  too  much  to  dispense  with  the 
services  of  any  who  are  abte  to  perform  the  duties  which 
belong  to  a  parish  minister.     Congregations  are  multiplied 

*  Canon  xi. — C(mvention  Journal,  1791. 


3  79^1.]  <  IN    VIRGINIA.  215 

faster  than  clergymen  are ;  these  must  be  supplied  with  the 
ministrations  of  the  Gospel ;  and  there  has  never  yet  been 
a  bishop  among  us  who  felt  at  liberty  to  withhold  hinoself 
from  the  duties  of  a  parish,  because  of  his  official  station 
and  cares.  It  is  true  that,  in  our  extensive  diocesses,  there 
is  enough,  and  sometimes  more  than  enough,  to  occupy 
the  time  of  the  individual  who  has  "the  care  of  all  the 
churches ;"  and  as  a  measure  of  policy,  it  would  be  well 
were  all  our  bishops  free  from  parish  duties;  but  the  time 
must  be  far  distant  in  which  such  an  event  is  possible;  for  in 
many  of  our  diocesses,  the  bishop's  sole  income  is  his  salary 
as  rector  of  a  parish.  Virginia  has  long  since  felt  the  evil 
of  that  very  connection  with  a  congregation  which  is  en- 
joined in  this  canon  as  obligatory  on  her  bishop ;  but  Vir- 
ginia has  never  been  able  to  remedy  it ;  both  her  bishops 
are  now,  and  always  have  been,  in  charge  of  parishes. 

The  year  1792  presents  but  little  change  in  the  cir- 
cumstances of  the  church,  and  is  remarkable  for  little 
more  than  the  fact,  that  it  witnessed  the  first  episcopal 
visitation  ever  made  in  Virginia.  Upon  his  visit,  the^bishop 
found  the  aspect  of  affairs  better  than  he  seems  to  have 
anticipated.  The  clergy,  though  still  wanting  a  decent 
maintenance,  were,  for  the  most  part,  exemplary  and 
diligent  in  the  discharge  of  their  sacred  functions.  The 
ecclesiastical  legislation  of  this  year,  however,  justifies  the 
inference  that  cause  of  complaint  existed  against  some  of 
the  clergy.  The  canon,  making  provision  for  l^he  trial  of 
an  offending  minister,  underwent  revision,  and  a  necessity 
for  its  use  probably  led  to  that  revision.  The  zeal  and 
piety  of  the  laity  had  not  become  entirely  extinct.  The 
bishop  found  on  his  visitation  that  the  congregations  were 
in  general  numerous,  and  attentive  to  the  forms  of  worship 
prescribed  by  the  church. 

It  is  also  probable  that  about  this  time  some  difliculties 
liad  arisen  from  the  interference  of  one  clergyman  with  the 
proper  pastoral  duties  of  another.    In  the  unsettled  coi>- 


216  PROTESTANT    EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [l792. 

dition  of  the  church,, and  with  the  pressure  of  absolute 
want  to  prompt  some  of  the  clergy,  they  were  at  times  in- 
duced to  intrude  into  some  church  within  the  parish  of  a 
brother  clergyman.  This  was  of  coiirse  a  fruitful  source 
of  contention,  and  it  was  remedied  by  a  canon  which  pro- 
hibited the  clergy  from  officiating  within  a  parish  having  a 
rector,  without  his  permission.  The  right  of  presentation, 
it  will  be  remembered,  had  always  heretofore  belonged  to 
the  vestries ;  certainly  by  statute,  and,  as  they  contended, 
by  the  common  law  also.*  In  1792,  this  right  was  ex- 
pressly recognised,  and  continued  to  the  vestries  by  the 
canon  just  alluded  to ;  which  also  gave  to  the  vestry  the 
exclusive  right  of  electing  the  minister. f 

We  have  already  stated  that  the  bishop  in  his  late  visita- 
tion had  found  the  condition  of  the  church  better  than  he 
anticipated ;  he  had  also  seen  distinctly  the  great  difficul- 
ties which  impeded  its  progress;  and  it  is  necessary  to 
dwell  upon  these  with  some  particularity.  The  two  great 
obstacles  which  retarded  the  growth  of  the  church  now, 
were  infideKty  and  fanaticism ;  and  those  ac<^uainted  with 
human  nature  will  not  be  surprised  at  the  remark,  that  the 
last  was  very  often  the  parent  of  the  first. 

As  to  infidelity,  there  never  wxis,  perhaps,  a  period  in  the 
history  of  Virginia  when  it  was  more  prevalent  than  at 
this  time.  How  far  it  had  been  made  fashionable,  as  an 
evidence  of  manly  spirit  and  intellectual  independence,  by 
the  example  of  some  who  filled  the  highest  offices  in  the 
state,  it  is  impossible  to  say ;  but  there  is  no  doubt  that 
many  of  those  who  value  names  more  than  things,  and  fol- 
low men  rather  than  principles,  very  quietly  dispensed  with 
the  labour  of  thought,  and  siibmitted  to  take  their  infidel 
opinions  upon  trust,  at  the  dictation  of  those  who  were  ele- 
vated in  society.    It  is  an  entire  mistake  to  suppose  that 

•  Vide  ante,  p.  64.  t  Journals  of  the  Convention,  1792. 


1793.]  IN   VIRGINIA.  217 

the  overthrow  of  the  former  state  of  things  had  led  to  the 
immediate  introduction  of  more  serious  and  heartfelt  re- 
ligion among  the  people.  On  this  subject  there  is  evidence 
derived  from  more  than  a  single  source.  One  who  lived 
both  under  the  old  and  new  condition  of  religious  affairs  in 
Virginia,  has  left  behind  him  a  striking  attestation  on  this 
subject.  "It  must  be  apparent  to  every  man,"  says  he, 
"that  religion  was  more  respected  and  revered,  and  had  a 
greater  influence  on  the  manners  of  men  in  general,  while 
the  church  had  the  countenance  of  the  state,  than  it  has 
now."*  And  with  no  partial  attempt  to  conceal  the  want 
of  religious  feeling  in  the  members  of  the  communion  to 
which  he  belonged ;  but  depicting  in  mournful  terms  the 
sad  depression  of  the  Episcopal  church,  he  thus  proceeds : — 
"Nor  do  I  find  the  aspect  of  religious  affairs  much  more 
encouraging  in  other  societies  or  denominations.  There 
is  an  awful  falling  off  on  every  hand  :  true,  they  have 
larger  congregations  on  Sunday  than  our  ministers  have ; 
and  in  their  public  assemblies,  they  may  frequently  return 
thanks  to  Heaven  for  their  religious  liberty,  equality,  and 
privileges,  &c.  But  I  fear  they  are  so  far  from  making 
good  use  of  these  blessings,  and  duly  availing  themselves 
of  their  privileges,  that  many  will  have  an  accumulated 
account  to  render  for  misimprovements.  By  a  letter  from 
a  pious  Presbyterian  minister,  I  learn  that  religion  is  at  a 
low  ebb  among  them.  The  Baptists,  I  suppose,  are  equally 
declining.  I  seldom  hear  anything  about  them.  The  Meth- 
odists are  splitting  and  falling  to  pieces."! 

Lest,  however,  this  should  be  suspected  as  the  testimony 
of  a  prejudiced  witness,  let  it  find  confirmation  in  the 
honest  confession  of  others.  The  historian  of  the  Baptists 
informs  us  that  "  the  war,  though  very  propitious  to  the 
liberty  of  the  Baptists,  had  an  opposite  effect  upon  the  life 
of  religion  among  them.     From  whatever  cause,  certain  it 

*  Life  of  Rev.  Devereux  Janatt,  155.  f  Ibid.  180, 


218  PROTESTANT   EPISCOPAL   CHURCH  [1793. 

is  that,  they  suffered  a  very  wintry  season.  With  some 
few  exceptions,  the  declension  was  general  throughout  the 
state.  The  love  of  many  waxed  cold.  Some  of  the  watch- 
men fell ;  others  stumbled ;  and  many  slumbered  at  their 
posts.     Iniquity  greatly  abounded."* 

It  is  true  that  all  denominations  afterward  improved; 
but  during  the  continuance  of  such  a  state  of  things  as  these 
extracts  describe,  it  is  not  wonderful  that  deism  reaped  an 
abundant  harvest.  It  is  not  our  purpose  to  assign  causes 
for  the  general  declension  of  religion  ;  it  may,  however,  be 
remarked  that  fanaticism  was  not  the  least  efficient.  Igno- 
rance undertook  the  work  of  instruction  :  enthusiasts  of 
warm  imaginations,  strong  passions,  and  no  judgment 
stood  up  to  teach:  they  would  dream  dreams  and  see 
visions ;  but,  unfortunately,  when  they  had  a  dream,  they 
did  not  "  tell  it  as  a  dream  ;"  their  fancied  visions  were  in- 
spiration :t  the  silly  were  deceived ;  the  more  thoughtful 
disgusted  ;  and  Christianity  suffered. 

Ignorance,  which  supposes  itself  to  be  inspired,  must  be 
conceited  and  dogmatical,  and  is  always  ready  to  "com- 
pass sea  and  land  to  make  one  proselyte :"  the  industrious 
zeal,  therefore,  which  was  employed  in  disseminating  er- 
rors, rendered  the  extirpation  of  those  errors  the  more  dif- 
ficult. In  a  survey  of  the  circumstances  to  which  we  have 
alluded,  it  seems  to  have  been  impressed  upon  the  mind  of 
Bishop  Madison,  that  no  very  effectual  check  could  be 
offered  to  the  combined  evils  of  infidelity  and  fanaticism, 
without  more  of  unity  among  those  who,  while  they  dif- 
fered on  some  points,  were  yet  of  the  same  opinion  on  most 
of  the  great  truths  of  the  Christian  faith.  He  had  very 
much  at  heart  a  plan  which  has  since  occupied  the  thoughts, 
and  called  forth  the  prayers  of  many  good  men ;  and  which 
they  are  reluctant  to  believe  is  too  visionary  for  accom- 

♦  Semple'g  History  of  Virginia  t  Bishop  Madison's  Address.— 
Baptists,  pp.  35,  36.  Convention  of  17W. 


1793.]  IN   VIRGINIA.  219 

plishment  Bishop  Madison  desired  to  make  an  effort  to 
unite  all  sincere  Christians  into  one  church.  He  was  per- 
fectly aware  that  it  required  an  enlarged  Christian  spiiit  to 
effect  such  an  object.  "  There  is  no  one,"  says  he,  '*  but 
must  cordially  wish  for  such  a  union,  provided  it  did  not 
require  a  sacrifice  of  those  points  which  are  deemed  essen- 
tials by  our  church;  from  them  we  have  not  the  power  to 
retreat ;  but  in  such  mailers  as  are  subject  to  human  altera- 
tion, if  by  a  candid  discussion  they  could  be  found  capable 
of  being  so  modified,  as  to  remove  the  objections  of  any 
sect  of  Christians,  who  maybe  actuated  by  the  same  catho- 
lic spirit,  and  thereby  effect  a  union;  in  that  case  we  should 
surely  have  reason  to  rejoice,  not  only  in  the  event,  but 
also  in  being  the  first  tx)  set  an  example  to  Christians,  which 
it  is  the  duty  of  all  to  follow ;  and  in  convincing  them  that 
there  is  infinitely  more  religion  in  not  contending,. than  in 
those  things  about  which  they  contend."* 

Christians  in  his  day  were  not  prepared  to  make  an 
effort  to  bring  about  such  a  union,  and,  yielding  to  the 
judgments  of  those  whom  he  respected,  the  bishop  sub- 
mitted no  proposition  on  the  subject  to  the  convention.  It 
is  probable,  that  on  the  first  statement  of  such  a  proposi- 
tion, a  majority  of  Christians  at  this  day  would  pronounce 
such  a  union  to  be  impossible.  Perhaps,  however,  we  call 
impossible  that,  which,  upon  trial,  would  prove  to  be  very 
difficult  merely.  Great  and  almost  incredible  results  have 
followed  Christian  effort,  carried  out  in  other  directions; 
and  it  must  be  confessed  that  the  consequences  of  such 
effort  have  far  surpassed  the  most  sanguine  anticipations. 
No  man  can  certainly  say  that  the  effort  for  union  is  abso- 
lutely hopeless,  because  it  has  never  yet  been  fairly  tried  ; 
but  it  may  with  certainty  be  said  that  if  it  ever  is  tried, 
Christian  men  must  come  to  the  work  with  perfect  single- 
ness of  heart,  and  it  must  be  prosecuted  in  the  faith  and 
fear  of  God  alone. 

*  Bishop  Madison's  Address  to  Convention  of  1793. 


220  PROTESTANT   EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [17&3. 

The  subjects  which  invited  the  attention  of  t'  e  conven- 
tion of  1793,  were  deemed  of  so  nnuch  importance  by  the 
bishop,  that  he  addressed  a  circular  letter  to  the  several 
visiters,  urging,  through  them,  a  general  attendance  of  the 
clergy.  The  most  important  business  of  the  session  was 
an  entire  revision  of  the  canons  ;  but,  before  proceeding  to 
consider  them,  it  is  due  to  Bishop  Madison  here  to  record 
his  recommendation  of  the  distribution  of  religious  tracts 
as  a  means  of  doing  good,  at  a  time  when,  it  is  believed, 
there  was  no  tract  society  known  in  this  country. 

The  bishop,  in  his  address,  proposed  that  the  clergy  then 
assembled,  should  specify  such  pamphlets  as  appeared 
most  useful  for  doctrinal  information,  that  a  sufficient  num- 
ber of  copies  should  be  obtained  for  the  congregations  gen- 
erally, ?fnd  that  through  the  clergy  the  people  should  be 
supplied.  But  he  wished  also  that  something  more  should 
be  done  than  to  furnish  tracts  explanatory  of  the  institu- 
tions of  the  church  merely.  **  Devotional  tracts,"  says  he, 
"such  as  would  inspire  and  keep  alive  the  spirit  of  a  warm 
but  rational  piety,  are  greatly  wanted.  Let,  then,  such  of 
this  nature  also  be  dispersed,  as  the  ministry  may  approve 
and  recommend  to  their  congregations.  They  would  not 
only  be  thus  called  to  active  piety,  but  secured  against  the 
impressions  which  the  appearance  of  greater  devotion  and 
zeal  in  other  sects  must  always  make  upon  the  minds  of  the 
religious.  Many,  educated  in  the  bosom  of  our  church, 
desert  it,  not  solely  from  a  conviction  of  errors  in  doctrine, 
but  because  the  great  bulk  of  its  members  seem  indifferent 
to  religious  exercises.  Another  society  is  sought  for,  in 
which  the  pious  are  countenanced  and  stimulated  by  re- 
ciprocal example.  Why  can  we  not  introduce  an  equal 
attention  to  religious  duties  among  the  members  of  our 
own  church?  a  conduct  equally  guarded  and  pious?  It 
must  be  done,  or  we  shall  have  only  the  semblance  of  reli- 
gion among  us.  We  have  approached  too  nearly  to  that 
verge  already." 


1793.]  Jw  vmoiNiA.  221 

He  urged  it  also  upon  the  clergy  as  an  indispensable 
duty  to  be  diligent  in  visiting  the  families  in  their  respective 
cures,  to  labour  for  the  general  introduction  of  the  custom 
of  family  prayers,  and  to  catechise  the  children. 

The  most  important  provisions  of  the  canons  were  as 
follows : — 

The  minister,  churchwardens,  and  vestrymen  of  each 
parish,  were  made  trustees  to  hold  the  church  property 
for  the  benefit  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  church  ;  and  the 
right  of  appointing  a  minister  and  of  presentation  was 
continued  in  the  vestries. 

The  convention  had  conferred  upon  it  the  sole  power  of 
regulating  "  all  the  religious  concerns"  of  the  church,  **  its 
doctrines,  discipline,  and  worship ;"  but  not  so  as  to  affect 
"  any  powers  exclusively  vested  in  the  general  conven- 
tion." 

The  clergy  were  divided  into  r  resbyteries  of  not  less 
than  three  rior  more  than  ten  members,  with  a  visiter  at 
their  head;  these  presbyteries  were  required  to  meet  an- 
nually in  April,  and  at  any  other  time  when  it  might  be 
necessary.  The  convention  appointed  the  visiters,  who 
were  required  once  a  year  to  visit  each  parish  in  their 
respective  districts,  and  particularly  to  inspect  the  morals 
and  conduct  of  the  clergy,  privately  to  admonish  or  re- 
prove offenders  among  them,  observe  violations  of  the 
canons,  and  to  report  annually  to  the  bishop.  The  presby- 
teries were  required  also  to  take  the  oversight  of  all  candi- 
dates for  orders  in  their  districts,  to  direct  their  studies, 
and  to  examine  them. 

The  canon  compelling  the  bishop  to  take  the  care  of  a 
parish  was  repealed,  and  it  was  now  declared  merely  that 
he  might  do 'so  if  he  wished.  All  accusations  of  the 
bishop  were  to  be  made  by  three  respectable  persons  on 
oath. 

Catechising,  and  the  use  of  the  surplice,  were  enjoined  ; 
and  ministers  were  permitted  to  **  encourage  people  to  as- 


PROTESTANT   EPISCOPAL   CHURCH  [1793. 

semble  together  in  small  societies  at  convenient  times,  for 
their  edification ;"  and  might  "  visit,  superintend,  and  in- 
struct such  societies  at  their  meetings,"  provided  it  was  not 
done  to  the  encouragement  of  idleness,  or  the  injury  of 
private  families. 

No  person  could  be  a  minister  who  had  not  episcopal 
ordination,  and  did  not  take  an  oath  of  allegiance  to  the 
commonwealth  of  Virginia,  and  promise  conformity  to  the 
doctrines,  discipline,  and  worship  of  the  Protestant  Epis- 
copal church  in  the  United  States,  a  obedience  to  the 
orders  and  canons  of  the  church  in  Virginia.  He  was 
bound  also  to  declare  in  writing,  that  he  held  his  appoint- 
ment subject  to  removal  according  to  the  canons  of  Vir- 
ginia. 

Pluralities  were  forbidden ;  and  no  minister  could  leave 
his  charge  to  be  absent  more  than  a  month,  without  permis- 
sion of  the  vestry.  When  necessary,  the  vestry  "might 
allow  of  non-residence  in  the  minister. 

District  courts,  composed  of  the  clergy  of  the  district^ 
with  one  vestryman  from  each  parish  appointed  by  their 
respective  vestries,  were  established  for  examining  into 
and  deciding  upon  complaints  exhibited  against  ministers ; 
and,  if  necessary,  making  arrangements  for  a  trial  accord- 
ing to  certain  prescribed  rules. 

There  was  but  one  other  subject  acted  upon  by  this  con- 
vention which  calls  for  notice  at  our  hands.  The  general 
convention,  at  its  meeting  in  September,  1792,  directed 
that  the  several  diocesan  conventions  should  be  informed 
that,  at  the  next  meeting  of  the  general  convention,  the 
propriety  of  giving  to  the  House  of  Bishops  a  full  negative 
on  the  proceedings  of  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay 
Delegates,  would  be  considered  and  determined.*  The 
convention  of  Virginia,  by  a  unanimous  vote,  directed 
their  representatives  to  express  on  their  parts  the  **  highest 

♦  Journals  of  General  Convention  of   1798. 


1703.]  IN  VIRGINIA.  223 

disapprobation"  of  investing  the  House  of  Bishops  with  any 
such  negative.  They  also  instructed  them  to  obtain,  if 
possible,  a  repeal  of  a  canon  just  passed  by  the  general 
convention,  by  which  no  clergyman  was  permitted  to  offi- 
ciate in  the  parochial  cure  of  another  clergyman,  without 
express  permission  for  that  purpose  obtained  from  the 
incumbent,  or,  in  his  absence,  from  the  churchwardens  and 
vestrymen.*     The  provisions  of  this  law  so  closely  resem-  >»j^ 

ble  those  of  a  canon  of  Virginia,  passed  on  this  subject 
only  the  year  before,t  but  not  incorporated  in  the  revision 
made  at  this  session,  of  which  we  have  already  spoken, 
that  the  only  reasonable  mode  of  accounting  for  this  oppo- 
sition to  what  certainly  was  a  wholesome  and  necessary 
provision,  seems  to  be,  that  the  law  had  been  found  in  Vir- 
ginia (where  a  parish  sometimes  contained  several  church 
edifices,  all  of  which  could  not,  from  a  want  of  clergymen, 
be  supplied,)  to  operate  injuriously  ;  and  hence  its  omission 
in  the  revised  canons,  and  the  opposition  of  Virginia  to  its 
incorporation  in  the  general  canons. 

*  Journals  of  Virginia  Convention,  1793.  t  Vide  ante,  p.  212.    ; 


224  PROTESTANT   EPISCOPAL   CHURCH  [1794. 


CHAPTER  XIL 
1794-1804. 

Injurious  Effects  upon  Religion,  arising  from  Disputes  about  the  Church 
Property — Arguments  used  for  and  against  a  sale  of  the  Glebes — Canon 
against  the  Clergy's  taking  Offices  in  the  Militia — Appeal  to  Law — 
Churchmen  driven  to  despair — Law  of  1802  for  sale  of  Glebes — Effect  of 
■ale  of  Glebes  in  benefiting  the  Public — Desecration  of  the  Sacred  Ves- 
sels by  Debauchees — The  Manchester  Case — Consequence  to  the  Church 
of  the  Death  of  the  President  of  Court  of  Appeals — Constitutionality  of 
Law  for  the  sale  of  Glebes  yet  undetermined. 

The  history  of  the  church,  for  several  years  to  come, 
presents  a  picture  but  little  different  from  that  which  the 
reader  has  seen  exhibited  in  the  previous  pages.  The 
bishop,  upon  his  slender  pittance  of  one  hundred  pounds, 
still  continued  to  visit  the  parishes  and  make  his  annual  re- 
ports, which  became  more  and  more  disheartening;  the 
number  of  clergy  was  gradually  diminishing  by  death ;  few 
or  none  came  in  to  supply  their  places ;  the  church  lan- 
guished ;  while  her  opponents,  increasing  in  numbers  and 
influence,  never  ceased  to  carry  on  the  warfare  against 
her,  and  to  exert  themselves  to  deprive  her  of  her  property 
in  the  glebes.  The  Baptists,  as  heretofore,  were  most 
active  in  this  business ;  and  here  we  may  properly  pause 
in  our  narrative,  to  contemplate  the  injurious  effects  of  their 
opposition  upon  the  cause  of  Christianity,  and  to  review 
the  grounds  on  which  they  urged,  and  Episcopalians  re- 
sisted, the  sale  of  the  glebes. 

We  have  already  seen  that  the  condition  of  religion  was 
greatly  depressed  in  Virginia;  truth  compels  us  to  say 


1794.]  IN   VIRGINIA.  226 

that  the  depression  must  in  some  degree  be  attributed  to 
Christians  themselves ;  it  was  in  part  owing  to  the  con- 
troversies respecting  the  property  of  the  church.  There 
is  always  to  be  found  in  society  a  class  ready  to  avail  itself 
of  any  excuse  for  its  want  of  personal  holiness.  In  the 
temper  and  feelings  which  were  exhibited  in  the  contest  in 
Virginia,  between  churchmen  and  their  opponents,  the  ene-* 
mies  of  religion  readily  found  the  excuse  which  they  de- 
sired. It  is  not  meant  to  insinuate,  that  the  disputants  ia 
Virginia  were  more  violent,  or  worse  than  others  would 
have  been  elsewhere,  under  similar  circumstances.  But 
good  men  (and  it  is  hoped  there  were  such  on  both  sides  in 
this  dispute)  may,  and  do  often  betray  those  infirmities  of 
human  nature  which  they  are,  afterward,  themselves  the 
first  most  deeply  to  lament.  Their  subsequent  repentance 
meets  perhaps  no  eye  but  that  of  God;  while  the  evils  which 
flow  from  their  exhibition  of  angry  passions  and  unchristian 
feelings  remain  to  furnish  multitudes  with  an  argument  where- 
with to  appease  a  reproving  conscience,  and  fortify  them- 
selves in  their  wickedness.  It  would  be  uncandid  to  conceal 
the  fact,  that  the  dispute  concerning  the  church  property  in 
Virginia  was  one  which  called  forth,  on  both  sides,  much  bit- 
terness of  feeling  and  intemperance  of  language.  It  is  best 
that  such  language  should  be  forgotten  ;  it  is  more  pleasant 
to  quote  the  words  of  an  aged  minister  of  the  church  who 
sought  to  allay  strife.  "  This  dispute  is  too  nearly  con- 
nected with  religion,  not  to  partake  of  much  of  that  ani- 
mosity and  rancour  which  are  the  unhappy  effects  of  re- 
ligious controversy.  How  different  is  this  from  the  mild 
spirit  of  that  religion  which  breathes  unanimity,  forgive- 
ness, meekness,  and  peace  !  When  we  ourselves  make  it 
appear  by  our  conduct^  that  Christianity  has  so  little  power 
over  our  hearts,  can  it  be  supposed  that  ever  we  will  recom- 
mend it  to  the  esteem  of  others  ?  The  infidel  will  never 
believe  us ;  and  the  libertine  will  get  confirmed  in  his  vi- 

FF 


226  PROTESTANT   EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [1794 

cious  practices.  Alas  \  we  pull  down  with  our  own  hands 
that  church  of  Christ  which  we  ought  to  build  up  and  de- 
fend. We  fill  the  minds  of  the  community,  moreover,  with 
•wrath,  hatred,  emulations,  envyings,  and  strife.'  How 
long  shall  it  be  before  the  doctrines  of  the  Son  of  God  have 
full  influence  on  the  minds  of  men  1  How  long  shall  this 
land  be  filled  with  contention  I  When  shall  we  fully  prize 
the  blessings  which  we  enjoy  I  We  might  now  sit,  every 
man  at  peace  *  under  his  own  vine,'  and  under  that  fair 
tree  of  liberty  which  we  planted.  But,  alas  1  the  canker 
worm  of  jealousy  feeds  ori  its  foliage  ;  the  whirlwinds  of 
discord  threaten  to  root  it  out  for  ever."* 

The  increase  of  irreligion  was  thus  one  of  the  great  evils 
which  resulted  from  this  contest. 

Another  evil  was  of  a  political  nature.  The  question,  as 
to  the  sale  of  the  glebes,  was  one  of  right  simply  ;  circum- 
stances unavoidably  made  it  in  some  degree  a  question  of 
party.  It  was  desirable  that  the  individuals  who  were  to 
pass  upon  the  question,  the  members  of  the  legislature,  should 
know  no  man  or  body  of  men  in  the  transaction :  the  con- 
stitution and  the  law  were  the  proper  arbiters :  the  integ- 
rity of  that  constitution  and  law  was  endangered  by  every 
temptation  to  gratify  any  body  of  men  in  their  interpreta- 
tion: now,  when  the  members  of  the  legislature  found 
themselves  beset  annually  by  petitions,  asking  that  the 
church  might  be  deprived  of  the  property  which  she  held ; 
when  these  petitions  were  numerously  signed  ;  and  when 
those  who  signed  them  were  the  electors  by  whoni  the 
legislators  were  placed  in  the  seat  of  judgment,  it  must  be 
confessed  that  there  was  some  temptation  to  yield  to  the 
wishes  of  the  petitioners.  But,  unless  the  petitioners  were 
unquestionably  right  on  the  points  of  law  involved,  to  yield 
was  wrong,  no  matter  by  what  numbers  the  application 

♦  Manuscript  argument  on  the  sale  of  the  glebes,  by  one  of  the  old  Vir- 
ginia clergy,  in  the  possession  of  the  author. 


1794.]  IN   VIRGINIA,  227 

was  made ;  there  was  no  pretence  that  the  multitude  who 
petitioned  were  the  best  judges  of  a  disputed  matter  in  the 
science  of  jurisprudence  ;  and  as  they  might  be  mistaken, 
the  justice  of  the  case  was  in  danger  of  being  sacrificed  to 
the  demands  of  the  multitude.  It  was  not  an  instance  of 
the  expression  of  popular  opinion  on  a  point  o^  expediency ^ 
(to  which  the  legislature  might  perhaps  have  listened  with 
propriety,)  but  it  was  on  a  subject  of  right  which  rested  on 
fixed  and  unalterable  rules.  It  must  therefore  be  obvious, 
that  after  having  once  expressed  a  wish  to  have  the  ques- 
tion fairly  examined,  a  perpetual  succession  of  petitions, 
dictating  in  effect  the  decision  to  be  made,  could  only  serve 
to  increase  the  risk  of  having  that  decision  finally  wrong* 
As  to  the  arguments  by  which  a  sale  of  the  glebes  was 
urged  upon  the  legislature,  the  principal  were  as  follows : — 

1.  That  most  of  the  glebe  lands  were  originally  pur- 
chased with  money  levied  upon  the  people  at  large,  and 
that,  consequently,  whenever  a  majority  of  the  people  de* 
sired  a  sale  of  the  lands,  they  should  be  sold,  and  the 
money  applied  to  such  other  use  as  might  seem  best  to 
them. 

2.  That  if  the  church  was  permitted  to  retain  the  prop* 
erty,  a  certain,  pre-eminence  and  superiority  was  thereby 
conferred,  which  was  odious  in  a  republic,  and  inconsistent 
with  its  institutions. 

3.  That  the  fourth  article  of  the  declaration  of  rights  of 
Virginia  asserted,  "  that  no  man  or  set  of  men  are  en- 
titled to  exclusive  or  separate  emoluments  or  privileges 
from  the  community,  but  in  consideration  of  public  ser- 
vices;** but  the  enjoyment  of  the  glebes  did  confer  upon 
the  church  "  exclusive  emoluments  from  the  community,'* 
and  was  consequently  unconstitutional. 

To  the  first  of  these  arguments,  it  was  answered  that 
some  of  the  glebes  were  a  private  donation ;  that  those 
which  were  purchased,  were  bought  many  years  before,-^ 


22B  PROTESTANT   EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  1704. 

some  of  them  more  than  a  century;  and  that  the  "  people," 
with  whose  money  the  purchase  was  made,  were  not  dis- 
senters, for  there  were  few  or  none  in  the  colony  at  that 
day;  but  were  members  of  the  establishment,  and  perfectly 
content  that  their  money  should  be  thus  applied ;  that 
having  been  thus  applied,  the  "people'*^  had  voluntarily 
divested  themselves  of  it,  and  their  descendants  could  not 
now  take  it  back,  any  more  than  they  could  other  moneys 
of  which  their  ancestors  had  seen  fit  willingly  to  deprive 
themselves  :  it  was  also  answered,  that  upon  this  principle, 
of  a  restoration  to  the  "  people"  of  money  which  the  **  peo- 
ple" once  gave,  there  should  obviously  be  returned  no 
more  than  such  a  part  as  would  be  proportionate  to  the 
original  number  of  dissenters  among  the  people  who  pur- 
chased ;  for  if  those  who  now  asked  for  a  sale  of  the 
glebes  had,  from  conscientious  motives,  dissented  from  the 
faith  of  their  fathers,  they  should  thence  learn  that  their 
fathers  also  had  consciences ;  and  with  no  justice  or  pro- 
priety could  they  seek  to  undo  what  their  ancestors  had 
done  with  a  good  conscience.  But  as  to  dissenters  among 
the  original  purchasers,  there  were  either  none  at  all,  or  at 
best  the  number  was  very  limited,  and  it  was  certain  that 
there  were  no  Baptists  among  them. 

It  was  also  asserted  to  be  very  questionable,  whether, 
considering  the  great  emigrations  to  the  western  country 
and  to  other  states,  there  was  one-third  of  the  inhabitants 
remaining,  whose  ancestors  had  contributed  to  purchase  a 
glebe ;  that  if  they  were  sold  for  the  benefit  of  that  third, 
it  would  be  impossible  to  ascertain  to  whom  the  proceeds 
should  be  paid.  If  it  should  be  urged  that  "  the  country" 
first  purchased,  and  that  now  they  should  be  given  back  to 
"  the  country,"  then  it  was  to  be  remembered  that  that 
country  by  a  solemn  act  had  declared  that  "  in  all  time 
coming"  they  should  not  be  taken  from  the  church ;  and 
that  if  it  would  be  unrighteous  in  an  individual  to  take  back 


1794.]  IN  VIRGINIA.  329 

by  mere  force  that  which  he  had  once  bestowed  upon  an* 
other,  it  required  no  small  skill  in  casuistry  to  prove  that 
similar  conduct  was  righteous  in  a  state. 

As  to  the  second  argument,  it  was  said  in  reply,  that  the 
question  of  permitting  the  church  to  retain  the  property 
was  one  of  rights  founded  on  law,  which  republics  were 
emphatically  bound  to  respect.  That  by  the  very  law 
which  released  dissenters  from  all  taxes  to  support  the 
Episcopal  church,  the  assembly  of  Virginia  had  pledged 
its  legislative  faith,  the  most  solemn  pledge  and  firmest 
ganction  which  a  free  state  could  give,  that  the  property  in 
dispute  should  "  in  all  time  coming"  be  saved  and  reserved 
to  the  use  of  the  Episcopal  church.*  That  to  order  a  sale 
of  property  thus  solemnly  reserved,  would  tend  to  sap  the 
foundation  of  those  rights  by  which  property  in  general  is 
held,  introduce  into  the  acts  of  the  legislature  instability 
and  uncertainty, exhibit  a  fluctuation  in  law  unprecedented 
in  Virginia,  and  overturn  that  confidence  and  security 
which  the  citizens  of  a  republic  should  always  feel  in  the 
stability  of  purpose  avowed  by  their  selected  representa- 
tives. It  was  also  said,  that  if  pre-eminence  and  supe- 
riority in  the  church  were  evils  justly  dreaded,  a  declared 
preference  for  any  other  religious  denomination  was  no 
less  to  be  deprecated  ;  and  that  if  the  glebes  were  sold  to 
gratify  any  sect  or  party,  a  distinction  would  be  so  far 
manifested  in  its  favour  ;  and  would  tend  to  furnish  it,  in 
this  patronage  of  the  state,  with  the  means  of  establishing 
its  own  creed  upon  the  ruins  of  every  other. 

To  the  argument  of  unconstitutionality,  as  deduced  from 
the  declaration  of  rights,  the  answer  was,  that  "  the  com- 
munity" under  the  government  established  after  the  revo- 
lution, certainly  had  granted  to  the  church  no  "exclusive 
emoluments,"  for  it  had  granted  nothing ;  it  had  only  con- 

*  See  Laws  of  October,  I7Y6,  ch.  u. ;  9  Henmg,  1«4. 


830  PROTESTANT   EPISCOPAL   CHtTRCH  [l794. 

firmed  to  the  church  that  which  she  had,  and  owned,  and 
enjoyed  for  more  than  a  century  before.  But,  in  truth,  the 
fourth  article  of  the  declaration  of  rights  had  no  bearing 
upon  the  question,  as  was  evident  when  the  whole  of  it  was 
viewed  together.  The  article  declared  "  that  no  man,  or 
set  of  men,  are  entitled  to  exclusive  or  separate  emoluments 
or  privileges  from  the  community,  but  in  consideration  of 
public  services  ;  which,  not  being  descendible,  neither  ought 
the  offices  of  magistrate,  legislator,  or  judge,  to  be  he- 
reditary ;"  thus  showing  simply  an  intention  to  prevent 
hereditary  honours,  offices,  or  emoluments,  in  the  civil 
government.* 

These  are  the  principal  arguments  and  answers  which 
from  time  to  time  were  presented  to  the  legislature  upon 
the  question  of  a  sale  of  the  glebes  generally ;  there  are  to 
be  found  also  among  the  memorials  and  remonstrances, 
some  which  concern  the  sale  of  a  glebe  in  some  particular 
parish  only,  and  these  affi)rd  additional  considerations  for 
and  against  the  measure,  founded  upon  the  peculiar  cir- 
cumstances of  each  case,  and  possessing  no  general  in- 
terest. 

In  the  midst  of  this  warm  contest  concerning  the  glebes, 
the  convention  of  1794  assembled,  and  repeating  the  former 
instructions  to  the  Virginia  delegates  to  oppose  in  the  gen- 
eral convention  the  absolute  negative  which  it  was  contem- 
plated to  give  to  the  House  of  Bishops,  and  to  seek  the 
repeal  of  the  canon  which  forbade  a  clergyman  to  officiate 
without  permission  in  the  cure  of  another,  it  separated, 
without  any  other  action  on  the  subject  of  the  glebes  than 
to  direct  the  standing  committee  to  address  the  members 
of  the  church  on  the  subject  of  its  critical  situation. 

The  state  of  depression  to  which  the  church  was  now 
reduced,  is  attested  by  the  fact  that,  in  171)5,  no  convention 

•  These  arguments  and  answers  are  compiled  from  MSS.,  copies  of 
memorials,  <Sa;«.,  la  the  possefision  of  tho  author. 


1796.]  .  -  IX  VIRGINIA.  231 

was  held;  and  it  is  probable  that  such  would  have  con- 
tinued for  many  years  to  be  the  case,  but  for  the  necessity 
imposed  by  a  sense  of  duty  upon  the  little  remnant  of  the 
clergy,  to  spare  no  effort  on  their  parts  to  save  to  the 
church  the  property  which  it  had  in  the  glebes.  In  this 
course  they  persisted,  notwithstanding  the  obloquy  which 
attached  to  them  ;  and  accordingly,  in  1796,  it  was  unani- 
mously resolved  by  the  convention,  *'that  by  various  acts 
of  the  legislature  of  Virginia,  the  property  of  the  church, 
formerly  established  by  law,  has  been  confirmed  to  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  church  in  this  stale ;  and  that  there- 
fore any  legislative  interference,  without  the  consent  of 
the  said  church,  by  which  its  right  to  the  said  property 
would  be  affected,  would  be  a  violation  of  the  rights  of 
private  property,  and  of  one  of  the  fundamental  principles 
of  the  present  civil  government."  A  memorial  to  the  legis- 
lature in  the  name  of  the  convention  was  also  prepared ; 
but  so  hopeless  did  the  prospect  begin  to  be,  that  it  was 
left  to  the  bishop  to  present  it  or  not,  according  to  his  views 
of  expediency. 

It  has  already  been  intimated  that  all  this  strife  concern- 
ing property  helped  no  man's  growth  in  grace;  and  so 
completely  secular  in  their  practices  had  some  of  the  clergy 
now  become,  that  it  actually  became  necessary  to  pass  a 
canon  prohibiting  them  from  holding  military  commissions. 
It  would,  however,  be  most  unjust  to  extend  the  censure 
implied  in  this  canon  to  the  clergy  generally.  The  number 
of  those  for  whom  such  a  law  could  have  been  necessary 
was  very  small. 

Bishop  Madison,  in  the  exercise  of  the  discretion  con- 
fided to  him  by  the  convention  of  1796,  submitted  to  the 
legislature  of  that  year  the  memorial  touching  the  sale  of 
the  property  of  the  church.  It  was  not  acted  upon  by  the 
Assembly  ;  but  the  subject,  according  to  some  former  pre- 
cedents in  matters  concerning  the  church,  already  recorded. 


232  PllOTESTANi   EPISCOPAL   CHURCB  [1706. 

was  submitted  to  the  consideration  of  the  people.  Episco- 
palians began  now  to  think  that  their  only  mode  of  saving 
the  glebes  was,  if  possible,  with  the  concurrence  of  the 
legislature,  to  draw  the  determination  of  the  question  from 
before  that  tribunal,  and  submit  its  decision  to  the  courts 
of  law.  With  the  concurrence  of  the  standing  committee, 
the  bishop,  therefore,  resolved  to  obtain  professional  advice; 
and  an  opinion  was  sought  at  the  hands  of  some  of  the  ablest 
jurists  of  Virginia.  Bushrod  Washington,  Edmund  Ran- 
dolph, and  John  Wickham  were  consulted,  and,  as  the  result 
of  their  deliberations,  stated  : — 

1.  That  the  Protestant  Episcopal  church  was  the  exclu- 
sive owner  of  the  glebes. 

2.  That  so  far  was  the  title  of  the  church  from  being 
impaired  by  the  Bill  of  Rights,  that  on  no  sound  construc- 
tion did  they  clash,  but  that  the  title  of  the  church  stood 
upon  precisely  the  same  grounds  with  the  rights  of  private 
property,  which  had  been  recognised  and  secured  by  the 
principles  of  the  revolution  and  by  the  constitution. 

3.  That  any  question  concerning  the  right  of  property  in 
the  glebes  could  constitutionally  be  decided  by  the  judiciary 
alone. 

Having  obtained  this  opinion,  the  bishop  called  together 
the  convention  in  December,  1797,  and  in  his  address,  di- 
recting their  attention  to  the  church  property,  laid  before 
them  the  opinion  just  recited. 

The  convention  appointed  a  committee  to  attend  the  dis- 
cussion of  their  memorial  before  the  legislature,  and  in- 
structed them  to  propose  to  that  body  that  the  controversy 
should  be  submitted  to  the  decision  of  a  proper  tribunal  of 
justice. 

The  task  becomes  truly  painful,  of  following  through  the 
ecclesiastical  records  of  this  period  the  gradual  but  sure 
descent  of  the  church  from  level  to  level,  each  a  little  lower 
than  the  former ;  and  of  witnessing  effort  after  effort  made 


17t)9.]  IN   VIRGINIA.  238 

in  vain  by  her  few  remaining  friends  to  stay  her  down- 
ward course.  The  picture  presented  by  the  bishop  in  one 
of  his  addresses  about  this  time,  offers  to  our  contemplation 
a  suffering  clergy,  temples  in  every  stage  of  dilapidation 
and  decay,  and  an  increasing  indifference  to  the  interests 
of  the  church,  which  told  too  plainly  that  the  protracted 
struggle  was  fast  driving  Churchmen  into  the  hopelessness 
of  despair.* 

The  last  conventional  effort  of  which  we  have  any  record 
was  made  in  1799.  By  a  resolution  of  that  year,  the  bishop 
was  directed  to  employ  counsel  to  defend  the  rights  of  the 
church  before  the  judiciary,  whenever  it  should  be  deemed 
most  proper  to  bring  the  question  before  it ;  and  it  is  to  be 
presumed  that  the  church  now  sat  down  in  patience  to 
await  the  blow,  which  probably  was  seen  by  all  to  be 
inevitable.  The  crisis  came  at  last ;  and  on  the  twelfth  of 
January,  1802,  the  legislature  passed  the  law,  by  virtue  of 
which  the  glebes  of  Virginia  were  ordered  to  be  sold  for 
the  benefit  of  the  public.  The  warfare  begun  by  the  Bap- 
tists seven-and-twenty  years  before,  was  now  finished  ;  the 
church  was  in  ruins,  and  the  triumph  of  her  enemies  was 
complete. 

Whether  the  argument  of  the  friends  of  the  church, 
founded  upon  the  constitution,  the  bill  of  rights,  and 
former  enactments  of  the  legislature,  was  deemed  so 
plausible  as  to  require  the  interference  of  the  Assembly 
to  deprive  it  of  its  force,  it  is  not  possible  to  say ;  but 
so  it  was,  that  in  January,  1799,  an  act  was  passed  "to 
declare  the  construction  of  the  bill  of  rights  and  constitu- 
tion, concerning  religion,"  whereby  every  act  which  had 
been  passed  since  the  revolution,  touching  the  church 
or  its  property,  was  repealed,  as  being  "  inconsistent  with 
the  principles  of  the  constitution  and  of  religious  freedom," 
aod  as  tending  "manifestly  to  the  re-establishment  of  a 

Bishop  Madison's  Address,  May,  1799. 
O  G 


5584  PROTESTANT   EPISCOPAL   CHURCH  [1802. 

national  church;"  and  it  was  further  declared  that  Mr. 
Jefferson's  celebrated  law  **  for  establishing  religious  free- 
dom," was  a  true  exposition  of  the  principles  of  the  bill 
of  rights  and  constitution.* 

The  preamble  to  the  law  directing  the  sale  of  the  glebes, 
recited,  that  "the  General  Assembly,  on  the  twenty-fourth 
day  of  January,  1799,  by  their  act  of  that  date  repealed 
all  the  laws  relative  to  the  late  Protestant  Episcopal  church, 
and  declared  a  true  exposition  of  the  principles  of  the  bill 
of  rights  and  constitution  respecting  the  same  to  be  con- 
tained in  the  act  entitled  *  An  act  for  establishing  religious 
freedom  ;'  thereby  recognising  the  principle  that  all  prop- 
erty formerly  belonging  to  the  said  church,  of  every  de- 
scription, devolved  on  the  good  people  of  this  common- 
wealth on  the  dissolution  of  the  British  government  here, 
in  the  same  degree  in  which  the  right  and  interest  of  the 
said  church  was  therein  derived  from  them ;"  and  that 
although  the  General  Assembly  possessed  the  right  of  au- 
thorizing a  sale  of  all  such  property  indiscriminately,  yet 
being  desirous  to  reconcile  all  the  good  people  of  this  com- 
monwealth, it  was  deemed  inexpedient  at  that  time  to  dis- 
turb the  possession  of  the  present  incumbents.  It  then 
proceeded  to  enact,  that  in  any  county  where  any  glebe 
was  or  should  become  vacant,  the  overseers  of  the  poor 
should  have  full  power  to  sell  the  same.  The  proceeds  of 
the  sale  were  directed  to  be  appropriated  to  the  poor  of  the 
parish,  or  to  any  other  object  -which  a  majority  of  free- 
holders and  housekeepers  in  the  parish  might  by  writmg 
direct,  provided  that  nothing  should  authorize  an  appropri-^ 
ation  of  it  "  to  any  religious  purpose  whatever."  The. 
church  edifices,  with  the  property  contained  in  them,  and 
churchyards,  were  not  to  be  sold  under  the  law,  neither 
were  any  private  donations  made  before  the  year  1777,  if 
there  was  any  person  in  being  entitled  to  hold  property 

*  Laws  of  Virginia,  edition  of  1803,  p.  388 


1802.]  IN  viRaiNiA.  235 

under  the  original  donor.    Gifts  and  subscriptions  made 
after  the  year  1777  were  left  untouched. 

If  there  should  be  those  who  are  disposed  to  view  this 
law  as  an  illegal  encroachment  upon  the  vested  rights  of 
the  church,  it  is  proper  to  remind  them  of  the  reasons 
which  satisfied  those  who  enacted  it  that  they  Were  doing 
right.  They  supposed  that  from  the  beginning  the  jtrop- 
erty  of  the  glebes  was  in  the  people*  not  in  the  clergy,  and 
that,  as  the  number  of  Episcopalians  in  the  parishes  which 
remained  was  not  a  majority  of  the  people,  therefore  no 
injustice  was  done  by  the  act  in  question.  Many  who 
voted  for  the  law  felt  compelled  to  do  so  by  the  force  of 
popular  opinion. 

The  very  natural  inquiry  will  here  be  proposed,  "  What 
was  the  effect  of  this  law,  and  how  far  were  the  people 
benefited  by  the  sale  of  the  glebes?"  We  answer  this 
inquiry  in  the  words  of  one  of  our  contemporaries,  who 
has  always  lived  in  Virginia: — "Under  this  act  not  only 
glebes,  but  churches,  and  even  the  communion  plate,  have 
been  sold.^f  "  The  purchasers  of  the  glebes  have,  in  every 
instance  where  a  sale  has  been  made,  paid,  as  it  were, 
almost  nothing  for  them."J  "  After  all  that  has  been  done, 
how  has  the  public  been  benefited,  either  in  a  moral  or  pe- 
cuniary way  ?  If  it  has  been  benefited,  let  those  who  can, 
show  it.  It  is  denied  that  the  public  has  in  any  way  derived 
the  least  benefit  from  the  sale  of  any  of  the  glebes  which 
have  been  sold.  It  is  well  known  that  in  some  counties  the 
money  has  got  into  the  hands  of  some  of  the  overseers  of 
the  poor,  and  there  it  has  remained."^ 

Nay,  at  this  moment,  should  we  ask  where  are  the  ves- 
sels which  were  once  consecrated  to  the  service  of  Almighty 
God,  to  be  used  in  that  holy  sacrament  which  the  Redeemer 


Vide  ante,  p.  55.  et  al.  vs.  the  overseers  of  the  poor 

t  Lee's  Review  of  the  Chancel-    of  Loudoun  county  et  aL  p.  16. 
lor*s  opinion  in  the  case  of  Selden         X  Ibid.  p.  26. 

Ibid.  p.  16. 


d36  FROTESfANT    EPISCOFAL    CHURCH  [180^. 

instituted  "  for  a  perpetual  memory  of  his  death  and  sacri- 
fice, until  his  coming  again,"  what  must  be  the  answer? 
The  sacred  vessels  of  the  temple  have  been  scattered,  they 
have  passed  in  some  instances  into  impious  hands.  Within 
our  own  times  has  the  fact  occurred  that  a  reckless  sensur- 
alist  has  administered  the  morning  dram  to  his  guests  from 
the  silver  cup  which  has  often  contained  the  consecrated 
symbol  of  his  Saviour's  blood  I*  In  another  instance,  the 
entire  set  of  communion  plate  of  one  of  the  old  churches 
is  in  the  hands  of  one  who  belongs  to  the  society  of  Bap- 
tists.f  It  has  fallen  to  the  lot  of  the  Bishop  of  Virginia,  ia 
the  course  of  his  visitations,  to  witness  the  conversion  of  a 
marble  baptismal  font  into  a  watering-trough  for  horses. 
These  facts  last  recorded  did  not  take  place  by  virtue  of  the 
law  of  1802  ;  for  that  authorized  no  sale  of  the  furniture 
of  the  church  :  but  still  they  are  a  consequence  of  that  law;' 
tliey  prove  that  when  once  the  decree  has  gone  forth  which 
touches  what  a  church  claims  as  its  lawful  rights — whea 
once  the  public  are  taught  that  their  legislators  feel  obliged, 
on  such  a  subject,  to  yipld  to  their  demands^the  barrier  is 
broken  down  ;  might  makes  right ;  and  no  man  can  foretell 
how  far  the  zeal  of  the  people  will  outstrip  the  intentions  of 
their  legislators.  It  is  a  fact  worthy  of  notice  that  the 
reoords  of  history  present  few  or  no  instances  in  which  the 
spoliation  of  property  devoted  to  literary  or  ecclesiastical 
purposes,  has  not  failed,  first,  to  accomplish  the  benefit 
which  was  avowed  as  the  cause  of  the  interference  with 
it ;  and,  secondly,  to  be  stayed  within  the  limits  contem- 
plated by  those  who  advised  it. 

In  view  of  the  facts  just  related,  we  are  constrained  to 
say,  that  if  in  her  former  prosperous  condition  the  church 
in  Virginia  had  sinned  more  deeply  than  she  is  accused  of 
having  done,  even  by  her  enemies,  verily,  in  the  ruin  which 

•  MS.  letter  in  the   author's  possession,  from   one   of  the   Virginia 
clergy.  , 
t  Ibid. 


1804.]  IN  riROiNiA.  2»7 

we  have  now  seen  overtake  her,  she  has  made  an  ample, 
and,  to  her,  costly  atonement. 

It  was  not  long  after  the  passage  of  the  act  of  1802, 
before  the  church  found  it  necessary  to  bring  the  constitu- 
tionality of  that  law  before  the  proper  tribunal  for  consid- 
eration. This  was  done  in  the  year  1804,  in  the  celebrated 
case  of  Turpin  et  al.  vs.  Locket  et  al.,  commonly  known  as 
the  Manchester  case.  The  defendants,  as  overseers  of  the 
poor,  had  undertaken  to  sell  the  glebe  lands  of  the  parish 
of  Manchester,  under  the  act  of  1802;  and  the  plaintiffs, 
who  were  the  churchwardens  and  vestrymen,  filed  a  bill  in 
chancery,  to  prevent  the  sale  by  an  injunction.* 

The  cause  finally,  by  an  appeal  from  the  decree  of  Chan- 
cellor Wythe,  came  before  the  court  of  appeals,  the  highest 
tribunal  in  Virginia ;  which,  at  that  time,  was  composed  of 
Judge  Pendleton,  the  president,  with  Judges  Carrington, 
Lyons,  Roane,  and  Fleming.  The  last  named  gentleman, 
however,  did  not  sit  in  the  cause,  because  he  considered 
himself  interested  in  the  decision.f 

As  the  principles  involved  in  the  case  were  of  great  im* 
portance,  and  the  property  of  the  glebes  was  of  much 
value,  it  may  readily  be  supposed  that  the  cause  excited  a 
deep  interest;  and,  after  an  elaborate  argument,  the  court 
declined  then  giving  an  opinion,  and  held  it  under  advise- 
ment. In  the  vacation  which  succeeded.  Judge  Pendleton 
prepared  his  opinion  in  writing ;  it  was,  that  the  act  of 
1802  was  unconstitutional,  and  that  the  glebes  belonged  to 
the  Protestant  Episcopal  church.  But,  on  the  night  before 
the  opinion  was  to  have  been  pronounced.  Judge  Pendleton 
died;X  and  as  Judges  Carrington  and  Lyons  were  both 
known  to  be  of  a  similar  opinion,  the  judgment  of  the  court, 
but  for  the  death  of  its  president,  would  have  been  rendered 
on  the  next  day  for  the  church. 

*  6  Call's  Reports,  113.  overseers  of  the  poor  of  Loudoun", 

t  Lee's  Review  of  the  Chancel"    p.  17. 
lor's  opinion  in  Selden  et  al.  w.        %  6  Call's  Reports,  187. 


238  PROTESTANT  EPISCOPAL   CHURCH  [1804. 

After  the  death  of  Judge  Pendleton,  Judge  Tucker  was 
appointed  to  succeed  him,  and  the  cause  was  again  argued. 
The  grounds  taken  were  briefly  these :  on  the  part  of  the 
defendants  it  was  argued,  1.  That  if  the  church  had  power 
to  hold  the  glebes  before  the  American  revolution,  that 
event  destroyed  such  power ;  and  upon  a  dissolution  of  the 
former  political  system,  the  glebes  devolved  upon  the  com- 
monwealth. 

To  this  it  was  answered,  that  by  various  legislative  acts 
adopted  after  the  change  in  government,  the  very  framers 
of  the  constitution,  who  adopted  these  acts,  conclusively 
showed  that  they  did  not  suppose  the  revolution  had  de- 
stroyed the  church :  thus,  on  the  very  day  after  the  decla- 
ration of  independence,  the  convention  of  Virginia  altered 
the  Book  of  Common  Prayer,  to  accommodate  it  to  the 
change  in  affairs ;  and  it  should  here  be  added,  that  Judges 
Carrington  and  Lyons,  both  of  whom  were  members  of  the 
convention  of  Virginia,  declared,  in  their  opinion,  that  the 
destruction  of  the  church  was  not  supposed,  at  the  time,  to 
have  resulted  from  the  change  of  government.  It  was  also 
answered,  that  revolutions  are  intended  to  preserve  rights, 
not  to  take  them  away ;  and  that  alterations  in  the  form 
of  a  government  do  not  affect  the  rights  of  private  prop- 
erty. 

2.  It  was  urged  that  a  distinction  obtains  between  a  na- 
tural person  and  an  artificial  body,  such  as  a  corporation : 
that  even  admitting  the  rights  of  the  first  to  be  unmolested 
by  a  revolution,  yet  the  rights  of  the  latter  are  thereby 
lost. 

In  reply,  it  was  said,  that  as  all  property  was  matter  of 
civil  institution,  and  the  right  to  it  was  not  natural,  but  in 
all  cases  created  by  law,  the  ground  on  which  private  prop- 
erty was  held  sacred  applied  as  forcibly  to  a  society  as  it 
did  to  an  individual. 

3.  It  was  argued  that  the  church,  as  a  society,  lost  its 
corporate  existence  by  the  revolution:  first,  because  the 


1804.]  IN  VIRGINIA.  289 

king,  one  of  its  integral  parts,  was  gone ;  secondly,  because 
incorporated  religious  societies  were  contrary  to  the  six- 
teenth article  of  the  bill  of  rights ;  and,  thirdly,  because 
the  profits  of  the  glebes  were  emoluments^  which  were  for- 
bidden by  the  fourth  article. 

It  was  answered,  that  neither  of  these  positions  was 
true. 

First,  the  king  never  was  an  integral  part  of  the  estab- 
lished church,  even  in  England ;  but,  if  he  were,  then  a 
society  is  not  destroyed  by  the  removal  of  one  of  its  parts, 
provided  enough  be  left  to  carry  on  its  operations. 

Secondly,  the  sixteenth  article  of  the  bill  of  rights  relates 
simply  to  the  rights  of  conscience,  and  the  mutual  charities 
due  from  man  to  man.* 

Thirdly,  the  fourth  article  does  not  relate  to  property  at 
all,  but  to  emoluments  and  privileges  subsequently  to  be 
created  in  favour  of  the  great  officers  of  government;  and 
refers  to  magistrates,  legislators,  and  judges  only. 

Upon  the  second  argument.  Judges  Carrington  and  Lyons 
still  retained  their  former  opinion.  Judge  Tucker  concurred 
in  opinion  with  Judge  Roane  that  the  act  of  1802  was  con- 
stitutional, and  that  the  glebes  might  be  sold ;  while  Judge 
Fleming,  who  was  known  to  agree  with  Judges  Carrington 
and  Lyons,  still  declined,  for  the  reason  before  given,  to  sit 
in  the  case.  Thus  the  court  was  equally  divided  ;  and,  of 
course,  the  decree  below,  from  which  an  appeal  had  been 
taken,  was  affirmed ;  though  it  has  never  yet  been  deter- 
mined by  a  majority  of  the  court  of  appeals  in  Virginia, 
that  the  law  of  1802  is  constitutional. 

*  The  article  is  in  these  words  : — "  That  religion,  or  the  duty  which  we 
owe  to  our  Creator,  and  the  manner  of  discharging  it,  can  be  directed  only  by 
reason  and  conviction,  not  by  force  or  violence,  and  therefore  all  men  are 
equally  entitled  to  the  free  exercise  of  reUgion,  according  to  the  dictates  of 
conscience  ;  and  that  it  is  the  mutual  duty  of  all  to  practise  Christian  for- 
bearance, love,  and  charity  towards  each  other." 


240  PROTESTANT   BFISCOPAL   CHURCH  [1805. 


CHAPTER   XIII. 
1805-1816. 

Ctmvention  of  1805 — An  assistant  Bishop  proposed— Itinerating  Clergy 
jrecommended — Suspension  of  Conventions — Death  of  Bishop  Madison 
—Election  of  Dr.  Bracken  to  the  Episcopate — He  declines — Utter  Pros- 
tration of  a  part  of  the  Church — First  dawn  of  Improvement  in  her  Pros- 
pects— Election  of  Bishop  Moore  to  the  Episcopate — Clergy  not  more 
numerous  than  they  were  about  Two  Hundred  Years  before — Revival  of 
the  Church — Zeal  and  Labours  of  the  Bishop  and  Clergy — Bequest  to 
the  Church — Discipline  of  the  Laity — A  number  of  new  Churches  built 
— Old  ones  repaired — Difficulties  arising  from  the  Bishop's  being  a 
Parish  Minister — Theological  Education. 

The  convention  of  1805  opened  with  an  attendance  of 
fifteen  clergymen  and  sixteen  laymen;  and  when  it  is  re- 
membered that  the  posture  of  affairs  was  now  such  as  put 
in  peril  everything  to  which  the  church  had  a  claim,  and 
therefore,  made  a  loud  call  upon  Episcopalians  to  come  to 
her  aid  with  their  counsels,  we  are  constrained  to  con- 
sider the  limited  number  of  attendants  upon  the  convention 
as  evidence,  that  in  the  minds  of  Churchmen  generally  the 
further  prosecution  of  their  cause  was  deemed  useless. 

Such,  however,  was  not  the  sentiment  of  the  few  who  did 
assemble.  Though  feeble  in  numbers,  they  were  yet  reso- 
lute in  purpose  ;  and  considering  the  great  question  of  the 
title  to  the  glebes  as  yet  undecided,  they  did  not  Tail  to  put 
upon  their  records  a  solemn  protest  against  the  law  of  1802 
as  being  unconstitutional,  and  unanimously  resolved  that  the 
bishop  and  standing  committee  should  be  authorized  and 
requested  "  to  pursue  to  the  end"  the  defence  of  the  rights 
and  property  of  the  church.  They  called  also  upon  every 
parish  to  send  its  contribution  towards  a  fund  for  the  pur- 


1805.J  IN    VIRGINIA.  241 

pose  of  defraying  any  and  all  expenses  which  might  be  in- 
curred in  carrying  into  effect  their  resolution  ;  and  that  the 
precise  condition  of  every  portion  of  the  property  in  dis- 
pute might  be  well  understood,  they  required  of  the  visiters 
to  report  without  delay  to  the  bishop  and  standing  com- 
mittee the  name  of  every  parish,  and  of  every  incumbent 
of  a  parish  within  their  respective  districts,  what  glebes  had 
been  sold  under  the  law  of  1802,  and  what  were  then  in 
litigation. 

Having  thus  disposed  of  the  most  important  matter  be- 
fore them,  they  next  directed  their  attention  to  the  more 
effectual  government  of  the  church ;  both  clergy  and  laity 
were  laid  under  more  restraints  than  were  common  in 
practice,  and  to  a  disciplined  layman  was  allowed  the  right 
of  appeal  to  the  convention  from  the  sentence  of  his  minister 
and  vestrymen. 

Bishop  Madison  began  now  to  feel  the  weight  of  years 
and  incessant  occupation.  He  was  verging  towards  three- 
score, and  in  addition  to  the  anxieties  created  by  the  con- 
dition of  the  church,  as  exhibited  in  our  previous  pages,  he 
was  also  burdened  with  the  cares  of  William  and  Mary 
College,  of  which  he  still  continued  to  be  the  head.  Urging 
therefore  upon  the  convention  the  feebleness  of  a  failing 
body,  he  asked  that  an  assistant  bishop  might  be  appointed 
to  aid  him  in  the  discharge  of  his  duties.  The  convention 
resolved  that  it  was  expedient  to  appoint  such  an  officer, 
but  postponed  the  nomination  of  him  until  the  next  conven- 
tion. This,  it  is  believed,  is  the  first  instance  in  the  history 
of  the  American  Episcopal  church  in  which  mention  is 
made  of  assistant  bishops. 

There  was  one  other  measure  brought  before  the  con- 
vention of  X805,  which,  according  to  the  disposition  of  dif- 
ferent minds,  may  be  deemed  an  exhibition  of  commend- 
able zeal,  or  a  stroke  of  calculating  policy.  Many  of  the 
parishes  were  without  pastors ;  it  was  therefore  deter- 
mined that  they  should  be  supplied  by  itinerating  minis- 

H  H 


242  PROTESTANT    EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [1805. 

ters,  to  be  selected  by  the  bishop  and  standing  committee, 
and  to  be  paid  out  of  a  fund  to  be  raised  by  general  sub- 
scription in  the  churches.  It  is  not  improbable,  that  in  a 
newly  settled  country,  where  the  population  is  scattered, 
and  society  can  scarcely  be  said  to  be  organized,  the  sys- 
tem of  itinerancy  may  be  advantageously  resorted  to  for  a 
time  at  least ;  and  even  in  older  countries,  when  the  desti- 
tution of  clergymen  has  become  great,  it  may  be  highly 
expedient  to  introduce  the  same  system  ;  it  is  in  fact  but  a 
primitive  species  of  missionary  labour,  and  we  know  it  to 
have  been  often  blessed  in  its  results.  There  was  doubt- 
less in  Virginia  a  necessity  for  more  ministerial  labours- 
than  could  be  had,  and  the  measure  adopted  by  the  con- 
vention may  therefore  have  been  prompted  by  zeal  alone ; 
but  inasmuch  as  many  of  the  parishes  possessed  glebes, 
which,  under  the  law  of  1802,  were  liable  to  be  sold  in  all 
cases  where  there  was  no  incumbent,  the  expedient  of  itin- 
erating ministers,  who  periodically  should  visit  destitute 
parishes,  may  by  some  be  uncharitably  supposed  to  have 
been  a  scheme  intended  merely  to  furnish  the  parishes  with 
ministers,  so  far  at  least  as  might  be  necessary  to  prevent 
the  sale  of  their  property,  A  more  probable  and  kind  con- 
jecture is,  that  there  were  exhibited  such  beneficial  results 
in  the  adoption  of  an  itinerating  ministry  by  the  Method- 
ists, that'Churchmen  were  taught  wisdom  by  their  example. 
The  subject  of  an  assistant  bishop  did  not  again  come 
under  consideration  ;  indeed,  the  depressed  condition  of  the 
church  was  such,  that  there  was  no  conventional  meeting 
before  which  it  could  be  brought ;  for  it  is  believed  that 
from  the  period  now  under  consideration  up  to  the  year 
1812,  no  convention  assembled  in  Virginia.  It  was  the 
dark  day  of  the  church :  Bishop  Madison  was  gradually 
sinking  under  the  combined  weight  of  college  cares  and 
episcopal  anxieties,  and  seems  to  have  yielded,  in  some 
degree  at  least,  to  that  despair  which  had  already  settled 
on  the  minds  of  so  many  Churchmen.     The  rest  of  the 


1812.]  IN    VIRGINIA.  243 

clergy,  greatly  diminished  however  in  numbers,  still  con- 
tinued to  officiate,  and  occasionally  some  one  among  them, 
in  whose  case  some  peculiarity  of  circumstance  was  sup- 
posed to  exist,  which  exempted  it  from  the  ordinary  appli- 
cation of  the  law  for  the  sale  of  the  glebes,  ventured  to  as- 
sert his  right  by  an  appeal  to  the  tribunals  of  the  country ; 
and  sometimes  such  an  appeal  was  not  without  success. 
With  the  exception  of  such  occasional  claims  on  the  part 
of  the  clergy,  the  evidence  is  nearly  uniform,  that  all  hope 
of  raising  the  church  from  the  dust  had  been  well  nigh 
abandoned  by  Episcopalians. 

The  death  of  Bishop  Madison,  which  occurred  on  the 
sixth  of  March,  1812,  was  the  first  circumstance  which  in- 
terrupted this  state  of  stagnation,  and  compelled  the  church 
once  more  to  assemble  in  convention.  Thirteen  clergymen 
and  twelve  laymen  accordingly  met  in  Richmond,  about 
two  months  after  the  death  of  the  bisliop ;  and  among  the 
names  of  the  clergy  is  to  be  found  that  of  one,  who,  de- 
scended from  one  of  the  best  families  of  Virginia,  and  then 
a  very  young  man,  but  just  ordained,  had  presented  the 
example,  rare  enough  at  that  day,  of  relinquishing  the 
prospects  which  wealth  and  family  influence  might  have 
opened  before  him,  and  of  devoting  himself  to  the  ministry 
in  the  church  of  his  fathers.  That  gentleman  is  now  the 
assistant  bishop  of  Virginia,  and  is  thus  mentioned  because 
he  was  one  of  those  who  were  most  active  in  the  resuscita- 
tion of  the  church  in  his  native  state. 

One  of  the  most  important  measures  of  this  convention 
was  the  election  of  a  successor  to  Bishop  Madison.  The 
choice  of  the  convention  fell  upon  the  Rev.  Doctor  Bracken, 
by  an  almost  unanimous  vote.  If  additional  evidence  were 
needed  of  the  almost  entire  ruin  of  the  church,  it  might  be 
gathered  from  another  act  of  the  convention.  The  number 
of  members  required  by  canon  to  form  a  quorum  was  fif- 
teen ;  and  the  number  necessary  to  adopt  any  canon  was 
twenty-five.    Under  this  law  of  the  church,  it  may  well  be 


244  PROTESTANT    EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [1813. 

questioned  whether  the  body  which  assembled  was  legally 
a  convention  ;  and  it  is  not  improbable  that  a  compliance 
with  the  canon,  as  to  the  number  of  clergy,  was  at  that 
time  very  difficult,  if  not  actually  impossible.  The  con- 
vention, therefore,  from  necessity  altered  the  canon,  and 
made  nine  members  competent  to  transact  business,  and 
fifteen  necessary  to  pass  a  canon  in  the  conventions  of  a 
state,  which  could  once  number  its  hundred  ministers. 

The  effort  to  provide  a  successor  in  the  episcopate  proved 
abortive,  for  in  May,  1813,  Dr.  Bracken  declined  the  ap- 
pointment, and  the  convention  of  that  year,  which  barely 
had  a  quorum,  did  not  proceed  to  another  election.  Such 
had  now  become  the  poverty  of  some  of  the  churches  which 
once  supported  their  clergymen  without  difficulty,  that  the 
convention  felt  the  necessity  of  making  some  effort  to  save 
them  from  entire  destruction.  This  feeling  gave  birth  to 
the  following  resolutions: — 

"  Whereas,  from  the  destitute  state  of  the  churches  in 
this  state,  many  piously  disposed  persons  who  are  attached 
to  the  doctrine,  worship,  and  discipline  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  church  are  deprived  of  the  means  of  worshipping 
God  according  to  her  venerable  forms,  to  the  great  un- 
happiness  of  themselves,  as  well  as  to  the  great  detriment 
of  the  church  at  large  ; 

"Resolved,  therefore,  that  it  is  expedient  to  raise  a  fund 
for  the  purpose  of  aiding  in  the  support  of  such  clergymen 
of  piety  and  talents  as  may  be  obtained  to  perform  divine 
service  in  such  districts  in  the  state  as  may  be  assigned  to 
them  by  the  convention. 

"  Resolved,  that  the  clergy  and  vestry,  or  any  influential 
members  of  the  church  in  the  several  parishes  in  the  state 
be,  and  are  hereby  requested  to  use  their  best  endeavours, 
either  by  subscriptions  or  otherwise,  to  promote  this  ob- 
ject. 

"  Resolved,  that  the  members  of  this  church  generally, 
are  hereby  most  earnestly  entreated  to  consider  the  neces- 


1813.]  IN    VIRGINIA.  245 

sity  of  adopting  zealous  measures  for  the  restoration  of  re- 
ligion among  us;  that  they  endeavour  to  manifest  their 
gratitude  to  Almighty  God,  and  their  sense  of  the  awful 
importance  of  his  blessed  revelation  ;  that  they  consider 
the  unspeakable  rewards  they  will  receive  from  that  gra- 
cious master  to  whom  they  belong,  whose  goodness  de- 
mands the  warmest  returns  of  love,  duty,  and  obedience; 
and  that  they  will  contribute  to  the  utmost  in  their  power 
to  render  this  most  acceptable  service  to  his  cause." 

The  standing  committee  was  directed  to  prepare  and 
distribute  an  address  upon  the  condition  of  the  church  ; 
and  an  idea  of  its  character  may  be  gathered  from  the 
tenor  of  the  resolutions  just  recorded.  Disheartening 
however  as  is  their  language,  it  is  proper  to  mention  that 
the  journals  of  this  year  do  exhibit  some  symptoms,  faint 
indeed,  but  still  cheering,  of  reviving  zeal  for  the  church  of 
Christ.  The  period  through  which,  for  some  years,  our 
narrative  has  been  taking  us,  is  one  for  the  most  part  of 
such  gloomy  darkness,  that  the  smallest  ray  of  light  is  felt 
to  be  a  blessing.  The  record  is  therefore  made  with  grati- 
tude, that,  at  this  convention,  contributions  in  aid  of  the 
church  were  sent  in  from  twelve  parishes:  let  us  not  de- 
spise them  because  they  amounted  in  the  aggregate  to  but 
fifty-five  pounds.  We  must  not  forget  that  there  was  a 
time  when  nothing  was  contributed. 

Thankful  should  we  be  also  that  we  are  about  to  emerge 
from  the  darkness  which  has  so  long  shrouded  the  church. 
The  fact  recorded  in  the  last  paragraph  was  the  dawning 
light  of  a  brighter  day;  the  church  in  Virginia  was  now 
about  entering  upon  a  course  which  has  steadily  continued 
to  the  present  day  to  be  upward.  The  event  which  most 
prominently  marked  its  commencement  was  the  election 
to  the  episcopate  of  its  present  venerated  diocesan,  the 
Right  Rev.  Richard  Channing  Moore.  This  event  took 
place  in  May,  18.4,  and  the  journals  of  the  convention,  by 
which  the  election  was  made,  show  the  presence  of  but 


246  PROTESTANT    EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [1814. 

seven  clergymen  and  seventeen  laymen.  We  look  back 
upon  the  past,  and  are  struck  with  the  contrast.  Seven 
clergymen  were  all  that  could  be  convened  to  transact  the 
most  important  measure  which  our  conventions  are  ever 
called  on  to  perform ;  and  this  in  a  territory  where,  once, 
more  than  ten  times  seven  regularly  served  at  the  altar. 
We  look  back  farther  still,  and  find  the  church,  after  the 
lapse  of  two  hundred  years,  numbering  about  as  many 
ministers  as  she  possessed  at  the  close  of  the  first  eight 
years  of  her  existence. 

The  choice  made  by  this  little  handful  of  clergy  and  laity 
was  well  and  wisely  made.  If  the  Bishop  of  Virginia  were 
gathered  to  the  rest  of  that  blessed  inheritance  which  awaits 
him,  it  would  be  alike  an  act  of  duty  and  of  pleasure  to 
permit  ourselves  freely  to  render  that  affectionate  and 
well-earned  tribute  of  respect  which,  in  doing  justice  to 
him,  would  therein  also  do  honour  to  ourselves ;  but  we 
must  not  forget  what  is  due  to  the  sensitive  modesty  of 
living  worth. 

The  individual  who  truly  deserves  the  esteem  of  his 
fellows,  is  apt  to  possess  a  delicacy  of  feeling  which  pre- 
fers that  men  should  love  him  rather  than  praise  him.  In 
our  notice  of  the  diocesan  of  Virginia,  we  would  not  shock 
that  delicacy. 

The  Right  Reverend  Richard  Channing  Moore,  bishop 
of  the  diocess  of  Virginia,  was  born  in  the  city  of  New- 
York,  on  the  twenty-first  day  of  August,  1762.  His  father 
was  Thomas  Moore,  son  of  the  Honourable  John  Moore, 
Esq.,  one  of  his  majesty's  council,  for  what,  at  that  time, 
was  the  province  of  New- York. 

At  the  age  of  eight  years,  the  subject  of  this  sketch  was 
placed  under  the  care  of  Mr.  Alexander  Leslie,  professor 
of  languages  in  King's  (now  Columbia)  College ;  and,  under 
his  instruction,  he  continued  until  the  commencement  of 
the  war  of  the  revolution,  at  which  period  he  had  com- 
pleted his  classical  studies. 


1814.]  IN   VIRGINIA.  247 

At  the  early  age  of  sixteen  he  entered  upon  the  study  of 
medicine,  under  the  direction  of  Doctor  Richard  Bayley,  a 
celebrated  physician  and  surgeon  of  that  day;  and  after 
completing  his  professional  studies,  he  entered  on  the  prac- 
tice of  medicine,  in  which  he  continued  until  the  year 
1787. 

The  religious  impressions  of  Doctor  Moore  commenced 
at  a  very  early  period,  as  he  remembers  their  existence 
even  in  his  boyhood  :  during  his  practice  of  medicine,  how- 
ever, they  returned  upon  him  with  increased  force  ;  and 
the  result  was  a  determination  to  devote  himself  to  the 
Christian  ministry.  The  profession  of  an  Episcopal  clergy- 
man was  one  which  then  held  out  no  worldly  temptation 
to  him  who  sought  it;  for  it  offered  in  most  parts  of  the 
country  no  recompense  at  all  for  his  labours,  because  in 
most  parts  the  church  had  been  prostrated  by  the  war ; 
and  its  remuneration  was  but  scanty,  even  in  those  places 
where  the  church  had  survived  the  storm.  But  Doctor 
Moore  had  no  worldly  ends  to  answer,  and  therefore  did 
not  hesitate  to  devote  himself  to  a  cause,  not  the  less  dear 
or  honoured  in  his  eyes  for  being  humble  in  the  eyes  of 
the  world.  His  purpose  being  fixed,  he  immediately  en- 
tered on  a  course  of  preparatory  study,  and  under  the 
superintendence  of  his  old  preceptor,  Mr.  Leslie,  he  revised 
his  classical  reading. 

In  the  month  of  July,  1787,  he  was  admitted  to  deacon's 
orders  by  the  Right  Reverend  Samuel  Provoost,  the  first 
bishop  of  the  diocess  of  New- York.  There  were  several 
circumstances  connected  with  his  ordination  which  im- 
parted to  it  more  than  usual  interest  in  his  eyes.  He  was 
the  first  individual  who  received  orders  at  the  hands  of  the 
new  bishop,  and  probably  the  first  who  ever  received 
episcopal  ordination  in  his  native  city:  at  the  time  of  his 
admission  into  the  ministry,  he  constituted  the  sixth  or 
seventh  clergyman  in  the  large  diocess  of  New- York, 
which  now  contains  more  than  two  hundred  Episcopal 


248  PROTESTANT    EPISCOPAL   CHURCH  [1814. 

clergymen  ;  and  the  ordination  took  place  in  St.  George's 
Chapel,  where  he  had  been  baptized,  and  confirmed,  and 
at  the  altar  of  which  he  had  first  received  the  Eucharist. 
In  the  following  September,  he  received  priest's  orders  in 
the  same  chapel^  and  from  the  same  bishop,  and  immedi- 
ately took  charge  of  the  parish  of  Grace  Church,  in  the 
township  of  Rye,  Westchester  county. 

The  edifice  in  which  the  congregation  at  Rye  now  wor- 
ships, is  a  monument  of  his  zeal,  and  a  part  of  the  first 
fruits  of  his  labours  in  promoting  the  temporal  as  well  as 
spiritual  welfare  of  the  church,  which  he  has  so  long  and 
so  truly  loved :  it  was  by  his  exertions  that  the  money 
was  raised  with  which  this  church  was  built. 

In  the  latter  part  of  1788  he  was  invited  to  accept  of  the 
rectorship  of  St.  Andrew's  Church,  on  Staten  Island;  to 
which  place  he  removed  in  the  month  of  October  of  that 
year.  This  field  of  his  labours  he  continued  to  occupy  for 
twenty-one  years,  and  he  here  reared  for  himself  a  me- 
morial such  as  a  Christian  minister  may  contemplate  with 
gratitude.  The  flock  committed  to  his  charge  increased 
so  greatly,  that  it  was  found  necessary  to  erect  a  chapel 
on  the  north  side  of  the  island,  which  was  soon  filled  with 
attentive  hearers. 

As  a  preacher, Bishop  Moore  has  been  eminently  success- 
ful :  indeed,  it  may  well  be  questioned  whether  the  labours 
of  any  one  clergyman  in  the  Episcopal  church  in  the  United 
States  have  been  more  abundantly  blessed  than  have  those 
of  this  prelate.  With  a  manner  the  most  persuasive  and  af- 
fectionate, mingled  with  great  earnestness  of  feeling,  and  un- 
doubted piety,  his  preaching  has,  by  the  Spirit's  blessing, 
found  its  way  to  the  heart  of  many  a  hearer.  An  incident  oc- 
curred in  the  course  of  his  ministry  on  Staten  Island  so  re- 
markable, that  it  deserves  to  be  recorded.  The  bishop  was 
never  at  any  time  disposed  to  countenance  the  unnatural  and 
feverish  excitement  in  congregations,  which,  often  the  result 
of  animal  emotion  powerfully  wrought  upon,  perhaps,  by 


1814.]  IN    VIRGINIA.  249 

artificial  machinery  of  man's  inventions,  sometimes  passes 
current  for  a  work  of  the  Spirit  of  God.  He  did  not,  how- 
ever, perceive  why  the  same  Spirit,  which  by  its  blessed 
influences  operates  on  the  heart  and  conscience  of  one 
sinner,  bringing  him  to  repentance  towards  God,  and  a 
living  faith  in  the  Redeemer,  might  not  also  operate  simul- 
taneously on  many  sinners  with  the  same  happy  result ; 
though,  for  the  production  of  such  an  end,  he  knew  of  no 
means,  except  such  as  were  sanctioned  in  the  orderly  ser- 
vices of  the  church  to  which  he  belonged.  Prayer,  public 
and  private,  the  stated  worship  of  the  church,  her  comfort- 
able sacraments,  and  the  faithful  preaching  of  the  Gospel, 
were  all  the  machinery  of  which  he  knew  either  the  law- 
fulness or  the  use.  He  had  been  perseveringly  engaged  in 
the  use  of  these  for  a  length  of  time,  until,  at  an  hour,  when 
nothing  unusual  had  seemingly  occurred  to  produce  any 
solemn  effect,  the  minds  of  his  people  seemed  to  be  simul- 
taneously awakened  to  the  infinite  value  of  divine  things. 

It  was  at  one  of  his  stated  lectures  in  the  church,  that 
after  the  usual  services  had  concluded,  and  the  benediction 
been  pronounced,  he  sat  down  in  his  pulpit,  waiting  for  the 
people  to  retire.  To  his  great  surprise,  he  soon  observed 
that  not  an  individual  present  seemed  disposed  to  leave 
the  church  ;  and,  after  the  interval  of  a  few  minutes,  during 
which  a  perfect  silence  was  maintained,  one  of  the  mem- 
bers of  the  congregation  arose,  and  respectfully  requested 
him  to  address  those  present  a  second  time.  After  sing- 
ing a  hymn,  the  bishop  delivered  to  them  a  second  dis- 
course, and  once  more  dismissed  the  people  with  the 
blessing.  But  the  same  state  of  feeling,  which  had  be- 
fore kept  them  in  their  seats,  still  existed,  and  once  more 
did  they  solicit  the  preacher  to  address  them  ;  accord- 
ingly he  delivered  to  them  a  third  sermon;  and,  at  its 
close,  exhausted  by  the  labour  in  which  he  had  been  en- 
gaged, he  informed  them  of  ihe  impossibility  of  continuing 

1 1 


Iihfi  PROTESTANT   EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [1814. 

the  services  on  his  part,  once  more  blessed  them,  and 
affectionately  entreated  them  to  retire  to  their  homes. 

It  was  within  the  space  of  six  weeks,  after  the  scene 
above  described,  that  more  than  sixty  members  of  the  con- 
gregation became  communicants;  and,  in  the  course  of 
the  year,  more  than  one  hundred  knelt  around  the  chancel 
of  St.  Andrew's,  who  had  never  knelt  there  before  as  par- 
takers of  the  sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper. 

It  is  not  wonderful  that  in  the  retrospect  of  the  facts  we 
have  here  related,  the  bishop  should  entertain  an  opinion, 
best  expressed  in  his  own  words,  that,  "  although  we  have 
the  promise  of  heaven  to  be  always  present  with  the 
church,  still,  there  are  particular  seasons  in  which  the 
Almighty  displays  his  power  in  a  manner  so  overwhelm- 
ing, as  to  command  the  attention  of  his  rational  creatures ; 
to  dispel  that  coldness  which  makes  them  indifferent  to  the 
calls  of  duty ;  to  excite  their  gratitude  to  God  for  his  mer- 
cies; to  melt  obdurate  offenders  into  contrition,  and  to 
oblige  them  to  sue  for  forgiveness  at  the  throne  of  grace." 
Nor  is  it  matter  of  surprise  that  the  good  bishop  should  be 
led  by  this  incident  in  his  own  ministerial  experience,  often 
to  impress,  as  he  does,  especially  upon  his  younger  clergy, 
the  duty,  at  seasons  in  which  the  Almighty  manifests  his 
presence  in  a  more  than  ordinary  way,  gladly  to  avail 
themselves  of  such  propitious  times  to  put  forth  redoubled 
efforts  in  their  Master's  cause. 

In  the  spring  of  1809,  the  bishop  was  invited  to  become 
the  rector  of  St.  Stephen's  Church,  in  the  city  of  New- 
York,  and  removed  thither  in  June  of  the  same  year,  leav- 
ing his  son,  the  Rev.  David  Moore,  at  the  desire  of  the 
congregation,  in  charge  of  St.  Andrew's  parish,  on  Staten 
Island. 

The  new  situation  in  which  he  found  himself  was  one 
beset  with  many  difficulties.  The  parish  was  young,  and, 
at  that  time,  the  church,  which  time  has  since  placed  in  the 
centre  of  a  crowded  population,  was  on  the  outskirts  of  the 


1S14.]  ,;  ^ji J       |i^    VIRGINIA.  251 

city,  with  but  little  more  than  thirty  families  attending  it ; 
among  which  might  be  found  about  twenty  communicants. 
The  bishop  continued  here  ministering  to  an  affectionate 
and  constantly  increasing  congregation  for  five  years ;  at 
the.  expiration  of  which  time,  he  was  elected  to  the  episco- 
pate of  Virginia,  and  left  in  St.  Stephen's  about  four  hun- 
dred communicants. 

The  first  invitations  which  the  bishop  received  from  Vir- 
ginia were  from  several  of  the  clergy  of  that  diocess ;  these 
were,  in  fact,  but  proposals  to  permit  them  to  elect  him 
for  their  bishop ;  but  New- York  was  his  native  city,  he 
felt  that  to  him  no  other  place  would  for  a  long  time  be 
home;  and,  as  he  says  himself,  his  heart  dwelt  upon  the 
tomb  of  his  forefathers,  with  whom  he  desired,  at  last,  to 
rest  in  death,  in  the  cemetery  of  Trinity  Church  ;  he  there- 
fore declined  their  proposals.  In  a  few  weeks,  however, 
he  received  further  proposals  from  some  distinguished 
gentlemen  of  the  laity  in  Virginia,  and  then  felt  it  to  be  his 
duty  to  submit  the  matter  to  the  consideration  of  Bishop 
Hobart  and  the  clergy  of  the  city;  and,  after  mature  re- 
flection, they  were  of  opinion  that  he  ought  to  accept  the 
charge;  he  then  gave  his  assent,  was  elected  bishop  of 
Virginia,  and,  as  we  have  seen,  was  consecrated  in  May, 
1814. 

The  previous  pages  of  our  book  will  show  the  amount 
of  difficulties  which  he  was  called  to  meet  in  his  new  char- 
acter ;  the  success  with  which  he  met  them  will,  also,  be 
gathered  from  our  narrative.  The  clergy  were  not  nu- 
merous, as  we  have  seen ;  and  many  of  them  were  aged, 
and,  though  faithful  to  the  last,  were  not  able  to  do  much. 
There  were,  however,  four  gentlemen  of  the  clergy,  whose 
names  deserve  a  place  in  the  records  of  the  Virginia  church, 
and  who  should  be  held  by  future  Episcopalians  in  honour- 
able remembrance,  as  instruments  in  the  hands  of  God  in 
aiding  Bishop  Moore  to  revive  the  prostrate  church. 
Three  of  them  are  now  with  God ;  ^nd  the  fourth  still 


252  PllOTESTANT   EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [1814. 

lives  and  labours  with  all  the  zeal  of  his  earlier  years. 
These  gentlemen  were,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Wilmer,  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Norris  of  Alexandria,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Dunn  of  Loudon 
county,  and  the  present  assistant  bishop  of  Virginia. 

It  only  remains  to  be  added,  that  the  bishop  is  now  in 
the  seventy-fourth  year  of  his  age,  the  forty-ninth  of  his 
ministry,  and  the  twenty-second  of  his  consecration ;  and 
at  a  period  of  life  when,  as  it  would  seem,  he  might  fairly 
ask  for  a  little  repose,  he  is  contemplating  the  resignation 
of  his  office  as  rector  of  the  Monumental  Church  in  Rich- 
mond, not  that  he  may  sit  down  in  idleness,  but  to  devote 
his  labours  exclusively  to  the  duties  of  his  higher  office. 

The  convention,  which"  immediately  followed  the  elec- 
tion of  Bishop  Moore,  affiDrded  most  gratifying  evidence 
of  the  benefits  which  resulted  from  the  fresh  impulse 
created  by  his  presence,  and  almost  by  that  alone,  for  he 
had  been  able,  from  the  shortness  of  the  time,  to  do  but 
little.  Men's  hearts,  however,  were  not  now,  as  in  times 
past,  "  failing  them  for  fear"  that  all  was  lost.  Accord- 
ingly, the  assemblage  of  the  clergy  at  the  convention  of 
1815  was  just  double  what  it  had  been  twelve  months  be- 
fore, while  the  presence  of  twenty-eight  lay  representatives 
attested  the  renewed  interest  which  the  laity  began  to  feel 
in  the  revival  of  the  church  of  their  fathers.  The  bishop 
in  his  address  informed  the  convention  that  he  had  found 
in  every  parish  which  he  had  visited  the  most  animated 
wish  in  the  people  to  repair  the  waste  places,  and  restore 
the  church  of  their  ancestors  to  its  primitive  purity  and 
excellence.  He  had  seen  congregations,  upon  the  bare 
mention  by  him  of  that  glory  which  once  irradiated  with 
its  beams  the  church  of  Virginia,  burst  into  tears,  and  by 
their  emotions  show  that  they  would.no  longer  be  idle 
spectators  of  its  present  prostration.  In  two  instances,  at 
least,  parishes  which  had  been  for  years  destitute  of  min- 
isterial services,  and  which  to  all  human  appearance  had 
fiunk  into  the  sleep  of  death,  suddenly  aroused  themselves 


1815.]  IN   VIRGINIA.  253 

in  all  the  vigour  of  perfect  health.  Nor  were  these  out- 
ward -marks  of  prosperity  all  which  the  bishop  was  per- 
mitted to  witness :  he  found  the  minds  of  the  people  alive 
to  the  truths  of  religion,  and  manifesting  a  sensibility  to 
divine  things,  which,  he  said,  bordered  on  the  spirit  of 
gospel  times. 

In  the  production  of  this  pleasant  change  in  the  aspect 
of  affairs,  much  must  be  ascribed  to  the  zeal  and  piety  of 
the  younger  clergy.  It  is  not  intended  hereby  to  dis- 
parage their  elder  brethren.  Some  were  yet  alive  who 
had  known  the  church  before  the  revolution,  and  passed 
with  her  through  all  her  subsequent  struggles ;  they  still 
laboured  for  her  with  a  love  which  no  adversities  had 
been  able  to  kill ;  and  in  their  limited  spheres,  limited  only 
because  the  infirmities  of  age  forbade  their  enlargement, 
they  were  found  faithfully  contributing  their  best  efforts  to 
advance  the  cause  to  which  their  lives  had  been  conse- 
crated. But  the  younger  clergy,  fired  with  zeal,  gave  to 
the  work  every  faculty  they  possessed ;  they  laboured  as 
missionaries  wherever  and  whenever  they  could.  In  the 
language  of  the  bishop,  "  they  carried  the  standard  of  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ  through  a  considerable  portion  of  the 
church:  they  went  out  into  the  highways  and  hedges, 
preaching  the  truths  of  their  Divine  Master  ;  and  by  their 
holy  conversation  with  the  people,  adorned  the  gospel  of 
Christ." 

Nor  would  it  be  just  to  the  laity  of  Virginia  not  to  men- 
tion the  cheerful  discharge,  on  their  part,  of  the  duty  of 
making  provision  for  the  support  of  their  clergymen,  who 
were  generally  left  dependant  on  the  liberality  of  their 
congregations.  An  instance  of  this  increasing  interest  of 
the  laity  in  the  prosperity  of  the  church  was  furnished, 
about  this  time,  by  a  devise  made  to  the  president,  pro- 
fessors, or  masters  of  William  and  Mary  College,  of  a 
tract  of  land  with  certain  slaves,  in  trust  for  the  mainte- 
nance of  the  clergymen  within  one  of  the  older  parishes, 


254  PROTESTANT   EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [1915. 

and  for  the  payment  of  a  small  sum  annually  as  a  fund, 
to  be  applied  towards  defraying  the  general  expenses  of 
the  church. 

An  increase  in  the  number  of  the  clergy  was  also  one 
of  the  happy  fruits  of  the  first  year  of  Bishop  Moore's 
episcopate.  He  admitted  three  to  the  ministry,  and  en- 
rolled four  as  candidates  for  orders. 

The  subject  of  theological  education  which  had  hereto- 
fore, as  we  have  seen,  excited  attention  in  the  minds  of 
some,  began  again  to  awaken  interest.  The  circumstance 
which  was  the  immediate  cause  of  now  bringing  it  into 
notice,  was  a  communication  from  the  president  of  William 
and  Mary  College,  addressed  to  the  convention,  upon  the 
expediency  of  providing  a  fund  for  the  support  of  the  theo- 
logical chair  in  that  institution,  which  had  long  been  va- 
cant. The  matter  was  referred  to  the  bishop  and  standing 
committee,  and  it  is  probable  that  this  incident  contributed 
in  the  hands  of  Providence  to  produce,  a  few  years  after- 
ward, the  theological  school  at  Alexandria. 

There  was  a  topic  of  great  delicacy  which  also  came 
up  at  this  time  for  consideration.  It  is  a  fact,  familiar  to 
the  student  of  ecclesiastical  history,  that  modern  times 
exhibit  an  almost  total  relaxation  of  the  ancient  ecclesias- 
tical discipline :  an  entire  restoration  of  it  would  probably 
be  neither  expedient  nor  practicable,  and  yet  nothing  is 
more  certain  than  that  it  is  ruinous  to  the  spiritual  welfare 
of  the  church  to  permit  crime  in  its  members  to  escape 
with  impunity.  If  the  church  be  really  a  society,  it  is 
evident  that  there  must  be  government  in  it ;  government 
implies  law ;  and  law  implies  penalties ;  the  infliction  of 
penalties  is  discipline.  The  only  point  of  danger  is,  lest 
discipline  should  degenerate  into  tyranny:  let  this  be 
guarded  against,  and  no  reasonable  objection  can  be  made 
against  the  punishment  of  an  offender,  whether  clerical 
or  lay. 

The  church  in  her  rubrics,  relative  to  communicants, 


1816.]  .>.i>i-         IN   VIRGINIA.  265 

has  made  provision  for  certain  cases  where  the  facts  are 
known  to  the  clergyman,  and  the  congregation  has  been 
offended  by  the  wickedness  of  the  communicant,  and  these 
rubrics  were  in  existence  at  the  period  now  under  review ; 
but  offences  for  which  a  layman  might, be  tried,  and  the 
mode  of  trial,  were  not  defined,  either  by  rubric  or  canon. 
Ample  provision  had  been  made  for  bringing  to  deserved 
punishment  a  clergyman  who  offended  ;  and  now  the 
church  in  Virginia  legislated  for  the  discipline  of  the  laity 
also.  Two  canons  were  adopted  (not,  however,  to  take 
effect  until  after  the  lapse  of  a  twelvemonth.)  By  the  first 
of  these  it  was  declared  that  "  drunkenness,  incontinence, 
profane  swearing,  general  neglect  of  public  worship,  Sab- 
bath breaking,  irreverent  behaviour  during  divine  service, 
gaming,  extortion,  and  any  other  viciousness  of  life,  are 
crimes  and  misdemeanors  for  which  lay  members,  who 
are  communicants  of  this  church,  may  be  reproved,  pub* 
licly  censured,  or  repelled  from  the  holy  communion,  ac- 
cording to  the  degrees  of  the  offence,  and  the  age  and  other 
circumstances  of  the  offender."  The  other  canon  pointed 
out  the  mode  of  proceeding:  the  clergyman,  to  whose 
parish  the  offender  might  belong,  upon  information  and 
satisfactory  evidence  of  his  guilt,  was  required  privately 
to  admonish  him  :  if  this  failed  to  produce  reformation,  the 
wardens  and  vestrymen  were  constituted  a  court  for  his 
trial ;  and  upon  his  conviction  by  them,  the  minister  was 
to  pronounce  sentence ;  which  sentence  could  only  be,  re- 
proof before  the  wardens  and  vestrymen,  public  censure  in 
the  church,  or  repelling  from  the  holy  communion. 

Whatever  may  be  thought  of  the  necessity  for  this  act  of 
legislation,  it  affords,  at  least,  evidence  of  the  purity  of  heart 
and  high  sense  of  the  value  of  Christian  consistency,  which 
belonged  to  the  laity  of  the  convention  which  passed  it. 
They  were  not  unwilling  to  bring  themselves  under  its 
operation,  because  they  wished  no  blot  to  rest  upon  the 
honour  and  purity  of  the  church.    At  this  day,  for  con- 


256  PROTESTANT   EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [1816. 

sistent  piety,  the  communicants  of  Virginia  will  compare 
with  those  of  any  diocess  in  the  confederacy. 

Further  reflection,  probably,  convinced  the  Churchmen 
of  Virginia  that  such  legislation  as  had  taken  place  was 
not  the  most  judicious  ;  but  they  never  lost  sight  of  the 
importance  to  the  church  of  consistency  in  its  members. 
The  canons  just  mentioned  never  went  into  execution  :  in 
1816  they  were  repealed,  and  a  substitute  was  provided 
for  them  in  the  following  terms:  "Whereas,  the  present 
state  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  church  in  Virginia  has 
experienced  many  and  great  inconveniences  from  the  want 
of  such  regulations  and  provisions  as  ihe  good  and  whole- 
some government  of  the  said  church  required,  and  from 
the  non-performance  of  existing  canons:  now,  in  order  that 
such  inconveniences  may  be  removed,  so  far  as  lieth  in  this 
convention,  and  that  the  rules  and  canons  of  the  said  church, 
and  also  those  of  the  general  convention  may  be  strictly 
observed  and  enforced  in  all  time  to  come :  that  all  the 
members  of  the  said  church,  whether  clergymen  or  laymen, 
may  be  excited  to  the  most  zealous  and  commendable  exer- 
tions to  further,  by  all  justifiable  means,  the  future  pros- 
perity of  the  church :  be  it  ordained,  that  any  lay  mem- 
ber of  the  church,  being  a  communicant  thereof,  conduct- 
ing himself  in  a  manner  unworthy  of  a  Christian,  may,  and 
ought  to  be,  admonished  by  the  minister  and  vestry  of  the 
parish  or  congregation  ;  and  if  such  member  persevere  in 
such  conduct,  he  shall  be  suspended,  or  expelled  by  the 
minister  and  vestry;  in  which  case  he  may  appeal  to  the 
ordinary,  who  shall  have  power  to  confirm  or  reject  the 
sentence." 

This  law  gave  rise  to  an  opinion  that  the  convention 
intended  thereby  to  withdraw  from  the  clergy  those 
powers  which  the  rubrics  had  given  them  of  repelling 
unworthy  communicants.  Such,  however,  was  not  the 
fact ;  but  the  discovery  was  ere  long  made  that  the  uniting 
of  the  wardens  and  vestrymen  with  the  clergy,  in  trying 


1816.]  IN   VIRGINIA.  •"  257 

the  case  of  an  unworthy  communicant,  and  administering 
discipline,  was  not  in  accordance  with  the  rubrics ;  and 
therefore  it  was  enacted  that  the  minister  alone  should 
admonish  or  suspend  an  offending  brother,  "  according  to 
the  rubric."  Thus  ended  the  legislation  of  the  Virginia 
church,  on  the  delicate  subject  of  lay  discipline ;  and  it 
will  be  seen  that  it  gradually  found  its  way  back  pre- 
cisely to  the  point  from  which  it  set  out ;  furnishing  thereby 
another  attestation  to  the  prudence,  wisdom,  and  modera- 
tion of  the  excellent  men,  both  abroad  and  at  home,  to 
whom  the  church  is  indebted  for  the  "  Book  of  Common 
Prayer." 

The  impulse  given  to  the  church  was  exhibited  during 
this  year,  in  the  fact  that  no  less  than  ten  new  churches 
were  reported  as  being  in  the  progress  of  erection,  or 
about  to  be  built ;  while  eight  of  the  old  ones  were  under- 
going repairs.  A  society  was  also  formed  for  the  distri- 
bution of  the  prayer  book  and  tracts ;  and  a  fund  was 
commenced  for  the  support  of  the  episcopate.  This  last 
measure  was  one  of  much  importance.  It  will  be  recollected 
that,  at  a  former  period,  the  bishop  was  required  by  canon 
to  be  a  parish  minister ;  but  long  before  this  time  it  had 
been  seen  that  the  requisition  was  unwise.  The  vast  ex- 
tent of  territory  within  the  jurisdiction  of  the  bishop  of 
Virginia  covered  about  seventy  thousand  square  miles, 
and  to  do  justice  to  this  immense  region,  required  all  the 
time  of  one  man.  It,  therefore,  was  obviously  desirable 
to  release  him  from  all  duties  but  those  which  belonged 
to  his  episcopal  office.  The  value  of  an  arrangement, 
whereby  he  should  be  released  from  parochial  duty,  was, 
at  this  time,  more  sensibly  felt,  from  an  observation  of  the 
happy  effects  which  followed  upon  his  visitations :  wher- 
ever he  went,  he  diffused  a  portion  of  that  zeal  which  in- 
spired his  own  labours,  and  in  these  labours  no  one  could 
have  been  more  abundant ;  he  traversed  his  diocess  from 
north  to  south ;  and,  crossing  the  mountains  more  than 

KK 


5^  PROTESTANT   EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [1818. 

once,  his  presence  was  both  seen  and  felt  east  and  west  of 
the  Blue  Ridge.  He  was  compelled  to  be  a  missionary, 
or  see  his  diocess  go  backward.  Churches  began  to  in- 
crease, and  the  laity  were  forward  in  the  good  work  of 
-estoring  old  edifices  and  building  new  ones,  while  the 
cry  came  to  the  ears  of  the  bishop  with  a  distressing  fre- 
quency, (for  it  could  not  be  answered,)  "give  us  min- 
isters." 

Much,  indeed,  was  done,  but  it  was  seen  that  more  re- 
nained  to  be  done.  The  prostration  of  the  church'  was 
not  the  work  of  a  day ;  nor  was  its  revival  to  be  accom- 
plished in  any  short  time.  The  want  which  was  most 
severely  felt,  was  that  just  alluded  to,  a  want  of  clergy- 
men :  the  whole  number  now  amounted  to  about  thirty, 
while  the  parishes  were  much  more  numerous ;  and,  as 
was  natural  under  such  circumstances,  the  subject  of 
theological  education  became  daily  one  of  increasing  in- 
terest. Indeed,  this  topic,  together  with  that  of  a  fund  for 
the  support  of  the  episcopate,  were  from  this  time  onward 
more  prominent  than  any  other  subjects  brought  before 
the  church.* 

The  history  has  already  been  given  of  the  attempt  made 
to  introduce  discipline,  and  of  the  final  opinion  that  it 
was  most  judicious  to  leave  the  subject  where  it  had  been 
placed  by  the  rubric  concerning  communicants ;  but  in 
the  convention  of  1818,  it  was  deemed  proper  to  put  upon 
record,  in  the  form  of  a  recommendation  rather  than  of  an 
injunction,  the  solemn  testimony  of  the  convention  against 
certain  fashionable  amusements,  indulgence  in  which  was 
viewed  as  inconsistent  with  the  purity  of  the  Christian 

♦  The  fund  for  the  support  of  the  episcopate  increased  but  slowly  in  Vir- 
ginia. Indeed,  in  all  our  diocesses  such  has  been  the  fact.  As  an  in- 
stance, however,  of  the  interest  felt  by  some  in  this  matter,  the  fact  is  here 
recorded  of  a  donation  of  one  hundred  dollars  to  the  fund,  made  by  the  aged 
widow  of  the  excellent  Mr.  Jarratt,  who  was  for  so  many  years  a  faithful 
labourer  in  the  vineyard. 


1818.]  IN   VIRGINIA.  259 

character.  The  introduction  of  this  proposition  into  the 
convention  gave  rise  to  much  discussion,  and  several  sug- 
gestions and  amendments  to  the  proposed  measure  were 
offered :  it  is,  however,  to  be  remarked,  that  all  the  amend- 
ments proposed  recognised  the  principle  that  conformity 
to  the  world  does  not  become  the  followers  of  Christ ;  the 
difference  was  therefore  simply  as  to  the  mode  in  which 
the  church  should  express  this  principle  to  her  members 
The  resolution  was  finally  adopted,  by  the  unanimous 
vote  of  the  clergy,  and  by  seventeen  out  of  twenty-six  of 
the  lay  members,  in  the  following  terms:  '-Whereas,  dif- 
ferences of  opinion  prevail  as  to  certain  fashionable  amuse- 
ments ;  and  it  appears  desirable  to  many  that  the  sense  of 
the  convention  should  be  expressed  concerning  them ;  the 
convention  does  hereby  declare  its  opinion,  that  gaming, 
attending  on  theatres,  public  balls,  and  horse  racing,  should 
be  relinquished  by  air  communicants  of  this  church,  as 
having  the  bad  effects  of  staining  the  purity  of  the  Christian 
character,  of  giving  offence  to  their  pious  brethren,  and  of 
endangering  their  own  salvation  by  their  rushing  volun- 
tarily into  those  temptations,  against  which  they  implore 
the  protection  of  their  heavenly  Father  ;  and  this  conven- 
tion cherishes  the  hope  that  this  expression  of  its  opinion 
will  be  sufficient  to  produce  conformity  of  conduct,  and 
unanimity  of  opinion,  among  all  the  members  of  our  com- 
munion." 

In  the  adoption  of  this  resolution,  the  church  in  Virginia 
did  no  more  than  give  back  a  faithful  echo  to  the  opinion 
expressed  by  the  House  of  Bishops,  in  the  general  conven- 
tion of  the  previous  year,  that  the  amusements  above  enu- 
merated, "  from  their  licentious  tendency,  as  well  as  from 
the  strong  temptations  to  vice  which  they  afford,  ought 
not  to  be  frequented"  by  the  members  of  the  church. 

But  the  incident  for  which  this  year  is  most  remarkable, 
was  the  formation  of  an  institution,  from  which  the  church, 
not  of  Virginia  only,  but  in  various  parts  of  our  country, 


260  PROTESTANT    EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [1818. 

has  reaped  benefits  worthy  of  remembrance.  This  was 
the  "  Education  Society."  It  began  in  what  many  will 
consider  a  fortunate  accident ;  the  Christian,  however,  will 
probably  be  disposed  to  think  that  the  accident  was  God's 
design.  In  the  year  1818,  a  number  of  clergymen,  with 
several  lay  gentlemen  of  character  and  influence,  had  as- 
sembled at  Georgetown,  in  the  District  of  Columbia,  to 
witness  the  services  connected  with  the  laying  of  the  corner 
stone  of  an  Episcopal  church,  then  about  to  be  erected. 
Among  the  gentlemen  of  the  laity  then  present,  there  was 
one  who  had  taken  under  his  protection  an  indigent  youth 
of  piety,  with  the  view  of  educating  him  for  the  Christian 
ministry,  which  he  earnestly  desired  to  enter.  The  topic 
of  preparatory  and  theological  education,  as  we  have  seen, 
was  familiar  to  the  minds  of  all  the  Churchmen  of  Vir- 
ginia J  and  the  case  of  this  young  man  having  led  to  an 
interchange  of  opinion,  they  found  that  all  were  ready  for 
'action.  Accordingly,  those  present  agreed  to  support  the 
youth,  whose  case  was  before  them,  by  their  voluntary 
contributions  ;  and  scarcely  was  this  determined  on,  be- 
fore their  minds  were  led  to  the  reflection  that  there  were 
probably  many  other  young  men  whose  situation  was  simi- 
lar to  that  of  their  newly  adopted  beneficiary:  this  thought 
gave  rise  to  a  suggestion,  that  a  society  might  be  advan- 
tageously formed  for  the  purpose  of  educating  any  number 
of  pious  young  men  desirous  of  entering  into  the  ministry 
of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  church.  The  suggestion  was 
so  favourably  received,  that  the  individuals  present  re- 
solved to  meet  shortly  thereafter  in  the  city  of  Washington, 
and  form  the  society.  They  did  meet,  and  the  society  was 
duly  organized ;  but  little,  indeed,  did  those  concerned  sup- 
pose that  they  were  accomplishing  a  work  so  important 
as  theirs  has  proved  itself  to  be.  They  did  not  dare  to  an- 
ticipate the  extensive  results  which  have  flowed  from  their 
effort.  As  soon  as  the  existence  of  the  society  was  known, 
young  men  from  various  parts  of  the  union  sought  and 


1818.]  IN   VIRGINIA.  261 

received  its  bounty.  The  plan  adopted  in  the  commence- 
ment of  its  operations  was  one,  suited  to  what  it  was  sup- 
posed would  be  the  society's  limited  sphere  of  action.  If 
an  applicant  required  preparatory  education,  he  was  placed 
in  some  college  most  convenient  to  himself;  and  if  ready 
to  pursue  his  theological  studies,  he  was  commonly  put 
under  the  supervision  of  the  clergyman  to  whose  congre- 
gation he  belonged.  The  expenses  in  either  case  were 
defrayed  by  the  society.  This  was  not  the  most  economi- 
cal mode  of  accomplishing  the  ends  in  view,  and  it  was 
also  liable  to  the  objection  that  the  beneficiaries  were  not 
brought  under  the  superintendence  and  care  of  the  execu- 
tive committee  of  the  society.  These  considerations  led 
to  measures,  (more  fully  detailed  on  a  future  page,)  which 
contributed  in  part  to  a  result  not  dreamed  of  in  the 
fondest  expectations  of  the  society  ;  this  was  the  establish- 
ment of  the  theological  school  at  Alexandria. 

As  our  allusion  to  the  society,  hereafter,  will  be  little 
more  than  incidental  in  pointing  out  what  it  has  done  for 
the  theological  seminary,  it  may  be  well  here  to  dispose  of 
its  history.  It  has  then  steadily  pursued  its  course  of  use- 
fulness, and  commended  itself  to  the  affectionate  interest, 
and  cordial  support,  of  its  friends,  both  in  Virginia  and 
elsewhere.  In  proof  of  this,  it  is  only  necessary  to  relate 
what  it  has  done.  Nearly  one-tenth  of  the  clergy,  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  church  in  the  United  States,  have,  in 
whole  or  in  part,  been  assisted  by  this  society.  One-sixth 
of  the  present  clergy  of  Ohio  ;  one-eighth  of  those  of  Penn- 
sylvania ;  one-fifth  of  those  of  Maryland,  and  a  large  pro- 
portion of  those  in  Virginia,  have  derived  aid  from  its 
funds  ;  while  it  is  now  affording  assistance  to  about  one- 
seventh  of  all  the  students  in  the  several  theological 
schools  of  the  church  in  the  United  States.* 

But  to  return  from  this  digression.     In  the  course 

*  For  these  statements,  the  author  is  indebted  to  the  secretary  of  the 
society.    See  them  also  in  the  "  Southern  Churchman,"  vol.  i.  pp.  38,  46. 


262  PROTESTANT   EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [l820. 

of  the  succeeding  year,  a  subject  of  much  general  in- 
terest was  brought  to  the  consideration  of  the  Virginia 
church,  which  has  subsequently  been  revived.  It  re- 
lated to  the  division  of  large  diocesses.  In  the  general 
convention  of  1 817,  on  the  motion  of  one  of  the  lay  delega- 
tion from  Virginia,  an  alteration  was  proposed  in  the  con- 
stitution of  the  church  at  large,  whereby  every  state  or 
territory  of  the  United  States  might  be  made  to  constitute 
of  itself,  or  in  union  with  the  whole,  or  certain  portions  of 
any  other  state  or  territory,  one  diocess  ;  or  might  be  di- 
vided into  two  or  more  diocesses  by  the  general  conven- 
tion, with  the  consent  of  the  local  ecclesiastical  authority, 
to  be  affected  by  such  union  or  division.  The  subject  of 
a  division  of  Virginia  had  before  this  time  been  agitated, 
though  it  was  never  brought  before  the  convention  ;  and 
this  probably  led  to  the  alteration  in  the  constitution  which 
was  now  proposed.  The  voice  of  the  church  in  Virginia, 
however,  was  against  any  division :  the  fear  was,  inas- 
much as  it  was  also  proposed  to  fix  the  representation  of 
the  diocesses  in  the  general  convention,  in  the  proportion 
of  one  clerical  deputy  for  every  five  clergymen,  and  one 
lay  representative  for  every  ten  congregations  in  the  dio- 
cess represented,  that  jealousies  would  be  engendered  be- 
tween the  larger  and  smaller  diocesses  ;  and,  therefore, 
Virginia  refused  her  sanction  to  the  proposed  alteration  in 
the  constitution. 

In  the  year  1820,  the  convention  gladly  availed  itself  of 
circumstances  which  seemed  to  present  a  favourable  open- 
ing to  commence  advantageously  the  work  of  clerical  edu- 
cation. It  has  already  been  stated,  that  the  attention  of 
the  church  had  been  called  by  a  communication  from  the 
president  of  William  and  Mary  College,  to  the  expediency 
of  providing  a  fund  for  the  support  of  the  chair  of  theology 
in  that  institution.  It  seems  that  about  this  time  there 
was  a  strong  probability  that  a  clerical  professor  would  be 
appointed  to  take  charge  of  any  theological  students  who 
might  desire  his  aid  ;  and  as  a  valuable  library  of  divinity 


1821.]  IN    VIRGINIA.  268 

(for  which  the  college  was  much  indebted  to  Doctors  Blair 
and  Bray)  belonged  to  the  institution  the  convention 
duly  appreciating  these  favourable  circumstances,  recom- 
mended them  to  the  attention  of  the  members  of  the 
church ;  and  it  is  beUeved,  that  under  the  supervision  of 
Doctor  Keith,  then  a  professor  in  the  college,  some  few 
young  gentlemen  availed  themselves  of  the  advantages 
there  afforded. 

This  was,  however,  but  the  commencement  of  the  work 
in  the  cause  of  theological  education.  In  the  succeeding 
year,  the  subject  was  brought  forward  in  the  report  of  the 
committee  on  the  state  of  the  church.  The  importance 
of  retaining  within  her  own  borders  for  education  such  of 
her  sons  as  desired  to  devote  themselves  to  the  Christian 
ministry,  was  sensibly  felt  in  Virginia.  Indeed,  a  similar 
feeling  is  found  now  to  prevail,  in  a  greater  or  less  degree, 
throughout  the  different  parts  of  the  confederacy.  The 
best  clergymen  for  the  respective  portions  of  our  country 
are  generally  found  to  be  natives  of  those  portions  ;  and 
in  some  regions,  climate  presents  a  serious  obstacle  to  the 
labours  of  any  but  natives.  But  when  sent  from  home  for 
education,  in  addition  to  the  risk  incurred  of  diminished 
local  attachments  by  the  formation  of  new  ties  and  new 
associations,  on  the  part  of  those  thus  sent  abroad,  there 
is  another  evil  which  is  at  present  unavoidable :  the  de- 
mand for  clergymen  exceeds  the  supply,  and  consequently 
the  student  finds  fields  of  labour  which  invite  his  entrance 
in  various  portions  of  an  extensive  country.  If  no  peculiar 
circumstances  call  him  back  to  his  native  state,  he  does 
not  pause  long  to  make  his  selection,  but  is  apt  to  enter 
that  which  first  solicits  his  labours,  and  it  is  often  far  dis- 
tant from  the  place  of  his  birth.  Hence  the  evil  has  been 
more  than  once  complained  of;  and  several  of  the  dio- 
cesses  have  exerted  themselves,  and  with  success,  to  pro- 
vide the  means  of  theological  instruction  within  themselves. 
This  measure,  however,  has  not  been  adopted  in  a  spirit 


264  PROTESTANT    EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [l823. 

of  hostility  towards  the  general  seminary  of  the  church  at 
large;  nor  has  it  operated  at  all  to  innpair  its  usefulness; 
on  the  contrary,  that  institution  has  steadily  advanced  ever 
since  the  diocesan  seminaries  have  existed,  and  is  now 
more  prosperous  than  at  any  previous  point  of  its  history; 
nor  is  there  any  portion  of  the  church  which  would  inter- 
rupt that  prosperity.  But  at  the  time  of  which  we  now 
write,  fears  were  entertained  of  a  different  result.  The 
right  of  any  diocess  to  establish  a  seminary  within  its 
limits  was  never  doubted  ;  but  many  questioned  the  expe- 
diency of  a  measure  which  they  admitted  to  be  lawful. 
Virginia  was  anxious  not  to  be  misunderstood  in  her  course 
on  this  subject ;  and,  therefore,  while  she  recommended 
the  establishment  of  a  theological  school  at  Williamsburg, 
the  seat  of  William  and  Mary,  and  appointed  trustees  to 
carry  the  recommendation  into  effect,  by  soliciting  funds  and 
appointing  professors,  she  made  also  a  formal  declaration, 
that  so  far  from  meditating  herein  opposition  to  the  general 
seminary,  she  cordially  desired  to  witness  the  prosperity 
of  an  institution  so  vitally  connected  with  the  reputation 
and  interest  of  the  church.  Experience,  it  is  believed,  has 
long  since  removed  all  apprehensions  of  conflicting  inter- 
ests between  the  seminaries,  and  the  prosperity  of  both 
now  calls  for  thankfulness. 

The  measures  adopted  by  the  convention  of  1821  met 
with  a  favourable  reception  from  the  members  of  the 
church.  The  appeal  made  to  them  by  the  trustees  was  so 
successful,  that  within  a  twelvemonth,  more  than  ten  thou- 
sand dollars  were  subscribed  within  the  diocess :  a  consti- 
tution was  adopted,  by  which,  among  other  things,  the 
seminary  was  placed  under  the  direction  of  the  conven- 
tion, and  the  course  of  study  was  made  conformable  to  the 
directions  of  the  House  of  Bishops.  In  1823,  the  funds  of 
the  institution  had  been  still  more  increased ;  and  an  ex- 
amination of  the  list  of  contributors  will  show,  that  in  pro- 
portion to  the  extent,  both  of  numbers  and  means,  no  class 


1825.]  IN   VIRGINIA.  265 

was  more  liberal  than  the  clergy;  donations  of  valuable 
theological  works  had  been  made  by  individuals ;  and  the 
first  professorship  had  been  filled  by  the  appointment  of 
the  Rev.  Dr.  Keith.  But  the  most  important  measure  in 
the  history  of  the  institution,  was  its  removal  to  Alexan- 
dria, which  took  place  about  this  time.  By  this  removal, 
the  aid  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Wilmer  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Norris 
was  secured  in  the  work  of  instruction,  and  but  a  short 
time  elapsed  before  eleven  young  men  were  enrolled  as 
students  of  the  infant  seminary.  And  here  it  is  proper  to 
record  the  well-timed  and  acceptable  help  which  the  Edu- 
cation Society  afforded,  by  a  vote  of  several  hundred  dol- 
lars towards  the  payment  of  the  professor's  salary:  indeed, 
it  is  not  improbable  that  this  vote  of  the  society,  together 
with  its  promised  aid  for  the  future,  encouraged  the  church, 
more  than  any  other  circumstance,  in  fixing  the  seminary 
at  Alexandria. 

The  pledge  thus  given  by  the  society  had  the  happy 
effect  of  bringing  the  two  institutions  thus  united  con- 
spicuously before  the  members  of  the  church,  and  hence 
they  afforded  to  each  other  mutual  aid.  Pursuing  its  course 
of  gradual  prosperity,  the  Alexandria  school  increased  in 
the  number  of  its  pupils,  so  that  it  was  soon  found  neces- 
sary permanently  to  establish  another  professorship.  The 
Rev.  Edward  Lippitt  was  appointed  in  1825  to  the  chair 
of  systematic  theology,  and  it  is  believed  that  his  salary 
has  been  entirely  furnished  from  the  funds  of  the  Educa- 
tion Society  ever  since  his  appointment.  But  the  import- 
ance of  the  society  to  the  seminary  was  to  be  more  fully  ex- 
hibited still.  In  the  purchase  of  the  farm,  near  Alexandria, 
on  which  the  buildings  of  the  institution  are  placed,  and  in 
the  erection  of  those  buildings,  several  thousand  dollars 
came  from  the  treasury  of  the  Education  Society ;  while 
it  has  never  failed  to  redeem  also  its  undertaking,  publicly 
made,  to  afford  assistance  to  every  properly  qualified  ap- 

L  L 


266  PROTESTANT   EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [1825. 

plicant,  seeking  an  education  for  the  ministry  of  the  Pro- 
testant Episcopal  church. 

Of  the  present  state  of  the  seminary,  it  -is  gratifying  to 
record  the  fact,  that  it  never  before  was  in  so  prosperous 
a  condition.  Within  the  past  year,  no  less  a  sum  than 
twelve  thousand  dollars  has  been  given  to  it,  by  private 
contributions,  for  the  purpose  of  founding  a  third  professor- 
ship ;  additional  buildings  have  been  erected,  and  instruc- 
tion has  been  afforded  to  thirty-two  candidates  for  holy 
orders.  But  much  still  remains  to  be  done,  and  it  would 
be  wrong  to  distrust  Providence  by  the  fear  that  this  insti- 
tution will  not  be  so  provided  for  as  greatly  to  enlarge  its 
sphere  of  usefulness.  It  now  stands,  even  in  its  present 
condition,  an  honourable  monument  to  the  piety  and  zeal 
of  the  Churchmen  of  Virginia,  for  it  has  derived  but  little 
aid  out  of  the  diocess  in  which  it  is  placed. 


1825.]  IN   VIRGINIA.  267 


CHAPTER    XIV. 

1825-1835. 

Difficulties  arising  from  Bishop's  Parochial  Charge — Comparison  of  the 
Church  in  Northern  Neck  with  its  Condition  a  Century  before — Churches 
devoted  to  secular  purposes — Care  of  St.  Paul's  Parish,  in  King  George 
county — Bishop  Moore  offers  to  pay  half  the  Salary  of  an  assistant  Min- 
ister in  the  Monumental  Church — Irregularity  of  Virginia  Clergy  in  the 
Use  of  the  Liturgy — Bishop  Moore's  Warning — Refusal  of  Virginia  to 
agree  to  changes  or  alterations  in  the  Use  of  the  Common  Prayer — 
Death  of  Dr.  Wilmer — Bishop  Moore  proposes  to  the  Convention  to  elect 
an  assistant  Bishop — Dr.  Meade  elected — Restriction  on  the  Right  of 
Succession — Proceedings  of  General  Convention  thereon — Dr.  Meade's 
Consecration — Sketch  of  his  Life — Virginia  removes  the  Restriction  on 
his  succession — Conclusion. 

The  exemption  of  the  bishop  from  parochial  cares  was, 
as  we  have  seen,  an  object  of  much  solicitude,  which  the 
increasing  state  of  the  church  was  not  calculated  to  di- 
minish. A  comparison  of  the  condition  of  some  parts  of 
the  diocess  with  their  former  state,  will  illustrate  most 
strikingly  the  importance  of  leaving  the  bishop  to  look 
after  his  diocess  alone ;  and  at  the  same  time  show  the 
extent  of  the  injury  which  the  church  had  been  called  to 
sustain. 

In  the  year  1722,  within  the  six  counties  of  the  northern 
neck,  there  were  twelve  parishes,  and  more  than  twelve 
churches  and  chapels,*  all  supplied  with  the  ministrations 
of  the  Gospel. 

After  the  lapse  of  nearly  one  hundred  years,  what  was 
the  spectacle  which  the  Northern  Neck  presented  ?  Over 
an  extent  of  country,  about  one  hundred  miles  long,  and 
fifteen  miles  broad,  every  church  and  chapel  had  ceased 

»  Vide  ante,  p.  84. 


268  PROTESTANT    EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [l825, 

to  be  used  for  sacred  purposes.  In  pursuing  the  road 
through  this  district  of  Virginia  to  the  Chesapeake,  here  and 
there  might  be  seen  some  sacred  edifice,  which  still  bore 
the  appearance  of  a  decent  Christian  temple.  So  compactly- 
had  it  been  built,  that  it  was  able  to  withstand  the  storms 
of  half  a  century ;  and  the  cause  of  its  preservation  is  prob- 
ably to  be  found  in  the  laborious  toil  which  was  necessary 
for  its  destruction.  But  in  other  and  more  numerous 
instances,  .unsightly  heaps  of  ruins,  which  once  were 
churches,  met  the  eye,  and  everything  in  the  vicinity 
wore  an  aspect  of  desolation.  Such  is  not  now,  exactly, 
the  picture  presented,  but  churches  in  ruins  are  still  com- 
mon enough  in  Virginia. 

Sometimes  it  happened  that  the  buildings  were  by 
special  acts  of  the  legislature  appropriated  to  other  pur- 
poses. Thus,  in  the  region  of  country  alluded  to  above, 
the  church  of  St.  Paul's  parish,  in  King  George  county, 
was  converted  into  a  schoolhouse,  while  the  produce  of  the 
glebe  was  made  a  school  fund  for  its  support ;  and  this 
was  done  at  the  request  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  ^parish. 
After  the  church  had  been  for  some  time  used  for  purposes 
of  education,  the  school  fund,  as  usual,  was  mismanaged, 
and  ceased  to  answer  the  end  to  which  it  was  directed  to  be 
applied,  the  school  was  broken  up,  and  the  building  began 
to  exhibit  symptoms  of  decay.  The  Episcopalians  pe- 
titioned the  legislature  for  the  repeal  of  the  act  which  had 
deprived  them  of  the  church ;  and  to  the  honour  of  those 
who  were  not  Episcopalians,  it  should  be  mentioned  that 
many  of  them  joined  with  the  members  of  the  church  in 
their  application  to  the  legislature.  The  petition  was 
granted,  the  edifice  was  repaired ;  and  having  been  conse- 
crated to  the  service  of  God  by  the  present  bishop  of  Vir- 
ginia, it  is  now  regularly  frequented  by  a  congregation  of 
devout  and  attentive  worshippers.* 

*  MS.  letter  in  the  author's  possession,  from  one  of  the  Virginia  clergy. 


1826.]  IN   VIRGINIA.  269 

In  consideration  of  the  circumstances  which  have  been 
related  on  our  previous  pages,  it  is  not  to  be  wondered  at, 
that  Bishop  Moore,  in  the  convention  of  1825,  should  have 
signified  to  that  body  his  intention  to  employ  an  assistant 
to  aid  him  in  the  discharge  of  his  duties  as  rector  ofthe 
Monumental  Church  in  Richmond,  and  expressed  his  readi- 
ness to  pay  one  half  of  his  salary  out  of  his  own  purse. 
The  convention,  fully  sensible  that  such  a  measure  vWas 
absolutely  necessary,  from  the  great  increase  of  episcopal 
duty,  resolved,  that  when  the  bishop  had  obtained  an  as- 
sistant, he  should  communicate  the  fact  to  the  several  min- 
isters and  vestries  of  the  diocess,  and  inform  them  of  what 
would  be  required  on  their  parts  for  his  support. 

From  some  cause,  which  it  would,  perhaps,  be  difficult 
now  to  discover,  an  evil  had  gradually  found  its  way 
into  the  practice  of  the  clergy,  which  calls  for  our  no- 
tice. The  general  tone  of  piety  in  the  church  of  Virginia, 
both  among  the  clergy  and  laity,  was  of  a  character  so 
consistent  with  their  professions  of  Christianity,  that  they 
had  no  need  to  shrink  from  a  comparison,  in  this  particu- 
lar, witli  any  diocess  in  the  Union  ;  but  there  was,  notwith- 
standing, in  the  public  ministrations  of  some  of  the  clergy 
an  irregularity  which,  at  first  view,  may  seem  to  be  trivial , 
but  which  involves  consequences  of  a  very  serious  nature, 
so  long  as  uniformity  aflfords  evidence  of  unity.  The  ir- 
regularity was  to  be  found  in  the  use  of  the  liturgy ;  the 
rubrics,  on  this  head,  were  not  always  regarded.  There 
is,  probably,  no  clergyman  of  the  Episcopal  church  who 
does  not  feel  contempt  for  the  vulgar  calumny,  sometimes 
propagated,  by  those  who  ought  to  know  better,  that  on  no 
occasion  can  he  pray  without  the  use  of  the  "  Book  of 
Common  Prayer."  In  this  particular,  the  clergy  all  under- 
stand the  liberty  which  they  possess  ;  and  there  is  prob- 
ably not  one  who  does  not,  on  certain  occasions,  pray  with- 
out the  use  of  that  book ;  but  there  are  other  occasions  on 
which  he  does  not  desire  that  liberty.     These  are  occa- 


S70  PROTESTANT   EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [1826. 

sions  of  public  worship.  It  must  not  be  understood  that 
the  liturgy  was  entirely  laid  aside  by  any  of  the  Virginia 
clergy:  all  used  some  portions  of  it,  but  all  did  not  use  it 
according  to  the  directions  of  the  rubrics  ;  and  the  conse- 
quent inconvenience,  to  use  the  mildest  term,  induced  the 
bishop  to  call  attention  to  the  subject.  Reminding  the 
clergy  of  the  solemn  promise  of  conformity  to  the  rubrics, 
made  by  them  before  ordination,  he  forcibly  depicted  the 
effect  upon  devout  worshippers,  who,  instead  of  following 
the  fixed  rules  of  the  church,  with  which  they  were  fa- 
miliar, found  themselves  embarrassed  in  their  feelings,  and 
disturbed  in  their  devotions  by  the  capricious  practices  of 
the  clergyman  in  reading  the  services  of  the  church. 

It  would  seem  that  this  conduct  of  some  few  of  the 
clergy  (for  they  were  few)  had  arisen,  in  the  language  of 
the  bishop,  "  more  from  inconsideration  than  design  ;"  for 
the  convention  heartily  responded  to  the  sentiment  ex- 
pressed by  their  diocesan,  arid  recommended  "  to  the  min- 
isters a  punctual  observance  of  the  rubrics,  warning  them 
of  the  danger  of  yielding  to  prejudices  supposed  to  exist 
against  the  liturgy." 

There  was  the  soundest  wisdom  in  this  warning :  where 
prejudices  exist  against  the  liturgy,  or  against  anything 
else  belonging  to  the  church,  (and,  unfortunately,  there  are 
parts  of  the  land  where  they  are  common  enough,)  the 
best  mode  of  eradicating  the  prejudice  will  never  be  found 
to  consist  in  yielding  to  its  demands.  The  demands  of 
prejudice  are  always  insatiable ;  no  concessions  ever  yet 
satisfied  it ;  for  concessions  only  foster  its  conceit  of  in- 
fallibility. 

Nothing  of  unusual  interest  is  to  be  found  in  the  records 
of  the  Virginia  church  for  the  year  1826  ;  in  that  which  im- 
mediately succeeded,  however,  we  find  evidence  of  a  de- 
cided attachment  to  the  liturgy.  In  the  general  convention 
of  1826,  a  proposition  was  made  and  agreed  to  in  the  House 
of  Bishops,  to  introduce  certain  changes  in  the  use  of  the 


1826.]  IN   VIRGINIA.  271 

liturgy,  as  follows : — The  minister  was  to  be  permitted,  in- 
stead of  the  portion  of  the  Psalter,  appointed  for  the  day,  to 
read  any  psalm  or  psalms  which  he  chose  to  select,  except 
on  those  days  for  which  "  proper  psalms"  were  appointed : 
a  wide  discretion  was  also  allowed  the  minister  in  the 
reading  of  the  other  parts  of  the  Scripture  in  the  daily 
service ;  thus,  instead  of  the  entire  lessons,  he  might  read 
suitable  portions  thereof,  not  less  than  fifteen  verses ;  and 
the  use  of  what  is  ordinarily  termed  the  aw/e-communion, 
was  enjoined  on  all  Sundays  and  other  holy  days.  It  is 
worthy  of  remark,  that  in  the  zeal  which  led  the  bishops 
so  earnestly  to  labour  for  uniformity  in  the  use  of  the  ante- 
communion,  they  should  not  have  perceived  that  they  were 
paying  for  it  by  the  destruction  of  that  very  uniformity 
which  they  were  so  sedulously  guarding.  It  was  of  very 
little  moment  whether  different  practices  prevailed  in  dif- 
ferent churches,  with  reference  to  the  use  of  the  ante-com- 
munion, or  to  the  use  of  the  psalms  and  lessons  :  of  the  two 
evils,  the  entire  omission  of  the  ante-communion  service  is 
fprobably  less  than  would  be  the  capricious  selection  of 
psalms  or  lessons  by  the  officiating  clergyman.  This 
proposition,  however,  which  certainly  threatened  the  most 
dangerous  innovation  on  the  liturgy  that  the  church  has 
yet  seen,  was  sent  to  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Dele- 
gates, and  by  joint  action  of  the  two  houses,  was  submitted 
to  the  several  diocesan  conventions  pursuant  to  the  pro- 
visions of  the  constitution.* 

Bishop  Moore  was  prevented  by  sickness  from  attend- 
ing the  general  convention  of  1826,  and  of  course  took  no 
part  in  the  measures  touching  the  liturgy,  which  have  just 
been  presented.  In  his  address,  however,  to  his  own  con- 
vention, in  1827,  he  betrays  the  anxiety  of  his  mind  on  the 
truly  momentous  question  of  a  change  in  the  liturgy.  "  The 
church,"  says  he, "  has  hitherto  prospered  in  the  use  of  the 

•  Journals  of  Geiwral  Convention,  1886. 


272  PROTESTANT   EPISCOPAL   CHURCH  [1828. 

liturgy,  as  it  has  been  handed  down  to  us  by  our  fathers. 
That  uniformity  of  worship  which  has  distinguished  us  as 
a  society,  should  the  proposed  alterations  be  carried  into 
effect,  will  be  destroyed  :  the  public  worship  of  God  will 
be  as  various  as  the  constitutions  of  our  minds.  To  touch 
a  matter  of  so  much  consequence  without  the  deepest  re- 
flection— to  alter  a  service  of  such  acknowledged  worth, 
without  years  of  consideration,  should  not  be  ventured  on. 
The  church  in  Virginia  will  never  be  induced,  I  trust  and 
pray,  to  depart  from  her  prescribed  forms  ;  but  will  defend 
the  liturgy  in  all  its  integrity,  and  prove  to  the  Christian 
world  that  we  reverence  the  opinions  of  our  fathers,  and 
are  satisfied  with  that  system  of  doctrine  which  they  vene- 
rated, and  which  they  so  highly  valued."* 

These  sentiments  met  with  the  cordial  approbation  of 
the  laity  and  clergy  of  Virginia ;  and  long  may  they  con- 
tinue to  do  so ;  for,  whenever  that  period  comes,  in  which 
tliere  shall  be  found  in  the  church  a  spirit  of  innovation, 
ready  to  tamper  rashly  with  the  liturgy,  or  a  spirit  of  in- 
difference, ready  to  countenance  such  rashness,  the  time 
will  also  have  arrived  in  which  men  may  see  the  first 
movements  of  her  departing  glory. 

This  year  witnessed,  also,  the  interest  felt  in  Virginia 
towards  a  general  institution  of  the  church,  then  but  re- 
cently established,  now  greatly  enlarged,  and  still  grow- 
ing into  an  increasing  importance.  This  was  the  Pro- 
testant Episcopal  Sunday  School  Union,  which  had  been 
founded  by  the  general  convention  of  1826.  The  com- 
mittee on  the  state  of  the  Virginia  church  in  1827,  brought 
it  to  the  notice  of  the  convention ;  and  it  was  by  that  body 
recommended  to  the  churches  throughout  the  diocess. 

The  annual  meeting  of  the  clergy  and  laity  in  1828  was 
marked  by  the  absence  of  one  who  for  many  years  had 
been  seen  in  the  counsels  of  the  church  in  the  diocess,  as 

*  Journal  of  Virginia  Convention  of  1837. 


1828.]  IN    VIRGINIA.  273 

well  as  in  those  of  the  general  church.  He  was  one  who 
had  so  much  aided  in  the  revival  of  the  church  in  Virginia, 
that  he  well  deserved  honourable  remembrance.  Doctor 
Wilmer,  who  for  many  years  had  been  a  delegate  from 
Virginia  to  the  general  convention,  and  who  had  long  sat  as 
president  of  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Delegates,  had 
been  called  to  rest  from  his  earthly  labours.  There  was, 
probably,  no  gentleman  of  the  clergy  in  the  diocess  whose 
loss  would  have  been  more  deeply  lamented.  "  He  was," 
says  Bishop  Moore,  "  a  man  of  business  and  of  piety.  He 
loved  his  God,  and  the  interest  of  the  church  was  near  his 
heart.  As  a  preacher,  he  was  faithful,  energetic,  eloquent. 
Like  the  Apostle  Paul,  he  not  only  taught  his  people  pub- 
licly, but  went  from  house  to  house  exhorting  them  to  pre- 
pare to  meet  their  God." 

The  respect  of  the  convention  for  the  memory  of  this 
faithful  and  excellent  clergyman,  was  attested  by  the  mem- 
bers wearing  mourning  during  the  session  which  next  suc- 
ceeded his  death,  and  for  some  time  thereafter. 

The  circumstance,  however,  which  gave  most  import- 
ance to  the  convention  of  1828  was  this:  Bishop  Moore, 
then  in  the  sixty-seventh  year  of  his  age,  felt  admonished 
by  the  fact,  that,  though  as  yet  the  infirmities  of  age  had 
not  disabled  him  from  labour,  or  compelled  him  to  diminish 
aught  of  his  allotted  annual  task,  yet  that  it  would  be 
wise  to  make  provision  for  the  consecration  of  some  gen- 
tleman of  the  clergy  as  his  suffragan,  or  assistant  bishop. 
The  bishop,  therefore,  brought  forward  the  subject  in  his 
annual  address,  and  expressed  his  earnest  desire,  should  it 
meet  with  the  views  of  the  convention,  that  an  assistant 
bishop  should  be  appointed  while  their  diocesan  yet  re- 
mained ;  that  in  the  hour  of  his  departure,  he  might  have, 
at  least,  the  satisfaction  of  knowing  the  individual  who  was 
to  carry  on  the  work  which  God  had  so  far  prospered  in 
his  hands. 

There  was,  however,  an  obstacle  in  the  way,  to  which 

MM 


274  PROTESTANT    EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [1829. 

the  bishop  alluded.  The  constitution  of  the  church  in  Vir- 
ginia expressly  declared,  in  one  of  its  articles,  that  there 
should  "be  but  one  bishop"  to  superintend  its  concerns. 
Before,  therefore,  a  suffragan  or  assistant  could  be  elected, 
it  became  necessary  to  alter  the  constitution,  and  for  this, 
the  interval  of  a  year  was  necessary.  The  committee  to 
whom  the  subject  was  referred  reported  that  the  contem- 
plated officer  was  needed,  and  recommended  the  neces- 
sary measures  for  effecting  the  desired  change  in  the  con- 
stitution, and  thus  the  matter  remained  until  1829. 

In  this  year,  the  convention  assembled  at  Charlotteville, 
and  as  it  was  supposed  that  business  of  more  than  ordinary 
importance  would  come  before  the  body,  the  attendance 
was  numerous,  both  on  the  part  of  the  clergy  and  laity : 
the  bishop,  however,  was  prevented  by  illness  from  being 
present.  It  has  already  been  stated,  that  the  opinions  of 
the  diocesan,  on  the  subject  of  a  change  in  the  liturgy,  met 
with  the  hearty  approbation  of  the  convention ;  and  at  this 
meeting,  (as  a  general  convention  was  to  come  together  be- 
fore another  annual  assemblage  of  the  clergy  and  laity  of 
Virginia,)  the  delegates  to  the  general  convention  were  in- 
structed to  use  their  exertions  to  prevent  any  of  the  pro- 
posed changes  in  the  use  of  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer, 
After  the  formation  of  a  diocesan  missionary  society,  the 
convention  proceeded  to  the  consideration  of  the  proposed 
alteration  in  the  constitution,  without  which,  as  we  have 
seen,  no  suffragan  or  assistant  bishop  could  be  elected.  A 
large  majority  of  the  convention  was  found  to  be  favour- 
able to  the  change,  when  the  following  resolution  was  pre- 
sented, and  finally  adopted  by  a  vote  of  fifty  against  thir- 
teen :  "  Resolved,  that  this  convention  deem  it  expedient, 
considering  the  age  and  bodily  infirmity  of  our  most  ven- 
erated bishop,  to  proceed  to  the  election  of  an  assistant 
bishop,  who  is  not  to  be  considered  as  entitled  to  the  succes- 
sion, but  that  it  shall  be  the  right  and  duty  of  the  conven- 
tion of  the  diocess  of  Virginia,  on  the  demise  of  our  ven- 


1829.]  IN   VIRGINIA.  275 

erated  bishop,  to  proceed  to  the  election  of  a  principal 
bishop,  as  a  successor  to  the  said  deceased  bishop." 

The  precise  ground  on  which  the  convention  proceeded 
in  withholding  the  right  of  succession  from  the  assistant, 
it  would,  perhaps,  be  difficult  distinctly  to  specify :  it  was 
deemed  expedient  to  do  so ;  and  the  7nght  of  the  Virginia 
church  to  pursue  this  course,  seems  to  have  been  unques- 
tioned by  a  very  large  majority.  Under  the  resolution 
the  Revr.  William  Meade,  D.D.,  was  nominated  by  an 
almost  unanimous  vote  of  the  clergy,  (two  only  out  of 
twenty-seven  having  deposited  blanks,)  and  the  nomina 
tion  was  approved  by  the  laity  without  a  dissentient  voice : 
he  was  therefore  declared  to  be  duly  elected. 

The  case  of  a  diocess,  having  a  bishop  and  an  assistant, 
was  not  without  precedent  in  the  Episcopal  church  in  the 
United  States.  Such  examples  had  occurred,  but  they 
were  few,  and  hence  resulted  the  difficulty  of  clearly  de- 
fining the  respective  duties  of  the  diocesan  and  his  assist- 
ant ;  or  of  guarding  against  a  conflict  in  the  exercise  of 
episcopal  power.  The  delegation  _from  Virginia  was, 
therefore,  instructed  to  bring  the  subject  before  the  general 
convention,  that  the  number  of  bishops  which  a  diocess 
might  have  should  be  settled  ;  and  that  the  circumstances 
might  be  prescribed  under  which  a  suffragan  or  an  assist- 
ant might  be  chosen.  The  convention  then  proceeded  to 
sign  the  testimonial  of  the  newly  elected  bishop. 

We  must  now  direct  our  attention  to  the  general  con- 
vention of  1829.  The  election  of  Dr.  Meade  having  been 
made  within  one  year  before  the  meeting  of  that  body,  the 
consideration  of  the  case  came  before  it,  under  the  pro- 
visions of  the  constitution,  and  there  underwent  a  discus- 
sion of  some  days  continuance.  Before  we  enter  upon 
the  views  which  were  entertained,  it  is  due  to  Dr. 
Meade  to  remark  that  no  speaker  expressed  himself  in  any 
terms  but  those  of  the  utmost  respect  towards  the  bishop 
elect.     His  worth  and  fitness  were  not  questioned ;  but  a 


276  PROTESTANT   EPISCOPAL   CHURCH  [1829. 

matter  of  principle  was  supposed  to  be  involved  in  the 
restriction  put  upon  the  right  of  succession. 

The  argument  against  the  consecration  turned  chiefly 
upon  constitutional  objections.  It  was,  in  substance,  that 
the  constitution  did  not  contemplate  the  possibility  of  a 
bishop  without  a  diocess ;  and  that,  according  to  the  spirit  of 
that  instrument,  it  was  at  variance  with  the  system  of  epis- 
copacy, (as  received  by  the  Protestant  Episcopal  church  in 
the  United  States,  associated  under  that  constitution,)  not  to 
guard  against  the  possibility  of  such  an  event  in  the  church, 
as  that  of  a  bishop  at  large.  It  was  said  that  Virginia  had 
not  the  right  to  impose  any  such  restriction ;  and  on  this 
head  an  argument  was  deduced  from  the  state  of  the  church 
under  the  several  colonial  governments ;  when,  notwith- 
standing the  distinct  rule  exercised  over  the  several  colo- 
nies, the  church  was  one,  and  but  one,  united  under  its 
only  diocesan,  the  Bishop  of  London.  That,  consequently, 
after  the  revolution,  it  continued  to  be  one,  and  was  not 
made  up  of  many  independent  churches  then  coming  into 
union  for  the  first  time,  and  reserving  certain  rights  while 
they  surrendered  others.  How  far  this  opinion  is  correct, 
may  be  learned  from  some  of  our  previous  pages.*  Cer- 
tain it  is,  that  the  church  in  Virginia  (whatever  may  be 
the  proper  theory  on  the  subject)  always  was  in  her 
practice  independent,  and  deemed  herself  at  liberty  to  act 
accordingly,  up  to  the  period  when  she  gave  her  assent  to 
the  great  charier  of  union.  In  fact,  (as  was  correctly  re- 
marked in  the  course  of  the  discussion,)  our  ecclesiastical 
legislature  was  here  perplexed  with  the  same  delicate  and 
intricate  question  which  has  been  so  much  agitated  in  the 
halls  of  civil  legislation:  state  sovereignty  and  the  powers 
of  the  general  government  came  into  collision. 

It  was  also  contended,  that  to  impose  the  restrictions 
under  discussion,  was  a  deviation  from  the  general  course 

*  Vide  ante,  pp.  179, 184,  186,  190, 


1829.]  IN   VIRGINIA.  277 

pursued  relative  to  coadjutors  or  assistant  bishops.  In- 
stances might  indeed  be  adduced  to  the  contrary,  and 
some  too  in  very  early  times ;  but  these  are  to  be  deemed 
exceptions  to  the  rule. 

On  grounds  of  policy,  also,  it  was  agreed  that  a  restric- 
tion upon  the  succession  was  to  be  deprecated.  Factious 
and  ambitious  presbyters  would  be  tempted  to  raise  parties 
for  themselves,  in  opposition  to  those  possessed  of  an  epis- 
copate, the  exercise  of  which  was  to  cease  upon  the  death 
of  the  diocesan :  and  laymen  of  influence,  it  was  said,  (if 
such  restriction  was  countenanced,)  might  be  led  to  im- 
pose it  for  the  purpose  of  keeping  a  temporary  bishop  in 
subjection  to  their  control,  and  thereby  destroying  his  in- 
dependence. 

The  result  of  the  deliberations  and  discussions  in  the 
House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Delegates  was,  that  the  testimo- 
nials of  Dr.  Meade  were  signed  by  a  majority  of  the  mem- 
bers, and  sent  up  to  the  House  of  Bishops.  Before,  how- 
ever, that  body  proceeded  to  the  consecration,  it  sent  down 
to  the  lower  house  a  declaration,  as  follows  :  "  The  bishops 
cannot  proceed  to  this  important  measure  without  declaring 
their  disapprobation  of  the  provision  in  the  election  of  Dr. 
Meade,  which  prevents  immediate  succession  to  the  epis- 
copacy, on  the  decease  of  the  present  bishop  of  the  diocess. 
Nevertheless,  this  being  a  new  case,  in  questions  of  conse- 
cration in  the  church,  in  this  country,  the  bishops,  enter- 
taining no  doubt  of  Dr.  Meade's  succeeding  to  the  dio- 
cesan episcopacy,  in  the  event  of  his  surviving  of  the  pres- 
ent bishop,  have  not  permitted  the  preceding  consideration 
to  be  a  bar  to  his  consecration.  But  they  cannot  proceed 
to  it  without  declaring  unanimously  their  determination, 
nor  without  recommending  to  the  future  members  of  this 
house,  now  that  the  peculiarities  of  this  case  will  have 
ceased,  not  to  give  such  further  countenance  to  the  innova- 
tion, as  might  be  construed  to  bind  it  on  the  church  to  her 
lasting  injury."     And  with  this  proiestandOf  the  bishops 


S78  PROTESTANT    EPISCOPAL   CHURCH  [1829. 

proceeded  to  the  consecration,  which  took  place  in  Phila- 
delphia, on  the  nineteenth  of  August,  1829. 

William  Meade,  D.D.,  assistant  bishop  of  Virginia,  was 
born  in  Frederick  county,  Virginia,  on  the  eleventh  of  No- 
vember, 1789.  His  father  v^^as  Major  R.  K.  Meade,  one 
of  the  aids  of  General  Washington  during  the  war  of  the 
revolution.  His  mother  was  a  woman  of  eminent  piety ; 
and  to  her  early  instruction,  under  God,  does  the  bishop 
ascribe  his  own  religious  character,  and  subsequent  devo- 
tion to  the  ministry.  Until  the  age  of  ten  years,  when,  for 
the  first  time,  he  went  to  school,  he  was  educated  entirely 
by  his  mother :  at  this  school  he  remained  until  he  reached 
the  age  of  seventeen,  when  he  was  sent  to  Princeton  Col- 
lege. Here  he  continued  until  1809,  when  he  completed 
his  course  of  study.  During  his  residence  at  college,  the 
fruit  of  an  early  religious  education  exhibited  itself  in  an 
increase  of  all  his  previous  impressions,  and  a  resolution  to 
devote  himself  to  the  ministry  of  the  Episcopal  church,  in 
which  he  had  been  baptized  and  trained,  and  to  which  his 
-parents  belonged.  After  leaving  college,  he  spent  some 
time  in  reading,  with  a  view  to  the  ministry,  with  a  pious 
and  excellent  clergyman, the  Rev.  Walter  Addison  of  Mary- 
land. In  the  fall  of  1809  he  returned  to  Princeton,  with 
the  view  of  enjoying  more  advantages  in  the  prosecution 
of  his  studies  than  he  could  procure  in  Maryland.  In  this 
purpose,  however,  he  was  disappointed,  for  in  a  few  days 
after  his  arrival  he  became  sick,  and  continued  so  for  some 
weeks.  As  soon  as  he  became  convalescent,  and  was  able 
to  travel,  he  returned  to  Virginia,  so  that  he  never  pursued 
his  theological  studies  at  Princeton.  He,  however,  prose- 
cuted them  in  private  until  March,  1811,  when  he  was  or- 
dained deacon  by  Bishop  Madison  in  Williamsburg.  He 
immediately  commenced  his  ministry  among  his  relations, 
in  the  place  of  his  nativity,  where  he  had  been  ofliciating 
as  a  lay  reader  for  more  than  half  a  year  preceding.  In 
the  autumn  of  that  year,  he  accepted  an  invitation  to  Christ 


1829.]  IN   VIRGINIA.  279 

Church,  Alexandria,  where  he  remained  eighteen  months, 
and  then  returned  to  his  congregation  in  Frederick  county, 
of  which  he  has  ever  since  been  rector.  The  bishop  has 
of  necessity  been  much  of  an  itinerant  in  his  ministry,  and 
without  having  been  so,  his  services  had  been  less  valuable 
than  they  were  in  resuscitating  the  church.  He  is  still  in 
the  vigour  of  his  days,  and  of  his  usefulness,  and  pos- 
sesses a  persevering  industry,  which  promises  much  for  the 
cause  of  religion. 

It  will  be  remembered  that  the  convention  of  Virginia 
had  directed  its  delegates  to  bring  before  the  general  con- 
vention the  subject  of  assistant  bishops,  with  the  view  of 
settling  the  point  as  to  the  number  of  bishops  which  any 
diocess  might  have.  Without  any  direct  agency  on  the 
part  of  the  representatives  of  Virginia  to  produce  this 
end,  the  circumstances  of  Dr.  Meade's  case  presented 
forcibly  to  the  general  convention  the  fact  that  some  legis- 
lation was  necessary.  Accordingly  a  canon  was  passed, 
giving  in  all  cases  the  right  of  succession  to  an  assistant 
bishop,  who  should  survive  the  diocesan ;  and  permitting 
the  election  of  one  assistant  whenever  the  bishop  of  a  dio- 
cess became  "  unable,  by  reason  of  old  age,  or  other  per- 
manent cause  of  infirmity,  to  discharge  his  episcopal 
duties." 

When  the  convention  of  1830  assembled,  the  subject 
came  again  under  discussion ;  and  the  course  pursued  by 
that  body,  representing,  as  it  did,  one  of  the  most  important 
diocesses  in  the  Union,  was  one  which  did  honour  to  Vir- 
ginia ;  while  at  the  same  time  it  illustrated  the  happy 
effects  which  flow  from  prudent  counsels.  Had  matters 
been  pushed  to  an  extreme  in  the  general  convention  of 
1829,  and  consecration  being  refused  to  Dr.  Meade,  on  the 
ground  merely  that  he  was  excluded  from  the  succession, 
while  it  was  admitted  that  his  piety  and  talents  entitled 
him  to  the  place  which  he  had  been  selected  to  fill,  and 
while  his  elevation  was  desired  almost  unanimously  by  the 


280  PROTESTANT   EPISCOPAL    CHURCH  [1829. 

Churchmen  of  Virginia,  the  consequences  must  have  been 
of  a  most  serious  character,  and  fatal  to  the  harmony  and 
union  of  the  church.  Virginia,  probably,  never  would  have 
submitted  to  the  decision :  but  the  course  pursued  was  one 
which,  wisely  guarding  against  the  introduction  of  a  dan- 
gerous precedent,  compromised  no  principle,  and  still  grati- 
fied Virginia  in  all  that  she  asked :  it  inflicted  no  wound  on 
the  feelings  of  the  excellent  gentleman  who  had  been  elected 
assistant  bishop,  and  left  the  diocess  untouched,  in  the  atti- 
tude of  independence  which  she  had  assumed.  It  was  a  ju- 
dicious course ;  and,  as  usual,  the  church  is  indebted  for  it 
to  the  wisdom,  the  prudence,  and  calm  thought  of  the  ven- 
erated man  whom  God  has  so  long  preserved  to  watch  over 
the  infancy  of  the  American  Episcopal  church,  and  to  assist 
in  laying  securely  its  foundations :  the  prelate  who  thinks 
wisely,  because  he  thinks  dispassionately.  Bishop  White 
drew  up  the  protestation  which  has  already  been  spread 
upon  our  pages. 

By  adopting  this  course,  the  surest  method  was  hit  upon 
of  accomplishing  all  that  the  general  convention  desired  in 
the  establishment  of  an  important  principle ;  and  of  inducing 
Virginia,  by  her  own  voluntary  act,  to  bring  herself  within 
the  operation  of  that  principle,  though  she  had  previously 
rejected  it.  It  was  an  appeal  made  to  the  generous  feel- 
ings of  the  members  of  the  Virginia  convention ;  and  it 
was  not  made  in  vain ;  for  in  the  convention  of  1829,  a 
resolution  was  adopted,  in  the  following  terms :  "  Whereas, 
the  general  convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  church 
in  the  United  States  have,  by  the  fifth  canon  of  1829,  pro- 
vided that  every  assistant  bishop,  who  may  hereafter  be 
elected  in  the  said  church,  shall  be  in  all  cases  entitled  to 
succeed  the  bishop  of  the  diocess  in  which  he  may  be 
elected ;  and,  whereas,  the  convention  is  desirous  of  pre- 
serving, as  far  as  possible,  the  harmony  and  uniformity  of 
the  church,  and  of  testifying  its  confidence  in  the  assistant 
bishop  of  this  diocess  :  therefore,  resolved,  that  the  restric- 


1835.]  IX   VIRGINIA,.  2iS,l 

tion  annexed  to  the  election  of  the  assistant  bishop  of  Vir- 
ginia, be  hereby  removed." 

If  fidelity  in  the  discharge  of  duty,  and  unwearied  per- 
severance be  desirable  qualities  in  a  bishop,  and  may  be 
deemed  sufficient  to  entitle  him  to  exercise  the  episcopal 
office  while  he  lives,  then  the  removal  of  the  restrictions 
on  Bishop  Meade's  right  to  succession  may  be  placed  on 
the  ground  of  simple  equity.  His  reports,  made  annually 
to  the  convention,  show  that  he  is  "  in  journeyings  often  ;" 
and  he  is  very  far  from  belonging  to  the  class  of  "  un- 
preaching  prelates." 

In  1832,  the  assistant  bishop,  besides  discharging  a  full 
share  of  duties  in  his  own  diocess,  visited,  by  request,  both 
the  infant  diocesses  of  Kentucky  and  Tennessee.  This 
labour  occupied  three  months,  and  contributed  in  no  small 
measure  to  forward  the  complete  organization  of  those  dio- 
cesses ;  both  of  which  are  now  supplied  with  episcopal 
services  by  their  respective  bishops. 

But  little  remains  to  be  added  to  our  narrative.  The 
present  condition  of  the  church  in  Virginia  is  one  of  grati- 
fying prosperity.  With  more  than  one  hundred  churches, 
some  of  them  the  fruit  of  reviving  zeal  in  parishes  which 
once  flourished,  but  have  long  been  almost  dead,  the  dio- 
cess  now  numbers  more  than  seventy  clergymen;  and 
with  a  missionary  fund,  unemployed  in  part,  because  mis- 
sionaries are  not  to  be  had,  the  diocess  is  labouring  to  sup- 
ply in  some  measure  its  necessities,  by  means  of  its  semi- 
nary at  Alexandria.  Of  this  institution,  it  is  only  necessary 
to  remark,  in  addition  to  what  has  already  been  said,  that 
it  has  afforded  instruction  during  the  last  three  years  to 
sixty  candidates  for  orders,  and  has  given  thirty-six  clergy- 
men to  the  church. 

Not  to  bear  testimony,  in  conclusion,  to  the  zeal  and 
piety  of  our  Virginia  brethren,  both  of  the  clergy  and  laity, 
would  be  to  prove  a  traitor  to  the  cause  of  worth  and  good- 
ness; which  surely  deserve  honourable  notice,  none  the 

N  N 


282     PROTESTANT  EPISCOPAL  CHURCH  IN  VIRGINIA.      [1835. 

less  because  they  do  not  stoop  to  seek  it.     The  author  of 
these  sheets,  in  taking  leave  of  a  subject  which  has,  at  in- 
-^ .  tervals,  for  a  long  time  engaged  his  thoughts  and  occupied 

his  pen,  hopes  to  be  pardoned,  should  he  indulge  the  ex- 
pression of  personal  and  national  feeling:  he  cannot  leave  a 
topic  which,  if  it  has  brought  some  labour,  has  also  brought 
more  pleasure,  without  tendering  to  southern  brethren  the 
affection  of  a  southern  man's  heart ;  who,  while  he  loves  all, 
yet  holds  it  no  sin  to  prefer  some.  His  affection  may  at 
times  have  blinded  his  judgment ;  but  that  affection  will 
not  diminish  the  fervour  of  the  prayer  which  he  offers,  that 
while  prospered  of  Heaven,  the  Churchmen  of  Virginia 
may  not  forget  that  prosperity  brings  danger  with  it;  and 
that  in  their  own  past  history,  the  lesson  is  written,  that 
abused  prosperity  is  apt  to  find  its  corrective,  sooner  or 
later,  in  the  purifying  touch  of  persecution. 


THE    END. 


[Note  A,  page  64.3 

THE  LOYALTY  OF  VIRGINIA. 

It  was  not  until  recently  that  the  loyalty  of  Virginia,  immediately  be- 
fore and  during  the  protectorate,  was  questioned.  In  the  reference  to  this 
note,  the  author,  it  will  be  seen,  classes  the  last  writer  on  American  history 
with  those  who  have  intimated  doubts  on  this  subject.  It  would  be  doing 
great  injustice  to  Mr.  Bancroft,  not  to  acknowledge  the  merit  of  his  work. 
It  is  especially  valuable  for  its  references  to  early  authorities.  The  labour 
of  research,  in  the  preparation  of  the  published  volume  of  the  "  History  of  the 
United  States,"  must  have  been  great ;  and  the  author  of  this  note  thinks 
that  he  can  appreciate  it,  because  he  has  had  to  encounter  a  similar  task. 
Almost  every  rare  and  early  tract  or  volume  referred  to  by  Mr.  Bancroft 
had  been  examined  by  the  author  of  this  book;  and,  therefore,  in  the 
perusal  of  Mr.  Bancroft's  volume,  he  found  himself  on  familiar  ground.  To 
the  general  accuracy  of  that  volume,  and  the  propriety  of  its  references,  the 
present  writer  bears  cheerful  testimony.  Feeling  some  American  pride  in 
Mr.  Bancroft's  book,  as  being  decidedly  superior  to  anything  yet  written  on 
the  subject  of  this  country,  the  author  regretted  to  find  that  he  seemed  to 
doubt  what  appeared  (to  him  at  least)  capable  of  proof  as  an  historical  fact, 
most  honourable  to  Virginia,  and  affording  the  only  key  to  a  solution  of 
some  of  the  peculiarities  both  of  individual  and  national  character.  In  an 
interview  with  Mr.  Bancroft,  (had  since  the  page  referring  to  this  note  was 
printed,)  it  was  with  no  little  gratification  the  writer  heard  him  disclaim  the 
intention  of  representing  Virginia  as  wanting  in  loyalty ;  under  such  cir- 
cumstances, he  of  course  retracts  his  observations  on  Mr.  Bancroft's  sup- 
posed mistake.  Having  said  thus  much,  as  an  act  of  justice  to  the  author 
of  the  History  of  the  United  States,  the  evidence  which,  to  the  mind  of  the 
writer,  established  the  fact  of  the  loyalty  of  Virginia,  and  which  it  was 
originally  intended  should  alone  constitute  this  note,  is  subjoined. 

1.  The  uniform  testimony  of  all  the  first  historians  of  Virginia.  The 
question,  it  must  be  remembered,  was  one  of  fact,  and  evidence  upon  that 
fact  must  have  been  afforded  the  one  way  or  the  other,  in  the  everyday 
intercourse  of  life.  It  would,  therefore,  seem  strange  that  a  mistake  on  the 
subject  should  be  made,  and  perpetuated  without  discovery,  until  modern 
times.  Those  who  lived  nearest  to  the  time,  and  wrote  upon  the  subject, 
could  not,  without  contradiction,  have  asserted  the  fact  to  be  one  way,  when 


284 


NOTE. 


all  around  them  knew  it  to  be  otherwise.     The  presumption,  therefore,  is 
in  favour  of  the  correctness  of  the  early  historians. 

2.  The  known  state  of  the  colony  at  that  time,  with  reference  to  the  char- 
acter of  its  population.  Beyond  all  dispute,  Berkley,  the  governor,  was  a 
devoted  adherent  to  the  royal  family.  The  cavaliers  at  home  looked  upon 
the  colony  of  Virginia  as  their  place  of  refuge,  and  the  land  in  which  they 
might  indulge  all  their  feelings  of  loyalty  without  stint  or  apprehension. 
One  of  them  gives  this  account  of  the  matter.  After  relating  the  death  of 
the  king,  he  proceeds — 

"  The  sad  prospect  of  affairs  in  this  juncture,  gave  such  a  damp  to  all  the 
royal  party  who  had  resolved  to  persevere  in  the  principle  which  engaged 
them  in  the  war,  that  a  very  considerable  number  of  nobility,  clergy,  and 
gentry  so  circumstanced,  did  fly  from  their  native  country."  "  Of  the  num- 
ber who  chose  to  steer  their  course  for  America,  such  of  them  as  inclined 
to  try  their  fortunes  at  Surinam,  Barbadoes,  Antigua,  and  the  Leeward 
Islands,  were  to  be  men  of  the  first  rate,  who  wanted  not  money  or  credit," 
&c.,  &c.  The  writer  himself  being,  as  he  states,  "  nearly  related  to  Sir 
William  Barkeley  the  governor,"  on  that  account  came  with  his  com- 
panions to  Virginia.  The  same  writer  informs  us  that  Berkley  "  showed 
great  respect  to  all  the  royal  party  who  made  that  colony  their  refuge.  His 
house  and  purse  were  open  to  all  that  were  so  qualified  :"  and  the  fact  is 
put  beyond  dispute,  that  the  stanch  old  loyalist  kept  up  a  correspondence 
with  the  king  ;  for  the  very  writer,  from  whom  we  quote,  was  himself  sent 
over  at  Berkley's  expense,  to  find  out  the  king  in  Holland,  and  have  an 
interview  with  him. — See  Norwood's  Journal  of  a  Voyage  to  Virginia ; 
6  ChurchilVs  Collection  of  Voyages,  145.  It  is  evident,  then,  that  the 
cavaliers  were  strong  in  Virginia.  At  the  commencement  of  the  civil  wars 
in  England,  the  population  of  Virginia  was  about  twenty  thousand. — See 
1  Holmes's  Annals,  315.  It  will  not  be  disputed  that  of  these,  a  proportion, 
at  least,  was  attached  to  the  reigning  family.  Let  it  be  supposed  to  be  one 
half;  it  probably  was  more.  At  the  restoration,  the  population  of  Virginia, 
from  the  influx  of  cavaliers,  (few  others  had  any  reason  to  come,)  amounted 
to  thirty  thousand. — See  1  Holmes,  315.  Here,  then,  is  an  increase  of 
ten  thousand ;  add  it  to  the  one  half  of  the  former  population,  and  the  nu- 
merical strength  will  be  on  the  side  of  the  loyalists  :  add  but  the  half  of  this 
increase,  and  parties  are  equally  balanced ;  so  that  Virginia  can  not  be  pro- 
nounced to  be  either  republican  or  loyal.  Are  not  the  probabilities  all  on  the 
side  of  there  being  in  the  colony  a  majority  of  cavaliers  1  If  such  was  the 
fact,  Virginia  must  have  been  loyal. 

3.  Berkley  remained  in  the  colony,  keeping  up  a  correspondence  with  the 
king,  as  we  have  seen,  and  the  records  of  that  day  show  the  names  of  many, 
high  in  oflSces  of  trust  and  profit,  who  are  known  to  have  been  cavaliers. 
There  must  have  been  a  lamentable  scarcity  of  men  of  a  different  stamp, 
which  would  hardly  have  been  the  case,  had  a  majority  been  commonwealth 


NOTE.  286 

men;  or,  if  the  majority  were  commonwealth  men,  we  must  admit  that  they 
entertained  a  singular  preference  for  officers  to  whose  political  opinions  they 
were  bitterly  opposed.  Be  this  however  as  it  may,  it  cannot  reasonably  be 
supposed  that  there  was  not  a  perfect  understanding  between  Berkley  and 
the  leading  cavaliers  ;  and  if  so,  then  all  were  in  correspondence  with  the 
king.  Couple  this  with  two  well-known  facts,  viz.  that  Berkley  never  left 
the  colony,  (though  the  right  to  do  so  within  a  year  was  saved  to  him  by  the 
treaty  of  surrender,)  and  that,  the  protector  having  died  in  September,  1658, 
and  the  governor  of  Virginia  soon  after,  Berkley  was  immediately  appointed 
governor  in  January,  1659.  It  matters  not  whether  this  appointment  was 
made  upon  the  demand  of  a  tumultuous  assemblage,  as  the  early  historians  say, 
Or  not ;  one  thing  is  certain,  that  it  could  not  have  been  made,  had  a  tumul- 
tuous assemblage  opposed  it.  We  must  consequently  admit,  that  the  people 
understood  the  matter  and  were  content ;  or  we  must  suppose  that  in  their 
ignorance  they  followed  their  leaders — these  leaders  must  have  been  loyal- 
ists ;  and  in  either  case,  the  political  character  of  the  colony  must  have  been 
loyal.  As  to  this  matter  of  the  tumultuous  assemblage,  a  word  of  remark 
may  not  be  misplaced.  It  seems  to  be  the  particular  most  questioned,  be- 
cause it  apparently  contradicts  existing  records.  Mr.  Hening,  in  the  Statutes 
at  Large,  (the  best  History  of  Virginia,  by-the-way,  which  has  yet  been 
written,)  doubts  it,  because  he  finds  Berkley  elected  precisely  as  the  other 
governors  had  been  in  Virginia,  during  the  protectorate.  It  is  admitted  ;  but 
is  by  no  means  inconsistent  with  the  fact  of  a  multitude  having  demanded 
of  him  to  take  upon  him  his  old  office  of  governor.  There  may  have  been 
a  popular  call  to  office,  but  not  a  popular  election.  That  in  the  unsettled 
state  of  the  times  was  left  to  go  on  in  the  old  mode,  and  probably  because  it 
was  well  known,  that  those  who  were  to  make  it  were  cavaliers,  and  conse- 
quently ready  enough  to  elect  him  whom  the  multitude  preferred.  Berkley 
himself  looked  upon  his  election  as  one  made  in  the  exigency  of  circum- 
stances, and  did  not  consider  himself  as  in,  of  his  old  official  appointmentr 
The  truth  seems  to  be,  that  there  was  a  temporizing  policy  pursued  in  this 
matter,  which  was  founded  on  existing  circumstances.  Oliver  Cromwell  was 
dead — Richard  had  succeeded  him.  During  Oliver's  life,  there  was  no  prospect 
of  the  restoration  of  the  king,  and  Virginia  submitted,  however  reluctantly  : 
but  was  Richard  to  prove  an  Oliver  1  This  was  a  question  which  time  only 
could  determine.  If  he  did,  then  Virginia  had  nothing  to  do  but  continue 
her  former  submission  :  if  he  did  not,  then  Virginia  was  very  willing  to 
place  herself  in  a  position  in  which  she  might  advantageously  raise  the 
standard  of  royalty.  She  elected  Berkley  in  the  old  mode  ;  that  suited  the 
commonwealth,  if  the  commonwealth  continued.  Berkley  had  also  the  royal 
commission,  and  no  other  man  in  the  colony  had  ;  this  gave  the  cavaliers  a 
vantage  ground  on  which  to  stand,  should  the  commonwealth  cease,  and  an 
auspicious  time  arrive  for  unfurling  the  standard  of  the  king.  May  not  con- 
siderations like  these  have  operated  in  that  day]     On  this  theory,  the  seem- 


286  NOTE. 

ing  contradiction  of  the  records  of  that  day  may  all  be  harmonized.  Accord- 
ing to  the  view  of  Berkley  himself,  though  elected  by  the  assembly,  (and, 
therefore,  in  one  sense  their  servant,)  neither  he  nor  they  had  any  power  be- 
yond that  which  the  necessity  of  the  times  forced  some  one  to  exercise. 
Writing  to  Governor  Stuyvesant,  he  says,  **  I  amJurt  a  servant  of  the  As- 
sembly ;  neither  do  they  arrogate  any  power  to  themselves,  further  than  the 
miserable  distractions  of  England  force  them  to.  For  when  God  shall  be 
pleased  in  his  mercy  to  take  away  and  dissipate  the  unnatural  divisions  of 
their  native  country,  they  will  immediately  return  to  their  own  professed 
obedience." — 1  Smith'' s  J^ew- York,  11. 

4.  Cromwell  always  viewed  Virginia  with  suspicion :  and  the  text  fur- 
nishes an  instance  of  it,  in  the  reproof  with  which  he  visited  them  for  their 
kindness  to  Maryland. 

5.  Contemporaries,  actors  in  the  scenes,  residents  in  Virginia,  have  left 
behind  them  their  testimony,  and  it  has  come  down  to  us  to  prove  the  loyalty 
of  Virginia.     We  have  already  mentioned  in  the  text  that,  after  the  restora- 
tion, when  Sir  William  Berkley  was  called  home  on  a  visit,  by  the  king,  a 
pamphlet  was  presented  to  the  Bishop  of  London,  which  it  is  supposed 
was  prepared  by  direction  of  Berkley :  it  is  entitled  "  Virginia's  Cure,  an 
advisive  Narrative  concerning  Virginia,"  &c.,  «&c.,  and  was  printed  in 
1G61.     In  a  passage,  quoted  in  the  text,  the  author  (who  was  himself  in  Vir- 
ginia) states,  that  the  naval  force  of  the  parliament  "  had  reduced  the  colony 
under  the  power  (but  never  to  the  obedience)  of  the  usurpers."     And  as  a 
proof  of  it,  in  part,  he  states  that  "  the  people  generally  bear  a  great  love  to 
the  stated  constitutions  of  the  Church  of  England  in  her  government  and 
public  worship  ;"  and  the  especial  claim  of  Virginia  to  the  kind  and  prompt 
attention  of  his  lordship,  is  urged  upon  the  ground  that,  "  in  the  late  times  of 
our  church's  persecution,  her  people  alone  cheerfully  and  joyfully  embraced, 
encouraged,  and  maintained  the  orthodox  ministers  that  went  over  to  them 
in  their  public  conformity  to  the  Church  of  England  in  her  doctrine  and 
stated  manner  of  public  worship."     A  part  of  that  public  worship  included 
a  prayer  for  the  king,  the  use  of  which  was,  indeed,  prohibited  by  one  of  the 
articles  of  the  surrender,  but  which  the  language  of  our  authority  would 
justify  us  in  supposing  was,  notwithstanding,  used,  particularly  as  we  know 
that  other  articles  of  the  surrender  were  disregarded.     Another  contempo- 
rary publication,  to  which  we  have  referred  in  the  text,  is  explicit  on  the 
subject.     The  book  is  entitled  "  Leah  and  Rachell ;  or,  the  two  fruitful! 
Sisters  of  Virginia  and  Maryland,"  printed  in  1656.     It  was  written  by 
John  Hammond,  who  lived  in  both  colonies,  and  in  fact  gives  the  first  con- 
temporary history  which  was  written  of  the  subjugation  of  Virginia  by  the 
parliamentary  commissioners.     Speaking  of  Virginia,  during  the  protecto- 
rate, his  words  are,  "  Virginia  being  whole  for  monarchy." 

Upon  the  testimony  herein  presented,  the  author  has  considered  the  fact 
of  Virginia's  loyalty  as  one  which  is  sustained  by  sufficient  evidence. 


^; 


■^ 


JOURNALS 


OF  THE 


CONVENTIONS 


PROTESTANT    EPISCOPAL    CHURCH 


DIOCESS    OF    VIRGINIA. 


FROM      1786      TO      183  5,     IN  O  L  U  S  1  V  E. 


^ 


JOURNALS 

OF  THE 

CONVENTIONS 

OF   THE 

PROTESTANT  EPISCOPAL  CHURCH  IN  VIRGINIA, 

FROM  THE  YEAR  1785  TO  THE  PRESENT  DAY. 


AN    ACT    FOR    INCORPORATING    THE    PROTESTANT 
EPISCOPAL    CHURCH. 

Whereas  the  Clergy  of  the  Protestant  Epis- 
copal Church,  by  their  petition  presented,  have 
requested  that  their  church  may  be  incorporated, 
Be   it  enacted  hy  the    General  Assembly,  That 
every    minister   of    the    Protestant    Episcopal 
Church,  now  holding  a  parish  within  this  com- 
monwealth, either  by  appointment  from  a  vestry 
or  induction  from  a  governor,  and  all  the  ves- 
trymen in  the  different  parishes  now  instituted, 
or  which  hereafter  may  be  instituted,  within  this 
commonwealth,  that  is  to  say,  the  minister  and 
vestrymen  of  each  parish  respectively,  or,  in  case 
of  a  vacancy,  the  vestry  of  each  parish,  and 
their   successors  for   ever,   are  hereby  made  a 
body  corporate  and  politic,  by  the  name  of  the 
minister  and  vestry  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  in   the  parish  where  they  respectively 
reside  ;   and  by  the  name,  style,  and  title  afore- 
said, they  and  their  successors  shall  for   ever 
lawfully  have,  hold,  use,  and  enjoy  all  and  every 
tract  or  tracts  of  glebe-land  already  purchased, 
the  churches  and  chapels  already  built,  with  the 
burying-grounds  belonging  to  them,  and  such  as 
were  begun  and  contracted  for  before   the  first 
day  of  January,  in  the  year  1777,  for  the  use  of 
the  parishes,  with  their  hereditaments  and  apper- 
tenances,  and  all   books,  plate,  and  ornaments 
appropriated  to  the  use  of,  and  every  other  thing 
the  properly  of  the  late  established  church,  to 
the  sole  and  only  proper  use  and  benefit  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Churcn  in  the  parish  where 
the  respective  ministers  and  vestries  reside  (ex- 
cept the  glebe  in  the  county  of  Augusta ;  the 
rents  or  ])rofits  arising  from  which  that  are  now 
due,  or  that  shall  become  due,  until  a  sufficient 
number  of  the  professors  of  the  church  now  in- 
corporated by  this  act  shall  be  formed   into  a 
society  in  the  said  county,  shall  be,  by  the  over- 
seers of  the  poor,  applied  to  the  repairing  the 
church    and    chnrchyard,  and  for   the  support 
of  the   poor  of   the    said  county),  and  where 
the  property  is  situate  and  being,  agreeable  to 
the  true  intent  for  which  it  was  purchased  or 
given ;  and  by  the  name,  style,  and  title  afore- 
said, they  shall  be  capable  in  law  to  hold,  main- 
lain,  and  recover  all  their  estates,  rights,  and 


privileges,  and  to  sue  and  be  sued,  plead  and  be 
empleaded,  answer  and  be  answered  unto,  de- 
fend and  be  defended,  in  all  suits,  controversies, 
causes,  actions,  matters,  and  things,  in  any  court 
or  courts  of  law  or  equity  whatsoever,  and  shall 
have  one  common  seal  and  perpetual  succession. 
Provided  always  and  be  it  further  enacted.,  That 
in  all  proceedings  of  the  aioresaid  ministers  and 
vestries,  all  matters  shall  be  decided  by  a  major- 
ity of  votes,  and  the  minister  shall  in  no  case 
have  a  negative  on  the  proceedings  of  the  said 
corporation,  except  where  his  vote  shall  be  with 
or  make  a  majority  of  the  votes  present  at  any 
meeting  of  the  said  corporation. 

And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  the  respective 
incorporated  ministers  and  vestries  of  the  Prot- 
estant Episcopal  Church  shall  have  full  power, 
good  right,  and  lawful  authority,  to  have,  take, 
receive,  acquire,  purchase,  use,  and  enjoy  lands, 
tenements,  and  hereditaments,  and  all  goods  and 
chattels,  and  to  demise,  alien,  improve,  and  lease 
(glebe-lands  intended  for  the  minister's  resi- 
dence excepted,  and  those  to  lease  and  improve 
during  a  vacancy)  the  said  lands,  tenements,  and 
hereditaments,  and  to  use  and  improve  such 
goods  and  chattels  to  the  use  and  benefit  of  the 
said  church  within  their  respective  parishes, 
not  to  exceed  eight  hundred  pounds  yearly  rent 
or  income,  any  law,  usage,  or  custom  to  the 
contrary  notwithstanding  :  And  that  it  shall  be 
lawful  for  the  said  ministers  and  vestries  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church  to  apply  any  goods 
or  chattels  belonging  to  the  said  church,  to  the 
purpose  of  erecting  or  repairing  churches,  cur 
building  or  repairing  dwelling  or  other  houses 
for  the  use  of  their  ministers,  or  school-houses, 
as  they  shall  from  time  to  time  think  necessary 
within  their  respective  parishes. 

And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  the  minister,  oty 
in  case  of  absence  or  vacancy,  the  church-war- 
dens, shall  call  a  meeting  of  the  incorporated 
body  as  often  as  it  shall  be  deemed  needful,  and 
seven  of  the  said  body  shall  be  a  sufficient  num- 
ber to  constitute  a  meeting  for  the  despatch  of 
business,  and  shall  have  power,  except  in  cases 
of  demising,  alienation,  or  leasing,  in  which 
cases  a  concurrence  of  a  majority  of  the  whole 
shall  bs  necessary  to  make  such  rules  and  or- 
ders for  managing  all  the  temporal  affairs  and 


2 


ACT  OF  INCORPORATION. 


concerns  of  said  chnrch  as  they,  or  the  major 
part  of  them  so  met,  shall  agree  upon,  and  shall 
think  most  conducive  to  the  interest  and  pros- 
perity of  that  church,  and  shall  have  the  sole  dis- 
position and  ordering  of  all  payments  of  the 
moneys  belonging  to  the  said  church,  and  also 
the  appointing  a  clerk,  a  treasurer,  and  collect- 
or, whenever  they  judge  it  necessary,  and  the 
said  clerk,  treasurer,  and  collector  at  their  pleas- 
ure to  remove,  and  to  appoint  others  in  their 
stead.  All  which  orders  and  rules  they  shall 
cause  to  be  fairlv  entered  and  preserved  in 
books  to  be  provided  for  that  purpose. 

And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  in  whatever 
parish  or  parishes  within  this  commonwealth, 
ministers  and  vestrymen  are-wanting  to  form  a 
body  corporate  and  politic,  agreeable  to  the  di- 
rections of  this  act,  it  shall  be  lawful  for  any 
two  reputable  inhabitants,  members  of  the  Epis- 
copal Church,  to  call  together  at  some  conve- 
nient place,  by  notice  duly  given,  the  members 
of  the  said  church  residing  within  such  parish 
or  parishes,  and  there  elect,  by  a  majority  of 
votes,  twelve  able  and  discreet  men,  members 
of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  who  shall 
be  a  vestry  to  all  intents  and  purposes,  and  who, 
with  their  minister,  or  during  a  vacancy,  with- 
out a  minister,  shall  be  a  body  corporate  and 
politic  by  the  same  name,  and  shall  enjoy  all  the 
rights,  powers,  privileges,  and  immunities,  as 
by  this  act  are  given  to  the  respective  ministers 
and  vestries  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church 
within  this  commonwealth. 

And  be  it  further  enacted.  That  at  all  future 
elections  of  vestries,  no  person  shall  be  allowed 
to  vote  who  does  not  profess  himself  a  member 
of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  and  actual- 
ly contribute  towards  its  support.  There  shall 
be  elections  of  vestrymen  every  third  year  for 
ever  ;  the  first  election  to  be  held  on  Monday  in 
next  Easter-week,  if  fair,  if  not,  the  next  fair 
day,  and  all  succeeding  elections  on  the  same 
day,  except  as  before  excepted,  in  every  third 
year ;  which  elections  shall  be  held  and  con- 
ducted in  the  following  manner,  viz  :  The  mem- 
bers of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  shall 
assemble  at  their  respective  parish  churches,  or 
at  some  other  convenient  place  in  the  parish,  on 
Easter-Monday,  except  as  before  excepted,  every 
third  year,  and  then  and  there  elect  twelve  able 
and  discreet  men,  members  of  the  same  church, 
who  shall,  previous  to  their  entering  on  the 
office  of  vestrymen,  subscribe  in  vestry  to  be 
conformable  to  the  doctrine,  discipline,  and  wor- 
ship of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church.  Two 
of  the  vestry  so  chosen  shall,  by  a  majority  of 
the  vestry  assembled,  be  nominated  church- 
wardens, who,  or  either  of  whom,  and  their  suc- 
cessors, shall  preside  at  all  future  elections, 
shall  take  care  that  the  elections  are  conducted 
in  a  fair  and  orderly  manner,  and  shall  be  judges 
of  the  qualifications  of  electors.  And  to  the 
intent  that  vacancies  in  vestries  may  be  filled 
up,  Be  it  enacted,  That  whenever  vacancies  in 
vestries  shall  happen,  either  by  death,  resigna- 
tion, or  removal  from  the  parish,  the  remaining 
vestrymen,  or  a  quorum  of  them,  shall  choose 
such  persons  als  theymay  judge  prop'er  to  supply 


the  office  of  vestrymen ;  who,  on  their  subscri- 
bing in  vestry  as  before  directed,  shall  continue 
in  office  until  the  next  general  election  of  ves- 
tries, except  they  remove  from  the  parish  for 
which  they  were  elected,  or  shall  resign. 

And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  the  ministers 
and  vestries  of  the  respective  parishes,  or  the 
person  or  persons  authorized  by  them  to  manage 
the  temporal  concerns  of  the  Protestant  Episco- 
pal Church  in  the  respective  parishes,  shall,  and 
they  are  hereby  required,  on  the  court-day  of 
their  respective  counties  next  following  the  tri- 
ennial elections,  and  so  continually  once  in 
every  three  years,  at  the  court  aforesaid,  to  ex- 
hibit upon  oath  an  account  and  inventory  of  all 
the  estate,  both  real  and  personal,  belonging  to 
their  respective  churches  or  religious  societies, 
together  with  the  account  of  the  annual  revenue 
arising  therefrom  ;  and  in  case  the  vestry  of  any 
parish,  or  the  person  or  persons  intrusted  with 
the  care  of  the  temporalities  of  the  respective 
churches  or  religious  societies  of  th^  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church,  shall  fail  to  exhibit  an  ac- 
count and  inventory  of  the  estate  and  annual  rev- 
enue of  the  said  churches  respectively,  for  the 
space  of  twelve  months  after  the  expiration  of 
the  three  years  within  which  time  they  are 
hereby  required  to  render  such  account  and  in- 
ventory, the  vestry  for  the  parish  thus  failing 
shall  forfeit  and  pay  the  sum  of  one  hundred 
pounds,  to  the  use  of  the  commonwealth,  to  be 
recovered  by  action  of  debt  in  any  court  of  rec- 
ord ;  and  in  case  the  account  and  inventory  shall 
not  be  returned  at  the  time  appointed  after  the 
next  general  election,  the  vestry  thus  failing 
shall  cease  to  be  a  body  corporate. 

And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  in  all  cases 
where  it  shall  appear  by  the  account  and  inven- 
tory rendered  as  aforesaid,  that  the  annual  rev- 
enue of  any  church  exceeds  the  said  sum  of 
eight  hundred  pounds,  the  court  before  whom 
such  account  is  rendered  is  hereby  required  to 
report  the  same,  together  with  the  account  and 
inventory  by  which  such  excess  appears,  to  the 
executive,  to  be  by  them  laid  before  the  General 
Assembly  at  their  next  session.  And  to  the  in- 
tent that  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  may 
be  released  from  those  restraints  which  are  yet 
imposed  on  her  by  the  laws  of  this  common- 
wealth, 

Be  it  enactedy  That  all  former  acts  relating  to 
the  elections,  qualifications,  powers,  and  duties 
of  vestrymen  and  church-wardens,  all  former 
acts  for  the  support  of  the  clergy,  all  former  acts 
relating  to  the  appointment  or  qualifications  or 
duties  of  ministers,  all  acts  enjoining  the  obser- 
vance of  any  particular  liturgy  or  form  of  wor- 
ship, the  use  of  any  particular  catechism  or  mode 
of  faith,  and  the  observance  of  fasts  and  festi- 
vals, and  all  former  acts  imposing  penalties  on 
clergymen  for  neglecting  to  keep  registers,  or 
neglecting  to  give  notice  of  any  observance,  or 
publishing  any  law,  and  every  other  act  or 
clauses  of  acts  within  the  purview  of  this  act, 
are  hereby  repealed  ;  and  all  the  vestries  within 
this  commonwealth  are,  on  the  day  before  the 
Monday  of  next  Easter-week,  declared  to  be  dis- 
solved ;  and  the  Protestant  Episcopal   Church 


CONVENTION  OF  1785. 


within  this  commonwealth  is  hereby  authorized ' 
to  regulate  (in  conventions  of  their  church  to  be  ' 
held  so  often  as,  and  where  they  think  proper,  | 
and  to  consist  of  a  deputation  of  two  persons 
from  each  parish,  whereof  the  minister  shall  al- 
ways be  one,  if  there  be  a  minister  m  the  parish, 
and  the  other  person   or  persons  shall  be  ap- 1 
pointed  by  the  vestries)  all    ihe   religious  con- , 
cerns  of  that  chnrch,  its   doctrines,  discipline, 
and  worship,  and  to  institute  such  rules  and  reg-  , 
ulations   as  they  may  judge  necessary  for  the  j 
good  government  thereof,  and  the  same  to   re-  I 
Yoke  and  alter  at  their  pleasure.     Forty  persons  ' 
so  appointed  shall  be  a  convention,  and  the  first , 
meeting  may  be  at  the  call  of  any  three  minis- 
ters of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church.     Pro- 
vided, that  no  rules  or  regulations  shall  be  in- 
stituted that  shall  be  repugnant  to  the  laws  and 
constitution  of  this  commonwealth,  or  by  which 
a  minister  may  be  received  into  or  turned  out 


of  a  parish  contrary  to  the  consent  of  a  majority 
of  a  vestry. 

And  be  it  further  enacted.  That  the  ministers 
and  laymen  met  in  general  convention  shall 
have  full  power  and  authority,  on  good  cause  to 
them  shown,  to  remove  from  any  parish  any 
minister  accused  of  unworthy  behaviour,  or  neg- 
lecting the  duties  of  his  office. 

Atid  belt  further  enacted,  That  where  it  shall 
have  happened  that  the  present  vestries  have 
failed  in  any  parish  to  jay  their  parish  levy,  and  to 
make  provision  for  their  poor,  or  other  legal  de- 
mands against  such  vestry  at  the  time  prescribed 
by  law,  such  vestries  having  so  failed  are  here- 
by authorized  to  levy  on  their  respective  parishes 
ail  arrearages  due  from  the  said  vestry,  in  the 
same  manner  as  they  might  have  done  before 
the  passing  of  this  act,  any  thing  in  this  act  to 
the  contrary  notwithstanding. 


Journal  of  a  Convention  of  the  Clergy  and  Laity  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  of  Virginia, 
begun  and  holden  in  the  City  of  Richmond,  Wednesday,  May  18,  1785. 


A  List  of  the  Members  of  the  Convention. 


Counties. 

Accomack, 

Albemarle, 
Brunswick  and 
Greensville, 
Berkeley, 

Caroline, 

Charles  City, 
Chesterfield, 

Culpepper, 

Cumberland, 
Dinwiddle, 

Elizabeth  City, 

Essex, 

Fairfax, 

Fauquier, 

Frederick, 

Gloucester, 
Goochland, 

Hanover, 

Henrico, 
James  City, 

King  George, 

King  and  Queen, 

King  William, 


1 


Parishes. 
(  Accomack, 
\  St.  George, 

Fredericitsville, 
)  St.  Andrew, 
\  Meherrin, 

Norborne, 

/Drysdale, 
St.  Asaph, 

St.  Margaret^ 

St.  Mary, 

Westover, 

Manchester, 

Dale, 
(  St.  Mark, 
\  Bromfield, 

Lyttleton, 

Bath, 

Elizabeth  City, 

j  South  Farnham, 

i  St.  Anne, 

Fairfax, 

Leeds, 

Frederick, 
I  Abingdon, 
<  Petsworth, 
'  Kingston, 

St.  James's  Nor- 
tham, 

^  St.  Paul, 

f  St.  Martin, 

Henrico, 

James  City, 
(  Hanover, 
\  St.  Pauls, 

St.  Stephen, 

St.  John, 

St.  David, 


A2 


Lay  Deputies. 
Jabez  Pittis. 

Levin  Joynes  and  Tully  Wise. 
John  Walker. 
Drury  Stith. 
Thomas  Claiborne. 
Morgan  Morgan. 
William  Lyne. 
John  Page,  jun. 
Samuel  Hawes. 
Robert  Gilchrist. 
John  Tyler. 

Archibald  Cary. 

James  Pendleton. 

Reuben  Beall. 

Benjamin  Wilson. 

Robert  Walker. 
c  Wilson  Miles  Cary  and 
{  George  Wray. 
K  Spencer  Roane  and 
\  Newman  Brockenbrough. 

Robert  Beverley. 

Bryan  Fairfax. 

Philip  Mallory. 

John  Page. 
Matthew  Anderson. 
Thomas  Smith. 

>  Thomas  Underwood. 

K  John  Pendleton  and 
(  Bartlett  Anderson. 

John  Winston. 

Edmund  Randolph. 

William  Lee. 

Burditt  Ashton. 

Townsend  Dade. 

Anderson  Scott  and  Henry  Young 

Carter  Braxton. 

Benjamin  Temple. 


Clergymen. 


Thomas  Lundie. 


Carter. 

Samuel  Shield. 
Archibald  Dick. 


Charles  Clay. 
William  Leigh. 
James  Stephenson. 

Christopher  Macrae. 
Devereaux  Jarratt. 


David  Griffith. 
Alexander  Belmain. 


Robert  Barret. 
John  Buchanan. 
James  Madison. 


William  Skyring. 


CONVENTION  OF  1785. 


Counties. 
Lancaster, 
Louisa, 
Lunenburg, 
Middlesex, 
Mecklenburg, 

Nansemond, 
New  Kent, 
Norfolk, 

Northumberland, 

Northampton, 
Orange, 
Pittsylvania, 
Powhatan, 

P.  George, 

P,  Anne, 
P.  William, 
Richmond, 
Southampton, 

Spotsylvania, 

Stafford, 

Surry, 
Warwick, 
Westmoreland, 
Williamsburg, 

York, 


Parishes. 
Christ  Church, 
Trinity, 
Cumberland, 
Christ  Church, 
St.  James, 
Upper, 
Suffolk, 
Blisland, 
St.  Peter, 
Elizabeth, 
Portsmouth, 
Wicomico, 
St.  Stephen, 
Hungars, 
St.  Thomas, 
Camden, 
Southam, 
Martin's  Brandon, 
Bristol, 
Lynhaven, 
Dettingen, 
Farnham, 
St.  Luke, 
St.  George, 
Berkeley, 
Over  Wharton, 
Brunswick, 
Southwark, 
Warwick, 
Washington, 
Bruton, 

York  Hampton, 
Charles, 


Lay  Deputies. 
James  Ball. 

Garret  Minor  and  Chas.  Yancey. 
Thomas  Buford. 

Lewis  Burwell. 

Willis  Riddick  and  Richard  Baker 

Solomon  Shepherd, 

Burwell  Bassett. 

William  Hartwell  Macon. 

James  Taylor  and  George  Kelly. 

John  Hudson. 

Thomas  Gaskins. 

Hudson  Meuse. 

Thomas  Barbour. 
Abraham  Shelton. 
Vincent  Maikham. 
Nathaniel  Harrison. 
Robert  Boiling. 


Clergymen. 


James  Craig. 
Samuel  Klug. 


Arthur  Emmerson. 
Price  Davies. 
James  Semple. 


John  Leland. 
Thomas  Davis. 
Samuel  S.  M'Croskey. 


Jesse  Ewell. 
William  Peachey. 

Joseph  Brock. 

Beverley  Winslow  and  J.  Dawson 

Charles  Carter. 

William  Fitzhugh. 

Carter  B.  Harrison. 

Richard  Cary. 

John  Blair. 
Nathaniel  Nelson. 
Robert  Shield. 


John  H.  Saunders. 
Benjamin  Blagrove. 
John  Cameron. 
Simpson. 


George  Gurley. 


Robert  Buchan. 
Thomas  Thornton. 
H.  John  Burgess. 
William  Bland. 
Francis  Wilson. 
John  Bracken. 
Robert  Andrews. 
Joseph  Davenport. 


A  SUFFICIENT  number  of  clergymen  and  lay 
deputies  to  form  a  Convention  agreeable  to  the 
act  of  Assembly  for  incorporating  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church  having  met, 

The  Rev.  James  Madison,  D.  D.,  was  unani- 
mously elected  President  of  the  Convention. 

The  Rev.  Robert  Andrews,  A.  M.,  was  unan- 
imously appointed  Secretary  of  the  Convention. 

Ordered,  That  a  committee  be  appointed  to 
examine  and  report  to  the  Convention  the  cer- 
tificate of  appointment  of  the  sitting  members. 
And  a  committee  was  appointed  of  Mr.  Lee, 
Mr.  Wilson  M.  Cary,  Mr.  Braxton,  Mr.  Page, 
of  Gloucester,  Rev.  Mr.  Griffith,  and  Rev.  Mr. 
Shield. 

Resolved,  That  this  Convention  will  observe 
the  standing  rules  of  the  House  of  Delegates. 

Ordered,  That  two  door-keepers  be  appointed. 

The  act  of  Assembly  for  incorporating  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  and  a  paper  con- 
taining the  proceedings  of  a  Convention  of  Cler- 
gymen and  Lay  Deputies  of  the  Protestant  Epis- 
copal Church,  held  at  New- York,  on  the  6th 
and  7th  of  October,  1784,  were  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  act  and  paper  lie  on 
the  table. 

Resolved,  That  this  Convention  will  to-mor- 
row resolve  itself  into  a  committee  of  the  whole 
Convention  to  take  into  consideration  the  state 
of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  this  com- 
monwealth. 

Resolved,  That  the  secretary  be  authorized 
to  employ  an  asedstant^ 


Resolved,  That  this  Convention  will  attend 
divine  service  to-morrow  morning,  at  9  o'clock, 
at  the  church  in  this  city  :  And  that  divine  ser- 
vice shall  afterward  be  performed  every  morning 
in  the  capitol  when  the  president  takes  the  chair. 

The  Convention  adjourned  till  to-morrow 
morning,  10  o'clock. 

Thursday,  May  19,  1785. 

The  Convention  having  met  according  to  ad- 
journment. 

Ordered,  That  the  thanks  of  the  Convention 
be  given  to  the  Rev.  John  Bracken  for  the  ex- 
cellent sermon  preached  by  him  this  morning. 

The  Convention,  according  to  the  order  of 
the  day,  resolved  itself  into  a  committee  of  the 
whole  Convention  to  take  into  consideration  the 
state  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  this 
commonwealth. 

Mr.  Braxton  in  the  chair. 

Mr.  Braxton,  from  the  committee  of  the  whole 
Convention  to  take  into  consideration  the  state 
of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  this  com- 
monwealth, reported.  That  the  committee  had, 
according  to  order,  tiiken  the  same  into  consid- 
eration, and  come  to  the  following  resolution 
thereupon,  which  was  read  and  agreed  to  as  fol- 
loweth  : — 

Resolved,  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  com- 
mittee that  an  address  be  prepared  to  the  mem- 
bers of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  of  Vir- 
ginia, representing  the  condition  of  that  Church, 
and  eihorting  them  to  unite  in  its  eupjtttt. 


CONVENTION  OF  1785. 


Ordered,  That  a  committee  of  eight  members 
be  appointed  to  prepare  the  address  :  And  a 
committee  was  appointed  of  Mr.  Page,  of  Glou- 
cester, Mr.  Randolph,  Mr.  Braxton,  Mr.  Walk- 
er, Rev.  Mr.  Griffith,  Rev.  Mr.  Burgess,  Rev. 
Mr.  Bracken,  and  Rev.  Mr.  Andrews. 

The  Convention  again  resolved  itself  into  a 
committee  of  the  whole  Convention  on  the  state 
of  the  Church,  and  after  some  time  spent  there- 
in, Mr.  President  resumed  the  chair,  and  Mr. 
Braxton  reported  that  the  committee  had,  ac- 
cording to  order,  taken  the  state  of  the  Church 
under  consideration,  and  had  come  to  several  res- 
olutions thereupon,  which  were  read  and  agreed 
to  by  the  Convention,  as  followeth  :  — 

Resolved,  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  com- 
mittee that  deputies  be  appointed  to  represent 
the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  of  Virginia,  in 
the  General  Convention  to  be  holden  in  the  city 
of  Philadelphia  on  the  Tuesday  before  the  feast 
of  St.  Michael  next. 

Resolved,  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  com- 
mittee that  the  deputation  to  the  General  Con- 
vention consist  of  two  clergymen  and  two  lay- 
men ;  any  two  of  whom  shall  be  considered  as 
a  representation. 

Resolved,  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  com- 
mittee that  instructions  be  prepared  for  the  con- 
duct of  the  said  deputies. 

Resolved,  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  com- 
mittee that  the  said  instructions  be  so  framed  as 
to  leave  the  Convention  of  this  state  at  liberty 
to  approve  or  disapprove  of  the  proceedings  of 
the  General  Convention. 

Mr.  Braxton  informed  the  Convention  that 
the  committee  of  the  whole  Convention  on  the 
state  of  the  Church  had  not  gone  through  the  bu- 
siness to  them  referred  ;  and  moved  that  the  said 
committee  have  leave  to  sit  again,  whereon  it  was 

Resolved,  That  the  Convention  will  again,  to- 
morrow, resolve  itself  into  a  committee  of  the 
whole  Convention  on  the  state  of  the  Church. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  appointed  to 
prepare  the  address  to  the  members  of  the  Prot- 
estant Episcopal  Church  in  this  commonwealth, 
also  prepare  the  instructions  for  the  conduct  of 
the  deputies  to  the  General  Convention;  and 
that  the  Rev.  Mr.  M'Croskey  and  Mr.  Lee  be 
added  to  the  committee. 

Ordered,  That  a  committee  be  appointed  to 
prepare  a  plan  for  the  support  of  the  deputies  to 
the  General  Convention  :  And  a  committee  was 
appointed  of  Mr.  Randolph,  Rev.  Mr.  Griffith, 
Mr.  Walker,  and  Rev.  Mr.  Davis. 

Resolved,  That  the  Convention  will  on  Sat- 
urday next  proceed  by  ballot  to  the  choice  of 
deputies  to  attend  the  General  Convention. 

Ordered,  That  a  committee  be  appohited  to 
prepare  and  report  fit  rules  for  the  order,  gov- 
ernment, and  discipline  of  the  Protestant  Epis- 
copal Church  in  this  commonwealth.  And  a 
committee  was  appointed  of  Mr.  N.  Harrison, 
Rev.  T.  Davis,  Rev.  Mr.  Shield,  Rev.  Mr.  Sky- 
ring,  Rev.  Mr.  Davenport,  Rev.  Mr.  Cameron, 
Rev.  Mr.  Griffith,  Rev.  Mr.  M'Croskey,  Rev. 
Mr.  Burgess,  Mr.  Page,  Mr.  W.  M.  Cary,  Mr. 
Taylor,  Mr.  Lee,  Mr.  Gilchrist,  Mr.  Nelson,  and 
Mr.  Peachey. 


The  Convention  adjourned  till  to-morrow 
morning,  11  o'clock. 

Feiday,  May  20,  1785. 

Mr.  Page,  from  the  committee  appointed  to 
prepare  instructions  for  the  deputies  to  the  Gen- 
eral Convention,  presented  a  draught  of  such  in- 
structions, which  were  read,  and  ordered  to  be 
referred  to  a  committee  of  the  whole  Conven- 
tion to-morrow. 

Mr.  Randolph,  from  the  committee  appointed 
to  prepare  a  plan  for  the  support  of  the  deputies 
to  the  General  Convention,  reported,  That  the 
committee  had,  according  to  order,  had  the  same 
under  consideration,  and  had  come  to  some  res- 
olutions thereupon,  which  were  read  and  agreed 
to,  as  followeth  : — 

Resolved,  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  your  com- 
mittee that  it  be  recommended  to  the  several 
vestries  of  this  commonwealth  to  procure  by  sub- 
scription, from  the  members  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church  within  their  respective  par- 
ishes, the  sum  of  five  pounds,  for  the  purpose 
of  defraying  the  expenses  of  the  deputies  of  the 
said  church  to  the  General  Convention,  to  be 
holden  at  Philadelphia  on  the  Tuesday  before 
the  feast  of  St.  Michael  next,  and  to  forward 
the  same  to  the  Rev.  John  Buchanan,  of  the 
city  of  Richmond,  on  or  before  the  twentieth 
day  of  August  next. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  Rev.  John  Buchanan 
be  requested  to  receive  the  moneys  raised  by 
the  aforesaid  subscription  ;  and  to  pay  the  same 
in  equal  proportions  to  such  of  the  said  deputies 
as  shall  undertake  the  business,  or  to  their  or- 
der, as  far  as  the  sum  of  forty  pounds  each,  and 
to  retain  the  balance  in  his  hands,  subject  to  the 
order  of  the  Convention. 

Resolved,  That  the  representatives  of  the  sev- 
eral parishes  in  this  Convention  will  exert  them- 
selves for  the  payment  of  the  sum  aforesaid. 

Resolved,  That  his  excellency  the  Governor, 
the  members  of  the  Council,  and  the  judges  of 
the  Supreme  Courts,  be  admitted  to  seats  within 
the  bar. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Thomas  Davis,  from  the  com- 
mittee appointed  to  prepare  fit  rules  for  the  or- 
der, government,  and  discipline  of  the  Protest- 
ant Episcopal  Church  in  Virginia,  informed  the 
Convention  that  the  said  committee  had,  ac- 
cording to  order,  framed  several  rules  for  the 
attainment  of  those  ends  ;  which  were  read,  and 
ordered  to  be  referred  to  a  committee  of  the 
whole  Convention  to-morrow. 

Ordered,  That  the  secretary  procure  a  copy  of 
the  Canons  of  the  Church  of  England  for  the 
use  of  the  Convention. 

Ordered,  That  the  proceedings  of  the  Con- 
vention of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church, 
holden  at  New- York  on  the  6th  and  7th  days 
of  October,  1784,  be  referred  to  the  committee 
appointed  to  draw  up  the  instructions  for  the 
deputies  to  the  General  Convention ;  and  that 
Mr.  A.  Cary  and  Rev.  Mr.  Leigh  be  added  to 
the  said  committee. 

Resolved,  That  the  order  of  the  day  that  the 
Convention  resolve  itself  into  a  committee  of 
the  whole  Convention  on  the  state  of  the  Prot- 


s 


CONVENTION  OF  1785. 


estant  Episcopal  Church  in  this  commonwealth 
be  put  off  until  to-morrow. 

The  Convention  adjourned  till  to-morrow,  10 
o'clock. 

Saturday,  May  21,  1785. 

Mr.  Lee,  from  the  committee  appointed  to 
examine  and  report  the  certificates  of  appoint- 
ment of  the  sitting  members,  reported,  That  the 
said  committee  had,  according  to  order,  exam- 
ined the  same,  and  had  come  to  some  resolu- 
tions thereupon,  which  were  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  resolutions  lie  on  the 
table. 

The  Convention,  according  to  the  order  of 
the  day,  resolved  itself  into  a  committee  of  the 
whole  Convention  on  the  draught  of  the  instruc- 
tions for  the  deputies  to  the  General  Conven- 
tion ;  and  after  some  time  spent  therein,  Mr. 
President  resumed  the  chair,  and  Mr.  Braxton, 
from  the  said  committee,  reported.  That  ths 
committee  had  gone  through  the  business  to  them 
referred,  and  had  made  several  amendments, 
which  he  was  ready  to  report  when  the  Con- 
vention should  be  pleased  to  receive  them. 

Resolved,  That  the  Convention  will  on  Mon- 
day next  receive  the  said  report. 

The  Convention,  according  to  the  order  of 
the  day,  resolved  itself  into  a  committee  of  the 
whole  Convention  on  the  rules  for  the  order, 
government,  and  discipHne  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church  in  Virginia,  and  after  some 
time  spent  therein,  Mr.  President  resumed  the 
chair,  and  Mr.  Braxton  reported,  That  the  com- 
mittee had,  according  to  order,  taken  under  con- 
sideration the  business  to  them  referred,  and 
had  m.ade  some  progress  therein,  but  not  having 
had  time  to  go  through  the  same,  he  moved  that 
the  committee  have  leave  to  sit  again. 

Resolved,  That  the  Convention  will  on  Mon- 
day next  again  resolve  itself  into  a  committee 
of  the  whole  Convention  on  the  rules  for  the 
order,  government,  and  discipline  of  the  Prot- 
estant Episcopal  Church  in  Virginia. 

Resolved,  That  the  several  orders  of  the  day 
be  put  off  until  Monday  next. 

The  Convention  adjourned  till  Monday  next, 
10  o'clock. 

Monday,  May  23,  1785. 

Mr.  Randolph,  from  the  committee  to  which 
the  proceedings  of  the  Convention  holden  at 
New- York  were  referred,  reported.  That  the 
committee  had,  according  to  order,  had  the 
same  under  consideration,  and  had  come  to  some 
resolutions  thereon,  which  were  read  and  agreed 
to  as  followeth  : — 

Resolved,  That  this  Convention  are  willing 
to  unite  in  a  general  ecclesiastical  constitution 
with  the  members  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Churcb  in  the  other  states  of  America. 

Resolved,  That  this  Convention  do  accede  to 
the  following  recommendations  of  the  late  Con- 
vention at  New- York,  as  fundamental  principles 
in  the  said  ecclesiastical  constitution  ; — 

1.  Tiiat  there  shall  be  a  General  Convention 
of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  America. 

2.  That  the  Episcopal  Church  in  each  state 


send  deputies  to  the  said  Convention,  consisting 
of  clergy  and  laity. 

3.  That  associated  congregations  in  two  or 
more  states  may  send  deputies  jointly. 

4.  That  in  every  state  where  there  shall  be  a 
bishop  consecrated  and  .settled,  he  shall  be  con- 
sidered as  a  member  of  the  said  Convention,  ex 
officio. 

Resolved,  That  this  Convention  cannot  bind 
themselves  on  the  subject  of  the  fourth  article, 
until  the  same  shall  be  revised  at  the  next  Gen- 
eral Convention  at  Philadelphia,  and  reported  to 
the  next  Convention. 

Resolved,  That  this  Convention  cannot  ac- 
cede to  the  sixth  article,  recommended  as  a  fun- 
damental principle  of  the  said  ecclesiastical  con- 
stitution. 

Resolved,  That  this  Convention  will  however 
accede  to  the  mode  of  voting,  recommended  in 
the  sixth  article,  with  respect  to  the  Convention 
to  be  holden  at  Philadelphia,  reserving  a  right 
to  approve  or  disapprove  their  proceedings. 

The  Convention,  according  to  the  order  of  the 
day,  proceeded  to  consider  the  amendments 
made  to  the  instructions  for  the  conduct  of  the 
deputies  appointed  to  attend  the  General  Con- 
vention at  Philadelphia,  and,  having  made  some 
other  amendments,  agreed  to  the  instructions,  as 
followeth : — 

Gentlemen, — During  your  representation  of 
the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  General 
Convention,  we  recommend  to  your  observance 
the  following  sentiments  concerning  doctrine 
and  worship.  We  refer  you,  at  the  same  time, 
for  these  and  other  objects  of  your  mission,  to 
our  resolutions  on  the  proceedings  of  the  late 
Convention  at  New-York. 

Uniformity  in  doctrine  and  worship  will  un- 
questionably contribute  to  the  prosperity  of  the 
Protestant  JKpiscopal  Church.  But  we  earnestly 
wish  that  this  may  be  pursued  with  liberality 
and  moderation.  The  obstacles  which  stand  in 
the  way  of  union  among  Christian  societies  are 
too  often  founded  on  matters  of  mere  form. 
They  are  surmountable  therefore  by  those  who, 
breathing  the  spirit  of  Christianity,  earnestly 
labour  in  this  pious  work 

From  the  Holy  Scriptures  themselves,  rather 
than  the  comments  of  men,  must  we  learn  the 
terms  of  salvation.  Creeds,  therefore,  ought  to 
be  simple  :  And  we  are  not  anxious  to  retain 
any  other  than  that  which  is  commonly  called 
the  Apostles'  Creed. 

Should  a  change  in  the  liturgy  be  proposed, 
let  it  be  made  with  caution  :  And  in  that  case 
let  the  alterations  be  few,  and  the  style  of  prayer 
continue  as  agreeable  as  may  be  to  the  essential 
characteristics  of  our  persuasion. 

We  will  not  now  decide  what  ceremonies  ought 
to  be  retained.  We  wish,  however,  that  those 
which  exist  may  be  estimated  according  to  their 
utility  ;  and  that  such  as  may  appear  fit  to  be 
laid  aside,  may  no  longer  be  appendages  of  our 
church. 

We  need  only  add,  that  we  shall  expect  a  re- 
port of  your  proceedings  to  be  made  to  those 
whom  we  shall  vest  with  authority  to  call  a  Con- 
vention. 


CONVENTION  OF  1785. 


Done  in  Convention  this  22d  day  of  May,  in 
the  year  of  our  Lord  1785. 

On  a  motion  made,  Resolved,  That  it  be  rec- 
ommended to  the  several  vestries  to  ascertain, 
by  the  best  means  in  their  power,  the  number 
of  the  members  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  within  their  respective  parishes,  and  re- 
port the  same  to  the  next  Convention. 

The  Convention,  according  to  the  order  of  the 
day,  proceeded  by  ballot  to  the  appointment  of 
deputies  to  attend  the  General  Convention,  to 
be  holden  in  Philadelphia  in  September  next  ; 
and  Mr.  Harrison,  Mr.  Randolyjh,  Rev.  Mr. 
Burgess,  and  Rev.  Mr.  Shield,  were  appointed 
a  committee  to  examine  the  ballots,  who,  hav- 
ing withdrawn  and  examined  the  same,  reported, 
That  they  had  found  the  numbers  for  the  sev- 
eral persons  balloted  for  to  be  as  followeth  : — 

For  Rev.  David  Griffith,  71  ;  John  Page, 
Esq.,  67;  Wilham  Lee,  Esq.,  43  ;  Rev.  Sam- 
uel S.  M'Croskey,  38  ;  Rev.  Robert  Andrews, 
35  ;  Carter  Braxton,  Esq.,  33  ;  Rev.  John 
Bracken,  2 ;  Rev.  John  Burgess,  2 ;  Bryan 
Fairfax,  Esq.,  1  ;   Dr.  James  lay  lor,  1. 

And  it  appearing  from  the  report  that  the 
majority  of  the  whole  Convention  were  in  fa- 
vour of  Mr.  Griffith,  Mr.  Page,  Mr.  Lee,  and 
Mr  M'Croskey, 

Resolved,  therefore.  That  the  Rev.  David  Grif- 
fith, John  Page,  Esq.,  William  Lee,  Esq.,  and 
the  Rev.  Samuel  Smith  M'Croskey,  be  appointed 
deputies  to  the  General  Convention  of  the  Prot- 
estant Episcopal  Church,  to  be  holden  at  Phil- 
adelphia on  the  Tuesday  before  the  feast  of  St. 
Michael  next. 

The  Convention,  according  to  the  order  of 
the  day,  resolved  itself  into  a  committee  of  the 
whole  Convention  on  the  rules  for  the  order, 
government,  and  discipline  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church  ;  and  after  some  time  spent 
therein,  Mr.  President  resumed  the  chair,  and 
Mr.  Harrison  reported,  That  the  said  commit- 
tee had,  according  to  order,  had  under  their  con- 
sideration the  business  to  them  referred,  and 
had  made  some  progress  in  the  same,  but  that 
not  having  had  time  to  go  through  it,  he  was  di- 
rected to  move  that  the  said  committee  have 
leave  to  sit  again. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  committee  sit  again 
to-morrow. 

A  letter  from  his  excellency  the  Grovernor,  di- 
rected to  the  President  of  the  Convention,  and 
enclosing  an  extract  of  a  letter  from  Count  de 
Rosencrone,  respecting  the  means  of  procuring 
ordination  of  American  clergymen  in  Denmark, 
was,  together  with  the  said  extract,  read  and  or- 
dered to  be  referred  to  a  committee  :  And  a 
committee  was  appointed  of  Mr.  Braxton,  Mr. 
Page,  Rev.  Mr.  Davis,  and  Rev.  Mr.  Shield. 

Resolved,  That  the  order  of  the  day  for  the 
Convention  to  resolve  itself  into  a  committee  of 
the  whole  Convention  on  the  state  of  the  church 
be  put  off"  until  to-morrow. 

The  Convention  adjourned  till  to-morrow 
morning,  9  o'clock. 

Tuesday,  May  24,  1785. 

Mr.  Page,  from  the  committee  appointed  to 


prepare  an  address  to  the  members  of  the  Prot- 
estant Episcopal  Church,  reported,  That  the 
said  committee  had  prepared  such  an  address ; 
which  was  read  and  agreed  to,  as  followeth ; — 

The  Address  of  the  Convention  to  the  Members 
of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  Vir- 
ginia. 

For  more  than  eight  years  our  church  hath 
languished  under  neglect.  We  will  not,  how- 
ever, believe  that  her  friends  have  revolted,  and 
therefore  trust  that  a  knowledge  of  her  present 
condition  will  rekindle  their  former  affections. 

Religion  does  not  invite  by  inducements  from 
eternal  interest  alone  ;  society  feels  her  benig- 
nity in  remedying  the  defects  of  laws.  Secret 
injuries  to  social  rights  escape  the  censures  of 
government.  From  the  constitution  of  human 
affairs,  human  wisdom  cannot  be  certain,  that 
an  antidote  applied  to  one  evil  will  not  produce 
another  ;  and  many  are  the  duties  of  imperfect 
obligation,  which  no  legislative  provision  can 
enforce.  Nor  can  society  at  all  times  furnish 
incitements  to  virtuous  conduct  by  rewards  ;  and 
even  if  this  were  practicable,  the  most  enlight- 
ened tribunal  on  earth  could  not  be  assured  of 
the  purity  of  the  motive  which  gave  birth  to  the 
action  rewarded.  Religion,  on  the  contrary,  fixes 
the  eye  of  conscience  on  deeds  however  remote 
from  public  view  ;  arrests  the  hand  of  vice  by 
holding  forth  the  responsibility  of  man  to  his 
Creator;  rescues  benevolence  from  the  vortex 
of  self-love  ;  administers  self-complacency,  that 
highest  prize  of  merit ;  and  withholds  it  in  spite 
of  partiality  when  it  is  not  due. 

From  the  earUestday,  and  in  every  clime,  has 
the  efficacy  of  religion  been  acknowledged.  Un- 
der various  forms  have  her  benefits  been  soli- 
cited, and  we  have  enlisted  ourselves  under  the 
banners  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church. 
Let  us  not  then  desert  this  object  of  our  choice, 
but,  conscious  of  her  scriptural  authority,  devote 
ourselves  to  her  relief. 

Of  what  is  the  church  now  possessed  !  Noth- 
ing but  the  glebes  and  your  affections.  Since 
the  year  1776,  she  hath  been  even  without  reg- 
ular government,  and  her  ministers  have  re- 
ceived but  little  compensation  for  their  services. 
Their  numbers  are  diminished  by  death  and 
other  causes,  and  we  have  as  yet  no  resource 
within  ourselves  for  a  succession  of  ministers. 
Churches  stand  in  need  of  repair,  and  there  is 
no  fund  equal  to  the  smallest  want. 

By  the  favour  of  Providence,  indeed,  the  Prot- 
estant Episcopal  Church  is  incorporated  by  law, 
and  under  this  sanction  are  we  now  assembled. 
We  have  accepted  the  invitation  of  a  Conven- 
tion, lately  holden  at  New-York,  to  send  depu- 
ties to  another  to  be  holden  at  Philadelphia  in 
the  fall.  We  shall  not  enter  into  a  revision  of 
doctrine  and  worship,  until  their  return  and  re- 
port of  the  sentiments  of  those  of  our  commu- 
nion with  whom  they  may  be  associated.  We 
have,  however,  organized  the  government  of  the 
church. 

But  whither  must  our  labours  tend  without 
your  assistance  1  To  contempt  they  cannot ; 
for  we  have  the  consciousness  of  aiming  at  our 


8^ 


CONVENTION  OF  1785. 


common  welfare  alone.  To  almost  every  thing 
under  the  sun  belongs  a  crisis,  which,  if  em- 
braced, stamps  our  endeavours  with  success — if 
lost,  with  ruin.  In  this  situation  does  our 
church  now  stand :  and  why  do  you  hesitate  1 
Are  the  doctrines  of  our  church  less  excellent 
than  at  any  former  period  1  Have  you  embraced 
the  persuasion  of  that  church,  to  abandon  it  in 
the  hour  of  difficulty  1  Common  justice  requires 
that  those  who  profess  themselves  to  be  members 
of  a  society,  should  unite  in  cherishing  it  ;  and 
let  us  not  be  the  only  example  of  a  religious  asso- 
ciation withering  from  the  want  of  support  from 
its  own  members. 

But  do  not  believe  that  by  thus  exhorting  you 
to  zeal  for  our  church,  we  mean  to  provoke  an 
aversion  to  other  Christian  societies.  It  is  vain 
to  expect  unanimity  among  mankind  ;  and  who 
can  with  confidence  declare  himself  infallible  1 
We  rather  conceive  that  Christians  of  every  de- 
nomination, who  are  sincere  in  their  opinion,  are 
not  less  our  brethren  for  maintaining  different 
tenets.  It  is  our  duty  to  be  ready  to  unite  upon 
principles  consistent  with  the  gospel,  and  bring 
the  Christian  Church  to  unity,  as  nearly  as  con- 
science will  permit. 

We  therefore  entreat  you  in  the  most  solemn 
manner,  we  conjure  you  by  all  the-  ties  of  reli- 
gion, to  co-operate  fervently  in  the  cause  of  our 
church.  Should  these  our  earnest  efforts  be 
abortive,  we  shall  always  with  truth  call  the 
Searcher  of  hearts  to  witness,  that  the  downfall 
of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  is  not  to  be 
named  among  our  offences,  and  to  this  admoni- 
tion shall  we  ever  appeal. 

Ordered,  That  copies  of  the  address  be 

immediately  printed. 

Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  sev- 
eral vestries  to  take  the  most  effectual  measures 
for  procuring  by  voluntary  subscriptions  a  com- 
petent support  for  the  incumbents  of  their  re- 
spective parishes  ;  and  to  report  the  result  of 
their  endeavours  to  the  next  Convention. 

The  proceedmgs  of  a  vestry  holden  for  North 
Farnham  parish,  April  9,  1785,  were  laid  before 
the  Convention. 

Ordered,  That  they  lie  on  the  table. 

The  Rev.  T.  Davis,  from  the  committee  to 
whom  were  referred  the  letter  from  his  excel- 
lency the  Governor,  and  the  extract  of  a  letter 
from  the  Count  de  Rosencrone,  reported.  That 
the  said  committee  had,  according  to  order,  had 
under  consideration  the  papers  to  them  referred, 
and  had  come  to  some  resokitions  thereon, 
which  were  read  and  agreed  to,  as  followeth  : — 

Resolved,  That  the  thanks  of  this  Convention 
are  due  to  his  excellency  the  Governor  for  this 
mark  of  his  attention  to  their  interests,  and  that 
the  President  of  the  Convention  be  requested  to 
write  a  letter  expressive  of  their  thanks,  and  to 
assure  him  that  they  hav6  a  proper  sense  of  the 
indulgence  granted  by  his  Danish  majesty  to  the 
Episcopalians  of  these  United  States. 

Resolved,  That  the  deputies  be  instructed  to 
communicate  to  the  General  Convention  at  Phil- 
adelphia the  contents  of  the  Count  de  Rosen- 
crone's  letter. 


The  Convention,  according  to  the  order  of 
the  day,  resolved  itself  into  a  committee  of  the 
whole  Convention  on  the  rules  for  the  order, 
government,  and  discipline  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church,  and  after  some  time  spent 
therein,  Mr.  President  resumed  the  chair,  and 
Mr.  -Harrison  reported.  That  the  said  committee 
had,  according  to  order,  had  the  said  rules  under 
consideration,  and  made  several  amendments 
therein,  which  were  r-ead  and  agreed  to  ;  and 
the  rules,  as  amended,  were  ordered  to  be  fairly 
transcribed  and  read  to-morrow. 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  of  the  whole 
Convention  on  the  state  of  the  church  be  dis- 
charged from  sitting  again. 

On  a  motion  made, 

Resolved,  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  Con- 
vention that  the  Canons  of  the  Church  of  Eng- 
land have  no  obligation  on  the  Protestant  Epis- 
copal Church  within  this  commonwealth. 

Resolved,  That  until  the  farther  order  of  the 
Convention,  the  liturgy  of  the  Church  of  Eng- 
land be  used  in  the  several  churches  throughout 
this  commonwealth,  with  such  alterations  as  the 
American  Revolution  has  rendered  necessary. 

The  Convention  adjourned  till  to-morrow 
morning,  10  o'clock. 

Wednesday,  May  25,  1785. 

The  rules  for  the  order,  government,  and  dis- 
cipline of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  hav- 
ing been  fairly  transcribed,  were  read,  and  the 
blanks  filled  up  :  And  then  it  was  resolved  unan- 
imously that  the  said  rules  do  pass,  as  follow- 
eth : — 

Rules  for  the  Order,  Government,  and  Disci- 
pline of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in 
Virginia. 

1.  Conventions  shall  be  holden  annually  on 
the  fourth  Wednesday  in  May,  in  the  city  of 
Richmond :  Provided  nevertheless.  That  if  a 
sufficient  number  of  members  to  form  a  Con- 
vention shall  not  attend  on  the  said  day,  any 
fourteen  then  assembled  shall  have  power  to  ad- 
journ. 

2.  A  person  shall  preside  in  Convention  with 
the  title  of  president,  who  shall  always  be  a 
bishop,  when  there  is  one  properly  consecrated 
and  settled  in  this  church,  till  which  time  a  pres- 
ident shall  be  appointed  by  the  Convention  out 
of  their  own  body.  If  more  than  one  bishop  is 
found  necessary  in  this  church,  they  shall  pre- 
side alternately. 

3.  A  secretary  shall  be  appointed  by  the  Con- 
vention, and  dismissed  by  them  at  their  pleas- 
ure, who  shall  take  an  oath  of  office,  keep  a  rec- 
ord of  their  resolves  and  proceedings,  and  have 
the  records  in  his  custody  so  long  as  he  shall 
continue  in  office. 

4.  Standing  rules  shall  be  established  for  the 
preservation  of  decorum,  and  the  orderly  man- 
agement of  business. 

5.  All  questions,  whether  they  relate  to  the 
order,  government,  discipline,  doctrine,  or  wor- 
ship of  this  church,  or  to  any  other  matter 
which  is  properly  before  the  Convention,  shall 
be  determined  by  a  maj^ority  of  votes. 


CONVENTION  OF  1785. 


6.  "At  all  future  Conventions,  each  member 
(whether  minister  or  layman)  shall,  previous  to 
his  admission,  produce  a  testimonial  of  his  being 
regularly  appointed,  which  testimonial  shall  be 
signed  by  one  or  both  of  the  chnrch-wardens  or 
by  the  clerk  of  the  respective  vestries. 

7.  All  the  ordinances  and  other  proceedings 
of  the  Convention  shall  be  attested  by  the  sec- 
retary. 

8.  The  clergy  of  several  neighbouring  par- 
ishes, not  less  than  three  nor  more  than  ten,  shall 
assemble  in  presbytery  annually  on  the  second 
Wednesday  in  April,  at  some  convenient  place 
in  the  district,  to  be  appointed  by  a  majority  of 
the  ministers  in  the  same  district  :  One  in  each 
district  shall  be  appointed  by  the  Convention  to 
preside  in  their  meetings  with  the  title  of  vis- 
iter, who  shall  annually  visit  each  parish  in  his 
district — shall  attend  to  and  inspect  the  morals 
and  conduct  of  the  clergy — shall  see  that  the 
canons  and  rules  of  the  church  are  observed, 
and  that  no  abuses  are  practised — shall  admon- 
ish and  reprove  privately  those  clergymen  who 
are  negligent,  or  act  in  an  unbecoming  manner, 
and  shall  report  yearly  to  the  bishop,  if  there  be 
one,  or,  if  there  be  no  bishop,  to  the  next  Con- 
vention, the  state  of  each  parish  in  his  district, 
noting  down  the  offenders  and  their  offences. 

9.  The  clergy  who  shall  minister  in  this 
church  shall  be  the  three  orders  of  bishops, 
priests,  and  deacons. 

10.  Every  person  hereafter  to  officiate  in  this 
church  as  a  bishop,  shall  be  nominated  by  the 
Convention  ;  and  having  received  episcopal  con- 
secration before  he  enters  on  his  office,  shall 
take  the  oath  of  allegiance  to  this  commonwealth, 
and  subscribe  to  conform  to  the  doctrine,  disci- 
pline, and  worship  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  of  Virginia  :  And  no  person  shall  be  re- 
ceived into  the  church  as  a  bishop  until  he  shall 
have  completed  the  30th  year  of  his  age. 

11.  As  we  conceive  the  office  of  a  bishop,  ac- 
cording to  the  true  Apostolic  institution,  differs 
in  nothing  from  that  of  other  ministers  of  God's 
Word,  except  in  the  power  of  ordination  and  con- 
firmation, and  the  rights  of  superintending  the 
conduct  of  the  clergy,  and  of  precedency  in  ec- 
clesiastical assemblies,  that  office  shall  accord- 
ingly be  so  exercised  in  this  church  :  And  every 
bishop,  after  his  promotion  to  the  episcopal 
order,  shall  continue  to  hold  a  parish  and  to  do 
the  duty  of  a  parish  minister,  except  when  he  is 
necessarily  employed  in  the  discharge  of  his 
episcopal  office. 

12.  No  bishop  shall  inflict  any  censure  upon, 
or  exercise  any  power  over  the  clergy  under  his 
inspection,  other  than  he  is  allowed  to  do  by  the 
laws  and  institutions  of  this  church  made  in 
Convention. 

13.  No  priest  or  minister  shall  hereafter  be 
received  into  any  parish  within  this  common- 
wealth unless  he  first  produce  to  the  vestry  suf- 
ficient testimonials  of  his  having  been  regularly 
ordained  a  priest  by  some  Protestant  bishop — 
take  the  oath  of  allegiance  to  this  common- 
wealth, and  subscribe  to  be  conformable  to  the 
doctrine,  discipline,  and  worship  of  the  Prot- 
estant Episcopal  Church.     Provided,  That  any 


person  who  hath  been  ordained  by  a  bishop  of 
the  Church  of  Rome  may  also  be  received  as  a 
minister,  who  shall  produce  satisfactory  testi- 
monials respecting  his  ordination,  morals,  and 
conduct — renouncing  the  errors  of  that  church 
— take  the  oath,  and  subscribe  as  aforesaid. 

14.  No  minister  shall  hereafter  be  received 
into  a  parish  who  does  not  first  produce  to  the 
vestry  satisfactory  testimonials  of  his  morals, 
conduct,  and  conversation,  from  the  person  or 
persons  appointed  by  the  Convention  to  inquire 
into  such  matters  and  grant  such  testimonials. 

15.  The  right  of  presentation  or  appointing 
ministers  to  serve  in  the  parishes  shall  continue 
in  the  vestries,  and  each  vestry  shall  choose  its 
own  minister. 

16.  Every  person  to  be  ordained  priest  or 
deacon,  by  any  bishop  of  this  church,  shall 
first  produce  testimonials  of  his  good  morals 
and  orderly  conduct  from  the  clergy,  assembled 
in  the  district  where  he  for  some  time  last  re- 
sided, and  from  the  vestry  of  the  parish  where 
he  last  lived  :  Provided  there  be  in  the  district 
a  sufficient  number  of  clergymen  to  form  a 
presbytery,  otherwise  a  testimonial  from  the 
minister  and  vestry  of  his  parish,  or  from  the 
vestry  tilone,  if  the  parish  is  vacant,  shall  be 
deemed  sufficient  :  Provided  also,  the  candi- 
date is  not  an  inhabitant  of  some  other  state, 
and  intended  to  minister  in  some  parish  or  con- 
gregation in  a  neighbouring  state  :  Of  the  suf- 
ficiency of  these  testimonials,  as  well  as  of  the 
literary  and  other  quahfications  of  the  candi- 
dates, the  bishop  shall  be  the  judge,  and  shall 
approve  or  reject  at  his  discretion. 

17.  No  person  shall  be  admitted  to  priest's 
orders  until  he  shall  have  completed  the  twenty- 
fourth  year  of  his  age,  and  is  assured  of  the 
willingness  of  some  parish  or  congregation  to 
receive  him  as  their  minister,  to  be  certified 
from  under  the  hands  of  the  church- wardens, 
and  attested  by  the  clerk  of  the  vestry. 

18.  Every  person  approved  of  by  the  bishop, 
whether  for  priest's  or  deacon's  orders,  shall  be 
ordained  according  to  the  form  prescribed  in  the 
Book  of  Common  Prayer,  &c.,  directed  to  be 
used  in  this  church.  But  no  person  shall  be 
ordained  priest  until  he  has  served  six  months 
in  the  office  of  deacon. 

19.  No  person  shall  be  ordained  a  deacon 
until  he  shall  have  completed  the  twenty-first 
year  of  his  age. 

20.  No  person  having  deacon's  orders  only 
shall  be  allowed  to  hold  a  parish.  But  a  deacon 
may,  during  a  vacancy,  officiate  in  a  parish, 
if  chosen  by  the  vestry  to  do  so.  He  shall 
preach  the  gospel  and  baptize.  He  may  assist 
in  administering  the  sacrament  of  the  Lord's 
supper,  but  not  consecrate  the  elements.  He 
may  solemnize  marriages,  and  shall  attend  to 
the  situation  and  circumstances  of  the  poor 
where  it  may  be  necessary. 

21.  A  person  may  be  ordained  a  deacon 
though  he  shall  have  no  assurance  of  being 
called  to  minister  in  a  parish  or  congregation, 
provided  his  testimonials  and  qualifications  are 
satisfactory  to  the  bishop. 

23.  A  deacon  may  minister  as  a  probationer 


10 


CON\^NTION  OF  1785. 


or  missionary  under  the  direction  of  the  Con- 
vention or  the  bishop. 

23.  It  being  directed  by  the  incorporating  act 
that  church-wardens  shall  be  appointed,  it  shall 
be  their  duty  to  superintend  the  building  and 
repairing  of  churches  and  other  buildings  be- 
longing to  the  parish — to  see  that  they  are  done 
agreeably  to  the  directions  of  the  vestry  and 
according  to  contract — to  restrain  and  check 
disorderly  behaviour  during  time  of  worship — 
to  prosecute,  under  the  direction  of  the  vestry, 
persons  offending  in  such  instances — to  furnish 
books,  ornaments,  surplices,  elements  for  the 
sacrament,  and  every  other  thing  judged  ne- 
cessary by  the  vestry,  out  of  the  church  reve- 
nues, and  to  have,  together  with  the  minister, 
the  care  of  and  superintendence  over  the 
churches  and  burying-grounds.  Church-war- 
dens are  to  be  considered  as  the  acting  part  of 
the  vestry,  who  are  to  see  their  orders  and  reso- 
lutions carried  into  execution :  and  they  are  to 
report  the  state  of  the  parish  to  the  bishop  and 
visiter  at  their  visitations. 

24.  The  parish  clerk  shall  be  appointed  by 
the  minister  and  vestry,  and  displaced  by  them 
whenever  his  services  are  not  satisfactory  to  the 
people  :  whenever  he  shall  neglect  his  duty,  or 
otherwise  misbehave  himself. 

25.  Sextons  shall  be  appointed  by  the  vestries, 
and  dismissed  by  them  when  they  think  proper. 
It  shall  be  their  duty  to  keep  the  keys  of  the 
church,  subordinate  to  the  minister  or  church- 
wardens, to  keep  the  church  in  decent  order, 
and  to  have  the  charge  of  the  books,  ornaments, 
and  other  necessaries. 

26.  Bisliops  shall  be  amenable  to  the  Conven- 
tion, who  shall  be  a  court  to  try  them,  from 
which  there  shall  be  no  appeal.  On  all  such 
occasions  a  president  shall  be  chosen  by  the 
Convention  to  sit  as  judge,  and  they  shall  also 
appoint  a  clerk  to  the  court. 

27.  All  accusations  against  a  bishop,  as  such, 
shall  come  from  the  vestries  ;  but  no  accusa- 
tion against  a  bishop  shall  be  received  unless 
three  vestries  join  in  the  complaint.  All  com- 
plaints against  a  bishop  shall  be  lodged  with 
such  persons  as  may  be  appointed  to  call  a  Con- 
vention, and  a  copy  of  the  charge  or  charges  to 
be  brought  against  him  shall  be  communicated 
to  him  in  wrtting  at  least  two  months  before 
the  trial.  Counsel  may  be  employed  on  both 
sides ;  and  none  but  legal  evidence  shall  be 
admitted. 

28.  Disorderly,  scandalous,  and  immoral  con- 
duct, neglect  of  duty,  a  disregard  to  the  rules 
and  canons  of  the  church,  or  taking  a  bribe  to 
grant  either  ordination  or  a  recommendation  for 
a  vacant  parish,  shall  be  considered  as  offences 
in  a  bishop,  for  which  he  may  be  brought  to 
trial,  and,  on  his  being  convicted  of  any  of  these, 
he  shall  be  reproved,  suspended,  or  dismissed, 
at  the  discretion  of  the  court. 

29.  Courts  shall  be  instituted  to  examine 
into  complaints  exhibited  against  ministers  or 
deacons,  to  consist  of  six  members,  viz.,  three 
clergymen  and  three  vestrymen,  from  the  nearest 
and  most  convenient  parishes,  one  from  each. 
The  appointment  of  the  said  vestrymen  shall  be 


determined  by  lot.  The  oldest  clergyman  in 
orders  shall  preside  as  judge.  On  conviction 
of  the  minister,  the  court  shall  report  the  facts 
and  state  the  evidence  to  the  Convention,  who 
shall  proceed  without  delay  to  pronounce  such 
sentence  as  a  majority  of  them  shall  think  the 
offence  deserves  ;  which  shall  be  either  reproof, 
suspension,  or  dismission. 

30.  No  vestryman  shall  sit  on  the  examina- 
tion of  a  minister  belonging  to  the  parish 
wherein  such  vestryman  resides.  The  exami- 
nation shall  be  held  in  the  parish  where  the  ac- 
cused minister  officiates,  and  at  a  place  to  be 
appointed  by  the  vestry.  The  judges  shall  ap- 
point a  clerk  occasionally  for  such  examinations. 

31.  Complaints  against  a  minister  shall  be 
received  from  the  vestry  of  the  parish  where  the 
minister  officiates,  and  from  no  other  person  or 
persons  whatever.  They  shall  be  signed  by  a 
majority  of  a  vestry,  without  which  no  com- 
plaint shall  be  received.  They  shall  be  directed 
to  the  bishop,  or  to  the  persons  who  may  be 
vested  by  the  Convention  with  authority  to  re- 
ceive such  complaints,  and  to  direct  courts  of 
examination.  In  every  complaint  the  offence 
or  offences  shall  be  stated,  and  the  minister 
shall  be  furnished  with  a  copy  of  the  charges 
brought  against  him,  and  with  notice  of  his  in- 
tended examination,  at  least  one  month  before 
the  examination.  Viv^  voce  evidence  only  shall 
be  admitted,  and  that  on  oath  ;  and  counsel 
may  be  employed  on  both  sides. 

32.  Disorderly,  scandalous,  and  immoral  con- 
duct ;  neglect  of  duty  ;  a  disregard  to  the  rules 
and  canons  of  the  church  ;  or  taking  a  bribe  to 
recommend  either  for  ordination  or  a  parish,  are 
to  be  considered  as  among  the  offences  for 
which  a  minister  may  be  brought  to  trial. 

33.  The  bishop,  or  persons  vested  with  au- 
thority for  this  purpose,  shall,  on  receiving  a 
complaint  against  any  minister,  immediately  in- 
stitute a  court,  as  before  described,  to  examine 
into  the  complaint,  and  shall  take  care  that  the 
ministers  and  vestrymen  who  aire  to  compose 
the  court  shall  be  informed  in  time.  The 
bishop  or  persons  so  vested  with  authority  shall 
cite  the  accused  person  before  the  appointed 
court,  which  shall  (unless  the  accused  person 
is  prevented  from  attending  by  sickness)  pro- 
ceed to  examine  the  testimony  against  the  of- 
fender, and  take  the  depositions  of  the  witnesses. 
They  shall  then  report  the  case,  with  the  testi- 
mony, to  the  Convention  at  their  next  meeting, 
who  shall,  if  they  think  proper,  proceed  to  pass 
sentence  against  the  accused  person  at  their 
discretion  :  P*rovided,  That  no  sentence  shall  be 
other  than  reproof,  suspension,  or  dismission. 

34.  Deacons  behaving  in  a  scandalous,  dis- 
orderly, or  immoral  manner,  or  who  neglect  the 
duty  they  have  undertaken,  shall,  on  full  and 
satisfactory  proof,  be  suspended,  or  silenced  by 
the  bishop,  until  the  sense  of  the  Convention 
shall  be  known.  And  the  salary  accruing  du- 
ring the  suspension  of  a  minister  or  deacon, 
who  is  afterward  found  guilty,  shall  go  to  the 
vestry  for  the  use  of  the  church. 

35.  Bishops  shall  visit  the  different  parishes 
under  their  inspection  once  in  three  years  at 


CONVENTION  OF  1785. 


11 


least,  of  which  visitation  the  clergy  or  church- 
wardens shall  have  timely  notice.  In  their  vis- 
itations they  shall  confirrn  such  as  choose  to  re- 
ceive confirmation.  They  shall  inspect  the  state 
of  the  parishes,  and  the  conduct  of  the  clergy, 
who  shall  give  them  what  information  they  can 
respecting  such  ecclesiastical  matters  as  they 
may  choose  to  be  informed  of.  They  shall  re- 
ceive complaints  against  ministers  and  deacons, 
and  inquire  into  the  ground  of  them,  and  at  their 
discretion  shall  admonish  or  suspend  the  person 
accused :  And,  if  they  think  the  offence  de- 
serving a  severer  sentence,  shall  cause  the  ac- 
cused person  to  be  brought  to  trial. 

36.  Bishops  shall  hold  ordinations  at  such 
times  and  places  as  they  may  judge  necessary 
and  convenient. 

37.  Bishops,  after  every  visitation,  shall  re- 
port the  state  of^the  church  in  the  different 
parishes  to  the  Convention. 

38.  No  minister  or  bishop  shall  be  allowed 
to  hold  more  than  one  parish  at  the  same  time. 
Nevertheless  a  minister  may,  if  called  thereto 
by  the  vestry,  preach  in  a  neighbouring  parish 
or  parishes  during  a  vacancy  in  such  parish  or 
parishes,  and  may  receive  a  compensation  for  his 
services;  Provided  he  has  the  consent  of  his 
own  vestry,  and  shall  not  neglect  the  duties  of 
his  parish. 

39.  Every  minister  shall  reside  withm  his 
parish,  unless  a  majority  of  his  vestry  shall  agree 
to  dispense  with  his  residence  ;  and  shall  at  no 
time  leave  it  for  more  than  one  month  without 
the  consent  of  the  said  vestry. 

40.  Ministers  shall,  at  their  churches  or  other 
convenient  places,  instruct  children,  and  such 
ignorant  persons  as  may  require  it,  in  their  cate- 
cliism,  and  the  principles  of  the  Christian  reli- 
gion as  maintained  by  this  church.  Provided 
this  duty  may  be  dispensed  with  during  the  in- 
clement winter  months.  They  shall  also  explain 
the  nature  of  confirmation,  and  instruct  and 
prepare  their  parishioners  for  it. 

41.  Ministers  and  deacons  shall  wear  a  sur- 
plice during  the  time  of  prayer  at  public  wor- 
ship, in  places  where  they  are  provided  ;  shall 
wear  gowns  when  they  preach,  where  they  con- 
veniently can  ;  and  shall  at  all  times  wear  ap- 
parel suited  to  the  gravity  of  their  profession  ; 
— such  as  may  distinguish  them  from  laymen. 

42.  Ministers  and  deacons  may  encourage 
people  to  assemble  together  in  small  societies 
at  convenient  times  for  their  edification,  and 
may  visit,  superintend,  and  instruct  such  so- 
cieties at  their  meetings.  Provided  they  shall 
not  do  it  to  the  encouragement  of  idleness,  or 
to  the  injury  of  private  families. 

43.  Ministers  officiating  in  this  church, 
whether  bishops,  priests,  or  deacons,  shall 
preach  once  at  least  on  every  Lord's  day,  and 
at  other  staled  seasons,  unless  prevented  by 
some  sufficient  cause.  They  may,  at  their  dis- 
cretion, preach  also  at  other  times  when  oppor- 


tunities shall  offer  of  edifying  the  church. 
Bishops  and  priests  shall  administer  the  sacra- 
ment at  least  four  tinies  in  the  year  at  each 
church  or  place  of  worship  in  their  respective 
parishes  ;  and  shall  visit  the  sick  when  called 
on  for  that  purpose. 

Resolved,  That  a  standing  committee  be  ap- 
pointed, whose  business  it  shall  be  to  corre- 
spond with  any  society  or  societies  of  the  Prot- 
estant Episcopal  Church  in  the  United  Slates, 
on  any  matters  relating  thereto  ;  to  call  a  meet- 
ing of  the  Convention  whensoever  it  shall  seem 
necessary ;  to  receive  complaints  against  the 
clergy,  and  to  direct  courts  of  examination, 
pursuant  to  the  rules  for  the  government  of  the 
church ;  to  make  such  representations  on  behalf 
of  the  church  as  may  from  time  to  time  be  ex- 
pedient ;  to  give  advice  on  difficulties  propounded 
to  them  concerning  the  church  during  the  recess 
of  the  Convention,  and  to  report  their  proceed- 
ings to  every  succeeding  Convention,  to  be  con- 
firmed or  rescinded. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  committee  consist 
of  four  members  ;  that  they  continue  in  office 
until  the  next  Convention  ;  and  that  vacancies 
by  death,  resignation,  or  removal  from  the 
country,  be  supplied  by  the  votes  of  the  remain- 
ing members  :  And  a  standing  committee  was 
appointed  of  the  Rev.  Robert  Andrews,  the  Rev. 
John  Bracken,  Hon.  John  Blair,  and  John  Page, 
Esquire. 

Resolved,  That  the  standing  committee  frame 
rules  for  the  orderly  management  of  business  in 
future  Conventions,  and  report  them  to  the  next 
Convention. 

Resolved,  That  the  standing  committee  be 
instructed  to  consider  of  the  proper  means  of 
obtaining  consecration  for  a  bishop  to  officiate 
in  this  church ;  of  sending  the  person  who  may 
be  hereafter  appointed  to  be  consecrated  ;  and 
of  supporting  him  during  his  continuance  in 
office  ;  and  to  make  their  report  to  the  next 
Convention. 

Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the 
several  vestries  always  to  keep  in  office  a  depu- 
tation to  the  Convention  of  this  church. 

Resolved,  That  a  committee  be  appointed  to 
revise  and  publish  the  journals  of  the  Conven- 
tions :  And  a  committee  was  appointed  of  Mr. 
Blair,  Mr.  Randolph,  Mr.  Fairfax,  Rev.  Mr. 
Griffith,  Rev.  Mr.  Andrews,  and  Rev.  Mr. 
Buchanan. 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  appointed  to 
revise  and  publish  the  journals  apply  the  money 
now  contributed  to  the  payment  of  the  door- 
keepers, publishing  the  proceedings,  and  de- 
fraying other  necessary  expenses  of  this  Con- 
vention. 

The  Convention  adjourned. 

Signed  by  order  of  the  Convention, 

James  Madison,  President. 
Attest,         Robert  Andrews,  Secretary. 


12 


CONVENTION  OF  1786. 


Journal  of  a  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  Virginia^  begun  and  held  at  the 
Public  Buildings  in  the  City  of  Richmond,  on  Wednesday,  the  24<A  of  May,   1786. 

A  List  of  the  Members  of  the  Convention. 


Counties. 

Accomack, 

Albemarle, 

Amherst, 

Brunswick, 

Chesterfield, 

Cumberland, 

Caroline, 

Chesterfield, 

Culpepper, 

Charles  City, 

Dinwiddie, 

Elizabeth  City, 

Essex, 

Fairfax, 

Gloucester, 
Goochland, 

Hanover, 

Henrico, 
Isle  of  White, 
King  William, 


King  and  Queen, 

Lunenburg, 
Louisa, 
Lancaster, 
Middlesex, 

Mecklenburg, 

Nansemond, 

Norfolk, 

Northumberland, 

Orange, 

Prince  William, 

Prince  George, 

Richmond, 

Spotsylvania,' 

Stafford, 
Southampton, 
Williamsburg, 
York. 


Parishes. 
i  St.  George, 
!  Accomack, 
Fredericksville, 

Lexington, 

St.  Andrews, 
Manchester, 
Littleton, 
^  St.  Asaph, 
St.  Margarets, 
St.  Mary, 
Dale, 
St.  Mark, 
Westover, 
Bath, 
Bath, 

South  Farnham, 
Fairfax, 
Abindon, 
Petsworth, 

St.  James  Northam, 

St.  Paul, 
Henrico, 

St.  Johns, 
St.  David, 

St.  Stephens, 

Cumberland, 
Trinity, 
Christ  Church, 
Christ  Church, 

St.  James, 

Suffolk, 

Portsmouth, 

Wicomico, 

St.  Thomas, 

Dettingen, 
<  Bristol, 
(  Martin's  Brandon, 

Farnham, 


Berkeley, 

Brunswick, 
St.  Luke, 
Bruton, 
York  Hampton, 


Clergymen. 
Theophilus  Nugent. 


Charles  Clay. 

James  Taylor. 
Archibald  Dick. 


John  Dunbar. 
William  Bland. 
David  Griffith. 


John  Buchanan. 
Henry  Skyring. 


Craig. 


Samuel  King. 


John  Leland. 


John  Cameron. 
Benjamin  Blagrove. 


John  Bracken. 
Samuel  Shield. 


Lay  Deputies. 

A.  Armstead. 
John  Walker. 


(  Hugh  Rose 


Roderic  M'Culloch. 
John  Jones. 
William  Fleming. 
Mayo  Carrington. 
John  Page. 

Robert  Gilchrist. 
Archibald  Cary. 
Robert  Slaughter. 

William  Withers. 
Wilson  Miles  Cary. 
John  Edmondson. 


John  Page. 

Matt.  Anderson. 
(  Thomas  M.  Randolph. 
\  Thomas  Underwood. 
3  John  Pendleton. 
\  Park  Goodall. 

Nathaniel  Wilkinson. 

John  S.  Wells. 

Carter  Braxton. 
(  Benjamin  Temple. 
I  William  Spiller. 
(  Anderson  Scot. 
\  Thomas  Hill. 

Thomas  Buford. 

Charles  Yancy. 

Cyrus  Griffin. 

Ralph  Wormeley. 

<  Samuel  Goode. 

<  William  Hepburn. 
William  Eley. 
William  Westcote. 
Thomas  Gaskins. 

(  William  Moore. 
(  Thohnas  Barber. 

Jesse  Ewell. 

Robert  Boiling. 

William  Peachey. 
{  John  Dawson. 
(  Beverley  Winslow. 

William  Fitzhugh. 

Benjamin  Blunt. 

John  Blair. 

Hugh  Nelson. 


The  Convention  met  according  to  appoint- 
ment ;  but  there  not  being  a  sufficient  number 
of  members  to  proceed  on  business,  they  ad- 
journed till  to-morrow,  10  o'clock. 

Thursday,  May  25,  1786. 

The  Convention  having  met  according  to 
adjournment, 

The  Reverend  John  Bracken  was  unanimou»- 
ly  appointed  Secretary  to  the  ConvBntion. 


The  Reverend  James  Madison,  D.  D.,  was 
unanimously  elected  President. 

Ordered,  That  a  committee  be  appointed  to 
examine  and  report  to  the  Convention  the  cer- 
tificates of  appointment  of  the  sitting  members  ; 
and  a  committee  was  appointed  of  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Shield,  Mr.  Page,  of  Gloucester,  Rev.  Mr. 
Griffith,  and  Mr.  Wilson  M.  Cary. 

Mr.  Blair,  from  the  Standing  committee,  laid 
bisfoTB  the  Convention  the  report  of  the  depu- 


CONVENTION  OF  1786. 


13 


ties  to  the  late  General  Convention  held  at 
Philadelphia,  with  the  journal  of  the  same,  and 
also  a  letter  from  the  archbishops  and  sundry 
bishops  of  the  Church  of  England  to  the  cleri- 
cal and  lay  deputies  of  the  Protestant  Episco- 
pal Church  in  sundry  of  the  United  States  of 
America,  which  were  read,  and  ordered  to  lie 
on  the  table. 

On  a  motion  made,  Resolved,  That  the  report 
of  the  late  delegates  of  this  church  in  General 
Convention  made  to  the  standing  committee, 
and  by  them  laid  before  this  Convention,  be  re- 
ferred to  a  select  committee  ;  and  that  they  be 
directed  to  collect  into  one  view  the  several 
alterations  made  in  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer, 
and  report  the  same  to  this  Convention :  And  a 
committee  was  appointed  of  the  Reverend  Mr. 
Griffith,  Mr.  Page,  of  Gloucester,  Reverend  Mr. 
Shield,  Mr.  Braxton,  Rev.  Mr.  Buchanan,  Mr. 
Walker,  Hon.  Mr.  Fleming,  and  Rev.  Mr.  Clay. 

The  treasurer  laid  before  the  Convention  an 
account  of  all  moneys  received  and  disbursed  by 
him. 

Ordered,  That  it  lie  on  the  table. 

On  a  motion  made,  Resolved,  That  the  General 
Ecclesiastical  Constitution  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church  in  the  United  States  of  Ameri- 
ca, recommended  by  the  General  Convention 
held  at  Philadelphia,  be  now  referred  to  a  com- 
mittee of  the  whole  Convention. 

The  Convention,  according  to  order,  resolved 
itself  into  a  committee  of  the  whole  Conven- 
tion, to  take  into  consideration  the  General 
Ecclesiastical  Constitution  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church  in  America  ;  and,  after  some 
time  spent  therein,  Mr.  President  resumed  the 
chair,  and  Mr.  Braxton  reported,  that  the  com- 
mittee had,  according  to  order,  taken  the  same 
into  consideration,  and  come  to  the  following 
resolution,  which  was  read,  and  agreed  to. 

Resolved,  That  the  General  Ecclesiastical 
Constitution  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church 
in  the  United  States  of  America,  as  proposed  by 
the  late  General  Convention  held  at  Philadel- 
phia, be  approved  and  ratified,  except  as  to  the 
4th,  9th,  and  10th  articles,  which  are  reserved 
for  farther  consideration. 

Ordered,  That  his  excellency  the  Governor, 
the  members  of  the  Council,  and  the  Judges  of 
the  Supreme  Courts,  be  admitted  to  seats  within 
the  bar. 

On  a  motion.  Resolved,  That  a  petition  be  pre- 
sented to  the  next  General  Assembly,  praying 
that  the  act  incorporating  the  Protestant  Epis- 
copal Church  may  not  be  repealed  ;  and  that  it 
be  recommended  to  the  several  parishes  to  pre- 
sent petitions  of  a  similar  nature. 

Ordered,  That  a  committee  be  appointed  to 
prepare  the  petition.  And  a  committee  was 
appointed  of  the  Honourable  John  Blair,  Rever- 
end Mr.  Griffith,  Hon.  A.  Gary,  Reverend  Mr. 
Shield,  Mr.  Page,  of  Gloucester,  Mr.  Braxton, 
Rev.  Mr.  Skyring,  and  Rev.  Mr.  Buchanan. 

On  a  motion,  Resolved,  That  it  be  referred  to 
the  select  committee  to  collect  the  matters  unfin- 
ished by  the  last  Convention,  which  were  refer- 
red to  this  Convention,  and  make  report  thereof. 

A  report  iiota  the  standing  commiltce  was 


presented  by  the  Honourable  John  Blair,  and 
read,  as  followeth  : — 

The  committee,  to  whom  it  was  referred  to 
frame  rules  for  the  orderly  management  of  busi- 
ness in  future  Conventions,  and  report  them  to 
this  Convention,  have  had  that  subject  under 
consideration,  and  after  the  maturest  reflection, 
are  of  opinion,  that  they  can  devise  no  set  of 
rules  fitter  to  be  adopted  than  those  which 
regulate  the  proceedings  of  the  House  of  Dele- 
gates : — That  with  respect  to  another  part  of 
their  instructions,  which  was  to  consider  of  the 
proper  means  of  obtaining  consecration  for  a 
bishop  to  officiate  in  their  church,  they  thought 
it  unnecessary  for  them  to  take  any  step  of  that 
sort,  after  it  came  to  their  knowledge  that  the 
late  General  Convention  held  at  Philadelphia 
had  taken  up  that  business  in  behalf  of  this 
church  in  the  several  United  States  of  Ameri- 
ca ;  but  with  respect  to  the  means  of  supporting 
a  bishop  during  his  continuance  in  office,  they 
are  of  opinion,  it  can  only  be  done  by  a  regular 
subscription  throughout  the  several  parishes. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow,  10  o'clock. 

Friday,  May  26,  1786. 

The  Convention  having  met  according  to  ad- 
journment. 

Ordered,  That  the  thanks  of  the  Convention  be 
given  to  the  Reverend  Mr.  Madison  for  his  ser- 
mon preached  this  morning,  and  that  he  be  de- 
sired to  print  the  same. 

The  Reverend  Mr.  Griffith,  from  the  select 
conunittee  appointed  to  take  under  considera- 
tion the  report  of  the  late  delegates  of  this 
church  in  General  Convention,  made  to  the 
standing  committee,  and  by  them  laid  before 
this  Convention,  and  to  collect  into  one  view 
the  several  alterations  made  in  the  Book  of 
Common  Prayer,  reported.  That  they  had,  ac- 
cording to  order,  gone  through  the  business  to 
them  referred,  and  that  he  was  ready  to  tnake 
report  when  the  Convention  should  be  pleased 
to  receive  it. 

Resolved,  That  the  report  be  now  received, 
and  referred  to  a  committee  of  the  whole  Con- 
vention. 

The  Convention,  according  to  order,  resolved 
itself  into  a  committee  of  the  whole  Convention, 
to  take  under  consideration  the  aforesaid  report ; 
and,  after  some  time  spent  therein,  Mr.  Presi- 
dent resumed  the  chair,  and  Mr.  Braxton  re- 
ported, That  the  said  committee  had,  according 
to  order,  taken  under  consideration  the  busi- 
ness to  them  referred,  and  had  made  some 
progress  in  the  same  ;  but  that  not  having  had 
time  to  go  through  it,  he  was  directed  to  move 
that  the  said  committee  have  leave  to  sit  again. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  committee  sit  again 
to-morrow. 

Honourable  Mr.  Blair,  from  the  committee 
appointed  to  prepare  a  petition  to  the  next 
General  Assembly,  presented  a  draught  of  such 
petition,  which  was  read,  and  ordered  to  be  re- 
ferred to  a  committee  of  the  whole  Convention 
to-morrow. 

The  Convention  adjourned  till  to-morrow, 
10  o'clock. 


14 


CONVENTION  OF  1786. 


Saturday,  May  27,  1786. 

Reverend  Mr.  Shield,  from  the  committee 
appointed  to  examine  the  certificates  of  appoint- 
ment of  the  sitting  members,  reported.  That  the 
said  committee  had,  according  to  order,  ex- 
amined the  same,  and  had  come  to  a  resolution 
thereupon,  which  was  read,  and  ordered  to  lie 
on  the  table. 

On  a  motion,  Ordered,  That  the  secretary  at 
the  table  add  to  the  list  of  sitting  members  re- 
ported by  the  aforesaid  committee,  the  names 
of  such  other  members  as  shall  produce  satis- 
factory proofs  of  their  appointment. 

Reverend  Mr.  Griffiih,  from  the  select  com- 
mittee to  whom  it  was  referred  to  collect  the 
matters  unfinished  by  the  last  Convention,  re- 
ported, That  the  said  committee  had,  according 
to  order,  gone  through  the  business  to  them  re- 
ferred, and  come  to  some  resolutions  thereon, 
which  were  read,  and  agreed  to,  as  followeth  : 

Resolved,  That  the  difierent  parishes  which 
have  not  made  a  return  of  the  provision  made 
for  their  clergymen,  be  now  addressed  to  make 
such  returns  to  the  standing  committee  appoint- 
€d  by  this  Convention  :  And  that  it  be  also  rec- 
ommended to  those  parishes  which  have  not 
paid  in  their  five  pounds,  required  by  the  last 
Convention,  now  to  make  payment. 

Resolved,  That  a  committee  be  appointed  to 
lay  off  this  state  into  districts,  and  to  nominate 
a  visiter  in  each,  agreeably  to  the  eighth  canon 
of  thi?  church  ;  and  a  committee  was  appointed 
of  the  Hon.  A.  Gary,  Honourable  Mr.  Fleming, 
Mr.  Mayo  Oarrington,  Mr.  John  S.  Wells,  Rev. 
Mr.  Clay,  Rev.  Mr.  Craig,  Mr.  John  Walker, 
Rev.  Mr.  Shield,  Mr.  Barber,  Rev.  Mr.  Sky- 
ring,  Mr.  Armstead,  Rev.  Mr.  Nugent,  Rev. 
Mr?  Griffith,  Rev.  Mr.  Leland,  Mr.  Peachey, 
Rev.  Mr.  King,  and  Mr.  Jones. 

Resolved,  That  a  standing  committee  ought 
to  be  appointed  to  correspond  with  the  English 
bishops,  and  to  carry  into  effect  the  directions 
of  this  Convention,  and  that  their  powers  be  de- 
fined. And  a  committee  was  appointed  of  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Madison,  Hon.  Mr.  Blair,  Mr.  Page, 
pf  Gloucester,  Rev.  Mr.  Shield,  Rev.  Mr. 
Bracken,  and  Mr.  H.  Nelson. 

Resolved,  That  delegates  be  appointed  to  the 
General  Convention  to  be  held  at  Philadelphia 
in  June  next,  and  that  their  powers  be  defined 
by  instructions. 

Resolved,  That  a  committee  be  appointed  to 
adjust  the  treasurer's  accounts,  and  the  ac- 
counts of  the  late  delegates  to  the  General 
Convention,  and  make  report  thereof:  And  a 
committee  was  appointed  of  the  Honourable 
Mr.  Braxton,  Rev.  Mr.  Skyring,  Mr.  Griffin, 
and  Rev.  Mr.  Shield. 

Resolved,  That  the  journals  of  this  Conven- 
tion be  printed,  and  paid  for  by  the  treasurer, 
and  that  cop-es  be  transmitted  to  such  parishes 
as  were  represented  in  the  last  and  in  the  pres- 
ent Convention ;  and  that  one  or  two  copies  of 
the  journal  of  the  late  General  Convention  now 
on  hand  be  also  sent  to  the  different  parishes. 

Resolved,  That  the  treasurer  be  requested  to 
send  such  recommendations   to  the   different 


parishes  as  are  directed  by  this  Convention,  and 
to  desire  that  returns  may  be  mad.e  to  him  in 
pursuance  thereof. 

On  a  motion.  Resolved,  That  a  committee  be 
appointed  to  consider  what  powers  oughc  to  be 
committed  to  the  standing  committee,  and  also 
to  draw  up  instructions  to  the  delegates  who 
shall  be  appointed  to  the  next  General  Conven- 
tion. And  a  committee  was  appointed  of  Mr. 
Wormeley,  Mr.  Braxton,  Mr.  Page,  of  Caroline, 
Mr.  Walker,  Mr.  W.  M  Gary,  Reverend  Mr. 
Skyring,  Reverend  Mr.  Buchanan,  Reverend 
Mr.  Iceland,  Reverend  Mr.  Craig,  and  Reverend 
Mr.  Clay. 

On  a  motion.  Resolved,  That  two  committees 
be  appointed  with  powers  to  grant  testimonials 
to  candidates  far  parishes ;  that  they  be  con- 
fined within  certain  districts  ;  and  that  the  said 
districts  be  laid  oft"  by  the  committee  appointed 
to  define  the  powers  of  the  standing  committee. 

The  Convention,  according  to  the  order  of 
the  day,  resolved  itself  into  a  committee  of  the 
whole  Convention,  to  take  under  consideration 
the  report  of  the  select  committee  on  the  seve- 
ral alterations  in  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer, 
as  recommended  by  the  laie  General  Conven- 
tion ;  and  after  some  time  spent  therein,  Mr. 
Priesident  resumed  the  chair,  and  Mr.  Braxton 
reported.  That  the  said  committee  had,  accord- 
ing to  order,  taken  uruler  consideration  the 
business  to  them  referred,  and  had  made  some 
progress  in  the  same  ;  but  that  not  having  had 
time  to  go  through  it,  he  was  directed  to  move 
that  the  said  committee  have  leave  to  sit  again. 

Ordered,  That  the  Convention  will,  on  Mon- 
day next,  resolve  itself  into  a  committee  of  the 
whole  Convention,  to  take  under  consideration 
the  aforesaid  report. 

On  a  motion.  Resolved,  That  the  report  of 
the  select  committee,  so  far  as  relates  to  the 
articles  of  religion,  be  referred  to  the  considera- 
tion of  a  private  committee,  and  that  the  com- 
mittee of  the  whole  Convention  be  discharged 
from  the  farther  consideration  of  the  same. 
And  a  committee  was  appointed  of  Mr.  Page, 
of  Gloucester,  Hon.  Mr.  Blair,  Rev.  Mr.  Shield, 
Rev.  Mr.  Griffith,  Rev.  Mr.  Bracken,  Mr.  W. 
M.  Gary,  Rev.  Mr.  Clay,  Mr.  Wormeley,  Rev. 
Mr.  Skyring,  Mr.  Griffin,  Mr.  Walker,  Rev. 
Mr.  Buchanan,  Rev.  Mr.  Craig,  Rev.  Mr.  Tay- 
lor, Mr.  Rose,  Rev.  Mr.  Cameron,  Rev.  Mr. 
Bland,  Hon.  Mr.  Fleming,  Mr.  Edmondson, 
Rev.  Mr.  DicH,  Mr.  Gilchrist,  and  Rev,  Mr. 
Leland. 

The  Convention,  according  to  the  order  of 
the  day,  resolved  itself  into  a  committee  of 
the  whole,  to  take  under  consideration  the 
draught  of  a  petition  to  the  next  General  Assem- 
bly ;  and  after  some  time  spent  therein,  Mr. 
President  resumed  the  chair,  and  the  Hon.  Mr. 
Blair  reported.  That  the  said  committee  had, 
according  to  order,  considered  the  same,  and 
made  some  amendments  therein,  which  were 
read,  and  agreed  to. 

Ordered,  That  the  secretary  be  authorized  to 
employ  an  assistant. 

The  Convention  adjourned  till  Monday  next, 
10  o'clock. 


CONVENTION  OF  1786. 


15 


Monday,  May  29,  1786. 
The  Convention  haviiig  met  according  to  ad- 
journment, 

Mr.  Page,  from  the  committee  appointed  to 
consider  the  report  of  the  select  committee,  so 
far  as  relates  to  the  articles  of  religion,  reported, 
That  they  had  gone  through  the  business  to  them 
referred,  and  come  to  several  resolutions  there- 
on, which  were  read,  and  ordered  to  be  referred 
to  a  conwnittee  of  the  whole  Convention. 

The  Convention  having,  according  to  order, 
resolved  itself  into  a  committee  of  the  whole 
Convention  on  the  report  above  referred — after 
some  time  spent  therein,  Mr.  President  resumed 
the  chair,  and  the  Hon.  Mr.  Blair  reported.  That 
the  said  committee  had,  according  to  order, 
gone  through  the  business  to  them  referred, 
and  made  some  amendments  therein,  which 
were  read,  and,  when  farther  amended,  agreed 
to,  as  followeth  : — 

Resolved,  That  the  first  article  of  religion  be 
agreed  to. 

In  the  second  article,  lines  13th  and  14th, 
strike  out  the  words  was  never  any,  and  insert, 
there  is  no. 

Resolved,  That  such  part  of  the  second  arti- 
cle as  relates  to  the  books  commonly  called 
Apocryphal,  ought  to  be  expunged. 

Resolved,  That  the  third  article  be  agreed  to. 
In  the  fourth  article,  after  the  word  creeds  in- 
sert,   as    contained,   in   the   Book    of    Common 
Prayer  recommended  by  the  late  General   Con- 
vention. 

Resolved,  That  the  fifth  and  sixth  articles  be 
agreed  to. 

In  the  7th  article,  strike  out  the  words  justi- 
fied by  faith  only,  in  the  seventh  line,  and  in- 
sert, thiis  justified  by  faith. 

Resolved,  that  the  8th,  9th,  and  lOth  arti- 
cles be  agreed  to. 

Resolved,  That  the  eleventh  article  on  pre- 
destination be  omitted. 

Resolved,  That  the  12th,  13th,  and  14th  ar- 
ticles be  agreed  to. 

In  the  15th  article,  strike  out  the  first  clause 
as  unnecessary. 

In  the  16th  article,  strike  out  the  words,  as 
by  an  instrument,  in  the  seventh  line. 

In  the  1 7th  article,  strike  out  all  that  relates 
to  tvansubstaniiation. 

Resolved,  That  the  18th,  19th,  and  20th  arti- 
cles be  agreed  to. 

On  a  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  Convention 
will  to-morrow  proceed  by  ballot  to  the  appoint- 
ment of  deputies  to  the  next  General  Conven- 
tion. 

On  a  motion.  Resolved,  That  the  committee 
appointed  to  draw  up  instructions  for  the  depu- 
ties to  the  General  Convention  be  directed, 
among  other  things,  to  instruct  them  to  move 
for  such  alterations  in  the  Book  of  Common 
Prayer  and  Articles  of  Religion  as  shall  be 
agreed  to  by  this  Convention,  as  fit  to  be  pro- 
posed to  the  General  Convention. 

Resolved,  That  the  order  of  the  day  for  the 
Convention  to  resolve  itself  into  a  committee 
of  the  whole  Convention  on  the  report  of  the 
sfelect  committee,  be  put  off  until  fb-morrow. 


The  Convention  adjourned  till  to-morrow, 
10  o'clock. 

Tuesday,  May  30,  1786. 

On  a  motion,  Ordered,  That  the  thanks  of 
this  Convention  be  given  to  the  late  deputies 
who  attended  the  General  Convention  held  at 
Philadelphia,  for  their  diligent  attention  to  the 
interests  of  the  church,  and  faithful  discharge 
of  the  duties  of  their  appointment. 

Mr.  Wormeley,  from  the  committee  appointed 
to  draw  up  instructions  for  the  deputies  to  the 
next  General  Convention,  presented  a  draught 
of  such  instructions,  which  were  read,  and,  with 
some  amendments,  agreed  to  as  followeth  : — 

Gentlemen, — You  are  instructed  to  move  for 
such  alterations  in  the  Book  of  Common  Pray- 
er and  Articles  of  Religion  as  shall  be  agreed 
to  by  this  Convention  as  fit  to  be  proposed  to 
the  General  Convention. 

We  consider  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church 
in  America  as  an  incorporate  society,  and  there- 
fore unity  in  doctrine  and  worship  its  character- 
istic :  Conformably  to  this,  you  will  not  carp  at 
expression,  nor  carry  your  objections  to  unes- 
sential points  ;  guarding  against  schisms  by  all 
possible  means,  and  giving  our  church  every 
benefit  and  strength  it  can  acquire  from  union. 

It  is  superfluous  to  observe  to  you,  that  the 
sooner  our  church  can  have  the  benefit  of 
episcopal  superintendence,  the  nearer  it  will 
approach  to  perfection ;  and  to  recommend  to 
your  attention  the  aid  of  this  necessary  character. 

Mr.  Wormeley,  from  the  committee  to  whom 
was  referred  the  consideration  of  the  powers  to 
be  given  to  the  standing  committee,  reported, 
That  they  had,  according  to  order,  had  the  same 
under  their  consideration,  and  had  come  to  the 
following  resolution  thereon,  which  was  read 
and  agreed  to. 

Resolved,  That  the  standing  committee  ap- 
pointed by  this  Convention  shall  have  power 
to  correspond  with  the  Protestant  archbishops 
and  bishops  in  Europe,  and  with  any  society 
or  societies  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church 
in  these  United  States,  on  any  matters  relating 
to  the  church ; — to  call  a  meeting  of  the  Con- 
vention whensoever  it  shall  to  them  seem 
necessary  ; — to  receive  complaints  against  the 
clergy,  and  to  direct  Courts  of  Examination 
pursuant  to  the  rules  for  the  government  of  the 
church  ; — to  grant  testimonials  to  all  persons, 
candidates  for  parishes,  and  not  citizens  of  this 
state,  who  may  apply  for  the  same  ; — to  make 
such  representations  on  behalf  of  the  church, 
as  may  from  time  to  time  be  expedient ; — to 
give  advice  on  difficulties  propounded  to  them 
concerning  the  church  during  the  recess  of 
Convention  ; — and  to  do  all  other  things  rec- 
ommended by  the  Convention,  and  not  by  them 
assigned  to  others  to  execute  ; — and  to  report 
their  proceedings  to  every  succeeding  Conven- 
tion. 

The  Honourable  A.  Gary,  from  the  committee 
appointed  to  lay  off  this  state  into  districts,  in 
conformity  to  the  eighth  canon  for  the  order, 
government,  and  discipline  of  the  Protestant 
Epfiscopal  Church,  reported.  That  they  had  gone 


16 


CONVENTION  OF  1786. 


through  the  business  to  them  referred,  and  had 
come  to  some  resolutions  thereon,  which  were 
read  and  agreed  to,  as  foUoweth : — 

Resolved,  That  the  State  of  Virjginia  ought 
to  be  divided  into  twenty-four  districts,  for  as- 
sembling the  ministers  annually  in  presbytery, 
and  for  several  other  purposes,  as  set  forth  in 
the  eighth  canon. 

Resolved,  That  the  twenty-four  districts  be 
adjusted  according  to  the  senatorial  division, 
except  where  the  line  of  a  district  divides  a 
parish ;  in  which  case  the  parish  so  divided 
shall  be  considered  as  belonging  to  that  district 
in  which  its  glebe  is  situate. 

District  No.  1,  containing  the  counties  of 
Chesterfield,  Amelia,  Cumberland,  and  Powhat- 
an, of  which  district  the  Rev.  Mr.  William 
Leigh  is  appointed  Visiter, 

District  No.  2,  containing  the  counties  of 
Brunswick,  Greensville,  Lunenburg,  and  Meck- 
lenburg, the  Rev.  Mr.  Craig,  Visiter 

District  No.  3,  containing  the  counties  of 
Charles  City,  James  City,  New  Kent,  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Madison,  Visiter. 

District  No.  4,  containing  the  counties  of 
Henrico,  Goochland,  Louisa,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Bu- 
chanan, Visiter. 

District  No.  5,  containing  the  counties  of 
Augusta,  Rockingham,  Rockbridge,  Shenan- 
doah. 

District  No  6,  containing  the  counties  of 
Lancaster,  Richmond,  and  Northumberland,  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Leland,  Visiter. 

District  No.  7,  containing  the  counties  of 
Isle  of  Wight,  Surry,  and  Prince  George,  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Burgess,  Visiter. 

District  No.  8,  containing  the  counties  of 
Charlotte,  Halifax,  and  Prince  Edward. 

District  No.  9,  containing  the  counties  of 
Gloucester  and  Middlesex,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Klug, 
Visiter. 

District  No.  10,  containing  the  counties,  of 
Spotsylvania,  Orange,  and  Culpepper,  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Stevenson,  Visiter. 

District  No.  11,  containing  the  counties  of 
Loudoun  and  Fauquier,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Craig, 
Visiter. 

District  No.  12,  containing  the  counties  of 
Frederick,  Berkeley,  Hampshire,  and  Hardy. 

District  No.  13,  containing  the  counties  of 
Dinwiddie,  Southampton,  and  Sussex,  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Gurley,  Visiter. 

•  District  No.  14,  containing  the  counties  of 
Botetourt,  Washington,  Montgomery,  Jefferson, 
Fayette,  Lincoln,  Nelson,  Greenbrier,  and  such 
other  counties  as  were  made  from  thes6  the  last 
session  of  Assembly. 

District  No.  15,  containing  the  counties  of 
Hanover  and  CAroUne,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Dick, 
Visiter, 

District  No.  16,  containing  the  counties  of 
Essex,  King  William,  King  and  Queen,  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Skyring,  Visiter. 

District  No.  17,  containing  the  counties  of 
Prince  William  and  Fairfax,  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Griffith,  Visiter. 

District  No.  18,  containing  the  counties  of 
Ohio,  Monongahala,  and  Harrison, 


District  No.  19,  containing  the  counties  of 
Accomack  and  Northampton,  the  Rev.  Mr. 
M'Croskey,  Visiter. 

District  No,  20,  containing  the  counties  of 
Princess  Anne,  Norfolk,  and  Nansemond,  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Emmerson,  Visiter. 

District  No.  21,  containing  the  counties  of 
Buckingham,  Albemarle,  Amherst,  and  Fluvan- 
nah,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Maury,  Visiter. 

District  No.  22,  containing  the  counties  of 
Bedford,  Henry,  Campbell,  Pittsylvania,  and 
FrankUn,  the  Rev.  Mf.  Holt,  Visiter. 

District  No.  23,  containing  the  counties  of 
Elizabeth  City,  Warwick,  and  York,  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Bracken,  Visiter. 

District  No.  24,  containing,  the  counties  of 
Westmoreland,  Stafford,  and  King  George,  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Thornton,  Visiter. 

On  a  motion.  Resolved,  That  a  third  com- 
mittee be  appointed  to  grant  testimonials  to 
citizens  candidates  for  parishes,  who  may  apply 
within  the  district  of  the  same. 

The  Convention  resolved  jtself  into  a  com- 
mittee of  the  whole  Convention,  to  take  under 
their  farther  consideration  the  report  of  the  se- 
lect committee  on  the  several  alterations  made 
in  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer  recommended 
by  the  late  General  Convention ;  and  after 
some  time  spent  therein,  Mr.  President  resumed 
the  chair,  and  Mr.  Braxton  reported.  That  the 
committee  bad,  according  to  order,  gone  through 
the  business  above  referred  to  them,  and  had 
come  to  a  resolution  on  the  same,  which  was 
read,  and,  after  some  amendments,  agreed  to,  as 
followeth  : — 

Resolved,  That  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer, 
as  recommended  by  the  late  General  Conven- 
tion, be  approved,  ratified,  and  used,  except  the 
Rubric  before  the  Communion  Service,  and  such 
alterations  of  the  Articles  as  are  referred  to  the 
consideration  of  the  next  General  Convention  ; 
and  that  the  Psalms  be  used  as  heretofore,  un- 
til a  sufficient  number  of  the  new  books  can  be 
procured. 

On  a  motion  by  Mr.  W.  M.  Gary,  that  the 
yeas  and  nays  be  taken  on  the  above  resolution, 
they  stood  as  foUoweth  :■ — 

John  Walker,  Robert  Slaughter,  W^illiam 
Withers,  John  Edmondson,  John  Page,  John 
Pendleton,  Nathaniel  Wilkinson,  Carter  Brax- 
ton, Thomas  Buford,  Rev.  Archibald  Dick, 
Rev.  William  Bland,  Rev.  D.  Griffith,  Rev. 
John  Buchanan,  Rev.  Jame&  Craig,  Charles 
Yancey,  Ralph  Wormeley,  Thomas  Barber,  Jes- 
se Ewell,  Benjamin  Blunt,  Robert  Bolhng, 
Rev.  S.  Klug,  Rev.  Samuel  Shield,  Rev. 
John  Cameron,  Rev.  John  licland.  Rev.  John 
Bracken,  Samuel  Goode,  John  Jones,  William 
Peachey,  Archibald  Gary,  Thomas  Gaskins,  A. 
Armstead,  Anderson  Scot,  voted  in  the  affirma- 
tive. 

Rev.  James  Madison,  William  Fleming,  Mayo 
Carrington,  Robert  Gilchrist,  Wilson  M.  Gary, 
Thomas  Underwood,  Matt.  Anderson,  Benjamin 
Temple,  William  Spiller,  Rev.  Charles  Clay, 
Rev.  James  Taylor,  Rev.  Henry  Skyring,  Cyrus 
Griffin,  William  Westcote,  William  Eley.  Wil- 
liam Moore,  John  Dawson,  Beverley  Winslow, 


CONVENTION  OF  1786. 


n 


William  Fitzhugh,  Thomas  Hill,  voted  in  the 
negative. 

Mr.  Braxton,  from  the  committee  appointed 
to  examine  the  treasurer's  accounts,  reported, 
That  they  had,  according  to  order,  examined  the 
same,  and  found  the  balance  in  his  hands  to  be 
133/.  6*.  9d. 

On  a  motion.  Resolved,  That  the  order  of  the 
day  for  the  Convention  to  proceed  by  ballot  to 
the  appointment  of  deputies  to  the  next  General 
Convention,  be  put  off  till  to-morrow. 

On  a  motion,  Resolved,  That  only  one  cleri- 
cal and  one  lay  deputy  be  appointed  to  the  next 
General  Convention. 

The  Convention  adjourned  till  to-morrow 
morning,  8  o'clock. 

Wednesday,  May  31,  1786. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  John  Bracken  have 
leave  of  aljsence  during  the  remainder  of  this 
Convention,  on  Mr.  M.  Anderson's  supplying 
his  place  as  secretary. 

Mr.  Wormeley,  from  the  committee  to  whom 
it  was  referred  to  lay  off  districts  for  granting 
testimonials  to  candidates  for  parishes,  reported. 
That  they  had,  according  to  order,  gone  through 
the  business  to  them  referred,  and  had  come  to 
some  resolutions  thereon,  which  were  read, 
and,  with  some  amendments,  agreed  to,  as  fol- 
loweth : — 

Resolved,  That  the  first  or  southern  distric 
be  bounded  by  James  river  and  the  North 
Carolina  line,  extending  westward  to  our 
limits. 

Resolved,  That  the  second  district  be  be- 
tween James  river  and  Rappahannock,  extend- 
ing westward  to  our  limits,  and  that  it  include 
the  two  counties  on  the  eastern  shore. 

Resolved,  That  the  third  district  be  that 
tract  of  country  known  by  the  name  of  the 
Northern  Neck,  including  all  that  territory  not 
included  in  the  two  former  districts. 

On  a  motion.  Resolved,  That  three  commit- 
tees for  granting  testimonials  to  citizens  candi- 
dates for  parishes  be  now  appointed,  one  for 
each  district. 

And  a  committee  was  appointed  for  the  first 
district,  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Leigh,  Rev.  Mr.  Cam- 
eron, Rev.  Mr.  Blagrove,  Hon.  A.  Cary,  Mr. 
Bannister,  and  Mr.  R.  BolUng,  or  any  three  of 
them. 

For  the  second  district  a  committee  was  ap- 
pointed of  the  Hon.  Edmund  Pendleton,  Rev. 
Mr.  Dick,  Rev.  Mr.  Waugh,  Rev.  Mr.  Taylor, 
Mr.  Gilchrist,  and  Mr.  Hoomes,  or  any  three  of 
them. 

For  the  third  district  a  committee  was  ap- 
pointed of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Griffith,  Mr.  Grayson, 
Mr.  Buckner,  Mr.  Fitzhugh,  of  Chatham,  Mr.  B. 
Fairfax,  and  Mr.  Jesse  Ewell,  or  any  three  of 
them. 

Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the 
different  vestries  within  this  state  to  collect 
from  their  parishioners  such  sums  of  money  as 
they  can  get  subscribed,  for  the  purpose  of 
raising  a  fund  to  pay  the  expenses  of  obtaining 
consecration  for  a  bishop,  and  for  his  support 
when  appointed.     The  money,  when  collected, 

B 


must  be  sent  to  the  treasurer  appointed  by  the 
Convention,  who  is  directed  to  report  the 
amount  of  such  returns  to  the  standing  com- 
mittee ;  and  they  are  hereby  required,  upon  the 
appointment  of  a  bishop,  and  after  paying  the 
expenses  attending  his  consecration,  to  lay  or 
let  out  the  residue  in  such  manner  as  shall  to 
them  appear  most  advisable. 

Resolved,  That  the  Convention  do  now  pro- 
ceed, by  ballot,  to  the  appointment  of  a  person 
proper  to  be  recommended  for  consecration  as 
bishop  of  this  state. 

Honourable  Mr.  Braxton,  Mr.  Page,  Rev. 
Mr.  Cameron,  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Craig,  were 
appointed  a  committee  to  examine  the  ballots, 
who,  having  withdrawn  and  examined  the  same, 
reported,  That  they  had  found  the  numbers  for 
the  several  persons  balloted  for  to  be  as  follow- 
eth:— 

For  the  Reverend  David  Griffith,  32 ;  Rev- 
erend John  Bracken,  10 ;  Reverend  Samuel 
Shield,  7. 

And  it  appearing  from  the  report  that  a  ma- 
jority of  the  whole  Convention  was  in  favour  of 
the  Reverend  Mr.  Griffith, 

Resolved,  therefore.  That  the  Reverend  D. 
Griffith  be  recommended  as  a  proper  person  to 
be  consecrated  bishop  for  this  state. 

Resolved,  That  this  Convention  will,  after 
consecration,  receive  the  said  D.  Griffith  as 
bishop. 

The  Convention,  according  to  the  order  of 
the  day,  proceeded  by  ballot  to  the  appointment 
of  deputies  to  attend  the  General  Convention 
appointed, to  be  held  in  Philadelphia  ;  and  Mr. 
Page,  Mr.  Edmondson,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Cameron, 
and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Craig,  were  appointed  a  com- 
mittee to  examine  the  ballots ;  who,  having 
withdrawn  and  examined  the  same,  reported. 
That  they  found  the  numbers  for  the  several  per- 
sons balloted  for  to  be  as  followeth  : 

For  Cyrus  Griffin,  Esq.,  40 ;  the  Reverend 
David  Griffith,  32  ;  Reverend  John  Bracken,  9  ; 
Reverend  Samuel  Shield,  4  ;  John  Walker, 
Esq.,  2  ;  Ralph  Wormeley,  Esq.,  1. 

And  it  appearing  from  the  report  that  a  ma- 
jority of  the  whole  Convention  were  in  favour 
of  Cyrus  Griffin  and  Mr.  Griffith, 

Resolved,  therefore.  That  Cyrus  Griffin,  Esq. 
and  the  Rev.  David  Griffith  be  appointed 
deputies  to  the  General  Convention  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  appointed  to  be 
held  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia  on  the  third 
Tuesday  of  June  next. 

The  Convention  resolved  itself  into  a  com- 
mittee of  the  whole  Convention,  to  take  under 
their  consideration  the  4th,  9th,  and  lOth  arti- 
cles of  the  General  Ecclesiastical  Constitution 
of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  ;  and  after 
some  time  spent  therein,  Mr.  President  resumed 
the  chair,  and  Mr.  W.  M.  Cary  reported,  that 
the  committee  had,  according  to  order,  con- 
sidered the  same,  and  come  to  a  resolution 
thereon,  which  was  read,  and  agreed  to,  as  fol- 
loweth : — 

Resolved,  That  the  4th,  9th,  and  10th  arti- 
cles of  the  General  Ecclesiastical  Constitution 
be  agreed  to. 


18 


CONVENTION  OF  1787. 


On  a  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  treasurer 
De  directed  to  pay  to  the  two  deputies  appoint- 
ed to  attend  the  next  General  Convention  the 
sum  of  forty  pounds  each. 

Resolved,  That  the  treasurer  be  directed 
to  pay  to  Mr.  William  Pierce  the  sum  of  five 
pounds  for  his  services. 


Resolved,   That  the  treasurer  be  allowed  the 
sum  of  twenty  pounds  for  his  last  year's  services. 
The  Convention  then  adjourned. 
Signed  by  order  of  the  Convention, 

James  Madison,  President. 
Attest,         J.  Bracken,  Secretary. 

M.  Anderson,  Sec.  -pro  tern. 


Journal  of  a  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  Virginia, 
Buildings,  in  the  City  of  Richmond,  May  I6th,  1787. 


held  at  the  Public 


A  List  of  the  Members  of  the  Convention. 


Counties. 
Brunswick, 

Caroline, 

Charles  City, 

Chesterfield, 

Fairfax, 
Gloucester, 
Frederick, 
Goochland, 

Hanover, 

Henrico, 
James  City, 
King  and  Queen, 

King  William, 

Lunenburg, 
New  Kent, 
Norfolk, 
Northumberland, 


Parishes. 
St.  Andrews, 

SDrysdale, 
St.  Asaph, 
St.  Margaret, 
Westover, 
c  Dale, 

i  Manchester, 

Fairfax, 

Abingdon, 

Frederick, 

St.  Jas.  Northam, 

5  St.  Paul, 
St.  Martins, 
Henrico, 
James  City, 
St.  Stephens, 
St.  John, 

St.  David, 

Cumberland, 
Blisland, 
St.  Brides, 
Wicomico, 
Southam, 


Clergymen. 

Jesse  Carter. 
James  Taylor. 
Archibald  Dick. 
Benjamin  Blagrove. 


D.  Griffith. 


Powhatan, 

Prince  George, 

Spotsylvania, 

Williamsburg, 
York, 


j  King  William, 

Bristol, 

(  St.  George, 

\  Berkeley, 
Bruton, 
York  Hampton, 

Wednesday,  May  16. 

The  Convention  met,  and  there  not  being  a 
sufficient  number  of  members   to  proceed  to 
business,  adjourned  till  to-morrow  10  o'clock. 
Thursday,  May  17. 

The  Convention  having  met,  the  Rev.  J. 
Bracken  was  unanimously  appointed  Secretary 
to  the  Convention. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Griffith  was  unanimously  elect- 
ed President. 

Ordered,  That  a  committee  be  appointed  to 
examine  and  report  the  certificates  of  appoint- 
ment of  the  sitting  members. 

And  a  committee  was  appointed  of  the  Hon. 
James  Wood,  Rev.  Mr.  Madison,  Rev.  Mr. 
Cameron,  and  Mr.  Pendleton. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Madison,  from  the  standing 


John  Buchanan. 
James  Madison. 

Henry  Skyring. 


James  Craig. 

Needier  Robinson. 
John  Leland. 
John  H.  Saunders. 


John  Cameron. 


John  Bracken. 
Samuel  Shield. 


Lay  Deputies. 
John  Jones. 

John  Baylor. 

Robert  Mickleborough. 

Jerman  Baker. 
(  David  Patterson. 
<  George  Markham. 

Bryan  Fairfax. 
(  John  Page. 
(  Thomas  Lewis. 

James  Wood. 
i  Thomas  Underwood. 
(  Major  Saunders. 
{  John  Pendleton. 
I  Thomas  Tinsley, 

Garland  Anderson. 


Thomas  Hill. 
Wm.  D.  Claiborne. 
Wm.  Spiller. 
Ben.  Temple. 
Henry  Stokes. 
Burwell  Bassett. 

David  Ball. 
Littlebury  Mosley. 
John  Harris. 
Thomas  Turpin. 
John  Shore. 
Thomas  Ryan. 
Beverley  Winslow. 
Robert  Andrews. 
Wm.  Nelson. 


committee,  laid  before  the  Convention  the  jour- 
nal of  a  General  Convention  held  at  Philadelphia, 
September  27, 1786,  the  journal  of  another  Gen- 
eral Convention,  held  at  Wilmington,  October 
10,  1786,  and  the  proceedings  of  the  standing 
committee,  with  some  other  papers,  which  were 
read,  and  ordered  to  lie  on  the  table. 

On  a  motion.  Resolved,  That  this  Convention 
will,  in  their  proceedings,  observe  the  standing 
rules  of  the  House  of  Delegates  so  far  as  they 
may  be  applicable  ;  except  that  the  Convention 
will  not  on  any  occasion  resolve  itself  into  a 
committee  of  the  whole  Convention,  that  the 
president  shall,  in  the  chair,  enjoy,  in  common 
with  the  other  members  of  the  Convention,  the 
right  of  delivering  his  sentiment  on  any  question, 
and  that  the  yeas  and  nays  shall  not  be  called 
for  on  any  question. 


CONVENTION  OF  1787. 


19 


Rev.  Mr.  Leland  reported  the  proceedings  of 
the  examining  court,  had  on  the  trial  of  Edward 
Jones,  clerk,  rector  of  the  parish  of  Northfam- 
ham,  Northumberland  county,  which  were  read, 
and  ordered  to  lie  on  the  table. 

On  a  motion.  Resolved,  That  a  committee  be 
appointed  to  frame  such  rules  and  regulations 
for  the  government  of  the  church,  as  the  repeal 
of  the  act  of  incorporation  has  rendered  neces- 
sary, and  to  revise  the  canons  formerly  made, 
and  prepare  such  alterations  in  them  as  the 
present  situation  of  the  church  requires. 

And  a  committee  was  appointed  of  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Madison,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Bracken,  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Shield,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Taylor,  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Cameron,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Craig,  the  Honourable 
James  Wood,  Mr.  Underwood,  Mr.  Baker,  Mr. 
Andrews,  Mr.  Pendleton,  and  Mr.  Nelson. 

On  a  motion.  Resolved,  That  a  committee  be 
appointed  to  take  into  consideration  the  pro- 
ceedings of  the  General  Convention  held  in 
Philadelphia  in  June,  1786,  the  proceedings  of 
another  General  Convention  held  in  Wilming- 
ton in  October,  1786,  and  the  other  papers  laid 
before  this  Convention  by  the  standing  com- 
mittee, and  that  they  report  thereon. 

And  a  committee  was  appointed  of  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Dick,  Rev.  Mr.  Buchanan,  Rev.  Mr.  Ryan, 
Rev.  Mr.  Fairfax,  Rev.  Mr.  Leland,  Major  Saun- 
ders, Mr.  Baylor,  Mr.  Shore,  and  Mr.  T.  Lewis. 

The  Convention  adjourned  till  to-morrow,  10 
o'clock. 

Friday,  May  18. 

The  Convention  having  met,  according  to 
adjournment,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Madison,  from  the 
committee  appointed  to  frame  such  rules  and 
regulations  for  the  government  of  the  church 
as  the  repeal  of  the  act  of  incorporation  has 
rendered  necessary,  and  to  revise  the  canons 
formerly  made,  reported,  That  they  had,  accord- 
ing to  order,  had  under  their  consideration  the 
business  to  them  referred ;  and  had  in  conse- 
quence thereof  prepared  an  ordinance  for  ap- 
pointing vestries  and  other  purposes ;  and  had 
also  gone  through  the  revision  of  the  canons. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  ordinance  and  revision 
of  the  canons  be  now  received  and  read. 

On  a  motion.  Ordered,  That  the  ordinance  for 
appointing  vestries  and  for  other  purposes  be 
read  a  second  time. 

The  ordinance  for  appointing  vestries  and  for 
other  purposes  was  read  a  second  time,  and, 
with  the  amendments,  ordered  to  be  transcribed 
and  read  to-morrow  a  third  time. 

On  a  motion.  Ordered,  That  the  rules  for  the 
order,  government,  and  discipline  of  the  Prot- 
estant Episcopal  Church  in  Virginia,  be  now 
read  a  second  time. 

The  rules  for  the  order,  government,  and  dis- 
cipline of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  being 
read  a  second  time,  and  amended,  were  ordered 
to  be  transcribed  with  the  amendments,  and 
read  to-morrow  a  third  time. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Dick,  from  the  committee  ap- 
pointed to  take  under  their  consideration  the 
proceedings  of  a  General  Convention  held  at 
Philadelphia  in  June,  1786,  and  also  the  pro- 
B2 


i  ceedings  of  another  General  Convention  held 
at  Wilmington  in  October,  1786,  and  the  other 
papers  laid  before  this  Convention  by  the  stand- 
ing committee,  reported.  That  they  had,  ac- 
cording to  order,  gone  through  the  business  to 
them  referred,  and  had  come  to  several  resolu- 
tions thereon,  which  were  read,  and, 

On  a  motion,  Ordered  to  be  recommitted. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Baker,  Mr.  Jones,  Mr. 
Underwood,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Madison,  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Shield,  and  Mr.  Andrews,  be  added  to  the 
aforesaid  committee. 

On  a  motion.  Ordered,  That  the  treasurer  be 
requested  to  lay  his  accounts  before  the  Con- 
vention to-morrow. 

On  a  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  Convention 
will,  to-morrow,  proceed  by  ballot  to  apppint 
deputies  to  the  next  General  Convention. 

And  then  the  Convention  adjourned  till  to- 
morrow, 10  o'clock. 

Saturday,  May  19. 

The  Convention  having  met,  according  to 
adjournment,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Dick,  from  the  com- 
mittee appointed  to  take  under  consideration 
the  proceedings  of  a  General  Convention  held 
in  Philadelphia  in  June,  1786,  the  proceedings 
of  another  General  Convention  held  in  Wil- 
mington in  October,  1786,  and  the  other  papers 
laid  before  this  Convention  by  the  standing 
committee,  reported,  That  they  had,  according 
to  order,  gone  through  the  business  to  them 
referred,  and  had  come  to  several  resolutions 
thereon,  which  were  read,  and,  when  amended, 
agreed  to,  as  follows  : — 

L  Resolved,  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this 
committee,  that  the  recommendation  to  the 
churches  therein  represented,  not  to  receive 
to  the  pastoral  charge,  within  their  respective 
limits,  clergymen  professing  canonical  subjec- 
tion to  any  bishop,  in  any  state  or  country, 
other  than  those  bishops  who  may  be  duly  set- 
tled in  the  states  represented  in  the  said  Gen- 
eral Convention,  ought  to  be  acceded  to. 

IL  Resolved,  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this 
committee,  that  the  1st,  2d,  3d,  5th,  6th,  7th,  8th, 
10th,  and  11th  articles  of  the  General  Constitu- 
tion be  acceded  to,  and  that  the  4th  and  9th 
articles  be  also  acceded  to,  but  as  articles  of  a 
temporary  nature,  and  not  as  forming  a  part  of 
the  General  Constitution. 

IIT.  Resolved,  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this 
committee,  that  the  recommendation  from  the 
General  Convention  not  to  admit  any  person  as 
a  minister  within  this  church  who  should  receive 
ordination  from  any  bishop  residing  in  America, 
during  the  application  pending  to  the  Enghsh 
bishops  for  episcopal  consecration,  cannot  be 
complied  with. 

IV.  Resolved,  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this 
committee,  that  the  deputies  to  be  appointed  to 
attend  the  next  General  Convention,  be  instruct- 
ed to  move  the  General  Convention  to  expunge 
the  words,  "  He  descended  into  hell,"  inserted 
in  the  Apostles'  Creed  by  the  General  Conven- 
tion held  at  Wilmington,  and  also  whatever 
relates  to  the  restoration  of  the  Nicene  Creed. 

V.  Resolved,  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  thi« 


20 


CONVENTION  OF  1787. 


committee,  that  the  alteration  made  in  the  form 
of  subscription  prescribed  in  the  10th  article  of 
the  General  Constitution  is  not  necessary,  the 
object  of  it  appearing  to  us  to  be  provided  for 
by  what  are  called  the  4th,  9th,  and  10th  articles 
of  the  General  Constitution. 

VI.  Resolved,  That  the  recommendation  from 
the  General  Convention  to  the  Convention  of 
the  several  states,  to  authorize  and  empower 
their  deputies  to  the  next  General  Convention, 
after  a  bishop  or  bishops  shall  be  obtained  in 
the  church,  to  confirm  and  ratify  a  General 
Constitution  respecting  both  the  doctrine  and 
discipline  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church 
of  the  United  States  of  America,  ought  to  be 
complied  with. 

VII.  Resolved,  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this 
committee,  that  the  standing  committee  have 
shown  a  proper  and  diligent  attention  to  the  in- 
terests of  this  church  during  the  recess  of  the 
Convention. 

The  Hon.  James  Wood,  from  the  committee 
appointed  to  examine  the  certificates  of  appoint- 
ment of  the  sitting  members,  reported.  That  they 
had,  according  to  order,  examined  the  business  to 
them  referred,  and  had  come  to  a  resolution  there- 
on, which  was  read,  and  ordered  to  lie  on  the  table. 

On  a  motion.  Resolved,  That  two  deputies  be 
appointed  to  attend  the  General  Convention. 

The  Convention,  according  to  order,  pro- 
ceeded to  ballot  for  deputies  to  attend  the  next 
General  Convention ;  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Shield  and 
Mr.  Jones  were  appointed  to  examine  the  ballots, 
who,  having  withdrawn  and  examined  the  same, 
reported.  That  they  had  found  the  numbers  for  the 
several  persons  balloted  for  to  be  as  followeth : — 

Mr.  Andrews,  34;  Rev.  Dr.  GriflBth,  23 ;  Rev. 
Mr.  Madison,  13. 

And,  it  appearing  from  the  report,  that  a  ma- 
jority of  the  whole  Convention  was  in  favour 
of  Mr.  Andrews  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Griffith, 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  Mr.  Andrews  and 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Griffith  be  appointed  deputies  to 
attend  the  next  General  Convention  of  the  Prot- 
estant Episcopal  Church. 

The  treasurer,  according  to  order,  laid  his 
accounts  before  the  Convention. 

Ordered,  That  they  be  referred  to  a  committee ; 
and  a  committee  was  appointed  of  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Skyring,  Mr.  Baker,  Mr.  Jones,  Mr.  Underwood, 
and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Craig. 

On  a  motion.  Resolved,  That  a  committee  be 
appointed  to  draw  up  a  recommendation  of  one 
xmiform  mode  of  supporting  the  clergy  in  this 
state ;  and  a  committee  was  appointed  of  Mr. 
Jones,  Mr.  Page,  Hon.  James  Wood,  Mr.  Baker, 
Mr.  Andrews,  Rev.  Mr.  Madison,  Rev.  Mr. 
Cameron,  Rev.  Mr.  Shield,  Rev.  Mr.  Craig, 
and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Skyring. 

On  a  motion.  Resolved,  That  an  address  be 
prepared  to  the  members  of  the  Protestant  Epis- 
copal Church  in  this  state,  and  that  it  be  refer- 
red to  the  committee  last  appointed  to  draught 
the  same. 

Resolved,  That  the  order  of  the  day  be  put  off 
till  Monday  next. 

The  Convention  adjourned  till  Monday,  7 
o'clock. 


Monday,  May  21. 

The  Convention  having  met,  according  to 
adjournment,  Mr.  Baker,  from  the  committee 
appointed  to  examine  the  treasurer's  accounts, 
reported.  That  they  had,  according  to  order,  ex- 
amined the  same,  had  found  them  fairly  stated, 
and  that  the  balance  remaining  in  his  hands  was 
103^.  6*.  lOid. 

The  ordinance  for  appointing  vestries  and 
trustees,  and  for  other  purposes,  having  been 
fairly  transcribed,  it  was  read,  and  the  blanks 
filled  up  ;  and  then  it  was  resolved  that  the  said 
ordinance  do  pass. 

The  rules  and  canons  for  regulating  the  order, 
government,  and  discipline  of  the  Protestant  Epis- 
copal Church  in  Virginia  having  been  fairly  trans- 
cribed, were  read,  and  the  blanks  filled  up,  and 
then  it  was  resolved  that  the  said  rules  do  pass. 

Mr.  Jones,  from  the  committee  appointed  to 
prepare  and  recommend  one  uniform  mode  of 
supporting  the  clergy,  reported.  That  they  had, 
according  to  order,  had  under  consideration  the 
business  to  them  referred,  and  had  come  to  some 
resolutions  thereon,  which  were  read  and  agreed 
to,  as  followeth  : — 

In  order  that  one  uniform  mode  of  supporting 
the  clergy  may  be  adopted  throughout  this  church. 

Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the 
church- wardens  or  trustees  in  the  different  par- 
ishes, where  the  incumbent  is  not  satisfied  with 
the  provision  already  made  for  him,  so  soon  as 
convenient  after  vestries  and  trustees  are  duly 
elected,  to  convene  the  members  of  the  Prot- 
estant Episcopal  Church  in  their  respective 
parishes,  and  propose  to  such  members,  when 
convened,  that  they  do  there  deliberate  and  de- 
termine upon  the  sum  which  they  are  willing 
annually  to  contribute  to  the  support  of  the 
minister ;  and  that  they  do,  by  their  voluntary 
consent,  authorize  the  vestry  to  receive  such 
sum  from  the  members  of  the  said  church  in 
proportion  to  the  titheables  possessed  by  each. 

Resolved,  That  it  be  further  recommended  to 
the  different  parishes,  that  they  do  agree  such 
sum,  when  fixed  upon,  shall  be  permanent,  until 
changed  or  altered  by  a  majority  of  the  society. 

Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  dif- 
ferent church-wardens  to  have  similar  provision 
made  for  the  clerks,  sextons,  and  necessary  ex- 
penses of  the  church. 

Mr.  Jones,  from  the  committee  appointed  to 
prepare  an  address  to  the  members  of  the  Prot- 
estant Episcopal  Church,  reported.  That  they 
had,  according  to  order,  had  under  consideration 
the  business  to  them  referred,  and  had  prepared 
the  same,  which  was  read  and  agreed  to,  as  fol- 
lows : — 

The  Address  of  the  Convention  to  the  Members  of 
the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  Virginia. 

We,  your  pastors  and  lay  deputies,  in  Con- 
vention assembled,  have,  by  the  favour  of  Divine 
Providence,  and  according  to  the  privilege  secu- 
red by  the  laws  of  the  country  to  every  society 
of  Christians  of  managing  its  own  temporal  con- 
cerns, and  of  regulating  its  discipline  and  wor- 
ship,   instituted  certain    fundamental  canons, 


CONVENTION  OF  1787. 


n 


made  necessary  by  the  repeal  of  the  incorpora- 
ting act,  and  have  framed  rules  for  the  order, 
discipline,  and  worship  of  our  church.  We 
think,  however,  that  to  discharge  fully  the  duty 
we  owe  on  this  occasion  to  God  and  to  you,  it 
is  incumbent  on  us  briefly  to  put  you  in  mind 
of  some  things  which  remain  for  you  to  do,  and 
to  which,  if  you  do  not  attend,  all  our  labours 
here  must  be  ineffectual.  To  render  our  church 
truly  respectable,  and  our  institutions  of  service 
to  the  cause  of  Christianity,  a  general  and  reg- 
ular attendance  on  public  worship,  and  the  con- 
stant practice  of  piety  and  morality,  in  all  times 
and  in  all  places,  are  indispensable.  This  is  so 
obvious,  that  we  trust  we  need  only  mention  it 
to  you.  A  moderate  but  adequate  provision  for 
your  pastor,  is  another  thing  which  must  claim 
your  attention  and  exertions.  Both  Scripture 
and  common  sense  point  out  this  to  be  your 
duty,  and  the  omission  of  it  involves  conse- 
quences which  no  real  Christian  can  think  of 
without  horror.  The  want  of  proper  teachers 
must  be  the  effect  of  this  omission  ;  and  igno- 
rance and  error,  with  all  their  train  of  evils,  will 
follow.  The  very  idea  of  being  the  author  of 
so  great  an  injury  to  the  temporal  and  eternal 
concerns  of  mankind  must  rouse  and  alarm  you  ; 
and,  we  trust,  will  exxite  your  most  serious  en- 
deavours to  provide  for  the  preservation  of  the 
pure  doctrines  of  religion.  The  general  affairs 
of  our  church  also  require  from  you  a  small  con- 
tribution. We  have  been  careful  to  frame  our 
institutions  of  a  nature  as  simple  and  unex- 
pensive  as  possible  ;  but  we  could  not  constitute 
a  church  which  would  call  for  no  support  from 
its  members.  Recommending  these  things  to 
your  attention,  and  you  to  the  Almighty  gui- 
dance and  protection,  we  are  your  affectionate 
brethren  in  Christ. 

On  a  motion.  Ordered,  That  200  copies  of 
the  ordinance  for  regulating  the  appointment  of 
vestries,  &c.,  and  of  the  address  to  the  mem- 
bers of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  be  im- 
mediately printed ;  and  that  the  treasurer  be  re- 
quested to  transmit  them  to  the  several  parishes. 

I.  On  a  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  several 
parishes  of  this  state  be  divided  into  24  dis- 
tricts, for  assembling  the  ministers  annually  in 
presbytery,  and  for  other  purposes,  as  set  forth 
in  the  eighth  Canon. 

II.  Resolved,  That  the  24  districts  be  ad- 
justed according  to  the  senatorial  division,  ex- 
cept where  the  line  of  a  district  divides  a  parish  ; 
in  which  case,  the  parish  so  divided  shall  be 
considered  as  belonging  to  that  district  in  which 
its  glebe  is  situated. 

III.  Resolved,  That  the  several  visiters  ap- 
pointed by  the  last  Convention  be  continued  in 
their  respective  districts,  as  thereby  provided  ; 
except  that  the  Rev.  Mr.  Fairfax  be  appointed 
visiter  in  the  room  of  Dr.  Griffith,  nominated 
to  be  bishop  ;  and  the  Rev.  John  H.  Saunders 
in  the  room  of  Mr.  Leigh,  deceased. 

IV.  Resolved,  That  three  committees  be  ap- 
pointed to  grant  testimonials  to  citizens,  candi- 
dates for  parishes,  who  may  apply  within  the 
divisions  of  the  same. 

V.  Resolved,  That  the  first  or  southern  di- 


vision be  bounded  by  James  river  and  the 
North  Carolina  line,  extending  westward  to  the 
limits  of  this  state. 

VI.  Resolved,  That  the  second  division  be  be- 
tween James  river  and  Rappahannock,  extend- 
ing westward  to  the  limits  of  this  state,  and  that 
it  include  the  two  counties  on  the  eastern  shore. 

VII.  Resolved,  That  the  third  division  be 
that  tract  of  country  known  by  the  name  of  the 
Northern  Neck,  and  that  it  include  all  the  ter- 
ritory not  comprehended  within  the  two  former 
divisions. 

VIII.  Resolved,  That  the  Rev.  Mr.  Cameron, 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Craig,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Gerard,  Col. 
Banister,  Mr.  Robert  Boiling,  Mr.  Jerman  Baker, 
or  any  three  of  them,  be  appointed  a  committee 
for  the  first  division. 

IX.  Resolved,  That  the  Hon.  Edmund  Pen- 
dleton, the  Rev.  Mr.  Dick,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Waugh, 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Taylor,  Mr.  Gilchrist,  and  Mr. 
Hoomes,  be  appointed  a  committee  for  the 
second  division,  or  any  three  of  them. 

X  Resolved,  That  the  Rev.  Mr.  Grayson, 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Buchanan,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Fairfax,  Mr. 
Fitzhugh,  of  Chatham,  Mr.  Jesse  Ewell,  and  Dr. 
Brown,  be  appointed  a  committee  for  the  third 
division,  or  any  three  of  them. 

On  a  motion.  Resolved,  That  the'Rev.  Mr. 
Madison,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Bracken,  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Shield,  the  Hon.  John  Blair,  Mr.  Page,  of  Rose- 
well,  and  Mr.  Andrews,  be  appointed  a  standing 
committee  ;  and  that  they  have  power  to  cor- 
respond with  the  Protestant  archbishops  and 
bishops  in  Europe,  and  with  any  society  or  so- 
cieties of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in 
these  United  States,  on  any  matters  relating  to 
the  church  ;  to  call  a  meeting  of  the  Convention 
whensoever  it  shall  to  them  seem  necessary  ; 
to  receive  complaints  against  the  clergy,  and  to 
direct  courts  of  examination  pursuant  to  the 
rules  for  the  government  of  the  church  ;  to 
grant  testimonials  to  all  persons  candidates  for 
parishes,  and  not  citizens  of  this  state,  who 
may  apply  for  the  same  ;  to  make  such  repre- 
sentations on  behalf  of  the  church  as  may  from 
time  to  time  be  expedient ;  to  give  advice  on 
difficulties  propounded  to  them  concerning  the 
church  during  the  recess  of  Convention  ;  and 
to  do  all  other  things  recommended  by  the  Con- 
vention, and  not  by  them  assigned  to  others  to 
execute  ;  and  to  report  their  proceedings  to 
every  succeeding  Convention. 

On  a  motion,  Resolved,  That  all  reasonable 
expenses  be  allowed  the  deputies  appointed  to 
attend  the  next  General  Convention,  and  that 
the  sum  of  thirty  pounds  be  advanced  to  them 
on  account. 

On  a  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  standing 
committee,  without  delay,  request  of  the  Right 
Rev.  Dr.  White,  Bishop  of  the  Protestant  Epis- 
copal Church  in  the  State  of  Pennsylvania,  and 
the  Right  Rev.  Dr.  Provost,  bishop  of  the  said 
church  in  the  State  of  New-York,  that  they, 
or  either  of  them,  admit  to  consecration  the 
Rev.  Dr.  Griffith,  nominated  by  the  last  Con- 
vention bishop  of  the  church  in  this  state. 

On  a  motion.  Resolved,  That  the  standing 
committee  be  authorized  to  appoint  a  deputy  or 


CONVENTION  OF  1787. 


deputies  to  the  General  Convention,  should  both 
or  either  of  the  gentlemen  appointed  by  this 
Convention  be  prevented  from  attending. 

On  a  motion,  Resolved,  That  it  be  recom- 
mended to  the  several  parishes  (who  have  not 
complied  with  the  recommendation  of  the  last 
Convention,  to  collect  from  their  parishioners 
such  sums  of  money  as  they  could  get  subscri- 
bed, for  the  purpose  of  raising  a  fund  to  pay  the 
expenses  of  obtaining  consecration  for  a  bishop, 
and  for  his  support  when  consecrated),  to  hasten 
such  collections,  and  to  forward  the  money  when 
collected  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Buchanan,  treasurer, 
who  is  directed  to  report  the  amount  to  the 
standing  committee  ;  and  they  are  hereby  re- 
quired, after  paying  the  above-mentioned  ex- 
penses, to  lay  or  let  out  ihe  residue  in  such 
manner  as  shall  to  them  appear  most  advisable. 

On  a  motion.  Resolved,  That  the  members 
of  this  Convention  proceed  to  sign  the  testimo- 
nials of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Griffith. 

On  a  motion.  Resolved,  That  it  be  recom- 
mended to  the  different  parishes  to  provide  funds 
for  the  education  of  two  youths  from  their  early 
years,  in  such  a  manner  as  to  be  properly  quali- 
fied for  discharging  the  important  duties  of  the 
ministry  in  this  church.  And  towards  effecting 
this  purpose,  be  it  further  recommended  to  the 
clergy,  to  preach  annually  a  charity  sermon  in 
their  respective  parishes,  and  transmit  the  money 
so  collected  to  the  treasurer,  which  money  shall 
be  subject  to  the  disposal  of  the  bishop  and  the 
standing  committee,  who  shall  conjointly  have 
the  direction  of  the  education  of  the  two  youths. 

And  be  it  further  resolved,  That  the  choice 
of  such  youths  shall  reside  in  the  bishop  and  the 
standing  committee. 

On  a  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  treasurer  be 
allowed  five  per  cent,  on  all  moneys  received 
since  last  Convention. 

On  a  motion,  Resolved,  That  150  copies  of 
the  Journal  of  this  Convention  be  printed  under 
the  inspection  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Buchanan. 

On  a  motion,  Resolved,  That  Mr.  Pierce  be 
allowed  the  sum  of  five  pounds  for  his  services. 

Resolved,  That  the  next  Convention  be  called 
to  meet  in  the  city  of  Richmond. 

The  Convention  then  adjovurned. 

D.  Griffith,  President. 
J.  Bracken,  Secretary. 


AN  ORDINANCE  FOR  REGULATING  THE  APPOINT- 
MENt  OF  VESTRIES  AND  TRUSTEES,  AND  FOR 
OTHER    PURPOSES. 

Whereas  an  act  of  General  Assembly,  which 
was  passed  in  the  year  one  thousand  seven 
hundred  and  eighty-four,  entitled,  "An  act  for 
incorporating  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church," 
hath  been  repealed  by  an  act  of  the  last  session  ; 
in  consequence  of  which,  it  is  supposed  that  the 
several  powers  of  government  and  discipline  in 
the  said  church  are  returned  to  the  members  at 
large ;  and  in  order  to  exercise  those  powers, 
the  members  of  the  said  church,  in  their  several 
parishes,  have  elected  two  deputies  to  represent 
them  in  a  Convention,  to  be  held  in  the  city  of 
Richmond,  on  this  sixteenth  day  of  May,  one 


thousand  seven  hundred  and  eighty-seven,  with 
full  powers  to  deliberate  upon,  form,  and  estab- 
lish such  regulations  as  they  should  judge  to 
be  necessary  and  proper  for  the  government, 
discipline,  and  worship  of  the  said  church,  and 
the  care  and  direction  of  the  social  property  ;  in 
order  to  effect  which  purposes,  it  is  judged  ne- 
cessary that  vestries  should  forthwith  be  elected 
in  each  parish. 

Be  it  therefore  ordained  by  the  deputies  so 
appointed,  and  now  met  in  Convention  at  the 
time  and  place  prefixed,  That  the  church- wardens 
and  vestrymen  in  the  several  parishes  within 
this  commonwealth,  who  were  elected  into  office 
in  conformity  to  an  act  of  General  Assembly, 
passed  in  the  year  one  thousand  seven  hundred 
and  eighty-four,  entitled,  "  An  act  for  incorpo- 
rating the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church,"  be, 
and  are  hereby  declared  and  acknowledged  as 
trustees  for  the  members  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church,  until  a  new  election  shall 
take  place,  and  to  hold  the  property,  both  real 
and  personal,  belonging  to  the  said  church,  for 
their  use  and  benefit,  subject  to  such  regula- 
tions as  shall  be  made  from  time  to  time  by  the 
Convention  of  deputies  elected  by  the  members 
of  the  said  church.  And  be  it  further  ordained, 
that  as  soon  as  may  be  after  notice  of  this  ordi- 
nance, the  late  church-wardens,  or  any  other 
two  reputable  inhabitants  (being  members  of 
the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church)  in  each  parish, 
do  call  together,  at  some  convenient  time  and 
place,  by  notice  duly  given,  all  the  freeholders 
and  housekeepers  in  such  parish  who  are  mem- 
bers of  the  said  church,  and  contribute  to  the 
support  thereof;  then  and  there  to  elect  twelve 
of  the  most  able  and  discreet  men  of  their  so- 
ciety to  be  a  vestry  for  such  parish,  and  trustees 
of  their  property  ;  to  continue  in  office  until  the 
Monday  in  Easter-week,  in  the  year  one  thousand 
seven  hundred  and  ninety,  and  on  that  day,  if 
fair,  otherwise  the  next  day  which  is  so,  there 
shall  be  a  new  election  of  vestrymen  ;  and  such 
elections  shall  continue  to  be  made  triennially 
on  Easter-Monday,  if  fair,  or  the  next  fair  day, 
until  the  Convention  shall  otherwise  direct ;  in- 
termediate vacancies  occasioned  by  death,  re- 
moval, or  resignation,  to  be  filled  by  the  remain- 
ing vestrymen,  and  those  so  chosen  to  act  until 
the  period  of  the  next  general  election. 

Every  vestryman,  before  he  acts  in  office, 
shall  subscribe  in  vestry  to  be  conformable  to 
the  doctrine,  discipline,  and  worship  of  the  Prot- 
estant Episcopal  Church. 

Each  vestry,  at  their  first  meeting  after  their 
election,  shall  choose  two  of  their  members  to 
be  church-wardens,  who  shall  superintend  the 
next  general  election  of  vestrymen  ;  judge  of 
the  qualifications  of  voters,  and  certify  the  names 
of  the  persons  chosen.  They  shall  be  consid- 
ered as  the  acting  part  of  the  vestry,  and  shall 
see  that  the  orders  and  resolutions  of  the  vestry 
be  carried  into  execution. 

The  vestries  respectively,  with  the  minister, 
where  there  is  one,  shall  hold  and  enjoy  all 
glebes,  lands,  churches,  books,  plate,  and  other 
property,  now  belonging  or  hereafter  accruing 
to  the  said  church,  as  trustees  for  the  benefit 


CONVENTION  OF  1787. 


23 


'of  the  society,  and  may  improve  or  demise  the 
lands  during  the  vacancy  of  a  minister  ;  but  may 
not  demise  lands  allowed  for  the  minister's  hab- 
itation or  use,  when  they  have  one,  without  his 
consent.  They  may  also  use,  improve,  or  dis- 
pose of  all  personal  property,  and  the  produce, 
rents,  and  profits  of  lands  (not  appropriated  for 
the  minister)  belonging  to  the  church,  for  the 
benefit  of  the  society,  in  erecting  or  repairing 
churches,  glebe-houses,  or  otherwise  ;  and  may 
make  such  rules  and  orders  for  managing  the 
temporal  aflfairs  and  concerns  of  the  church, 
within  their  respective  parishes,  as  they  shall 
think  most  conducive  to  its  interest  and  pros- 
perity, and  for  carrying  into  execution  such 
orders  and  rules  for  government  and  discipline, 
or  other  spiritual  purposes,  as  shall  be  directed 
by  this  or  any  future  Convention.  They  shall 
have  the  sole  power  of  directing  the  payment 
of  money  belonging  to  the  church  within  their 
respective  parishes,  and  of  appointing  a  clerk, 
treasurer,  and  collector,  when  they  think  neces- 
sary. All  of  which  proceedings  shall  be  fairly 
entered  in  a  book  to  be  kept  for  that  purpose. 

A  meeting  of  the  body  (to  be  called  by  the 
minister,  or,  if  he  be  absent,  or,  in  case  of  a 
vacancy,  by  the  church-wardens,  or  by  a  church- 
warden, if  but  one  within  the  parish,  or  by  any 
two  vestrymen,  if  there  be  no  minister  or  church- 
warden) shall  be  had  as  often  as  is  necessary, 
the  minister  to  have  a  vote  equal  to,  and  not 
greater  than  a  vestryman  in  all  questions,  ex- 
cept for  the  demise  of  the  glebe-lands  assigned 
for  his  residence  or  use,  in  which  he  shall  have 
a  negative.  Seven  members  shall  be  sufficient 
to  constitute  a  meeting,  and  all  questions  shall 
be  decided  by  a  majority  of  those  present. 

Future  Conventions  shall  consist  of  two  depu- 
ties from  each  parish,  of  whom  the  minister 
shall  be  one,  if  there  be  a  minister,  the  other  a 
layman,  to  be  annually  chosen  by  the  vestry, 
who  shall  also  choose  another  where  there  is  no 
minister  in  the  parish.  And  twenty -five  deputies 
thus  qualified  and  appointed  shall  be  a  Convention. 

Conventions  shall  regulate  all  the  religious 
concerns  of  the  church,  its  doctrines,  discipline, 
and  worship,  and  institute  such  rules  and  regu- 
lations as  they  may  judge  necessary  for  the  good 
government  thereof,  and  the  same  revoke  and 
alter  at  their  pleasure. 


CANONS. 

I.  Conventions  shall  be  holden  annually  on 
the  first  Wednesday  in  May,  provided  neverthe- 
less, that  if  a  sufficient  number  of  members  to 
form  a  Convention  shall  not  attend  on  the  said 
day,  any  five  then  assembled  shall  have  power 
to  adjourn. 

II.  A  person  shall  preside  in  Convention  with 
the  name  of  president,  who  shall  always  be  a 
bishop,  when  there  is  one  present  properly  con- 
secrated and  settled  in  the  church,  till  which 
time  a  president  shall  be  appointed  by  the  Con- 
vention out  of  their  own  body  ;  if  more  than 
one  bishop  is  found  necessary  in  this  church, 
they  shall  preside  alternately. 

III.  A  secretary  shall  be  appointed  by  the 


Convention,  who  shall  continue  in  office  during 
good  behaviour,  who  shall  keep  a  record  of  their 
resolves  and  proceedings,  and  have  the  records 
in  his  custody  so  long  as  he  shall  continue  in 
office. 

IV.  Standing  rules  shall  be  established  for 
the  preservation  of  decorum,  and  the  orderly 
management  of  business. 

V.  All  questions,  whether  they  relate  to  the 
order,  government,  discipline,  doctrine,  or  wor- 
ship of  this  church,  or  to  any  other  matter  which 
is  properly  before  the  Convention,  shall  be  de- 
termined by  a  majority  of  votes. 

VI.  At  all  future  Conventions,  each  member 
(whether  minister  or  layman)  shall,  previous  to 
his  admission,  produce  a  testimonial  of  his  being 
regularly  appointed,  which  testimonial  shall  be 
signed  by  one  or  both  of  the  church-wardens,  or 
by  the  clerk  of  the  respective  vestries. 

VII.  All  the  ordinances  and  other  proceed- 
ings of  the  Convention  shall  be  attested  by  the 
secretary. 

VIII.  The  clergy  of  several  neighbouring 
parishes,  not  less  than  three  nor  more  than 
ten,  shall  assemble  in  presbytery  annually,  on 
the  second  Wednesday  in  April,  at  some  con- 
venient place  in  the  district,  to  be  appointed  by 
a  majority  of  the  ministers  in  the  same  district ; 
one  in  each  district  shall  be  appointed  by  the 
Convention,  to  preside  at  their  meetings  with 
the  title  of  visiter,  who  shall  annually  visit  each 
parish  in  his  district — shall  attend  to  and  in- 
spect the  morals  and  conduct  of  the  clergy — 
shall  see  that  the  canons  and  rules  of  the  church 
are  observed,  and  that  no  abuses  are  practised 
— shall  admonish  and  reprove  privately  those 
clergymen  who  are  negligent,  or  act  in  an  un- 
becoming manner ;  and  shall  report  yearly  to 
the  bishop,  if  there  be  one,  or  if  there  be  no 
bishop,  to  the  next  Convention,  the  state  of  each 
parish  in  his  district,  noting  down  the  offenders 
and  their  offences. 

IX.  The  clergy  who  shall  minister  in  this 
church  shall  be  the  three  orders  of  bishops, 
priests,  and  deacons. 

X.  Every  person  hereafter  to  officiate  in  this 
church  as  a  bishop,  shall  be  nominated  by  the 
Convention  ;  and  having  received  episcopal  con- 
secration before  he  enters  on  his  office,  shall 
subscribe  to  conform  to  the  doctrine,  discipline, 
and  worship  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church 
of  Virginia  ;  and  no  person  shall  be  received 
into  the  church  as  a  bishop  until  he  shall  have 
completed  the  thirtieth  year  of  his  age. 

XI.  As  we  conceive  the  office  of  a  bishop, 
according  to  the  true  apostolic  institution,  dif- 
fers in  nothing  from  that  of  other  ministers  of 
God's  word,  except  in  the  power  of  ordination 
and  confirmation,  and  the  rights  of  superintend- 
ing the  conduct  of  the  clergy,  and  of  precedency 
in  ecclesiastical  assemblies,  that  office  shall  be 
accordingly  so  exercised  in  this  church  ;  and 
every  bishop,  after  his  promotion  to  the  episcopal 
order,  shall  continue  to  hold  a  parish,  and  to  do 
the  duty  of  a  parish  minister,  except  when  he  is 
necessarily  employed  in  the  discharge  of  his 
episcopal  office. 

XII.  No  bishop  shall  inflict  any  censure  upon, 


24 


CONVENTION  OF  HST. 


or  exercise  any  power  over,  the  clergy  under  his 
inspection,  other  than  he  is  allowed  to  do  by  the 
laws  and  institutions  of  this  church  made  in 
Convention. 

XIII.  No  priest  or  minister  shall  hereafter 
be  received  into  any  parish  within  this  common- 
wealth, unless  he  first  produce  to  the  vestry 
sufficient  testimonials  of  his  having  been  reg- 
ularly ordained  a  priest  by  some  Protestant 
bishop,  and  of  havmg  taken  the  oath  of  allegiance 
to  this  conamonwealth,  and  subscribe  to  be  con- 
formable to  the  doctrine,  disciphne,  and  worship 
of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church ;  nor  till  he 
shall  have  entered  into  a  contract  in  writing 
with  the  vestry  or  trustees  on  behalf  of  the 
society  within  such  parish,  by  which  it  shall  be 
stipulated  and  declared  that  he  holds  the  ap- 
pointment subject  to  removal  upon  the  deter- 
minations of  the  Convention  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church  in  this  state.  Provided,  That 
any  person  who  hath  been  ordained  by  a  bishop 
of  the  Church  of  Rome,  may  also  be  received 
as  a  minister,  who  shall  produce  satisfactory 
testimonials  respecting  his  ordination,  morals, 
and  conduct,  renounce  the  errors  of  that  church, 
take  the  oath,  and  subscribe  as  aforesaid. 

XIV.  No  minister  shall  hereafter  be  received 
into  a  parish  who  does  not  first  produce  to  the 
vestry  satisfactory  testimonials  of  his  morals, 
conduct,  and  conversation,  from  the  person  or 
persons  appointed  by  the  Convention  to  inquire 
mto  such  matters,  and  grant  such  testimonials. 

XV.  The  right  of  presentation,  or  appointing 
ministers  to  serve  in  the  parishes,  shall  continue 
in  the  vestries,  and  each  vestry  shall  choose  its 
own  minister. 

XVI.  Every  person  to  be  ordained  priest  or 
deacon  by  any  bishop  of  this  church,  shall  pro- 
duce testimonials  of  his  good  morals  and  orderly 
conduct  from  the  clergy  assembled  in  the  district 
where  he  for  some  time  last  resided,  and  from 
the  vestry  of  the  parish  where  he  last  lived, 
provided  there  be  in  the  district  a  sufllicient 
number  of  clergymen  to  form  a  presbytery  ; 
otherwise  a  testimonial  from  the  minister  and 
vestry  of  his  parish,  or  from  the  vestry  alone, 
if  the  parish  is  vacant,  shall  be  deemed  suffi- 
cient :  Provided  also,  the  candidate  is  not  an 
inhabitant  of  some  other  state.  No  person  shall 
be  ordained  until  due  examination  had  by  the 
bishop  and  two  priests. 

XVII.  No  person  shall  be  admitted  to  priest's 
orders  until  he  shall  have  completed  the  twenty- 
fourth  year  of  his  age,  and  is  assured  of  the 
willingness  of  some  parish  or  congregation  to 
receive  him  as  their  minister,  to  be  certified 
under  the  hands  of  the  church-wardens,  and  at- 
tested by  the  clerk  of  the  vestry. 

XVIII.  Every  person  who  shall  be  admitted 
either  to  priest's  or  deacon's  orders,  shall  be 
ordained  according  to  the  form  prescribed  in 
the  Book  of  Common  Prayer,  &c.,  directed  to 
be  used  in  this  church  ;  but  no  person  shall  be 
ordained  priest  until  he  has  served  six  months 
in  the  office  of  deacon. 

XIX.  No  person  shall  be  ordamed  deacon 
until  he  shall  have  completed  the  twenty-first 
year  of  his  age. 


XX.  No  person  having  deacon's  orders  only 
shall  be  allowed  to  hold  a  parish ;  but  a  deacon 
may,  during  a  vacancy,  officiate  in  a  parish,  if 
chosen  by  the  vestry  to  do  so  ;  he  shall  preach  the 
gospel,  and  baptize  ;  he  may  assist  in  administer- 
ing the  sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper,  but  not 
consecrate  the  elements  ;  he  may  solemnize  mar- 
riages, and  shall  attend  to  the  situation  and  cir- 
cumstances of  the  poor  when  it  may  be  necessary. 

XXI.  A  person  may  be  ordamed  a  deacon 
though  he  shall  have  no  assurance  of  being 
called  to  minister  in  a  parish  or  congregation, 
provided  his  testimonials  and  qualifications  are 
satisfactory. 

XXII.  A  deacon  may  minister  as  a  proba- 
tioner or  missionary,  under  the  direction  of  the 
Convention  or  the  bishop. 

XXIII.  The  parish  clerk  shall  be  appointed 
by  the  minister  and  vestry,  and  displaced  by 
them  whenever  his  services  are  not  satisfactory 
to  the  people,  whenever  he  shall  neglect  his 
duty,  or  otherwise  misbehave  himself. 

XXIV.  Sextons  shall  be  appointed  by  the 
vestries,  and  dismissed  by  them  when  they  think 
proper. 

XXV.  Bishops  shall  be  amenable  to  the 
Convention,  who  shall  be  a  court  to  try  them, 
from  which  there  shall  be  no  appeal  ;  on  all 
such  occasions,  a  president,  who  shall  be  a 
bishop,  shall  be  chosen  by  the  Convention  to  sit 
as  judge  ;  and  they  shall  also  appoint  a  clerk  to 
the  court. 

XXVI.  All  accusations  against  a  bishop,  as 
such,  shall  come  from  the  vestries  ;  but  no  ac- 
cusation against  a  bishop  shall  be  received  un- 
less three  vestries  join  in  the  complaint ;  all 
complaints  against  a  bishop  shall  be  lodged  with 
such  persons  as  may  be  appointed  to  call  a  Con- 
vention ;  and  a  copy  of  the  charge  or  charges 
to  be  brought  against  him  shall  be  communi- 
cated to  him  in  writing,  at  least  two  months  be- 
fore the  trial  ;  counsel  may  be  employed  on 
both  sides,  and  none  but  viva  voce  evidence  shall 
be  admitted. 

XXVII.  Disorderly,  scandalous,  and  immoral 
conduct,  neglect  of  duty,  a  disregard  to  the  rules 
and  canons  of  the  church,  or  taking  a  bribe  to 
grant  either  ordination  or  a  recommendation  for 
a  vacant  parish,  shall  be  considered  as  ofiences 
in  a  bishop,  for  which  he  may  be  brought  to 
trial ;  and  on  his  being  convicted  of  any  of 
these,  he  shall  be  reproved,  suspended,  or  dis- 
missed, at  the  discretion  of  the  court. 

XXVIII.  Courts  shall  be  instituted  to  ex- 
amine into  complaints  exhibited  against  minis- 
ters or  deacons,  to  consist  of  six  members,  viz., 
three  clergymen  and  three  vestrymen  from  the 
nearest  and  most  convenient  parishes,  one  from 
each ;  the  appointment  of  said  vestrymen  shall 
be  by  lot ;  the  oldest  clergyman  in  orders  shall 
preside  as  judge  ;  on  conviction  of  the  minis- 
ter, the  court  shall  report  the  facts,  and  state 
the  evidence  to  the  Convention,  who  shall  pro- 
ceed without  delay  to  pass  such  sentence  as  a 
majority  of  them  shall  think  the  offence  de- 
serves, which  shall  be  either  reproof,  suspension, 
or  dismission. 

XXIX.  No  vestryman  shall  sit  on  the  ex- 


CONVENTION  OF  1787. 


25 


amination  of  a  minister  belonging  to  the  parish 
wherein  such  vestryman  resides  ;  the  examina- 
tion shall  be  held  in  the  parish  where  the  accu- 
sed minister  officiates,  and  at  a  place  to  be  ap- 
pointed by  the  vestry  ;  the  judges  shall  appoint 
a  clerk  occasionally  for  such  examinations. 

XXX.  Complaints  against  a  minister  shall  be 
received  from  the  vestry  of  the  parish  where  the 
minister  officiates,  and  from  no  other  person  or 
persons  whatsoever  ;  they  shall  be  signed  by  a 
majority  of  a  vestry,  without  which  no  com- 
plaint shall  be  received ;  they  shall  be  directed 
to  a  bishop,  or  to  the  persons  who  may  be  ap- 
pointed by  the  Convention  with  authority  to 
receive  such  complaints,  and  to  direct  courts  of 
examination  ;  in  every  complaint,  the  offence  or 
offences  shall  be  stated,  and  the  minister  shall 
be  furnished  with  a  copy  of  the  charges  brought 
against  him,  and  with  notice  of  his  intended  ex- 
amination, at  least  one  month  before  the  ex- 
amination ;  viva  voce  evidence  only  shall  be  ad- 
mitted, anil  that  on  oath,  and  counsel  may  be 
employed  on  both  sides. 

XXXI.  Disorderly,  scandalous,  and  immoral 
conduct,  neglect  of  duty,  a  disregard  to  the 
rules  and  canons  of  the  church,  or  taking  a 
bribe  to  recommend  either  for  ordination  or  a 
parish,  are  to  be  considered  as  among  the  offences 
for  which  a  minister  may  be  brought  to  trial. 

XXXII.  The  bishop,'  or  persons  vested  with 
authority  for  this  purpose,  shall,  on  receiving  a 
complaint  against  any  minister,  immediately  in- 
stitute a  court,  as  before  described,  to  examine 
into  the  complaint,  and  shall  take  care  that  the 
ministers  and  vestrymen  who  are  to  compose 
the  court  shall  be  informed  in  time.  The 
bishop,  or  persons  so  vested  with  authority,  shall 
cite  the  accused  person  before  the  appointed 
court,  which  shall  (unless  the  accused  person  is 
prevented  from  attending  by  sickness)  proceed 
to  examine  the  testimony  against  the  offender, 
and  take  the  depositions  of  the  witnesses. 

XXXIII.  Deacons  behaving  in  a  scandalous, 
disorderly,  or  immoral  manner,  or  who  neglect 
the  duty  they  have  undertaken,  shall,  on  full 
and  satisfactory  proof,  be  suspended  or  silenced 
by  the  bishop  until  the  sense  of  the  Convention 
shall  be  known.  And  the  salary  accruing  during 
the  suspension  of  a  minister  or  deacon,  who  is 
afterward  found  guilty,  shall  go  to  the  vestry  for 
the  use  of  the  church. 

XXXIV.  Bishops  shall  visit  the  different 
parishes  under  their  inspection  once  in  three 
years  at  least ;  of  which  visitation  the  clergy 
or  church-wardens  shall  have  timely  notice  ;  in 
their  visitation,  they  shall  confirm  such  as  choose 
to  receive  confirmation  ;  they  shall  inspect  the 


state  of  the  parishes,  and  the  conduct  of  the 
clergy,  who  shall  give  them  what  information 
they  can  respecting  such  ecclesiastical  matters 
as  they  may  choose  to  be  informed  of. 

XXXV.  Bishops  shall  hold  ordinations  at  such 
times  and  places  as  they  may  judge  necessary 
and  convenient. 

XXXVI.  Bishops,  after  every  visitation,  shall 
report  the  state  of  the  church  in  the  different 
parishes  to  the  Convention. 

XXXVII.  No  minister  or  bishop  shall  be 
allowed  to  hold  more  than  one  parish  at  the 
same  time.  Nevertheless,  a  minister  may,  if 
called  thereto  by  the  vestry,  preach  in  a  neigh- 
bouring parish  or  parishes  during  a  vacancy  in 
such  parish  or  parishes,  and  may  receive  a  com- 
pensation for  his  services,  provided  he  has  the 
consent  of  his  own  vestry,  and  shall  not  neglect 
the  duties  of  his  parish. 

XXXVIII.  Every  minister  shall  reside  within 
his  parish,  unless  a  majority  of  his  vestry  shall 
agree  to  dispense  with  his  residence,  and  shall 
at  no  time  leave  it  for  more  than  one  month 
without  the  consent  of  the  said  vestry. 

XXXIX.  Ministers  shall,  at  their  churches 
and  other  convenient  places,  instruct  children, 
and  such  ignorant  persons  as  may  require  it,  in 
their  catechism,  and  the  principles  of  the  Chris- 
tian religion  as  maintained  by  this  church  :  Pro- 
vided this  duty  may  be  dispensed  with  during 
the  inclement  winter  months.  They  shall  also 
explain  the  nature  of  confirmation,  and  instruct 
and  prepare  their  parishioners  for  it. 

XL.  Ministers  and  deacons  shall  wear  a  sur- 
plice during  the  time  of  prayer  at  public  wor- 
ship, in  places  where  they  are  provided  ;  shall 
wear  gowns  when  they  preach,  where  they  con- 
veniently can  ;  and  shall  at  all  times  wear  ap- 
parel suited  to  the  gravity  of  their  profession. 

XLI.  Ministers  and  deacons  may  encourage 
people  to  assemble  together  in  small  societies 
at  convenient  times  for  their  edification,  and 
may  visit,  superintend,  and  instruct  such  socie- 
ties at  their  meetings  ;  provided  they  shall  not 
do  it  to  the  encouragement  of  idleness,  or  to 
the  injury  of  private  families. 

XLII.  Ministers  officiating  in  this  church, 
whether  bishops,  priests,  or  deacons,  shall  preach 
once  at  least  on  every  Lord's  day,  and  at  other 
stated  seasons,  unless  prevented  by  some  suffi- 
cient cause  ;  they  may  at  their  discretion  preach 
also  at  other  times,  when  opportunities  shall 
offer  of  edifying  the  church  ;  bishops  and  priests 
shall  administer  the  sacrament  at  least  four  times 
in  the  year,  at  each  church  or  place  of  worship 
in  their  respective  parishes,  and  shall  visit  the 
sick  when  called  on  for  that  purpose. 


CONVENTION  OF   1788. 


The  hope  was  at  one  time  entertained  that  a  copy  could  be  procured  of  the  proceedings  of 
every  Convention  which  has  been  held  in  Virginia,  and  no  pains  have  been  spared  on  the  part  of 
the  author  of  this  work  to  obtain  such  copies.  In  some  few  instances,  however,  his  efforts  have 
been  fruitless ;  and  he  has  been  led  to  doubt  whether  any  record  of  two  or  three  of  the  earlier 
Conventions  is  now  in  existence.  He  has  never  seen  or  heard  of  a  copy  of  the  proceedings  of 
ihe  Convention  of  1788.  ♦ 


CONVENTION  OF  1789. 


Journal  of  a  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  State  of  Virginia,  held  in  the 
CUy  of  Richmond,  from  May  6  to  May  9,   1789. 


A  List  of  the  Members  of  the  Convention. 


Counties. 
Amherst, 
Caroline, 
Charles  City, 
Chesterfield, 
Cumberland, 
Elizabeth  City, 
Goochland, 

Hanover, 

Henrico, 

Lancaster, 

Lunenburg, 

Middlesex, 

Norfolk, 

New-Kent, 

Northumberland, 

Powhatan, 

Prince  George, 

Spotsylvania, 

Surry, 

Williamsburg, 

York, 


Parishes. 
Lexington, 
St.  Margaret, 
Westover, 
Manchester, 
Littleton, 
Elizabeth  City, 
St.  James  Northam, 
St.  Paul, 
St.  Martin, 
Henrico, 
Christ  Church, 
Cumberland, 
Christ  Church, 
Elizabeth  river, 
St.  Peter, 
Wicomico, 

\  King  William, 

(  Soulham, 

Bristol, 
(  St.  George, 
\  Berkeley, 

Southwark, 

Bruton, 

York-Hampton, 


Clergymen. 


William  Cameron. 


Elkanah  Talley. 
Peter  Nelson. 
John  Buchanan. 
David  Ball. 


Alexander  Whitehead. 
Benjamin  Blagrove. 


Jolin  Cameron 
Hugh  C.  Boggs. 
John  Bracken. 


Lay  Deputies. 
Josiah  Ellis. 
Thomas  Rootes. 
Charles  Carter. 
David  Patterson. 
Mayo  Carrington. 
Wilson  Miles  Cary. 
Thomas  Underwood. 
John  Pendleton. 

William  Foushee. 

Martin  Sherman. 

Henry  Stokes. 

Phihp  L.  Gryraes. 

John  Boush. 

William  H.  Macon. 

Onesiphorus  Harvey. 
I  Thomas  Harris. 
\  John  Harris. 

Edward  Carrington. 

William  Robertson. 

Francis  Thornton,  jun. 

William  Allen. 
Robert  Andrews. 
Abraham  Archer. 


Wednesday,  May  6,  1789. 
The  Convention  met,  and  there  not  being  a 
sufficient  number  of  members  to  proceed  to  busi- 
ness, adjourned  until  to-morrow  at  10  o'clock. 

Thursday,  May  7. 

The  Convention  having  met,  according  to  ad- 
journment, the  Rev.  John  Bracken  was  unani- 
mously elected  President  of  the  Convention. 

Mr.  Robert  Andrews  was  unanimously  ap- 
pointed Secretary. 

Ordered,  That  a  committee  be  appointed  to 
examine  and  report  the  certificates  of  appoint- 
ment of  the  silting  members  :  And  a  commit- 
tee was  appointed  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  J.  Cameron, 
Rev.  Mr.  Buchanan,  Mr.  Underwood,  and  Dr. 
Foushee. 

Resolved,  That  this  Convention  will  observe 
in  their  proceedings  the  standing  rules  of  the 
House  of  Delegates,  so  far  as  they  may  be  ap- 
plicable. 

A  letter  from  the  Rev.  David  Griffith,  D.  D., 
addressed  to  the  President  of  the  Convention, 
and  relinquishing  the  appointment  of  bishop 
elect  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  this 
state  ;  also,  a  letter  from  the  Rev.  Mr.  Emmer- 
son,  addressed  to  the  president,  and  containing 
a  report  of  the  state  oi  the  Protestant  Episco- 
pal Church  in  the  district  of  which  he  is  the 
visiter,  were  read,  and  ordered  to  lie  on  the 
table. 

Mr.  Andrews,  of  the  standing  committee,  re- 
ported sundry  proceedings  of  the  said  commit- 
tee, accompanied  with  letters  and  papers,  which 


were  read  and  ordered  to  be  refeired  to  a  com- 
mittee of  the  whole  Convention  on  the  state  of 
the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  within  this 
Commonwealth. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  Convention 
adjourn  until  noon. 

Thursday,  May  7,  at  12  o'clock. — The  Con- 
vention having  met,  according  to  adjournment, 
the  Rev.  Mr.  J.  Cameron,  from  the  committee 
appointed  to  examine  and  report  the  certificates 
of  appointment  of  the  sitting  members,  re- 
ported. That  the  committee  had,  according  to  or- 
der, examined  the  same,  and  had  come  to  a  res- 
olution thereon,  which  was  read,  and  agreed  to 
by  the  Convention,  as  followeth  : — 

Resolved,  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  com- 
mittee, that  the  certificates  of  appointment  from 
the  parishes  of  King  William,  Southam,  Hen- 
rico, Manchester,  St.  James  Northam,  St.  Paul, 
St.  Martin,  Westover,  Christ  Church,  in  Middle- 
sex county,  St.  Margaret,  Bristol,  Wicomico, 
Christ  Church,  in  Lancaster  county,  Littleton, 
St.  Peter,  Elizabeth  City,  Bruton,  Berkeley, 
and  Southwark,  are  satisfactory. 

The  Rev.  J.  Cameron  farther  reported  from 
the  said  committee,  That  they  had  found  in  the 
return  from  the  parish  of  St.  George,  Spotsyl- 
vania county,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Thomas  Thornton, 
Mr.  John  Legg,  and  Mr.  Francis  Thornton,  jun., 
or  any  two  of  them,  appointed  deputies  to  this 
Convention  :  And  also  that  from  the  parish  of 
Elizabeth  river  and  county  of  Norfolk  there 
were  two  returns ;  viz.,  one  appointing  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Whitehead   and   Mr.  John  Boush,  which 


CONVENTION  OF  1789. 


27 


was  certified  by  William  Ingram,  church-war- 
den ;  the  other  appoinlmg  Mr.  John  Calvert,  as 
a  layman,  which  was  certified  by  John  Seymour, 
clerk  of  the  vestry. 

On  motion,  Ordered,  That  the  report,  so  far 
as  it  relates  to  the  return  from  the  parish  of 
St.  George,  Spotsylvania  county, ^be  recommit- 
ted :  And  that  the  clause  relating  to  the  returns 
from  Elizabeth  river  parish,  Norfolk  county, 
be  referred  to  a  committee  of  the  whole  Con- 
vention. 

Mr.  Abraham  Archer  having  produced  satis- 
factory evidence  of  his  appointment  to  repre- 
sent the  parish  of  York-Hampton  as  a  lay  dep- 
uty in  this  Convention,  was  admitted  to  his 
seat. 

The  Convention  resolved  itself  into  a  com- 
mittee of  the  whole  Convention,  to  take  into 
consideration  the  returns  from  the  parish  of  Eliz- 
abeth river,  Norfolk  county  ;  and  after  some 
time  spent  therein,  Mr.  President  resumed  the 
chair,  and  Mr.  E.  Carrington  reported,  That  the 
committee  had,  according  to  order,  taken  the 
said  returns  under  their  consideration,  and  had 
come  to  several  resolutions  thereon,  which  were 
read,  amended,  and  agreed  to,  as  followeth  ; — 

Resolved,  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  com- 
mittee that  all  appointments  of  trustees  of  par- 
ish property  prior  to  the  ordinance  of  the  last 
Convention  for  the  appointment  of  vestries  and 
trustees,  where  subsequent  appointments  have 
taken  place  agreeably  to  the  regulations  and  di- 
rections of  the  said  ordinance,  are  null  and  void. 

Resolved,  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  com- 
mittee that  Paul  Loyall,  Thomas  Matthews, 
Paul  Proby,  William  Ingram,  Alexander  Mose- 
ly,  George  Kelly,  John  Boush,  Matthew  God- 
frey, Robert  Taylor,  Robert  Boush,  Thomas 
Newton,  jun.,  and  Edward  Archer,  are  duly 
elected  vestrymen  and  trustees  of  the  Protest- 
ant Episcopal  Church  for  the  parish  of  Ehza- 
beth  riv'cr,  Norfolk  county,  agreeably  to  an  or- 
dinance regulating  the  appointment  of  vestries 
and  trustees,  and  for  other  purposes. 

Resolved,  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  com- 
mittee that  the  Rev.  Alexander  Whitehead  and 
Mr.  John  Boush  are  legal  deputies  to  represent 
the  parish  of  Elizabeth  river,  Norfolk  county, 
in  this  Convention. 

Resolved,  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  com- 
mittee that  Mr.  John  Calvert  is  not  legally  ap- 
pointed a  deputy  to  represent  the  parish  of  Eliz- 
abeth river,  Norfolk  county,  in  this  Conven- 
tion. 

Ordered,  That  the  treasurer  be  requested  to 
lay  his  accounts  before  the  Convention  to-mor- 
row. 

And  then  the  Convention  adjourned  until  to- 
morrow morning,  10  o'clock. 

Friday,  May  8. 

Mr.  Josiah  Ellis,  lay  deputy  from  Lexington 
parish,  Amherst  county,  and  Henry  Stokes,  lay 
deputy  from  the  parish  of  Cumberland,  Lunen- 
burg county,  produced  their  certificates  of  ap- 
pointment, and  were  admitted  to  their  seats. 

The  treasurer,  according  to  order,  laid  his 
accounts  before  the  Convention. 


Ordered,  That  they  be  referred  to  a  commit- 
tee .  And  a  committee  was  appointed  of  the  Rev. 
Mr.  J.  Cameron,  Mr.  Underwood,  Rev.  Mr. 
Tally,  and  Mr.  Boush. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Cameron,  from  the  committee 
to  whom  the  return  from  the  parish  of  St. 
George,  Spotsylvania  county,  was  re-commit- 
ted, reported,  That  the  committee  had,  according 
to  order,  had  the  same  under  their  consideration, 
and  had  come  to  a  resolution  thereon,  which 
was  read  and  agreed  to,  as  followeth  : — 

Resolved,  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  com- 
mittee, that  as  Mr.  John  Legg,  one  of  the  lay 
deputies  mentioned  in  the  said  return,  has  vol- 
untarily withdrawn  himself,  the  return  should  be 
amended  by  striking  out  his  name. 

On  the  motion  of  Mr.  Andrews, 

Ordered,  That  leave  be  given  to  bring  in  an  or- 
dinance to  amend  the  ordinance  for  regulating 
the  appointment  of  vestries  and  trustees,  and  for 
other  purposes  :  And  Mr.  Andrews,  Mr.  Gary, 
Mr.  Buchanan,  and  Mr.  Whitehead,  were  ap- 
pointed a  committee  to  prepare  the  same. 

On  motion.  Resolved,  That  the  present  mem- 
bers of  the  standing  committee  be  continued 
and  remain  in  office  until  the  end  of  the  next 
session  of  Convention,  and  that  Edmund  Ran- 
dolph, of  the  city  of  Wrlliamsburg,  be  added 
thereto. 

The  Convention  adjourned  until  1  o'clock 
P.  M. 

Friday,  May  8,  1  o'clock  P.  M.— The  Con- 
vention having  met,  according  to  adjournment, 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Cameron,  from  the  committee  ap- 
pointed to  examine  the  treasurer's  accounts, 
reported.  That  they  had,  according  to  order,  ex- 
amined the  same,  had  found  them  fairly  stated, 
and  that  there  was  in  his  hands  the  sum  of 
107^.  8s.  ;  of  which  the  sum  of  28/.  175.  lO'^d. 
was  paid  him  to  enable  the  bishop  to  obtain  con- 
secration, and  that  the  balance,  being  78Z.  10s. 
lid.,  is  for  the  general  support  of  the  church. 

Mr.  Andrews,  from  the  committee  appointed 
to  prepare  an^  ordinance  to  amend  the  ordinance 
for  regulating  the  appointment  of  vestries  and 
trustees,  and  for  other  purpust-s,  reported.  That 
the  committee  had,  according  to  order,  prepared 
the  same.  The  ordinance  was  received,  read 
three  times,  and  passed,  as  followeth  : — 

An  Ordinance  to  amend  an  Ordinance,  entitled 
"  An  Ordinance  for  regulating  the  appoint- 
ment of  Vestries  and  Trustees,  and  for  other 
purposes  y 

Be  it  ordained  by  the  clergy  and  lay  deputies 
of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  in  Conven- 
vention,  that  in  case  of  the  neglect  or  refusal 
of  any  minister  of  a  parish  to  call  a  meeting  of 
the  vestry,  when  required  to  do  so  by  two  or 
more  vestrymen,  the  church-wardens,  or  church- 
warden, if  but  one  within  the  parish,  or  any  two 
vestrymen,  if  there  be  no  church- warden,  may 
call  a  meeting. 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Thomas  Griffin  Peachy 
be  appointed  a  member  of  the  third  district  in 
the  room  of  Mr.  John  Banister,  deceased. 

Resolved,  That  the  deputies  appointed  to  at- 
tend the  next  General  Convention  of  the  Prot- 


28 


CONVENTION  OF  1789. 


estant  Episcopal  Church,  be  desired  to  notify 
to  the  General  Convention  that  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Griffin,  bishop  elect  of  the  said  church  in  this 
state,  has  relinquished  the  said  appointment, 
and  that  no  person  has  been  elected  in  his 
room. 

Resolved,  That  150  copies  of  the  Journal  of 
this  Convention  be  printed  under  the  inspection 
of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Buchanan,  and  that  the  ordi- 
nance for  regulating  the  appointment  of  vestries 
and  trustees,  and  for  other  purposes,  and  the 
canons  passed  by  the  last  Convention,  be  an- 
nexed. 

Resolved,  That  the  standing  committee  be  re- 
quested to  frame  an  address  to  the  members  of 
the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  to  hasten  and 
forward  the  necessary  contributions  from  their 
respective  parishes,  for  defraying  the  expenses 
of  the  consecration  of  a  bishop  for  the  said 
church  in  this  state,  and  that  the  same  be 
printed  at  the  end  of  the  journal  of  this  Con- 
vehtion. 

Resolved,  That  the  Rev.  Mr.  John  Cameron 
be  appointed  visiter  of  the  7th  district  in  the 
room  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Burgess,  who  has  re- 
moved out  of  the  said  district. 

Resolved,  That  the  Rev.  Mr.  Boggs  be  ap- 
pointed a  member  of  the  committee  of  the  2d 
or  middle  district  of  recommendation,  in  the 
room  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Taylor,  who  has  removed 
out  of  the  said  district. 

Resolved,  That  the  next  Convention  be  open- 
ed with  a  sermon,  and  that  the  Rev.  Mr.  John 
Cameron  be  requested  to  preach  the  same. 

Resolved,  That  the  next  Convention  be  called 
to  meet  in  the  city  of  Richmond. 

The  Convention  then  adjourned. 

John  Bracken,  President, 
Robert  Andrews,  Secretary. 

Address  of  the  Standing  Committee  to  the  mem- 
bers of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church. 

Brethren, — Convinced  that  the  God  whom  we 
worship  hath  furnished  us,  if  we  be  not  wanting 
to  ourselves,  with  ample  means  for  the  preser- 
vation of  that  church  of  which  we  profess  to 
be  members  ;  satisfied  also  that  it  claims  a  foun- 
dation the  most  truly  apostolic,  and  that  the 
proper  support  of  it  involves  our  dearest  inter- 
ests, both  temporal  and  eternal ;  it  is  with  the 
sincerest  regret  that  we  contemplate  the  situa- 
tion to  which  it  is  now  reduced.  We  trust  that 
you  have  also  viewed  with  sorrow  a  situation  so 
humiliating  to  a  Christian  society  ;  and  we  ar- 
dently hope  that,  not  unmindful  of  the  blessings 
which  the  bountiful  hand  of  Providence  hath  so 
liberally  bestowed  on  us,  in  common  with  other 
Christian  societies,  you  now  feel  yourselves  con- 
scientiously bound  to  improve,  with  gratitude 


and  industry,  those  means  which  may  tend  to 
promote  the  prosperity  of  our  church,  and  thus 
render  the  most  pure  and  rational  mode  of  wor- 
ship and  instruction  as  extensively  beneficial  as 
possible.  Under  these  impressions,  brethren, 
we  once  more  call  your  attention  to  the  duty 
of  completing  the  organization  of  our  church. 
The  superintendence  and  government  of  the 
episcopal  office  are  indispensably  necessary. 
Without  them  our  religious  concerns,  important 
as  they  are  in  the  eyes  of  every  serious  mem- 
ber— we  may  add  of  every  worthy  citizen,  must 
rapidly  decline.  But  the  attainment  of  those 
benefits  which  result  from  the  episcopal  office, 
requires  exertions  of  a  pecuniary  nature  beyond 
the  abilities  of  a  few  individuals.  It  is  not  just 
nor  consistent  with  the  principles  of  our  reli- 
gious union,  that  the  generous  alone  should  feel 
those  burdens  which  belong  to  the  whole  of  the 
society,  and  which,  if  properly  distributed,  may 
be  borne  with  ease.  We  therefore  earnestly 
recommend  to  all  the  friends  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church,  that  they  do  cheerfully  assist 
in  raising  the  sum  necessary  for  defraying  the 
expenses  attendant  on  the  consecration  of  a 
bishop.  Arguments  the  most  pressing  might 
be  urged,  were  they  deemed  necessary,  to  in- 
duce a  ready  compliance  with  this  recommenda- 
tion. But  we  hope,  that  as  you  regard  the  in- 
terests of  religion,  and  of  that  church  in  partic- 
ular of  which  you  are  members  ;  as  you  esti- 
mate the  advantages  which  civil  society  must  re- 
ceive from  a  mode  of  worship  conducted  on 
principles  the  most  rational ;  as  you  venerate 
those  instructions  which  so  nearly  concern  your 
temporal  and  eternal  happiness  ;  and  as  you 
would  with  a  parental  tenderness  cherish  the 
best  means  of  improving  the  morals  of  the  ri- 
sing generation,  no  one  will,  on  this  occasion, 
refrain  from  casting  his  mite  into  the  common 
treasury.  Let  it,  we  exhort  you,  brethren,  be 
no  longer  said  that  we,  of  all  Christian  societies, 
are  alone  inattentive  to  our  religious  concerns. 
It  is  time  to  awake  from  an  inattention  which, 
if  continued,  must  prove  fatal  to  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church. 

We  do  not  think  it  necessary  to  point  out  the 
particular  mode  in  which  the  contributions  may 
be  collected  ;  but  suggest  it  to  the  consideration 
of  the  several  ministers  how  far  this  end  may 
be  facilitated  by  their  preaching  occasional  ser- 
mons at  their  respective  churches,  and  in  those 
of  such  vacant  parishes  as  may  be  convenient. 

That  the  divine  wisdom  may  influence  and  di- 
rect your  exertions,  at  this  important  crisis  of 
our  church,  is  the  fervent  prayer  of  your  afTec- 
tionate  brethren  in  Christ. 

*^f*  Note  that  the  contributions  are  to  be  for- 
warded to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Buchanan,  of  the  city 
of  Richmond. 


CONVENTION  OF  1790. 


20 


Journal  of  a  Contention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  State  of  Virginia,  held  in  the 
Capitol  in  the  City  of  Richmmd,  from  May  bih  to  May  Sth,  1790. 

A  List  of  the  Members  of  the  Convention. 


Counties. 
Accomack, 
Amelia, 
Amherst, 
Amherst, 
Albemarle, 
Charles  City, 
Chesterfield, 
Chesterfield, 
Cumberland, 
Caroline, 
Dinwiddle, 
Elizabeth  City, 
Frederick, 
Goochland, 
Halifax, 
Hanover, 
Henrico, 
Hanover, 
James  City, 
James  City, 
King  and  Queen, 
King  William, 
Lancaster, 
Lunenburg, 
Norfolk, 
Northampton, 
Northumberland, 
Northumberland, 
Nottoway, 
Orange, 
Prince  George, 
Princess  Anne, 
Powhatan, 
Prince  George, 
Suffolk, 
Surry, 

Spotsylvania, 
Southampton, 
York. 


Parishes. 
St.  George, 
Rawleigh, 
Amherst, 
Lexington, 
Fredericksville, 
Westover, 
Dale, 

Manchester, 
Lyttleton, 
St.  Margaret, 
Bath, 

Elizabeth  City, 
Frederick, 
St.  J.  Northam, 
Antrim, 
St.  Martin, 
Henrico, 
St.  Paul, 
Bruton, 
James  City, 
St.  Stephen, 
St.  David, 
Christ  Church, 
Cumberland, 
Elizabeth  River, 
Hungars, 
St.  Stephen, 
Wicomico, 
Nottoway, 
St.  Thomas, 
Bristol, 
Lynnhaven, 
King  William, 
Mar.  Brandon, 
Suffolk, 
Southwark, 
Berkeley, 
St.  Luke, 
York  Hampton, 


Clergymen. 
William  Vere. 

Isaac  Darneille. 
Charles  Crawford. 

James  Henderson. 
Needlet  Robinson. 
William  Cameron. 
Elkanah  Talley. 

Devereaux  Jarratt. 

Alexander  Balmain. 
Charles  Hopkins. 

Peter  Nelson. 
John  Buchanan. 

John  Bracken. 
James  Madison. 

Reuben  Clopton. 
David  Ball. 
James  Craig. 
James  Whitehead. 
S.  S.  M'Croskey. 
Thomas  Davis. 


John  Cameron. 
Anthony  Walke. 

John  J.  Spooner. 
James  Taylor. 
Samuel  Butler. 
Hugh  C.  Boggs. 

Samuel  Shield. 


Lay  Deputies. 
John  Royall. 


Francis  Walker. 
Charles  Carter. 

David  Patterson. 
Mayo  Carrington. 
Anthony  New. 

George  Wray. 

James  Wood. 

Archibald  Brice. 

J.  Coleman,  E.  Ragland. 

William  Fontaine. 

William  Foushee. 

T.  White,  W.  Norvell. 

Robert  Andrews. 

John  Ambler. 

Thomas  Hill. 

Nathaniel  Burwell. 

James  Ball. 

Edward  Ragsdale. 

William  White. 

Isaac  Avery. 

Isaac  Besye. 
W.  and  F.  Fitzgerald. 
T.  Barber  and  J.  Daniel. 
James  Campbell. 

John  and  Thomas  Harris. 
Edward  Bland. 
Michael  King. 


John  Rogers. 


Wednesday,  May  5th,  1790. 

A  SUFFICIENT  number  of  clergymen  and  lay 
deputies  to  form  a  Convention  having  met,  ac- 
cording to  appointment, 

The  Rev.  James  Madison,  D.  D.,  was  unani- 
mously elected  President. 

The  Rev.  Thomas  Davis  was  unanimously  ap- 
pointed Secretary. 

Ordered,  That  a  committee  be  appointed  to 
examine  and  report  to  the  Convention  the  cer- 
tificates of  appointment  of  the  sitting  members, 
and  a  committee  was  appointed  of  the  Rev. 
John  Bracken,  the  Rev.  John  Cameron,  Hon. 
James  Wood,  and  Mr.  Walker. 

Resolved,  That  this  Convention  will  observe 
in  their  proceedings  the  standing  rules  of  the 
House  of  Delegates,  as  far  as  they  may  be  ap- 
plicable. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Bracken  reported  a  journal  of 
the  General  Convention  held  in  the  city  of  Phil- 
adelphia, from  July  28th  to  the  Sth  of  August, 


and  continued  by  adjournment  from  Sept.  30th 
to  the  10th  of  October,  1789,  which  was  read 
and  ordered  to  lie  on  the  table. 

The  Convention  then  adjourned  till  2  o'clock. 

The  Convention  having  met,  according  to  ad- 
journment, 

The  Rev.  John  Bracken,  from  the  committee 
appointed  to  examine  the  certificates  of  appoint- 
ment of  the  sitting  members,  reported,  That  the 
committee  had,  according  to  order,  examined  the 
same,  and  found  the  certificates  from  the  fol- 
lowing parishes  to  be  made  agreeably  to  the 
canons,  viz.,  St.  George,  &c.  ;*  they  also  found 
a  double  return  from  Elizabeth  river  parish,  ap- 
pointing different  deputies,  and  each  return 
signed  by  different  persons,  styling  themselves 
church- wardens. 

Ordered,  That  so  much  of  the  aforesaid  re- 


*  As  in  the  list  prefixed  to  this  journal,  except- 
ing Elizabeth  river  parish. 


30 


CONVENTION  OF  1790. 


port  as  relates  to  the  double  return  from  Eliza- 
beth river  parish  be  recommitted  to  the  same 
committee,  and  that  the  Kev.  S.  S.  M'Oroskey, 
the  Rev.  Anthony  Walke,  the  Rev.  Thomas 
Davis,  Mr.  Wray,  Mr.  Avery,  and  Mr.  Barber, 
be  added  thereto. 

The  Convention  adjourned  till  to-morrow,  9 
o'clock. 

Thursday,  May  6. 

The  Convention  having  met,  the  Rev.  J. 
Bracken  read  prayers,  and  a  sermon  was  deliv- 
ered by  the  Rev.  John  Cameron. 

Ordered,  On  motion  of  Mr.  Avery,  that  the 
thanks  of  this  Convention  be  presented  to  the 
Rev.  J.  Cameron,  for  his  judicious,  affectionate, 
and  seasonable  discourse  delivered,  and  that  he 
be  requested  to  prepare  a  copy  for  the  press. 

The  Rev.  J.  Bracken,  from  the  committee  ap- 
pointed to  examine  the  double  return  of  certifi- 
cates from  Elizabeth  river  parish,  reported,  That 
they  had,  according  to  order,  examined  and  consid- 
ered the  business  to  them  referred,  and  had  come 
to  some  resolutions  thereon,  which  were  read, 
and,  when  amended,  agreed  to,  as  follows  : — 

Resolved,  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  Con- 
vention, that  the  Rev.  Mr.  Wm.  Whitehead 
and  Mr.  W.  White  are  legal  deputies  to  repre- 
sent the  parish  of  Elizabeth  river,  Norfolk 
county,  in  this  Convention. 

Resolved,  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  Con- 
vention, that  the  Rev.  William  Bland  is  not 
legally  appointed  a  lay  deputy  for  Elizabeth  river 
parish  in  this  Convention. 

A  journal  of  the  proceedings  of  the  standing 
committee,  with  some  other  papers  respecting 
the  rights  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church, 
were  presented  by  Mr.  Andrews,  and  read. 

Ordered,  That  they  be  referred  to  a  commit- 
tee of  the  whole  Convention  on  the  state  of  tlie 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church. 

Resolved,  That  this  Convention  will  to-mor- 
row resolve  itself  into  a  committee  of  the  whole 
Convention  on  the  state  of  the  Protestant  Epis- 
copal Church. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  this  Convention 
will  to-morrow  proceed  to  the  nomination  of  a 
bishop  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in 
Virginia. 

On  motion.  Resolved,  That  a  committee  be 
appointed  to  amend  the  canons  which  respect 
the  trial  of  offending  clergymen. 

And  a  committee  was  appointed  of  the  Rev. 
S.  Shield,  the  Rev.  J.  Cameron,  the  Rev.  S.  S. 
M'Croskey,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Jarratt,  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Craig,  Messrs.  R.  Andrews,  M.  Carrington,  A. 
New,  Ja.  Avery,  and  J.  Campbell. 

On  motion.  Ordered,  That  leave  be  given  to 
bring  in  an  ordinance  to  amend  the  ordinance 
for  the  appointment  of  vestrymen  and  trustees, 
and  for  other  purposes,  and  that  the  committee 
appointed  to  revise  and  amend  certain  canons 
do  prepare  and  bring  in  the  same. 

The  Convention  adjourned  till  to-morrow^ 
morning,  9  o'clock. 

Friday,  May  7. 

The  Convention,  according  to  the  order  of  the 
day,  proceeded  by  ballot  to  the  nomination  of  a 


bishop  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in 
this  state  ;  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Craig,  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Cameron,  Mr.  New,  ana  Mr.  Andrews,  were 
appointed  a  committee  to  examine  the  ballots  : 
who,  having  withdrawn  and  examined  the  same, 
reported.  That  they  found  the  numbers  for  the 
persons  balloted  for  to  be  as  followeth  : — 

For  the  Rev.  James  Madison,  46  ;  Rev. 
Samuel  Shield,  9. 

And  it  appearing  from  the  report  that  a  ma- 
jority of  the  whole  Convention  was  in  favour  of 
the  Rev.  James  Madison, 

Resolved,  therefore.  That  the  Rev.  James 
Madison,  D.  D.,  be  recommended  as  a  proper 
person  to  be  consecrated  bishop  of  the  Protest- 
ant Episcopal  Church  in  the  State  of  Virginia. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  Alexander  Balmain 
be  appointed  visiter  for  District  No.  12,  including 
the  counties  of  Frederick,  Berkeley,  Hampshire, 
and  Hardy. 

That  the  Rev.  Thomas  Davis  be  appointed 
visiter  for  District  No.  6,  including  the  counties 
of  Lancaster,  Northumberland,  Richmond,  and 
Westmoreland. 

That  the  Rev.  Elkanah  Talley  be  appointed 
visiter  for  District  No.  1,  in  the  room  of  the 
Rev.  J.  H.  Saunders,  who  is  discontinued. 

That  the  Rev.  Abner  Waugh  be  appointed 
visiter  of  District  No.  15,  including  the  coun- 
ties of  Hanover  and  Caroline,  in  the  room  of 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Dick,  who  hath  resigned. 

That  the  Rev.  Jesse  Carter  be  appointed 
visiter  of  District  No.  16,  including  the  counties 
of  Essex,  King  William,  and  King  and  Queen, 
in  the  room  of  the  Rev.  H.  Skyring,  who  hath 
removed  out  of  that  district. 

On  motion.  Resolved,  That  the  members  of 
this  Convention  do  advance  for  their  respective 
parishes  two  dollars,  to  be  applied  to  the  general 
purposes  of  the  Convention. 

Resolved,  That  a  committee  be  appointed  to 
examine  the  treasurer's  accounts,  and  make 
report  thereof ;  and  a  committee  was  appointed 
of  Mr.  R.  Andrews,  Mr.  Walker,  the  Rev.  J. 
Cameron,  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Walke. 

Resolved,  on  the  motion  of  the  Rev.  J.  Cam- 
eron, That  this  Convention  do  recommend  it  to 
the  bishop,  to  whom  Mr.  Stephen  Johnson,  a 
candidate  for  holy  orders,  shall  apply  for  ordina- 
tion, to  dispense  with,  in  the  examination  of  the 
said  Johnson,  that  knowledge  of  the  Greek  and 
Latin  languages  which  is  required  by  the  sev- 
enth general  canon  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  in  the  United  States  of  America. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  Devereaux  Jarratt 
have  leave  of  absence  for  the  remainder  of  this 
Convention. 

The  Convention,  according  to  the  order  of 
the  day,  resolved  itself  into  a  committee  of  the 
whole  Convention  on  the  state  of  the  Protest- 
ant Episcopal  Church  ;  and,  after  some  tinie 
spent  therein,  Mr.  President  resumed  the  chair, 
and  the  Rev.  S.  Shield  reported,  That  the  said 
committee  had,  according  to  order,  taken  under 
consideration  the  business  to  them  referred,  and 
had  come  to  several  resolutions  thereon,  which 
were  read  and  agreed  to   as  follows  :  — 

Resolved,  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  Cwi- 


CONVENTION  OP  1790. 


31 


vention,  that  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church 
is  the  exclusive  owner  of  the  glebes,  churches, 
and  other  property  held  by  the  Church  of  Eng- 
land in  Virginia,  at  the  commencement  of  the 
revolution. 

Resolved,  That  the  principles  upon  which  the 
said  property  is  held,  are  those  only  by  which 
the  rights  of  property  are  regulated. 

Resolved,  That  the  interference  of  the  legis- 
lature in  the  sale  of  that  property,  or  in  the  dis- 
posal of  it  to  any  other  purpose  than  that  for 
which  it  is  now  held,  would  be  a  violation  of 
the  constitution. 

Resolved,  That  the  several  documents  now 
referred  to  the  Convention  be  referred  to  the 
standing  committee  :  And  that  they  be  instructed 
to  adopt  such  measures,  and  to  make  such  pub- 
lications or  representations,  as  to  them  shall 
seem  advisable  on  the  premises. 

The  Convention  adjourned  until  9  o'clock  to- 
morrow morning. 

Saturday,  May  8, 

The  Convention  having  met,  the  Rev.  S. 
Shield,  from  the  committee  appointed  to  bring  in 
an  ordinance  to  amend  the  ordinance  for  the 
appointment  of  vestries  and  trustees,  and  for 
other  purposes,  reported.  That  they  had,  ac- 
cording to  order,  prepared  the  same,  which  was 
read,  and  ordered  to  be  read  a  second  time. 

The  Rev.  Mr  Shield,  from  the  same  committee, 
reported,  That  they  had,  according  to  order,  had 
the  canons  respecting  the  trial  of  ofTending 
clergymen  under  consideration,  and  had  prepared 
some  new  canons  relative  thereto,  which  were 
read,  and  ordered  to  be  read  a  second  time. 

Mr.  Andrews,  from  the  committee  appointed 
to  examine  the  treasurer's  account,  reported. 
That  the  committee  had,  according  to  order,  ex- 
amined the  same,  and  found  them  justly  and 
fairly  stated,  and  that  the  balance  in  his  hands 
for  general  purposes  is  301.  17 s.  Qd.  That  the 
committee,  however,  thought  it  their  duty  to 
observe,  that  the  treasurer  had  advanced  to  the 
deputies  who  went  to  the  last  General  Conven- 
tion 15/.  2*.  l^d.  more  than  was  directed  by  the 
resolution  of  the  last  Convention  :  That  they 
had  farther  found  that  the  said  deputies  have 
still  a  claim  on  account  of  their  expenses  for 
the  following  balances,  viz.  : — 

The  Rev.  John  Bracken,  for  a  balance  of  71. 
8s.  ;  Mr.  Robert  Andrews,  for  a  balance  of  71. 
9*.  lOiii. 

That  the  committee  had  also  found  in  the 
hands  of  the  treasurer  a  balance  of  126/.  11^. 
lOjd.  due  to  the  bishop's  fund  :  Whereupon  the 
Convention  carae  to  a  resolution  that  the  treas- 
urer's account  do  pass  ;  and  that  he  pay  to  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Bracken  and  Mr.  Andrews  the  bal- 
ances reported  lo  be  due  to  them. 

It  appearing  that  the  Rev.  Mr.  Buchanan  had 
declined  receiving  any  compensation  for  his  ser- 
vices as  treasurer  of  the  Convention  for  the  last 
year, 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  thanks  of  this 
Convention  be  given  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Buchanan 
for  his  faithful  and  disinterested  discharge  of  the 
duties  of  the  office  of  treasurer.  < 


On  motion  of  Mr.  Walker,  Resolved,  That  the 
thanks  of  this  Convention  be  given  to  the  Rev. 
Dr.  James  Madison,  for  his  vnluable  essay  read 
before  the  Convention,  containing  a  defence 
of  certain  rights  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church. 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  John  Bracken,  Or- 
dered, That  the  treasurer  of  this  Convention  ad- 
vance to  the  Rev.  Dr.  James  Madison  such  a 
sum  of  money  as  may  be  directed  by  the  stand- 
ing committee,  for  the  purpose  of  defraying  his 
expenses  in  obtaining  consecration,  provided 
such  sum  does  not  exceed  200/.  ;  and  that  it  be 
advanced  out  of  the  money  in  the  bishop's 
fund. 

On  motion.  Resolved,  That  deputies  be  ap- 
pointed to  attend  any  General  Convention  of 
the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  which  may  be 
called  before  the  month  of  May,  1791  :  And 
the  Rev.  John  Bracken  and  Mr.  Robert  An- 
drews were  accordingly  appointed. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Campbell,  Resolved,  That 
the  deputies  to  the  next  General  Convention  be 
instructed  to  endeavour  to  procure  the  following 
amendment  to  the  7th  general  canon,  viz.,  after 
"  required,"  in  the  5th  line,  to  insert,  "  and  can 
also  satisfy  the  bishop  that  he  hath  a  competent 
knowledge  of  moral  philosophy,  church  history, 
and  the  belles  lettres,  and  hath  paid  particular 
attention  to  acquire  rhetoric  and  pulpit  elo- 
quence, as  the  means  of  giving  additional  effi- 
cacy to  his  labours." 

On  motion.  Resolved,  That  the  parish  trus- 
tees be  desired  to  transmit  to  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Buchanan,  of  the  city  of  Richmond,  to  be  laid  be- 
fore the  next  Convention,  an  account  of  the 
property  of  the  church,  both  real  and  personal, 
within  their  respective  parishes,  with  a  state  of 
the  condition  and  supposed  value  of  their  glebes. 

Resolved,  That  a  register  of  the  ministers  of 
the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  who  hold 
parishes  within  this  state,  and  also  of  assistant 
ministers,  be  kept  by  the  Secretary  of  the  Con- 
vention ;  and  that  for  this  purpose,  the  vestries 
be  desired  to  certify  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Buchanan 
the  names  of  the  ministers  who  hold  their  re- 
spective parishes,  and  of  the  assistant  min- 
isters. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Andrews,  Resolved,  That 
the  trustees  of  the  parish  of  Bruton  have  the 
consent  of  this  Convention  to  sell  the  glebe  of 
the  said  parish,  provided  it  shall  be  the  opinion 
of  the  trustees  that  it  can  be  done  with  ad- 
vantage to  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church. 

Ordered,  That  a  standing  committee  be  ap- 
pointed, to  continue  in  office  until  the  end  of 
the  next  session  of  Convention,  and  that  their 
powers  be  the  same  as  those  vested  in  the  former 
standing  committees.  A  standing  committee 
was  accordingly  appointed,  of  the  Rev.  James 
Madison,  Rev.  John  Bracken,  Rev.  Samuel 
Shield,  Hon.  John  Blair,  Robert  Andrews,  Esq., 
Hon.  Edmund  Randolph,  Hon.  Joseph  Preniis, 
and  Rev.  Henry  Skyring. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  committee  be  re- 
quested to  frame  standing  rules  for  regulating 
the  proceedings  of  Conventions,  and  to  report 
the  same  to  the  next  ConTeution. 


32 


CONVENTION  OF  1790. 


Ordered,  That  200  copies  of  the  Journal  of 
this  Convention  be  printed,  under  the  inspection 
of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Buchanan  ;  and  that  the  or- 
dinances and  canons  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  in  this  state  which  shall  be  in  force  at 
the  end  of  this  session,  together  with  the  Gen- 
eral Constitution  and  canons  framed  by  the  late 
General  Convention,  be  annexed  to  the  journal. 

An  ordinance  to  amend  an  ordinance,  entitled 
**  An  ordinance  for  regulating  the  appointment 
of  vestries  and  trustees,  and  for  other  purposes," 
was  read  the  second  time,  and  ordered  to  be 
read  a  third  time. 

Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the 
several  parishes  within  this  commonwealth,  to 
send  the  sum  of  twelve  dollars  to  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Buchanan,  treasurer,  on  or  before  the  first 
Tuesday  of  May  next ;  to  be  applied  by  the 
Convention  to  the  general  purposes  of  the  Prot- 
estant Episcopal  Church  in  this  state. 

An  ordinance  to  amend  the  ordinance  for  the 
appointment  of  vestries  and  trustees,  and  for 
other  purposes,  was  read  the  third  time. 

Resolved,  That  the  ordinance  do  pass ;  and 
that  the  title  be,  ♦'  An  ordinance  to  amend  farther 
the  ordinance  entitled  An  ordinance  for  regu- 
lating the  appointment  of  vestries ^and  trustees, 
and  for  other  purposes. ^^* 

The  reported  canons  respecting  the  trial  of  of- 
fending clergymeri,  were  read  a  second  time. 

Resolved,  That  they  be  agreed  to  ;  and  that 
they  be  numbered  as  the  28th  and  29th  canons,  t 

Resolved,  That  the  former  28th,  30th,  and 
32d  canons  be,  and  they  are  hereby,  abrogated. 

Resolved,  That  the  next  Convention  be 
opened  with  a  sermon,  and  that  the  Rev.  Thomas 
Davis  be  requested  to  preach  the  same. 

Resolved,  That  the  next  Convention  be  call- 
ed to  meet  on  the  first  Tuesday  in  May,  1791, 
unless  the  standing  committee  shall  think  it  ne- 
cessary to  call  a  Convention  at  an  earlier  pe- 
riod :  and  that  the  next  Convention  meet  in  the 
city  of  Richmond. 

The  Convention  then  adjourned. 

James  Madison,  President. 
Thomas  Davis,  Secretary. 


APPENDIX. 

An  Ordinance  for  regulating  the  Appointment 
of  Vestries  and  Trustees,  and  for  other  pur- 
poses. 

Whereas  an  act  of  the  General  Assembly, 
which  was  passed  in  the  year  one  thousand  seven 
hundred  and  eighty-four,  entitled,  "  An  act  for 
incorporating  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church," 
hath  been  repealed  by  an  act  of  the  last  session  ; 
in  consequence  of  which  it  is  supposed  that  the 
several  powers  of  government  and  discipline  in 
the  said  church  are  returned  to  the  members 
at  large  ;  and  in  order  to  exercise  those  pow- 
ers, the  members  of  the  said  church,  in  their  ^ 
several  parishes,  have  elected  two  deputies  to 
represent  them  in  a  Convention  to  be  held  in  the 
city  of  Richmond,  on  this  sixteenth  day  of  May, 

*  See  Appendix. 

f. See  28th  and  29th  canons  in  the  Appendix. 


one  thousand  seven  hundred  and  eighty-seven, 
with  full  powers  to  deliberate  upon,  form,  and 
establish  such  regulations  as  they  should  judge 
to  be  necessary  and  proper  for  the  government, 
discipline,  and  worship  of  the  said  church,  and 
the  care  and  'direction  of  the  social  property  ;  in 
order  to  effect  which  purposes,  it  is  judged  ne- 
cessary that  vestries  should  forthwith  be  elect- 
ed in  each  parish. 

Be  it  therefore  ordained  by  the  deputies  so 
appointed,  and  now  met  in  Convention  at  the 
time  and  place  prefixed,  That  the  church-war- 
dens and  vestrymen  in  the  several  parishes 
within  this  commonwealth,  who  were  elected 
into  office  in  conformity  to  an  act  of  the  General 
Assembly,  passed  in  the  year  one  thousand  seven 
hundred  and  eighty-four,  entitled,  "  An  act  for 
incorporating  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church," 
be,  and  are  hereby  declared  and  acknowledged 
as  trustees  for  the  members  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church  until  a  new  election  shall  take 
place,  and  to  hold  the  property,  both  real  and  per- 
sonal, belonging  to  the  said  church,  for  their  use 
and  benefit,  subject  to  such  regulations  as  shall 
be  made  from  time  to  time  by  the  Convention 
of  deputies  elected  by  the  members  of  the  said 
church.  And  be  it  further  ordained,  that  as 
soon  as  may  be  after  notice  of  this  ordinance, 
the  late  church-wardens,  or  any  two  other  repu- 
table inhabitants  (being  members  of  the  Protest- 
ant Episcopal  Church)  in  each  parish,  do  call 
together,  at  some  convenient  time  and  place,  by 
notice  duly  given,  all  the  freeholders  and  house- 
keepers in  such  parish  who  are  members  of  the 
said  church,  and  contribute  to  the  support 
thereof ;  then  and  there  to  elect  twelve  of  the 
most  able  and  discreet  men  of  their  society  to 
be  a  vestry  for  such  parish,  and  trustees  of  their 
property  ;  to  continue  in  office  until  the  Mon- 
day in  Easter-week,  in  the  year  one  thousand 
seven  hundred  and  ninety,  and  on  that  day,  if 
fair,  otherwise  the  next  day  which  is  so,  there 
shall  be  a  new  election  of  vestrymen  ;  and  such 
elections  shall  continue  to  be  made  triennially  on 
Easter-Monday,  if  fair,  or  the  next  fair  day, 
until  the  Convention  shall  otherwise  direct ;  in- 
termediate vacancies  occasioned  by  death,  re- 
moval, or  resignation,  to  be  filled  by  the  remain- 
ing vestrymen,  and  those  so  chosen  to  act  until 
the  period  of  the  next  general  election. 

Every  vestryman,  before  he  acts  in  office, 
shall  subscribe  in  vestry  to  be  conformable  to 
the  doctrine,  discipline,  and  worship  of  the  Prot- 
estant Episcopal  Church. 

Each  vestry,  at  their  first  meeting  after  their 
election,  shall  choose  two  of  their  members  to 
be  church-wardens,  who  shall  superintend  the 
next  general  election  of  vestrymen  ;  judge  of 
the  qualifications  of  voters,  and  certify  the 
names  of  the  persons  chosen.  They  shall  be 
considered  as  the  acting  part  of  the  vestry,  and 
shall  see  that  the  orders  and  resolutions  of  the 
vestry  be  carried  into  execution. 

The  vestries  respectively,  with  the  minister, 
where  there  is  one,  shall  hold  and  enjoy  all 
glebes,  lands,  churches,  books,  plate,  and  other 
property,  now  belonging  or  hereafter  accruing  to 
the  said  church,  as  trustees  for  the  benefit  of  the 


CONVENTION  OF  1790. 


33 


society,  and  may  improve  or  demise  the  lands 
during  the  vacancy  of  a  minister,  but  may  not 
demise  lands  allowed  for  the  minister's  habita- 
tion or  use,  when  they  have  one,  without  his 
consent.  They  may  also  use,  improve,  or  dis- 
pose of  all  personal  property,  and  the  produce, 
rents,  and  profits  Of  lands  (not  appropriated  for 
the  minister)  belonging  to  the  church,  for  the 
benefit  of  the  society,  in  erecting  or  repairing 
churches,  glebe-houses,  or  otherwise  ;  and  may 
make  such  rules  and  orders  for  managing  the 
temporal  affairs  and  concerns  of  the  church, 
within  their  respective  parishes,  as  they  shall 
think  most  conducive  to  its  interest  and  pros- 
perity, and  for  carrying  into  execution  such  or- 
ders and  rules  for  government  and  discipline,  or 
other  spiritual  purposes,  as  shall  be  directed  by 
this  or  any  future  Convention.  They  shall  have 
the  sole  power  of  directing  the  payment  of 
money  belonging  to  the  church  withtn  their  re- 
spective parishes,  and  of  appointing  a  clerk, 
treasurer,  and  collector,  when  ihey  think  neces- 
sary. All  of  which  proceedings  shall  be  fairly 
entered  in  a  book  to  be  kept  for  that  purpose. 

A  meeting  of  the  body  (to  be  called  by  the 
minister,  or  if  he  be  absent,  or  in  case  of  a  va- 
cancy, by  the  church-wardens,  or  by  a  church- 
warden, if  but  one  within  the  parish,  or  by  any 
two  vestrymen,  if  there  be  no  minister  or  church- 
warden) shall  be  had  as  often  as  is  necessary, 
the  minister  to  have  a  vote  e,qual  to,  and  not 
greater  than  a  vestryman,  in  all  questions  ex- 
cept for  the  demise  of  the  glebe-lands  assigned 
for  his  residence  or  use,  in  which  he  shall  have 
a  negative.  Seven  members  shall  be  sufficient 
to  constitute  a  meeting,  and  all  questions  shall 
be  decided  by  a  majority  of  those  present. 

Future  Conventions  shall  consist  of  two  depu- 
ties from  each  parish,  of  whom  the  minister 
shall  be  one,  if  there  be  a  minister,  the  other  a 
layman,  to  be  annually  chosen,  by  the  vestry, 
who  shall  also  choose  another  where  there  is  no 
minister  in  the  parish  :  And  twenty-five  depu- 
ties thus  qualified  and  appointed  shall  be  a  Con- 
vention. 

■  Conventions  shall  regulate  all  the  religious 
concerns  of  the  church,  its  doctrines,  discipline, 
and  worship,  and  institute  such  rules  and  regu- 
lations as  they  may  judge  necessary  for  the  good 
government  thereof,  and  the  same  revoke  and 
alter  at  their  pleasure. 

An  Ordinance  to  amend  the  foregoing  Ordi- 
nance. 

Be  it  ordained  by  the  clergy  and  lay  depu- 
ties of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  in 
Convention,  that  in  case  of  neglect^t  refusal  of 
any  minister  of  a  parish  to  call  a  meeting  of  the 
vestry,  when  required  to  do  so  by  two  or  more 
vestrymen,  the  church-wardens,  or  church- 
warden, if  but  one  within  the  parish,  or  any  two 
vestrymen,  if  there  be  no  church-warden,  may 
call  a  meeting. 

vl«  Ordinance  to  amend  further   the    Original 
Ordinance. 
Be  it  ordained  by  the  clergy  and  lay  depu- 
ties of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  in  Con- 

C 


vention,  that  in  any  parishes  which  have  neglect- 
ed to  elect  vestries  and  trustees  agreeably  to 
the  ."  Ordinance  for  regulating  the  appomtment 
of  vefjtries  and  trustees,  and  for  other  purpos- 
es," or  which  shall  hereafter  neglect  to  make 
such  election,  the  members  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church  within  such  parishes  may  at 
any  time  afterward  within  six  months  elect 
vestries  and  trustees,  in  the  manner  directed  by 
the  aforesaid  ordinance.  And  in  all  cases 
where  elections  have  not  been  held,  or  shall  not 
be  held,  at  the  periods  fixed  by  the  said  ordi- 
nance for  general  elections,  the  former  vestries 
and  trustees  shall  continue  to  act  until  elections 
shall  be  held  as  hereby  directed  ;  or,  if  no  elec- 
tions shall  be  held,  until  a  future  Convention 
shall  take  some  farther  order  in  the  matter. 
Provided  nevertheless.  That  where  any  parish 
which  had  failed  to  elect  vestrymen  and  trus- 
tees at  the  time  appointed  by  the  said  ordinance 
for  a  general  election,  hath  since  elected  the 
Same,  such  election  is  hereby  declared  to  be 
valid. 

If  any  person  elected  a  vestryman  and  trus- 
tee shall  neglect  or  refuse  to  attend  two  suc- 
cessive meetings  of  the  body,  having  had  due 
notice  thereof,  he  may  be  considered  as  having 
vacated  his  office  ;  and  the  remaining  vestrymen 
and  trustees  may  elect  into  his  place  some  other 
able  and  discreet  man  of  their  society. 

In  case  of  the  nonattendance  of  the  church- 
wardens at  an  election  of  vestrymen  and  trus- 
tees in  any  parish,  the  minister,  or,  if  he  be 
absent,  or,  if  there  be  no  minister  in  the  parish, 
any  two  vestrymen,  or,  if  there  be  no  vestrymen 
present,  any  two  reputable  inhabitants  of  the 
parish  who  are  members  of  the  Protestant  Epis- 
copal Church,  may  be  appointed  to  superintend 
the  election. 

No  sale  of  such  property  as  is  of  the  nature 
of  principal  or  stock,  belonging,  to  the  Protest- 
ant Episcopal  Church  in  any  parish,  shall  be 
made  without  the  consent  of  a  Convention. 

Any  ordinance  or  part  of  an  ordinance  which 
is  contrary  to  this  ordinance,  is  hereby  declare4 
null  and  of  no  effect. 


CANONS. 

I.  Conventions  shall  he  holden  annually  on 
the  first  Wednesday  in  May,  provided  nevetthe- 
Ipss,  that  if  a  sufficient  number  of  members  to 
form  a  Convention  shall  not  attend  on  the  said 
day,  any  five  then  assembled  shall  have  power 
to  adjourn. 

II.  A  person  shall  preside  in  Convention  with 
the  name  of  president,  who  shall  always  be  a 
bishop,  when  there  is  one  present  properly  con- 
secrated and  settled  in  the  church,' till  which 
lime  a  president,  shall  be  appointed  by  the  Con- 
vention out  of  their  own  body  ;  if  more  than 
one  bishop  is  found  necessary  in  this  church, 
they  shall  preside  alternately. 

III.  A  secretary  shall  be  appointed  by  the 
Convention,  who  shall  continue  in  office  during 
good  behaviour,  who  shall  keep  a  record  of 
their  resolves  and  proceedings,  and  tl*v©  the 


34 


CONVENTION  OF  1790. 


records  in  his  custody  so  long  as  he  shall  con- 
tinue in  office. 

IV.  Standing  rules  shall  be  established  for 
the  preservation  of  decorum,  and  the  orderly 
management  of  business. 

V.  All  questions,  whether  they  relate  to  the 
order,  government,  discipline,  doctrine,  or  wor- 
ship of  this  church,  or  to  any  other  matter  which 
is  properly  before  the  Convention,  shall  be  de- 
termined by  a  majority  of  votes. 

VI.  At  all  future  Conventions,  each  member 
(whether  minister  or  layman)  shall,  previous  to 
his  admission,  produce  a  testimonial  of  his  being 
regularly  appointed,  which  testimonial  shall  be 
signed  by  one  or  both  of  the  church-wardens,  or 
by  the  clerk  of  the  respective  vestries. 

VH.  All  the  ordinances  and  other  proceed- 
ings of  the  Convention  shall  be  attested  by  the 
secretary. 

VIII.  The  clergy  of  several  neighbouring 
parishes^  not  less  than  three  nor  more  than  ten, 
shall  assemble  in  presbytery  annually  on  the 
second  Wednesday  in  April,  at  some  convenient 
place  in  the  district,  to  be  appointed  by  a  major- 
ity of  the  ministers  in  the  same  district ;  ofte  in 
each  district  shall  be  appointed  by  the  Conven- 
tion to  preside  at  their  meetings  with  the  title 
of  visiter,  who  shall  annually  visit  each  parish  in 
his  district — shall  attend  to  and  inspect  the 
morals  and  conduct  of  the  clergy — ;shall  see  that 
the  canons  and  rules  o{  the  church  are  observ- 
ed, and  that  no  abuses  are  practised — shall  ad- 
monish and  reprove  privately  those  clergymen 
who  are  negligent,  or  act  in  an  unbecoming 
manner,  and  shall  report  yearly  to  the  bislrop,  if 
there  be  one,  or,  if  there  be  no  bishop,  to  the  next 
Convention,  the  state  of  each  parish  in  his  dis- 
trict, noting  down  the  ofi'enders  and  their  offences. 

IX.  The  clergy  who  shall  minister  in  4his 
church  shall  be  the  three  orders  of  bishops, 
priests,  and  deacons, 

X.  Every  person  hereafter  to  officiate  in  this 
church. as  a  bishop,  shall  be  nominated  by  the 
Convention ;  and  having  received  episcopal  con- 
secration before  he  enters  on  his  office,  shall 
subscribe  to  conform  to  the  doctrine,  discipline, 
and  worship  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church 
of  Virginia  ;  and  no  person  shall  be  received  into- 
the  church  as  a  bishop  until  he  shall  have  com- 
pleted the  thirtieth  year  of  his  age. 

XI.  As  we  conceive  the  office  of  a  bishop, 
according  to  the  true  apostolic  institution,  dif- 
fers in  nothing  from  that  of  other  ministers  of 
God's  word,  except  in  the  power  of  ordination 
and  confirmation,  and  the  rights  of  superintend- 
ing the  conduct  of  the  clergy,  and  of  precedency 
in  ecclesiastical  assemblies,  that  office  shall  be 
accordingly  so  exercised  in  this  church  ;  a,nd 
every  bishop,  after  hjs  promotion  to  the  episco- 
pal order,  shall  continue  to  hold  a  parish  and  to 
do  the  duty  of  a  parish  minister,  except  when 
he  is  necessarily  employed  in  the  discharge  of 
his  episcopal  office. 

XII.  No  bishop  shall  inflict  ajiy  censure 
upon,  or  exercise  any  power  over,  the  clergy 
under  bis  inspection,  other  than  he  is  allowed  to 
do  by  th<i  laws  and  institutions  of  this  church 
jmade  in  Convwiliutt. 


XIII.  No  priest  or  minister  shall  hereafter 
be  received  into  any  parish  within  this  common- 
wealth, unless  he  first  produce  to  the  vestrv  suf- 
ficient testimonials  of  his  having  been  regularly 
ordained  a  priest  by  some  Protestant  bishop,  and 
of  having  taken  the  oatl^  of  allegiance  to  this 
commonwealth,  and  subscribe  to  be  conformable 
to  the  doctrine,  discipline,  and  'worship  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church ;  nor  till  he  shall 
have  entered  ijito  a  contract  in  writing  with  the 
vestry  or  trustees  on  behalf  of  the  society  within 
such  parish,  by  which  it  shall  be  stipulated  and 
declared  that  he  holds  the  appointment  subject 
to  removal  upon  the  determinations  of  the  Con- 
vention of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in 
this  state.  Provided,  That  any  person  who  hath 
been  ordained  by  a  bishop  of  the  Church  of  Rome 
may  also  he  received  as  a  minister,  who  shall 
produce  satisfactory  testimonials  respecting  his 
ordination,  morals,  and  conduct,  renounce  the 
errors  of  that  church,  take  the  oath,  and  sub- 
scribe as  aforesaid. 

XIV.  No  minister  shall  hereafter  be  received 
into  a  parish  who  does  not  first  produce  to  the 
vestry  satisfactory  testimonials  of  his  morals, 
conduct,  and  conversation,  from  the  person  or 
•persons  appointed  by  the  Convention  to  inquire 
into  such  matters,  and  grant  such  testimonials. 

XV.  The  right  of  presentation  or  appointing 
ministers  to  serve  in  the  parishes  shall  continue 
in  the  vestries,  and  each  vestry  shall  choose  its 
own  minister. 

XVI.  Every  person  to  be  ordained  priest  or 
deacon  by  any  bishop  of  this  church,  shall  pro- 
duce testimonials  of  his  good  morals  and  orderly 
conduct  from  the  clergy  assembled  in  the  dis- 
trict where  he  for  some  time  last  resided,  and 
from  the  vestry  of  the  parish  where  he  last 
Hved,  provided  there  be  in  the  district  a  suffi- 
cient number  of  clergymen  to  form  a  presby- 
tery ;  otherwise  a  testimonial  from  the  minister 
and  vestry  of  his  parish,  or  from  the  vestry 
alone,  if  the  parish  is  vacant,  shall  be  deemed 
sufficient :  Provided  also,  the  candidate  is  not 
an  inhabitant  of  some  other  slate,  and  intended 
to-  minister  in  some  parish  or  congregation  in  a 
neighbouring  state.  No  person  shall  be  or- 
dained until  due  examinaticm  had  by  the  bishop 
and  two  priests. 

XVII.  No  person  shall  be  admitted  to  priest's 
orders  until  he  shall  have  completed  the  twenty- 
fourth  year  of  his  age,  and  is  assured  of  the 
willingness  of  some  parish  or  congregation  to  re- 
ceive him  as  their  minister,  to  be  certified  under 
the  hands  of  the  church-wardens,  and  attested 
by  the  clerk  otf  the  vestry. 

XVIII.  Every  person  who  shall  be  admitted 
either  to  priest's  or  deacon's  orders,  shall  be  or- 
dained according  to  the  form  prescribed  in  tho 
Book  of  Common  Prayer,  &,c.  directed  to  be  used 
in  this  church  ;  but  no  person  shall  be  ordained 
priest  until  he  has  served  six  months  in  the  of- 
fice of  deacon. 

XIX.  No  person  shall  be  ordained  deacon 
uniil  he  shall  have  completed  the  twenty-first 
year  of  his  age. 

XX.  No  person  having  deacon's  orders  only 
fthali  bb  allowed  to  hold  a  parish ;  but  a  deacon 


CONVENTION  OF  1790. 


35 


may^  during  a  vacancy,  officiate  in  a  parish,  if 
chosen  by  the  vestry  to  do  so  ;  he  shall  preach 
the  gospel,  and  baptize  ;  he  may  assist  in  admin- 
istering the  sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper,  but 
not  consecrate  the  elements  ;  he  may  solemnize 
marriages,  and  shall  attend  to  the  situation  and 
circumstances  of  the  poor  when  it  may  be  ne- 
cessary. 

XXI.  A  person  may  be  ordained  a  deacon 
though  he  shall  have  no  assurance  of  being 
called  to  minister  in  a  parish,  or  congregation, 
provided  his  testimonials  and  qualifications  are 
satisfactory. 

XXII.  A  deacon  may  minister  as  a  proba- 
tioner or  missionary  under  the  direction  of  the 
Convention  or  the  bishop. 

XXIII.  The  parish  clerk  shall  be  appointed 
by  the  minister  and  vestry,  and  displaced  by 
them  whenever  his  services  are  not  satisfactory 
to  the  people,  whenever  he  shall  neglect  his 
duty,  or  otherwise  misbehave  himself 

XXIV.  Sextons  shall  be  appointed  by  the 
vestries,  and  dismissed  by  them  when  they  think 
proper. 

XXV.  Bishops  shall  be  amenable  to  the  Con- 
vention, who  shall  be  a  court  to  try  them,  from 
which  there  shall  be  no  appeal  ;  on  all  such  oc- 
casions a  president,  who  shall  be  a  bishop,  shall 
be  chosen  by  the  Convention  to  sit  as  judge, 
and  they  shall  also  appoint  a  clerk  to  the  court. 

XXVI.  All  accusations  against  a  bishop,  as 
fiuch,  shall  come  from  the  vestries  ;  but  no  ac- 
cusation against  a  bishop  shall  be  received  un- 
less three  vestri6s  join  in  the  complaint.  All 
complaints  against  a  bishop  shall  be  lodged 
with  such  persons  as  may  be  appointed  to  call  a 
Convention ;  and  a  copy  of  the  charge  or  charges 
to  be  brought  against  him  sh^ll  be  communicated 
to  him  in  writing  at  least  two  months  before  the 
trial ;  counsel  may  be  employed  pn  both  sides, 
and  none  but  vtvd  voce  evidence  shall  be  ad- 
mitted. 

XXVII.  Disorderly,  scandalous,  and  immoral 
conduct,  neglect  of  duty,  a  disregard  to  the 
rules  and  canons  of  the  church,  or  taking  a  bribe 
to  grant  either  ordination  or  a  recommendation 
for  a  vacant  parish,  shall  be  considered  as  of- 
fences in  a  bishop,  for  which  he  maybe  brought 
to  trial ;  and  on  his  being  convicted  of  any  of 
these,  he  shall  be  reproved,  suspended,  or  dis- 
missed, at  the  discretion  of  the  court, 

XXVIII.  Cijurts  shall  be  instituted  to  exam- 
ine into  complaints  exhibited  against  ministers 
or  deacons,  which  courts  shall  be  composed  of 
one  clergyman  and  one  vestryman  from  each 
parish  of  the  district  in  which  the  accused  min- 
ister resides,  the  parish  excepted  to  which  the 
minister  belongs.  The  appointment  of  the  ves- 
trymen shallbe  by  lot ;  and  the  visiter  of  the  dis- 
trict, unless  he  shall  be  the  accused  person, 
shall  preside  as  judge  ;  and  in  that  case,  the 
oldest  clergyman  in  orders  shall  be  the  judge  : 
Provided  nevertheless.  That  where  the  number 
of  settled  clergymen  in  the  district  shall  be  less 
than  two,  the  visiter  shall  call  for  a  clergyman 
from  a  neighbouring  district ;  and,  moreover,  if, 
when  the  court  assembles,  the  number  of  vestry- 
men shall  be  found  to  exceed  the  number  of  cler- 

C  3 


gymen  present,  so  many  vestrymen  shall  be 
withdrawn  by  lot  as  shall  be  necessary  to 
equalize  the  number  of  the  two  orders. 

Any  number  of  members,  not  less  than  three, 
two  of  whom  shall  be  clergymen,  shall  be  suf- 
ficient to  constitute  a  court. 

On  conviction  of  a  minister,  the  court  shall 
proceed  to  pass  sentence  ;  which  shall  be  none 
other  than  reproof  or  suspension  ;  and  in  all 
cases  where  the  offence  shall  be  thought  to  de- 
serve  suspension,  the  court  shall  without  delay 
report  the  facts  and  state  the  evidence  to  the 
bishop,  or,  until  a  bishop  shall  be  consecrated 
for  the  church  in  this  state,  to  the  chairman  of 
the  standing  committee,  who,  with  the  standing 
committee,  or  three  fourths  of  the  same,  shall 
be,  and  are  hereby  constituted  and  appointed,  a 
court  in  the  last  resort  to  try  the  offender  ;  and 
who,  if  they  do  not  acquit  him,  shall  either  con- 
firm the  sentence  of  the  examining  court,  or  pass 
such  other  sentence  as  a  majority  of  them  shall 
think  the  offence  deserves  ;  which  shall  be 
either  reproof,  dismission,  or  degradation. 

XXIX.  Complaints  against  a  minister  shall 
be  received  from  the  vestry  of  the  parish  where 
the,  minister  officiates,  aiid  from  no  other  per- 
son oi^  persons  whatever.  They  shall  be  signed 
by  a  majority  of  a  vestry,  without  which  no 
complaint  shall  be  received.  They  shall  be 
directed  to  the  visiter  of  the  district  in  which 
the  accused  minister  resides,  or,  whete  there  is 
no  visiter,  or  if  the  visiter  be  the  person  accused, 
to  a  member  of  the  presbytery  in  the  said  district, 
who  shall  forthwith  appoint  a  convenient  time 
and  place  for  the  trial ;  and  take  care  that  the 
members  who  are  to  compose  the  court  shall 
have  timely  information  thereof. 

In  every  complaint,  the  offence  or  offences 
shall  be  stated  ;  and  the  minister  shall  be  fur- 
nished with  a  dopy  of  the  charges  brought 
against  him,  and  with  notice  of  his  intended 
trial,  at  least  one  month  before  the  trial.  Viva 
voce  evidence  only  shall  be  admitted,  and  that 
upon  oath,  or  the  evidence  of  authenticated 
records  ;  and  coqnsel  may  be  employed  ou  both 
sides. 

The  visiter,  or  the  person  to  whom  the  com- 
plaint shall  be  made,  shall  cite  the  accused  per- 
son before  the  appointed  court ;  which  shall  (un- 
less the  person  accused  is  prevented  from  at- 
tending by  sickness)  proceed  to  the  trial,  exam- 
ine the  testimony  against  the  offender,  and  take 
the  depositions  of  the  witnesses. 

XXX.  No  vestryman  shall  sit  on  the  exam- 
ination of  a  minister  belonging  to  the  parish 
wherein  such  vestryman  resides  ;  the  examina- 
tion shall  be  held  in  the  parish  where  the  ac- 
cused minister  officiates,  and  at  a  place  to  be 
appointed  by  the  vestry  ;  the  judges  shall  appoint 
a  clerk  occasionally  for  such  examinations. 

XXXI.  Disorderly,  scandalous,  and  immoral 
conduct,  neglect  of  duty,  a  disregard  to  the 
rules  and  canons  of  the  church,  or  taking  a 
bribe  to  recommend  either  for  ordination  or  a 
parish,  are  to  be  considered  as  among  the  offen- 
ces for  which  a  minister  may  be  brought  to  trial. 

XXXII.  Deacons  behaving  in  a  scandalous, 
disorderly,  or  immoral  manner,  or  who  neglect 


36 


CONVENTION  OF  1791. 


the  duty  they  have  undertaken,  shall,  on  full  and 
satisfactory  proof,  be  suspended  or  silenced  by 
the  bishop  until  the  sense  of  the  Convention 
shall  be  44nown.  A  nd  the  salary  accruing  during 
the  suspension  t)f  a  minister  or  deacon,  who  is 
afterward  found  guilty,  shall  go  to'  the  vestry 
for  the  use  of  the  church. 

XXXIII.  Bishops  shall  visit  the  different 
parishes  under  their  inspection  once  in  three 
years  at  least  ;  of  which  visitation  the  clergy 
or  church-wardens  shall  have  timely  notice  ;  in 
their  visitation  they  shall  confirm  such  as  choose 
to  receive  confirmation,  they  shall  inspect  the 
state  of  the  parishes,  and  the  conduct  of  the 
clergy,  who  shall  give  them  what  information 
they  can  respecting  such  ecclesiastical  matters 
as  they  may  choose  to  be  informed  of 

XXXIV.  Bishops  shall  hold  ordinations  at 
such  times  and  places  as  they  may  judge  neces- 
sary and  convenient. 

XXXV.  Bishops,  after  every  visitation,  shall 
report  the  state  of  the  church  in  the  different 
parishes  to  the  Convention. 

XXXVI.  No  minister  or  bishop  shall  be  al- 
lowed to  hold  more  than  one  parish  at  the  same 
tinie.  Nevertheless,  a  minister  may,  if  called 
thereto  by  the  vestry,  preach  in  a.  neighbouring 
parish  or  parishes  during  a  vacancy  in  «uch  par- 
ish or  parishes,  and  may  receive  a  compensation 
for  his  services,  provided  he  has  the  consent  of 
his  own  vestry,  and  shall  not  neglect  the  duties 
of  his  parish. 

XXXVII.  Every  minister  shall  reside  within 
his  parish,  unless  a  majority  of  his  vestry  shall 
agree  to  dispense  vyith  his  residence,  and  shall 


at  no  time  leave  it  for  more  than  one  month 
without  the  consent  of  the  said  vestry. 

XXXVIII.  Ministers  shall,  at  their  churches 
and  other  convenient  places,  instruct  children, 
and  such  ignorant  persons  as  may  require  it, 
in  their  catechism,  and  the  principles  of  the 
Christian  religion  as  maintained  by  this  church  ; 
provided  this  duty  may  be  dispensed  with  during 
the  inclement  winter  months.  They  shall  also 
explain  the  nature  of  confirmation,  and  instruct 
and  prepare  their  parishioners  for  it. 

XXXIX.  Ministers  and  deacons  shall  wear 
a  surplice  during  the  time  of  prayer  at  public 
worship,  in  places  where  they  are  provided  ; 
shall  wear  gowns  when  they  preach,  where  they 
conveniently  can  ;  and  shall  at  all  times  wear 
apparel  suited  to  the  gravity  of  their  profession. 

XL.  Ministers  and  deacons  may  encourage 
people  to  assemble  together  in  small  societies 
at  convenient  times  for  their  edification,  and 
may  visit,  superintend,  and  instruct  such  socie- 
ties at  their  meetings  ;  provided  they  shall  not 
doit  to  the  encouragement  of  idleness,  oi  to  the 
injury  of  private  families. 

XLI  Ministers  officiating  in  this  chuTch, 
whether  bishops,  priests,  or  deacons,  shall  preach 
once  at  lezist  on  every  Lord's  day,  and  at  other 
stated  seasons,  unless  prevented  by  some  suffi- 
cient cause ;  they  may  at  their  discretion  preach 
also  at  other  times,  when  opportunities  shall 
offer  of  edifying  the  church  ;  bishops  and  priests 
shall  administer  the  sacrament  at  least  four 
times  in  the  year  at  each  church  or  place  of 
worship  in  their  respective  parishes,  and  shall 
visit  the  sick  when  called  on  for  that  purpose. 


Journal  of  a  Convention  pf  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  State  of  Virginia,  held  in  the 
Capitol  in  the  -City  of  Richmond/from.  May  2d  to  May  Qth,  1791,  inclusive. 

A  List  of  the  Memrers  of  the  Convention. 


Parishes. 
Abingdon, 
Antrim,    ' 
Bath, 
Berkeley, . 
Bristol, 
Bruton, 
Charley 
Christ  Church, 
Cumberland, 
BsIg, 
Drysdale, 
Elizabeth  River, 
Fairfax, 
Henrico, 
Hungars, 
James  City, 
King  William, 
.  Lexington, 
Littleton, 
Lynnhaven, 
Manchester, 
Meherrin, 

Nottoway, 

Raleigh, 


Clergymen. 
James  Price. 
Alexander  Hay, 
Devereaux  Jarratt. 
Hugh  C.  Boggs. 
John  Cameron. 
John  Bracken.  , 

Sarawel  Shield 
David  Ball. 
James  Craig. 
Needier  Robinson. 
Jesse  Carter. 
James  Whitehead. 

John  Buchanan. 

James  Madison  (Bishop  and  Pres.). 

Charles  Crawford. 
Elkanah  Talley, 
Anthony  Walke. 
William  Cameron. 
Stephen  Johnson. 


Lay  Deputies. 
John  Page. 
John  Coleman 


Thos.  G.  Peachy. 
Robert  Andrews. 
Starkey  Robinson. 
James  Ball. 
John  Stevenson. 

William  Lyne. 

Robert  T.  Hooe. 
William  Foushee. 
John  L.  Fulwell. 
John  Ambler. 
Thomas  Harris. 

Mayo  Carrington. 
Edward  H.  Moseley. 
David  Patteson. 

<  Rowland  Ward. 
I  p.  Robinson. 
Jo^n  RoyalL 


Parishes. 
St.  'Asaph, 
St.  Bride,      ^     . 
St.  David, 
St.  George  (Acco.)» 
St    George,  (Spot.), 
St.  James  Noxaham, 
St.  Margaret, 
St.  Mark, 
St.  Martin, 
St.  Mary, 

St.  Paul,  ~. 

Southam, 
Southwark, 
Suffolk, 
Trinity, 
Upper  Parish 

(Nansemond), 
Westover, 


CONVENTION  OF  1791. 
Clergymen. 

James  Morris. 
Reuben  Olopton. 
Wilham  Vere. 
John  Woodville. 
Charles  Hopkuis. 


87 


Lay  Deputies. 
John  Hoomes. 


Peter  Nelson. 
Abner  Waugh. 


Samuel  Butler. 
James  Tavlor. 


James  Henderson. 


On  Tuesday,  the  third  of  May,  in  the  year  of 
our  Lord  one  thousand  seven  hundred  and  nine- 
ty-one, being  the  day  appointed  for  the  meeting 
of  the  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  in  the  Commonwealth  of  Virginia,  a 
sufficient  number  of  members  to  proceed  on  bu- 
siness being  present, 

Ordered,  That  Robert  Andrews  b6  appointed 
SecreUry  to  the  Convention. 

The  Right  Rev.  James  Madison,  D.  D.,  hav- 
ing laid  before  the  Convention  his  letters  of  con- 
secration to  the  office  of  bishop  of  the  Prot- 
estant Episcopal  Church  in  this  Commonwealth, 
took  his  seat  as  President  of  the  Convention. 

Ordered,  That  a  committee  of  elections  be  ap- 
pointed, to  examine  the  returns  of  the  sitting 
members,  and  to  report  thereon  :  And  a  com- 
mittee was  appointed  of  Mr.  New,  Mr.  Craig, 
Mr.  Page,  and  Mr.  Buchanan. 

Ordered,  That  a  committee  be  appointed  to 
examine  the  treasurer's  accounts,  and  to  report 
thereon  :  And  a  committee  was  appointed  of 
Mr.  New,  Mr.  Bracken,  Mr.  Hoomes,  and  Mr. 
Shield. 

On  motion.  Ordered,  That  a  committee  be 
appointed  to  revise  the  canons  :  And  a  com- 
mittee was  appointed  of  Mr.  Shield,  Mr.  Jar- 
ratt,  Mr.  Whitehead,  Mr.  Page,  and  Mr.  E. 
Carrington. 

And  then  the  Convention  adjourned  till  to- 
morrow morrring,  10  o'clock. 

Wednesday,  May  4. 

The  Right  Rev.  the  President  having,  on  his 
taking  the  chair  this  morning,  delivered  a  charge 
to  the  Convention, 

Resolved,  unanimously,  That  the  thanks  of 
this  Convention  be  given  to  the  Right  Rev.  Dr. 
Madison  for  the  seasonable,  judicious,  and  affec- 
tionate charge  delivered  them  this  day,  and  that 
he  be  requested  to  furnish,  a  copy  of  the  same 
for  the  purpose  of  having  it  published. 

4n  Address  to  the  Convention  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church  in  Virginia,  by  the  R>.  Rev. 
J.  Madison,  D.  D.,  Bishop  of  the  said  Church. 

Brethren, — The  office  to  which   it  hath 


Robert  Twiford. 

Archibald  Brice. 
Anthony  New. 
David  Jameson. 

James  Taylor. 
(  Thomas  Tinsl&y. 
(John  Garland. 

Edwd.  Carrington. 

James  A.  Bradley.  ■,  -^ 

Mills  Godwin, 

Charles  Yancey. 
•  ^  Arch.  Richardson. 
I  John  Driver. 

Charles  Carter. 

pleased  the  church,  by  the  permission  of  Provi- 
dence, to  call  me,  is  attended  with  duties  of  a 
very  serious  and  interesting  nature.  Would  to 
God  I  were  capable  of  discharging  them  in  a 
manner  equal  to  that  full  conviction  which  I 
have  of  the  importance  of  the  trust,  or  to  that 
ardent  but  charitable  zeal  far  the  prosperity  of 
our  church,  which  it  shall  be  my  endeavour  at 
all  times  to  evince.  I  should  then  anticipate  a 
satisfaction  from  the  expected  fruits  of  my  la- 
bours replete  with  the  highest  reward,  and  esteem 
myself  happy  indeed  in  being  called  to  an  office 
which  enabled  me  to  be  extensively  useful  in  a 
cause  the  most  interesting  to  mankind.  But 
when  I  reflect  upon  my  own  imperfections ; 
when  I  consider  the  present  situation  of  our 
church  ;  and  further,  when  I  cast  my  eyes  to- 
wards the  many  obstacles  to  its  prosperity  which 
present  themselves  on  every  side,  I  confess  to 
you  that,  struck  with  the  arduous  enterprise,  I  ^ 
feel  myself  for  a  moment  intimidated  ;  that  for 
a  moment  despondency  instead  of  hope,  fear  of 
evils  greater  than,  we  have  yet  experienced  in- 
stead of  the  consolatory  anticipation  of  better 
prospects,  take  possession  of  my  soul. 

It  is  from  you,  my  brethren,  from  this  re- 
spectable assembly,  from  the  strenuous  and 
zealous  support  of  the  many  worthy  members 
of  our  church,  and  particularly  from  the  zealous 
co-operation  of  her  pastors  ;  but^  above  all,  it  is 
from  the  favour  of  Heaven  itself  that  1  derive 
hope  and  animation.  Yes,  my  brethren  ;  while 
I  can  flatter  myself  With  your  zealous  co-opera- 
tion, while  I  can  behold  the  ministers  of  our 
church  anxious,  nay,  ardent  in  the  great  Work 
in  which  we  are  engaged,  so  long  I  will  indulge 
the  pleasing,  the  animated  ^hope,  that  Heaven 
will  smile  upon  our  labours,  that  the  obstacles 
which  now  surround  us  will  vanish  before  our 
united  exertions,  and  that  religion,  pure  and  spot- 
less as  she  sprung  from  the  Eternal,  will  once 
more  regain  her  blissful  empire  in  the  hearts  of 
men.  Let  us  reflect  that  ditlBculties,  instead 
of  depressing,  often  serve  only  to  call  forth  new^ 
ardour,  even  in  pursuits  that  are  bounded  by  thi* 
world.  Let  us  follow  the  example  ;  but  with 
this  difference,  that  our  ardour  should  rise  abovo 


38 


CONVENTION  OF  1791. 


that  of  others  in  proportion  to  the  superior  im- 
portance of  the  cause  in  which  we  are  engaged. 
If  such  application,  such  zeal;  such  courage,  be 
exerted  to  accomphsh  ends  which  must  still 
bear  the  stamp  of  mortality,  surely  an  infinitely 
greater  degree  of  application,  of  zeal,  and  of 
courage,  may  be  expected  from  those  who  have 
in  view  eternal  pursuits  and  immortal  ends. 

Encouraged  by  these  considerations,  permit 
me,  in  entering  upon  my  episcopacy,  to  request 
your  attention  to  such  observations  as  the  pres- 
ent occasion  seems  to  require  ;  and  to  exhort 
you,  my  reverend  brethren  in  particular,  at  the 
same  time  admonishing  myself,  that  we  should 
not  only  recall  to  mind'  the  duties  of  our  voca- 
tion, but  endeavour  to  reanimate  each  other,  as 
bearing  the  same  burden  :  and  since  Providence 
hath  permitted  me  to  be  placed  in  a  station 
so  responsible  to  God  and  man,  and  hath  asso- 
ciated you  with  me  as  fellow-labourers  in  my  min- 
istry, let  us  go  to  the  source  of  our  misfortunes, 
and  try  to  discover  the  necessary  remedies. 

I.  Were  we-  thep,  in  the  first  place,  to  in- 
vestigate the  causes  which  have  operated  in  re- 
ducing our  church  to  its  present  situation,  per- 
haps we  should  find  that  too  many  of  them  have 
originated  from  ourselves.  The  suggestion,  I 
am  well  aware,  is  pregnant  with  reflections  the 
most  poignant  and  alarming.  But  I  do  not 
think  I  should  discharge  my  duty  in  the  manner 
which  my  conscience  and  my  incUnation  dic- 
tate, were  I  not  to  speak  upon  this  occasion 
with  all  that  plainness  and  freedom  which  the 
importance  of  the  subject  demands.  I  know 
that  our  church  is  blessed  with  many  truly  pious 
and  zealous  pastors  ;  pastors  from  whose  ex- 
ample the  greatest  advantage  may  be  derived 
by  all  of  ns  ;  but,  at  the  same  time,  I  fear  there 
is  too  much  reason  to  apprehend,  that  the  great 
dereliction  sustained  by  our  church  hath  arisen 
in  no  small  degree  from  the  want  of  that  fervent 
Christian  z-eal  which  such  examples  ought  more 
generally  to  have  inspired.  The  trials  to  which 
we  have  been  exposed,  the  reverse  of  situation 
which  we  have  experienced,  the  coldness  and 
indiiference  of  our  lay  brethren  to  their  most 
essential  interests,  both  temporal  and  eternal, 
are  considerations,  it  is  true,  which  seem  to 
plead  strongly  in  our  excuse.  But  though  our 
most  fervent  zeal  might  not,  and  indeed  ought 
not  to  have  prevented  that  reverse  of  situation 
in  One  respect,  yet  perhaps  it  has  been  too  much 
aggravated  by  our  own  conduct.  The  coldness, 
the  indifference  of  the  laity,  of  which  we  so 
much  complain,  from  whence  hath  it  arisen  "? 
Hath  the  sacred  fire  committed  to  our  trust. 
been  everywhere  and  at  all  times  cherished  by 
us  with  that  watchful  and  zealous  attention 
\A^hich  so  holy  a  deposit  e  required  1  Had  it  been 
thus  cherished,  might  not,  my  brethren,  that 
ancient  flame,  which  once  animated  and  en- 
lightened the  members  of  our  church,  still  have 
diifused  its"  warmth,  and  thus  have  banished  far 
that  coldness  which  threatens,  an  approaching 
torpor  fatal  to  religion  1  or,  instead  of  indiffer- 
ence to  our  church,  might  we  not  now  have 
beheld  many  of  those  members  who  have  for- 
Weken  her,  eltill  ardent'  and  zealous  in  her  sup- 


port 1  In  an  inquiry  which  so  nearly  concerns 
every  minister  of  the  church,  who  shall  not  be 
found  wanting  \ — Great  God  !  perhaps  a  want 
of  zeal  in  the  discharge  of  my  pastoral  duties 
may  have  stored  up  for  me,  in  the  dreadful 
secrets  of  thy  justice,  judgments  at  which  I 
ought  to  tremble  !  But  I  will  implore  the  ex- 
tension of  thy  mercies.  I  will  endeavour,  with 
thy  aid,  not  only  to  awaken  within  myself  a  just 
sense  of  my  duties,  but  exert  the  small  portion 
of  talents  which  thou  hast  allotted  to  me  in 
impressing  deeply  upon  the  minds  of  all  my  fel- 
low-labourers, "  that  a  holy,  fervent  zeal,  at- 
tempered with  charity,  is  the  most  essential 
qualification  of  a  minister  of  the  gospel,  and  the 
first  effect  of  sacerdotal  grace." 

Be  ye  then  renewed  in  the  spirit  of  your  mind, 
or  of  i/our  vocation.  Recollect,  n.y  reverend 
brethren,  to  whom  the  apostle  formerly  addressed 
this  word  of  exhortation — to  ministers  of  the 
gospel,  as  has  been  well  observed,  who  exposed 
their  lives  every  hour  for  him  who  sent  them  ; 
to  ministers,  persecuted,  reviled,  trampled  under 
foot,  yet  suffering  with  joy,  aijd  embracing  death 
as  a  reward  ;  to  the  first  preachers  of  the  Chris- 
tian religion,  among  whom  were  apostles,  proph- 
ets, evangelists,  pastors^  and  teachers  ;  to  men 
whose  sanctity  and  zeal  the  whole  world,  with 
all  its.  ostentatious  philosophy,  could  not  re- 
sist. Such  were  the  men  to  whom  the  apos- 
tle thus  earnestly  recommended,  that  they 
should  renew  themselves  in  the  spirit  of  their 
vocation  ;  men  who  were  still  full  of  that  holy 
spirit  which  had  lately  descended  from  heaven, 
and  who,  like  their  master,  diffused  it  from 
their  plenitude  over  the  people  and  the  nations. 

It  is  this  same  exhortation  which  I  address  to 
you,  and  at  the  same  time  to  myself;  to  us,  who 
are  respectively  called  to  the  ministry,  as  the 
successors  of  those  men,  in  this  latter  age  ;  an 
age  which  would  substitute  the  cold  lessons  of 
a  political  philosophy  for  those  subhme,  those 
warm  and  consolatory  ideas,  that  spring  from 
religion,  and  which  are  no  less  necessary  to 
vivify  the  moral,  than  the  rays  which  flow  from 
the  sun  are  to  invigorate  the  vegetable  world ; 
to  us,  who  not  only  behold  those  temples  dedi- 
cated to  the  living  God  too  frequently  deserted 
by  their  once  warm  and  zealous  friends,  but  to 
us,  in  whose  days,  unless  those  ideas,  so  prolific 
of  duty,  which  our  religion  enforces,  be  revived, 
licentiousness  must  triumph,  and  not  only  shake 
the  foundations  of  civil  liberty,  but,  like  a  tor- 
rent, bursting  all  the  mounds  of  virtue,  must 
overwhelm  whatever  remains  of  truth,  integrity, 
and  happiness.  Let  us  then  be  renewed,  J  en- 
treat you,  in  the  spirit  of  our  vocation  ;  in  that 
holy,  fervent  zeal,  which  should  be  the  distin- 
guishing characteristic  of  every  minister  of  the 
gospel. 

But  how  is  that  zeal,  which  I  now  recom- 
mend as  the  most  essential  qualification  of  every 
minister  of  the  gospel,  to  be  displayed  1  I  an- 
swer, by  the  manner  in  which  we  shall  dis- 
charge the  ministerial  functions,  by  our  con- 
versation, and  by  our  example.  Be  thou  an  ex- 
ample of  the  believers,  in  icord,  in  conversation^ 
in  charity^  in  sjnrit,  inJcEVth^  in  pwriiy.    A  law- 


CONVENTION  OF  1791. 


39 


fol  BfMnister-of  the  gospel,  in  the  language  of  the 
apostle,  is  an  ambassador  for  Christ.  Such  a 
character  suggests  to  us,  in  the  first  place,  the 
importance  and  the  dignity  of  our  functions,  and 
at  the  same  time,  the  fidehty  and  the  zeal  with 
which  ihey  should  be  performed.  But  such  a 
minister  is  also  termed  a  labourer  togtthtr  with 
C^od  for  the  salvation  of  souls  ;  by  preaching 
the  gospel,  by  the  administration  of  the  sacra- 
ments, and  by  all  those  other  functions  which 
tend  to  promote  and  establish  virtue  and  charity 
among  men,  and  to  keep  alive  a  just  sense  of 
Ihe  inestimable  benefits  of  the  Christian  dis- 
pensation. We  are  also,  my  brethren,  to  watch 
for  the  souls  of  others,  as  they  that  are  to  give 
an  account.  If  such  be  the  nature,  such  the 
functions,  of  our  sacred  embassy,  what  minister, 
what  priest,  what  bishop  is  there,  who  will  not, 
with  pious  awe,  reflect  most  seriously  upon  the 
momentous  charge  committed  to  him  ;  and 
■while  he  profoundly  meditates  upon  the  extent 
of  his  duties,  ardently  supplicate,  at  the  throne 
■of  grace,  the  renewal  of  that  fervent  zeal,  with- 
out which  the  great  ends  of  bis  ministry  can 
never  be  accomplished. 

II.  Renewed  with  this  holy  zeal,  we  should 
turn  our  attention  to  the  principal  means  which 
are  offered  to  us  of  displaying  it ;  and  of  labour- 
ing effectually,  together  with  God,  for  the  salva- 
tion of  souls.  The  first  which  presents  itself 
is  pulpit  eloquence.  Pulpit  eloquence,  my  rev- 
erend brethren,  is  one  of  those  remedies  for 
which  our  present  misfortunes  call  aloud  ;  it  is 
that  ethereal  fire  which,  if  properly  excited  and 
conducted,  will  not  fail  to  restore  our  enfeebled 
church. 

Every  minister  of  the  gospd  will  readily 
agree,  that  his  first  duty  is  to  adapt  his  dis- 
courses to  those  important  purposes  for  'Which 
he  is  called  to  the  ministry.  As  an  ambassador 
of  Christ,  he  must  continue  the  mission  of  his 
Lord.  His  discourses  must  have  for  their  con- 
stant aim  the  salvation  of  souls  ;  he  must  keep 
alive  a  just  sense  of  God,  the  beneficent  Crea- 
tor and  preserver  of  the  universe  ;  he  must 
make  known  the  gospel  of  Christ,  and  the  man- 
ner of  our  redemption  ;  he  must  convince  men 
of  the  certainty  of  a  future  judgment ;  he  must 
keep  theiJ-  consciences  awake  to  the  dangers  of 
«in  ;  he  must  show  that  religion  is  the  rock  upon 
which  our  happiness,  both  temporal  and  eternal, 
must  be  founded  ;  he  must,  in  short,  enforce  all 
the  truths  of  our  religion,  in  order  to  persuade 
men  to  be  virtuous  and  good.  The  pulpit  ora- 
tor must  address  the  understanding,  inform  and 
enlighten  the  mind  ;  he  must  "  reason"  of  righte- 
ousness, tejhferance,  and  judgment  to  come,  but' 
he  should  remember  that  knowledge  without 
practice  is  useless.  He  must  convince  in  order 
to  persuade.  He  must  not  only  prove  to  men 
in  what  their  greatest  good  consists,  but  call  to 
his  aid  all  the  powers  of  the  oratorical  art,  to 
persuade  them  to  love  and  to  pursue  that  good  ; 
he  must  not  only  give  just  and  clear  views  of 
religious  truths,  but  inculcate  them  in  so  forci- 
ble a  manner  that  they  shall  penetrate  the  heart ; 
that  they  shall  there  make  an  impression  which 
no  time  or  circumstances  can  ever  efface.     It  i» 


thus  that  he  will  influence  the  practice  of  his 
hearers  ;  it  is  thus  that  practice  will  gradually 
ripen  into  habit,  and  that  men  will  see  and  ac- 
knowledge that  happiness  is  the  offspring  of 
religion. 

In  whatever  point  of  view  we  consider  this  im- 
portant part  of  the  ministerial  functions,  it  must 
be  acknowledged,  that  every  sermon  should  be  a 
persuasive  oration.  Let,  then,  the  situation  of 
the  church,  and,  in  particular,  the  glorious  fruits 
which  spring  up  at  the  voice  of  the  persuasive 
preacher,  excite  within  us  an  ardent  desire  to 
render  our  discourses  truly  persuasive.  To  ac- 
comphsh  an  end  so  devoutly  to  be  wished,  per- 
mit me  to  recommend,  with  a  degree  of  ear- 
nestness which  the  sincerest  anxiety  only  for  the 
honour  and  ike  prosperity  of  dur  church  could 
call  forth,  that  all  the  principles  of  pulpit  elo- 
quence be  most  assiduously  studied  by  every 
minister  of  the  church  ;  and  that,  by  reiterated 
practice  in  private,  they  endeavour  to  evince 
their  energy  in  public.  Be  persuaded  that  pul- 
pit eloquence  is  an  art,  and  one  of  the  noblest, 
perhaps  I  may  also  add,  one  of  the  most  difficult 
of  the  arts.  But,  should  difficulties  appal  those 
whose  profession  enjoins  the  attainment  of  this 
art  as  a  sacred  duty  1  To  attain  it,  however, 
we  must  first  be  possessed  of  all  the  principles 
upon  which  the  art  is  founded  ;  we  must  study 
those  authors  who  have  most  clearly  developed 
them ;  and  then  we  should  despise  all  toil,  all 
labour,  until  we  are  enabled  to  f educe  them  to 
practice.  It  is  then,  my  brethren,  we  shall  in 
such  a  manner  reason  of  righteousness^  of  tem- 
perance, and  a  judgment  to  come,  that  every  sin- 
ner shall  tremble,  xid  with  new-born  fervour  "ac- 
knowledge, thou  persuades t  me  to  be  a  Christian. 

What  I  have  taken  the  liberty  to  recommend, 
appears  to  be  well  worthy  of  the  attention  of 
every  pastor  ;  but  to  the  minister  who  has  just 
entered  upon  the  career  of  his  labours,  it  is  cer- 
tainly of  the  utmost  importance.  If  he  be  anx- 
ious, at  the  eve  of  a  life  dedicated  to  the  service 
of  his  God,  to  enjoy  the  noble,  the  grateful  ret- 
rospect, of  having  promoted  piety  among  men, 
of  having  reiidered  them  virtuous  and  happy,  by 
persuading  them  tO  practise  those  duties  which 
they  owe  to  themselves,  to  their  fellow-crea- 
tures, and  to  their  God,  he  must  be  eloquent ;  he 
must  unite  the  two  great  characteristics  of  the 
pulpit  orator,  gravity  and.  Warmth.  They  should 
be  united,  not  only  in  the  composition  of  his 
discourses,  but  also  in  his  manner  of  delivering 
them.  The  nature  of  the  subjects  upon  which 
he  is  to  speak  requires  gravity ;  but  their  im- 
portance to  mankind  demands  also  warmth ; 
they  demamd,  essentially,  that  pious,  interest- 
ing, affecting,  penetrating  manner,  which  a  con- 
sciousness of  the  momentous  truths  he  dehvers 
naturally  dictates. 

I  do  not  pretend  that  equal  ejninence  is  at- 
tainable "by  every  preacher.  Each  will  have  a 
manner  in  some  respects  peculiar  to  himself. 
Every  man  hath  his  proper  gift  of  God,  one 
after  this  manner,  another  after  that.  What  is 
natural  we  should  preserve  ;  but  we  may,  by 
attention,  not  only  remove  adventitious  faults, 
but  greatly  improve  our  proper  gifts.     For-thi^ 


40 


CONVENTION  OF  1791. 


purpose  it  has  been  recommended^  occasionally, 
to  request  some  person  in  tiie  congregation, 
upon  whose  judgment  and  candour  we  can  rely, 
to  point  out  whatever  may  be  defective  either 
in  the  management  of  the  voice  or  in  action. 
Good  sens_e,  and  an  earnest  desire  of  being  a 
profitable  minister  of  the  church,  will  soon  efi'ect 
the  desired  amendment.  But  every  attempt 
towards  amendment  as  a  preacher,  presupposes 
that  the  inanimate  method  of  reading  serinons 
is  to  be  abandoned.  The  best  discourse,  when 
the  eyes  are  continually  fixed  to  the  paper,  in- 
stead of  exciting  warm  affections,  will  scarcely 
engage  the  attention.  But,  on  the  other  hand, 
when  a  sermon. has  been  autficiently  digested, 
and  in  part  committed  to .  memory,  it  may  be 
delivered  with  freedom  and  spirit ;  the  preacher 
will  be  at  liberty  to  enforce  his  words  with  cor- 
respondent looks,  and  even  with  a  becoming 
action  ;  he  will  insensibly  address  every  part  of 
his  audience,  and  thus  perceive  whether  they 
comprehend  what  has  been  delivered,  or  whether 
he  has  moved  and  roused  them  as  he  intended  ; 
he  will  also,  after  a  short  experience,  be  enabled 
to  enlarge  upon  particular  heads,  as  the  occa- 
sion may  require,  or  to  add  to  his  discourse  new 
observations  and  reflections,  rnore  striking  than 
mighl;  have  occurred  to  him  at  the  cool  moments, 
of  composition  ;  he  will  likewise,  by  prudent 
extemporaneous  efforts,  counteract  those  de- 
claimers  whose  popularity  .depends  upon  such 
a  method  of  speakmg ;  and  as  their  followers 
have  the  strange  credulity  to  think  them  pos- 
sessed of  a  supernatural  gift,  he  will  enjoy  the 
reward  of  undeceiving  them,  by  imitating  the 
practice  of  St.  Paul  upon  another  occasion; 
what  I  do,  I  loill  do,  that  wherein  they  glory, 
they  may  he  fomid  even  as  we.  The  truth  is, 
we  have  lost  too  m<iny  members  of  the  church 
by  the  cold  method  of  reading  sermons,  and  by 
not  preaching  in  a  manner  sufficiently  evangeli- 
cal ;  nor  shall  we  either  recover  them,  or  pre- 
vent a  continued  diminution  of  our  numbers, 
until  we  accustom  ourselves  to  declare  with  zeal, 
with  force^  and  with  spirit,  all  the  counsel  pf 
God.  Let  it  be  declared  in  a  manner  adapted 
to  the  comprehension  of  the  lowest  as  well  as 
(3f  the  highest.  Let  it  be  our  care,  as  it  was 
our  Saviour's,  that  the  poor  have  the  gospel 
preached  to  them.  It  is  among  them  that  re- 
ligion is  most  cherished  ;  the  heavenly  blessing, 
is  their  chief  consolation  and  support,  even  in 
this  world.  They  stand  in  most  need  of  reli- 
gious instruction ;  and  therefore  every  pious  min- 
ister will  consider  himself  as  conscientiou.sly 
bound  to  take  the  greatest  care,  that  his  dis- 
courses be  not  only  calculated  for  that  purpose, 
but  that  they  raay.be  delivered  in  a  manner 
,which  shall  command  their  attention,  and  in- 
spire an  ardent  love  for  piety  and  virtue  ;  he 
will  always  remember  that  he  is  a  debtor  both  t6 
the  wise  and  the  unwise  ;  he  will  consider,  both 
while  he  is  framing  and  preaching  his  discourse, 
"  whether  this  be  sufficiently  adapted  to  the 
capacities,  the  state  of  mind,  the  circumstanees, 
of  the  poor ;  will  this  part  be  clear,  that  home 
enough;  a  third  well  guarded  against  mistakes  ; 
wiij  they  return  as  much  bcjtt^r  dispos,ed  than 


they  came,  as  it  was  in  our  power  to  make 
them  1"  In  short,  he  will  always  endeavour  that 
the  loord  of  God  may  be  still,  as  it  was  origi- 
nally, powerfuly  and  sharper  than  any  two-cdgcd 
sword. 

It  will  not  be  inferred,  I  hope,  from  what  has 
been  said,  that  I  am  an  advocate  for  that  man- 
ner which  is  termed  theatrical  ;  on  the  con- 
trary, I  consider  it  as  most  improper .  in  the 
Chri^ian  orator,  or  for  those  noisy  declama- 
tions with  which  Christian  congregations  are 
sometimes  addressed.  No;  such  declamations 
are  as  unworthy  of  comparison  with  the  har- 
mony of  that  eloquence  which  allares  thet  soul  to 
heaven,  as  the  noise  of  cranes  with  the  delightr 
ful  symphonies  of  the  organ. 

Much  also  of  our  attention  should  be  turned 
to  the  manner  in  which  the  other  parts  of  divine 
service  ought  to  be  performed.  We  boast,  and 
certainly  with  the  greatest  reason,  of  the  excel- 
lency of  our  liturgy.  Let  us  then  study  to  de- 
liver jt  in  a  manner  worthy  of-sttch  a  composi- 
tion ;  let  us  study  the  art  of  reading.  Let  us 
.«tudy  to  read  distinctly,  emphatically,  fervently  ; 
we  should  no  longer  behold  congregations  inat- 
tentive ;  on  the  contrary,  we  should  have  the 
satisfaction  of  experiencing  that  the  service, 
read  or  delivered  with  devotion,  with  force,  and 
propriety,  would  infuse  the  spirit  of  devotion, 
and  excite  an  ardent  love  for  so  excellent,  so 
rational  a  form  of  public  worship. 

We  complain,  and  with  too  much  reason,  of 
the  decadence  of  religion,  of  the  declension  of 
our  church,  and  of  the  inefficacy  of  the  minis- 
terial labours  ;  but  Jet  her  "ministers  be  dis- 
tinguished not  only  for  piety  and  learning,  but 
for  pulpit  eloquence  and  propriety  of  reading.; 
we  should  soon  find  that  they  would  be  admi- 
red, followed,  and  almost  adored. 

III.  In  the  next  place,  let  me  exhort  you,  my 
brethren,  earnestly  to  impress  upon  parents  not 
only  the  duty  of  infant  baptism,  but  also  the 
farther  duty  of  having  them  instructed,  as  early 
as  possible,  in  the  principles  of  Christianity,  and 
thus  prepared  for  the  ancient  apostolic  rite  of 
confirmation.  I  trust  the  ministers  of  each 
parish  will  consider  the  instruction  of  children, 
in  the  principles  and  duties  of  Christianity,  as 
an  important  part  of  their  functions,  and  that, 
for  this  purpose,  they  will,  at  regular  stated 
periods,  examine  and  instruct  them  in  their 
catechism,  as  our  church  directs.  She  pru- 
dently and  wisely  extends  her  maternal  arms  to 
tlie  rising  generations  at  the  earliest  periods. 
Gratitude  for  those  blessings  will  be  a  source 
of  the  strongest  attachment  at  a  more  advanced 
period.  So  far  as  the  episcopal  duties  may  re- 
quire attention,  I  hope  in  God  they  will  be 
discharged  with  a  becoming  zeal  and  fidelity. 
It  is  my  present  purpose  triennially  to  visit  each 
parish;  and  I  flatter  myself  I  shall  enjoy  the 
consoling  prospect,  not  only  of  seeing  our  con- 
gregations revived,  and  religion  everywhere 
diffusing  its  viul  blessings,  but  also  that  such 
children  as  are  come  to  years  of  discretion  will 
be  properly  instructed  and  prepared  for  the  rite 
of  confirmation. 

IV.  In  the  fourth  place  I  must  observe,  that 


CONVENTION  OF  1791. 


41 


psalmody  has  been  too  much  neglected  in  our 
churches.  Let  us  be  careful  to  revive  so  exalt- 
ed a  part  of  our  public  worship,  and  to  render  it 
not  only  more  perfect,  but  more  general.  Let 
us  endeavour  to  encourage  those  schools  where- 
in that  manner  which  is  rqost  melodious,  and  at 
the  same  time  properly  adapted  to  public  wor- 
ship, may  be  taught.  All  the  members  of 
our  religious  assemblies  will  thus  be  enabled 
and  induced  to  join  in  those  solemn  acts  of 
praise  and  thanksgiving  ;  or,  in  making  a  joyful 
noise  to  ihc  God  of  their  salvationy  and  in  sing- 
ing his  praise  with  understanding.  It  has  ap- 
peared to  me,  that  a  proper  attention  to  this 
subject  is  one  of  the  necessary  requisites  to  re- 
vive our  congregations ;  and  al-so,  that  the 
modern  psalmody  is  generally  to  be  preferred. 
There  are  various  hymns,  composed  by  many 
excellent  and  pious  men,  which  breathe  the 
spirit  of  true  devotion,  and  which  are  admirably 
adapted  to  Christian  worship;  they  admit  of 
that  solemn  and  elevated  strain  of  harmony, 
which  never  fails  to  excite  and  increase,  by 
sympathetic  emotions,  that  ^rdour  which  should 
pervade  the  whole  congregation ;  they  may 
therefore  be  introduced  to  the  greatest  advan- 
tage. 

V.  But  among  the  many  duties  which  await 
us  as  ministers  of  the  gospel,  there  can  be  none 
more  important  than  that  of  earnestly  pressing 
upon  the  minds  of  our  congregations  the  obliga- 
tion and  the  benefits  of  receiving,  at  regular 
stated  times,  the  sacrament.  I  fear  the  com- 
municants, in  too  many  parishes,  are  not  as 
numerous  as  formerly.  If  this  be  the  case,  it 
surely  indicates  an  alarming  declension  of  a  just 
sense  of  the  religion  we  profess.  Let  me,  then, 
exhort  you,  particularly  to  impress  upon  your 
congregations  the  duties  of  observing  strictly 
this  holy  ordinance,  instituted  by  Christ  him- 
self, and  the  distinguishing  badge  of  a  (christian 
society,  by  plain,  practical,  and  interesting  dis- 
courses, wherein  the  nature,  end,  and  benefit 
of  the  Lord's  Supper  may  be  clearly  and  fully 
shown. 

VI.  Another  important  duty,  incumbent  upon 
the  ministers  of  Christ,  claims  also  our  atten- 
tion ;  which  is,  to  exercise  a  godly  discipline. 
Without  such  discipline,  the  church  of  Christ, 
which  should  be  holy  and  without  blemish,  can- 
not prosper.  It  is  the  duty  of  every  pastor  of 
the  church  to  check  the  progress  of  wicked- 
ness by  all  means  hecomino  the  spirit  of  the 
gospel ;  by  exhortation  and  by  reproof  both,  pri- 
vate and  public.  If  this  part  of  the  ministerial 
discipline  be  performed  Avith  meekness,  with 
prudence,  and  Christian  charity,  it  would  cer- 
tainly be  attended  with  happy  effects.  'But 
there  is  a  discipline  which  particularly  respects 
ourselves,  and  which  must  be  most  strictly  re* 
garded.  The  church  has  wisely  ordered  that 
visiters  should  be  selected  for  certain  districts, 
and  pointed  out  the  duties  which  they  are  to 
perform.  Those  duties,  I  hope,  will  be  most 
sedulously  attended  to  ;  and  therefore  I  beg  to 
take  this  opportunity  of  exhorting  and  of  char- 
ging all  those  ministers  who  are  intrusted  with 
the  visitatorial  power,  to  consider  the  duo  erer- 


cise  ofit  as  indispensable.  I  doubt  not  of  your 
zeal  in  this  respect,  but  the  importance  of  the 
trust  requires  that  the  strict  execution  of-  it 
should  be  earnestly  recommended.  This  is  not 
only  necessary  for  tte  preservation  of  that  godly 
discipline,  without  which  our  church  must  rush 
precipitately  into  still  g^■eater  difficulties  than 
those  which  now  surround  her  ;  but  the  annual 
visits  of  clergymen,  respectable  for  their  piety, 
their  zeal,  their  example,  their  eloquence,  must 
serve  to  reanimate  the  members  of  the  church, 
must  confirm  the  wavering,  and  give  fresh  ac- 
tivity to  the  spirit  of  religion.  We  should  be- 
hold our  charches  upon  those  occasions  crowd- 
ed ;  we  should  find  a  love  for  pubhc  worship 
would  soon  succeed  to  that  indifference  which 
is  now  so  predominant.  I  am  satisfied  also, 
upon  the  same  principle,  that. if  the  neighbour- 
ing ministers  would  occasionally  assist  each 
other  in  the  performance  of  divine  service,  th^ 
interchange  would  be  productive  of  the  greatest 
benefits  to  the  church.  The  love  of  novelty,  so 
congenial  to  the  human  mind,  should  be  grati- 
fied ;  or,  rather,  that  principle  should  be  seized 
upon  and  eniployed  as  one  of  the  means  which 
are  offered  to  us  to  promote  religion,  to  con- 
duct men  to  the  knowledge  of  the  gospel,  to 
prevent  their  being  carried  about  by  every  blast 
of  vain  doctrine,  and  to  renovate  the  former 
attachment  to  our  church.  As  far,  then,  as  such 
an  interchange  of  pastoral  duties  can  be  effect- 
ed, I  would  warmly  recommend  it  also  to  the 
ministers  of  our  church. 

VII.  There  still  remains,  my  brethren,  a  sub- 
ject of  great  importance,  at  all  times,  to  the. 
church,  but  which,  at  present,  requires  a  par- 
ticular attention.  A  minister  of  Christ  is  to 
teach  his  flock  by  his  good  example.  He  is  to 
be  the  pattern  of  all  good  works.  Ye  are  the 
salt  of  ike  earth.  Ye  are,  by  your  example  as 
well  as  your  doctrine,  to  prevent  that  corruption 
of  manners  to  which  the  nature  of  man  continu- 
ally tends.  Example,  you  know,  is  the  abridged 
method  of  persuasion.  Men  live,  for  the  most 
part,  by  imitation.  It  is  the  gource  of  almost 
all  their  vices  and  their  virtues.  What  happi- 
ness for  that  parish,  or  that  congregation,  when 
God  raises  up  among  them  a  minister  whose 
example  for  piety  and  virtue  serves  as  a  specta- 
cle both  for  men  and  angels !  It  is,  if  I  may 
avail  myself  of  the  observations  of  one  of  the 
luminaries  of  the  Christian  church,  a  continued 
gospel  before  their-eyes.  If  his  example  should 
not  recall  men  to  their.duties,  at  least  it  inspires 
them  with  respect  for  virtue  ;  it  forces  them  to 
acknowledge  that  there  are  still  just  men  upon 
earth  ;  repairs  the  injury  which  unworthy  min- 
isters do,  in  the  opinion  of  the  public,  to  the 
sanctity  of  the  ministerial  character ;  and  cor- 
rects the  censures  and  the  derisions  which  lib- 
ertines throw  upon  the  ministry  itself.  Yes» 
my  brethren;  though  a  pious  minister  should 
confine  all  the  good  he  can  do  to  the  example 
of  a  regular  and  edifying  life  ;  though  he  should 
only  show  to  the  public,  in  the  detail  of  his 
manners,  an  example  of  piety,  of  prudent  con- 
versation, of  charity,  of  modesty,  of  innocence,- 
and  of  sacerdotal  gravity,  it  would  be  still  true, 


42 


CONVENTION  OF  1791. 


that  he  would  be  set  for  the  rising  or  the  salva^ 
tion  of  many.  • 

But,  on  the  other  hand,  what  reflections  must 
attend  that  pastor,  "who,  through  the  defect  of 
such  an  example,  sees,  that^uriiig  the  course  of 
a  long  ministry,  he  has  not  withdrawn  a  single 
soul  from  the  ways  of  destruction  ;  that  he  has 
corrected  no  disorders,  public  or  private,  in  his 
parish  ;  that,  instead  of  effecting  a  change  for 
the  better,  his  ministry  has  been  attended  with 
a  rapid  degeneracy  of  manners,  and  a  contempt 
for  religion !  What  reflections  must  he  make 
Upon  the  long  inutility  of  his  ministerial  labours  ! 
Ought  he  to  search  for  the  CaUse  in  his  own 
conduct,  in  his  relaxed  piety,  in  his  want  of 
that  zeal  which  should  have  animated  a  Chris- 
tian pastor,  in  the  defect  of  that  example  which 
should  have  adorned  his  life,  or  in  the  hardness 
and  depravity  of  his  flock  1  But  alas  !  when 
the  heavenly  lustre  of  a  pious  and  virtuous  ex- 
ample is  wanting,  how  can  the  event  be  other- 
wise 1  Doth  he  reprove,  correct,  instruct  1  It 
is  not  with  that  earnest  zeal  which  animates  the 
truly  pious.  Doth  he  deliver  truths  the  most 
alarming"!  They  are  accompanied  with  an  air  of 
coldness  or  insensibility  which  takes  from  them 
all  their  influence  ;  or,  if  he  attempt  a  zeal,  a 
warmth  which  such  truths  call  for,  that  pure 
and  spotless  character,  which  gives  weight  and 
energy  to  the  most  simple  discourse,  is  wanting  ; 
they  come  disarmed  of  all  their  force ;  instead 
of  transfusing  into  the  souls  of  his  hearers  an 
ardcJur  for  religion,  or  kindling  the  divine  fire 
of  dove  for  God,  they  make  no  impression,  but 
melt  away  like  the  sounds  which  convey  them, 
and  are  nowhere  felt.  How  diflerent  the  effect 
when  such  truths  fall  from  the  "lips  of  a  minister 
respectable  for  his  virtue  and  piety,  whose  ex- 
ample, in  word,  in  conversation,  in  charity,  in 
spirit,  in  faith,  in  purity,  is  a  source  of  con- 
tinual instruction  !  Doubt  it  not,  n>y  brethren  ; 
if  we'would  speak  with  dignity  and  success,  we 
must  stand,  like  the  apostle,  upon  the  holy  emi- 
nence of  a  sublime  virtue  and  an  animated  zeal. 
It  is  from  that  eminence  that  we  must  speak 
terror  into  the  souls  of  the  violators  of  divine 
law,  that  we  must  draw  tears  of  compunction 
from  the  eyes  of  the  wicked,  and  oblige  them, 
by  the  ardour  of  our  zeal,  to  burn  or  trample 
under  foot  the  idols  which  they  have  hitherto 
worshipped. 

We  cannot  too  often  reflect,  that  the  voice 
of  mankind,  the  nature  of  our  ofiice,  the  solemn 
engagements  we  entered  into  when  that  office 
was  conferred  upon  us,  the  prosperity  of  the 
church,  the  commands  of  our  Lord  and  master, 
every  consideration,  either  of  duty  or  honour, 
demands  from  us  a  life  of  holiness.  There  are 
some  vices,  such  as  those  of  profaneness  and 
ebriety,  such  as  spring  from  ungoverned  pas- 
sions, from  a  disregard  to  veracity  and  honour, 
which  demonstrate  a  mind  lost  to  every  principle 
of  goodness  ;  God  grant  that  such  may  never 
be  found  in  our  society  !  'But  should  they  un- 
happily be  found,  or  the  least  approximation  to 
them,  every  member  of  the  church,  and  in  partic- 
ular every  worthy  minister,  is  bound,  by  motives 
the  most  sacred,  to  exert  himself  in  expelling 


from  among  us  examples  so  ruinous  to  religion, 
so  calamitous  to  the  church,  so  disgraceful  to 
humanity.  There  arc,  however,  some  failings 
to  which  we  may  be  more  exposed,  and  which, 
though  not  stained  with  the  turpitude  of  those 
just  mentioned,  still  tend  to  destroy  the  respect 
which  is  due  to  the  ministerial  character,  and  to 
detract  from  the  utility  of  our  labours.  We 
should  always  bear  in  mind,  that  what  may  be 
slightly  censured  in  others,  is  often  deemed 
criminal  to  ministers  of  the  gospel.  Even  they 
who  solicit  a  clergyman  to  enter  into  all  the 
diversions  of  the  day,  and  entice  him  to  an  im* 
prudent  levity,  will  afterward  despise  him  as 
a  minister,  though  they  affect  to  esteem  him  as 
a  friend.  Let  not  the  example  or  corrupted 
sentiments  of  the  worjd,  let  not  an  aflectation 
of  spirit  and  freedom,  let  not  any  inducement, 
prevail  upon  us  to  depart,  in  any  instance,  from 
the  character  we  have  undertaken  to  support. 
Beauty  of  character  always  reposes  upon  con- 
sistency. This  is  particularly  expected  from 
us,  and  must  be  maintained,  if  we  would  acquire 
respect  and  real  esteem. 

I  have  considered  it  as  my  duty  earnestly  to 
recommend  zeal.  It  is  certainly  an  essential 
qualification  of  the  ministerial  character.  But 
we  should  beware  of  intemperate  zeal.  This 
vice,  as  well  as  the  slighter  failings  to  which  we 
stand  exposed,  may  insinuate  itself  too  easily 
unless  we  guard  against  it.  Respect  for  Chris- 
tians of  every  denomination,  a  liberal  and  candid 
interpretation  of  their  sentiments  and  designs, 
is  a  necessary  consequence  of  that  charity,  that 
love,  which  is  so  often  enjoined  by  the  inspired 
writers.  Instead  of  cherishing  or  encouraging 
animosities,  be  it  ours  to  show  an  example  wor- 
thy of  the  Christian  character.  Forbearance 
will  thus  become  general  ;  and  at  length,  per- 
haps, we  may  all  be  united  in  the  bonds  of  love 
and  peace.  Should,  indeed,  our  just  rights  as  a 
Christian  society  be  invaded,  it  then  becomes  a 
duty,  I  had  almost  said  a  sacred  duty^  for  I  feel 
the  obligation  to  be  such,  to  maintain  them 
with  firmness.  But  let  prudence  and  charity 
always  prescribe  the  rule  of  conduct. 

But  in  a  placeso  full  of  the  sacerdotal  spirit, 
I  will  not  dweH  longer  upon  this  subject,  how- 
ever interesting  and  momentous.  God  grant 
that  the  ministers  of  this  church  may  ever  bear 
in  mind  their  high  vocation ;  that  they  may  be 
distinguished  as  examples  to  believers  for  the 
purity  of  their  manners,  for  their  godly  conver- 
sation, for  the  soundness  of  their  faith,  for  their 
charity  to  other -sects,  for  liberal  and  extensive 
knowledge,  for  the  practice  of  the  most  exalted 
virtue,  and  for  their  earnest  zeal  in  the  dis- 
charge of  all  their  ministerial  functions  !  May 
we  ever  remember,  that  all  our  labours  will  be 
fruitless,  that  the  most  edifying  truths  of.  the 
gospel  will  be  lost  in  darkness,  unless  they  be 
attended  with  that  light  which  beams  from  a 
pious  and  virtuous  example.  May  you,  my 
reverend  brethren,  who  discharge  your  duties 
with  so  much  edification,  serve  as  models  to 
the  more  negligent ;  may  your  fervour,  your 
example,  diflTuse  .their  influence  through  every 
member  of  the  church,  until,  by  the  grace  oi" 


CONVENTION  OF  1791. 


43 


GocI,  we  all  acquire  those  habits  of  piety,  un- 
feigned humility,  extensive  benevolence,  charity, 
and  every  other  amiable  virtue  which  can  adorn 
our  profession  or  our  religion.  Thus  shall  we 
be  found  faithful  stewards  ;  thus  shall  we  ensure 
our  own  salvation,  while  we  are  engaged  in 
promoting  the  salvation  of  others. 

There  are  many  other  subjects  of  great  im- 
portance to  us  as  a  Christian  society,  to  which 
I  might,  and  perhaps  ought  to  have  requested 
your  attention  ;  but  I  fear  I  should  trespass  upon 
your  patience.  I  must  rely  upon  your  own 
serious  reflections,^  and  that  holy  ardour  which, 
I  trust,  will  animate  the  breast  of  every  minister 
of  the  church,  to  supply  what  has  been  omitted. 

To  you,  my  respected  lay  brethren,  I  beg  now 
to  address  a  few  observations.  It  is  with  the 
sincerest  pleasure  that  I  congratulate  the 
clmrch  on  the  attachment  which  many  excel- 
lent characters  among  the  laity  have  uniformly 
manifested  to  the  communion  in  which  they 
were  nurtured.  I  must  applaud  and  admire 
their  attachment,  since  I  behold  in  them  not 
only  zealous  Christians,  but  the  best  of  patriots. 

Yes,  my  brethren  ;  to  minds  free  from  preju- 
dice, and  uncorrupted  by  the  sophisms  of  the 
age,  nothing  appears  more  amiable,  nothing 
more  essential  to  the  happiness  of  man,  either 
in  his  individual  or  social  capacity,  than  that 
pure  and  truly  divine  religion  which  our  Saviour 
delivered.  The  voice  of  reason,  the  language 
of  experience,  the  records  of  all  ages,  evince 
that  the  happiness  of  individuals  and  the  pros- 
perity of  nations  spring  from  the  principle  of  vir- 
tue. But  from  whence  can  this  principle  gain 
so  firm  a  support  as  from  religion  ;  from- just  and 
exalted  ideas  of  that  Being  who  delights  in  vir- 
tue 1  In  vain  shall  the  legislator  enact  laws 
upon  laws  ;  in  vain  shall  the  moralist  prescribe 
rules  of  duty  ;  in  vain  shall  he  harangue  upon 
the  beauty  of  virtue  and  the  deformity  of  vice  : 
respect  for  the  .laws  will  vanish ;  virtue  will 
lose  its  elasticity  ;  corruption  of  manners,  with 
all  their  consequent  and  dreadful  attendants, 
must  ensue,  unless  those  principles  be  fortified 
by  religion,— by  just  ideas  of  our  relation  and 
dependance  upon  a  God,  all-wise,  all-just,  om- 
nipotent, and  omnipresent,— the  avenger  of  ini- 
quity, but  the  remunerator  of  virtue  The 
effect  cannot  be  otherwise.  The  mere  coercive 
power  of  human  laws,  aided  by  all  the  abstract 
deductions  of  the  political  moralist^  is  inade- 
quate to  the  great  ends  either  of  private  happi- 
ness or  public  liberty.  This  position  will  not 
be  questioned,  if  we  reflect  that  it  is  rehgion 
alone  which  penetrates  the  secret  recesses  of 
the  soul,  and  furnishes  that  interior  authority 
which  so  regulates  the  heart  of  man,  that  ils 
ruling  passions  are  ma:de  to  harmonize  with  the 
great  and  essential  appointments  of  public  law. 
If,  indeed,  laws  in  the  present  slate  of  society 
appear  to  restrain  men,  it  is  because  their  nas- 
cent passions  have  felt  the  control  of  religious 
instruction  But  were  men  freed  from  the  mild 
bonds  of  religion  ;  were  their  passions  no  longer 
under  the  control  of  its  salutary  instructions  ; 
were  those  ideas  of  duty,  which  flow  from  the 
belief  of  an  all-ruling  Providence,  no  longer  to 


have  their  influence  over  the  human  heart ;  was 
the  soul  no  longer,  as  soon  as  reason  begins  to 
dawn,  to  hear  the  awful  voice,  of  religion  ;  I 
would  ask,  in  the  name  of  every  thing  which 
men  hold  most  dear,  in  the  name  of  truth,  of 
integrity,  of  benevolence,  of  every  imperfect 
right,  of  social  order,  of  civil  liberty,  nay^  of 
philosophy  itself,  whether  the  coercive  power 
of  human  laws,  together  with  all  the  abstrac- 
tions of  the  moralist,  would  be  sufficient  to  curb 
the  violent  impetuosity  of  those  headlong  pas- 
sions which  every  moment  stimulate  to  action  1 
Or  rather,  I  would  ask,  if  religion  were  no  longer 
the  faithful  sentinel,  whether,  when  inflamed 
by  the  innumerable  temptations  which  present 
themselves  on  every  side,  they  would  not  burst 
all  those  restraints,  as  a  thread  of  tow  is  broken 
taken  it  toucheth  the  fire  7  As  well  might  a 
Sanjson  be  bound  with  green  vnfhes,  or  with 
new  ropes  which  were  never  occupied.  Besides, 
there  are  a  thousand  duties,  a  thousand  rights, 
and  as  many  correlative  obligations,  which, 
though  of  the  first  consequence  to  social  hap- 
piness, are,  however,  of  so  delicate  a  nature, 
that  they  elude  the  coarse  touch  of  civil  laws. 
But,  even  admitting  that  the  causes  before  men- 
tioned were  adequate  to  the  desired  ends,  who 
would  not  prefer  the  mild  coercion  of  religion, 
which  prevents  crimes,  to  the  sanguinary  laws 
which  punish  them  ;  the  one,  a  guardian  angel, 
bearing  us  up,  le^t  <it  any  time  we  dash  our 
foot  against  a  stone ;  while  the  other,  like  a 
Saturn,  devours  his  own  children.  Doubt  it 
not,  fny  brethren,  "  every  thing,"  as  an  amiable 
and  eloquent  philosopher  observes,  "is  replaced 
and  firmly  established  by  religion  ;  it  surrounds, 
I  may  say,  the  whole  system  of  morality,  re- 
sembling that  universal  and  mysterious  force  in 
the  physical  world,  which  retains  the  planets  in 
their  orbits,  and  subjects  them  to  a  regular  rev- 
olution ;  and  which,  in  the  midst  of  the  general 
order  it  maintains,  escapes  the  observation  of 
men,  and  appears  to  their  feeble  sight  uncon- 
scious of  its  own  work." 

But,  my  brethren,  it  is  not  you  only  who  wili 
acknowledge  the  justice  of  these  observations ; 
infidelity  itself  has  reluctantly  acknowledged  the 
transcendent  excellence  of  our  holy  religion  ; 
even  infidelity  has  not  denied,  that  the  gospel 
system  was  admirably  calculated  to  promote  the 
temporal  happiness  of  mankind.  But  how  much 
more  enlarged  and  exalted  are  those  views  which 
that  system  presents  to  the  eye  of  faith  !  They 
are  not  bounded  by  the  narrow  horizon  of  this 
world  ;  they  extend  beyond  the  grave  ;  they 
penetrate  into  regions  of  immortaUty  ;  the  cer- 
tainty of  future  rewards  and  punishments  is 
contemplated  ;  misery  and  vice,  happiness  and 
virtue,  are  beheld  as  inseparably  associated,  even 
when  this  transitory  scene  shaU  vanish  and  bo 
no  more  !  What  a  noble,  what  a  powerful,  what 
an  almost  irresistible  stimulus  to  great  and 
laudable  action,  to  the  exercise  of  every  virtue 
which  can  adorn  the  Christian  or  the  citizen  ! 
One  of  the  wisest  of  the  ancients,  to  whom  the 
gospel  system  was  not  revealed,  held  it  as  a 
maxim,  "  That  it  is  impossible  for  those  who 
have  no  belief  of  the  immortality  of  the  soul,  or 


44 


CONVENTION  OF  1791. 


a  future  state  of  rewards  and  punishments,  to 
sacrifice  their  particular  interests  and  passions 
to  the  public  good,  or  to  have  a  generous  con- 
cern for  posterity."  Nay,  the  almost  inspired 
Pialo  has  declared,  '*  that  concerning  those  great 
duties  which  men's  appetites  and  passions  render 
difficult,  it  should  seem  rather  the  work  of  God 
to  provide,  than  of  human  legislators."  The 
Sun  of  righteousness  had  not  risen  in  theif  days  ; 
but  with  what  love,  with  what  ardour,  with 
what  gratitude,  should  not  we  cherish  the  glo- 
rious light  which  now  beams  from  it  ;  a  light 
whose  genial  rays  warm  and  expand  the  noblest 
virtues  of  the  human  soul  ;  a  light  which  shows 
to  man  the  unerring  path  that  conducts  to  in- 
dividual and  to  social,  to  temporal  and  to  ever- 
lasting happiness  Let  us  cherish  the  blessings 
which  it  gives  ;  let  us  leave  to  infidelity  its  dark 
and  comfortless  system  ;  but  let  us  not  deny 
the  Lord  that  bought  us  ;  let  us  earnestly  con- 
tend for  the  faith  which  was  once  delivered  to 
the  saints. 

My  brethren,  out  religion  claims  a  divine 
descent ;  it  is  the  work  of  God  ;  but  let  it  not 
be  thought  that  it  doth  not  therefore  require  th<^ 
support  of  man.  Far  otherwise  ;  it  is  the  very 
'reason,  as  was  well  observed  by  a  venerable 
prelate  of  our  church,  which  should  urge  us  to 
€xert  the  utmost  care  and  diligence  in  it«  sup- 
port; Good  men  will  consider  it  as  their  in- 
dispfensable  duty  to  co-operate  with  the  designs 
of  Providence.  It  is  in  religion,  as  in  the  works 
of  nature.  God' supplies  abundantly  the  means, 
the  rest  is  left  to  human  industry.  He  causes 
the  earth  to  bring  forth  materials  for  food  and 
raiment  4  but  human  industry  must  improve, 
prepare,  and  properly  apply,  both  the  one  and 
the  other.  The  same  analogy  extends  itself  to 
religion.  The  things  which  belong  to  our  salva- 
tion, though  originally  the  work  of  God,  require 
the  protection  of  human  aid,  the  furtherance  of 
all  wise  and  good  men. 

Since,  then,  God  has  graciously  revealed  his 
will,  and  supplied  the  means  of  rendering  it 
known  to  all ;  to  supply  those  means,  and  lo 
make  that  use  of  them  which  his  goodness  de- 
mands, it  is  the  duty  of  man.  But  how  can- 
this  be  eflfected  but  by  a  standing  ministry  1  by 
an  order  of  men  properly  instructed  and  svp- ' 
ported,  whose  whole  business  it  shall  be,  week- 
ly and  daily;  to  attend  to  the  interests  of  reli- 
gion, to  preach  the  gospel,  to  make  known  its 
whole  system,  to  convince  men  that  they  are 
accountable  to  God  for  their  actions — in  a 
word,  to  enforce  those  principles  of  piety  and 
of  virtue  which  lead  both  to  present  and  future 
happiness  1  It  wa&  for  this  reason  that  our  Sav- 
iour gave  authority  to  his  apostles  and  their  suc- 
cessors, to  finish  the  work  which  he  had  begun  ; 
that  is,  to  preach  the  gospel  to  all  succeeding 
generations  :  "  Go  ye  and  make  disciples  to  me 
in  all  nations^  baptizing  them  iri  the  name  of 
the  Father,  and  of  the  Sony  and  of  the  Holy 
Ghost ;  teaching  them  to  observe  all  things 
tohatsoever  I  have  commanded  you,  and  lo !  I 
am  with  you  unto  the  end  of  the  u-orld.''^  This 
commission  was  given  to  the  apostles  and  their 
sluxJBjwors.     Men  are  thus  commissioned  by 


Jesus  Christ  to  teach  what  he  has  commanded 
them, — who  have  his  promise  to  be  with  them 
in  the  exercise  of  their  ministry  unto  the  end  of 
the  world.  Let  us,  then,  consider  a  standing 
ministry,  properly  instructed  and  supported,  as 
essential  to  the  prosperity  of  the  church,  and  as 
the  means  originally  designed  to  make  known 
the  will  of  God. 

But  a  standing  ministry  is  not  only  necessary 
to  make  known  the  great  truths  of  our  religion, 
not  only  necessary  to  persuade  men  to  be  vir- 
tuous and  good,  but  to  perform  those  ordinan- 
ces established  by  Christ  himself,  and  which 
they  alone  can  perform.  The  sacraments  of 
baptism  and  of  reconciliation  are  surely  bles- 
sings which  every  wise  and  good  man  must 
esteem  of  the  highest  importance  ;  yet  how  will 
they  be  dispensed,  but  by  ministers  duly  autho- 
rized 1  They  are  the  stewards  of  the  ministry 
of  God.  But  the  ministers  of  Christ  have  also 
a  daily  charge  upon  them  ;  they  stand  obliged, 
either  publicly  or  in  private,  lo  offer  to  God  the 
prayers  of  the  church  in  behalf  of  their  flocks  ; 
to  return  thanks  .''or  the  divine  mercies  ;  and  to 
implore  the  jwotection  and  the  blessing  of  God 
upon  their  labours. 

"  In  short,  the  ministers  of  the  gospel,  and 
the  ordinances  intrusted  to  them,  are  those  ordi- 
nary means  by  which  God  himself  hath  ap- 
pointed that  men  should  be  taught,  edified, 
blessed,  and  salved." 

I  will  not  add  to  the  benefits  of  a  standing 
ministry  already  mentioned,  tho'se  which  must 
result  from  having  men  of  learning,  piety,  and 
virtue,  in  every  parish,  who  may  instruct  your 
children  in  their  early  years  in  the  rudiments  of 
knowledge.  I  will  not  speak  of  the  advantages 
which  must  result  from  the  establishment  of 
private  schools  in  each  neighbourhood,  which 
may  be  conducted  by  men  worthy  of  the  minis- 
try ;  nor  of  the  incitements  to  virtue  which 
must  arise  from  their  examples.  These,  And 
many  other  considerations,  I  leave  to  your  own 
reflections  : — but  I  would  impress  strongly  upon 
your  minds  the  blessings  which  must  arise  from 
a  ministry  properly  instructed  and  quaUfied  to 
discharge  the  sacred  office  ;  I  would  present  to 
you,  in  all  its  force,  not  only  the  duty  of  encour- 
aging and  supporting  the  means  which  God 
hath  appointed  for  the  dissemination  of  Chris- 
tianity, and  thus  of  co-operating  with  the  de- 
signs of  Providence  ;  but  I  entreat  you  to  call 
to  mind  the  calamities,  both  individual  and 
social,  which  must  flow  from  the  neglect  of 
those  means.  For  a  moment,  let  us  behold  the 
pure  religion  of  our  forefathers,  together  with  a 
mode  of  worship  which  hath  excited  the  admi- 
ration of  men  the  most  distinguished  for  piety, 
wisdom,  and  patriotism,  borne  down  by  a  tor- 
rent of  ignorance  and  enthusiasm:  behold  her 
expiring  through  the  cold  neglect  of  her  once 
warm  and  zealous  friends  :  behold  her  temples 
tottering  to  ruin,  her  ministers  slighted,  her 
flocks  scattered  upon  the  Mils  as  sheep  tJiat  have 
not  a  shepherd.  Should  such  a  spectacle  be  pre- 
sented to  us,  might  we  not  soon  expect  also  to 
behold  virtue  retiring,  the  bonds  of  society 
bursting  asunder,    corruption  advancing  witlv 


CONVENTION  OF  1791. 


45 


rapid  strides,  liberty  and  happiness  preparing  to 
bid  us  a  long  adieu  !  May  such  a  spect-dcle,  my 
friends,  never  be  seen  but  in  imagination. 
Wise,  prudent,  virtuous,  and  patriotic  men, 
will,  however,  guard  against  so  calamitous  an 
event.  They  will  consider  pure  and  undetiled 
religion  as  the  rock  upon  which  all  their  hopes 
are  founded  ;  they  will  contemplate  the  things 
which  belong  to  our  salvation,  as  requiring  the 
protection  of  human  aid  ;  and  they  will  be  ac- 
tive, strenuous,  and  zealous  in  affording  it ;  they 
will  consider  that  our  church  requires  the  ten- 
der, the  affectionate,  the  fostering  care  of  all 
the  ministers  of  her  family  ;  and  that  her  future 
prosperity  depends  not  only  upon  the  zeal  of 
the  clergy,  but  of  the  laity.  It  is  theirs  to  en- 
courage respect  for  their  pastors  ;  to  set  a  just 
value  upon  their  labours ;  to  esteem  them  highly 
for  their  works^  sake  ;  and  to  be  attentive  to  pro- 
mote the  interests  of  the  church,  by  all  those, 
means  which  a  catholic  spirit  will  approve.  It 
is  theirs  to  be  constant  and  uniform  in  their  at- 
tendance upon  divine  worship,  and  to  stimulate 
each  other  by  a  reciprocal  example  ;  it  is  theirs 
to  assist  our  ministers  in  forming  the  minds  of 
the  rising  generation  to  the  love  of  religion  and 
virtue,  and  to  impress,  at  the  earliest  period,  a 
just  esteem  and  veneration  for  our  church.  O, 
let  not  religion,  source  of  so  many  hopes,  aban- 
don the  infant  mind  ;  leave  it  not  desolate  ;  and, 
above  all,  defend  it  from  the  ascendency  of 
ignorance  and  enihusiasm,  which  afflict  the 
heart,  which  render  it  miserable  and  abject,  by 
pretending  to  comfort  it !  Moreover,  it  is  the 
part  of  the  laity  to  make  prudent  arrangements 
for  the  certain  and  decent  support  of  the  clergy, 
and  thus  to  enable  them  constantly  to  apply  to 
their  functions. 

They  who  preach  the  gospel,  St.  Paul  declares, 
should  live  hy  the  gospel.  Let  me  then  earnestly 
recommend,  in  order  that  you,  und  your  children, 
and  your  children's  children,  may  receive  all  the 
blessings  of  a  learned,  pious,  zealous,  standing 
ministry,  that  the  worthy  and  influential  mem- 
bers in  each  parish  warmly  interest  themselves 
in  the  decent  support  of  the  clergy,  and  urn- 
formly  pursue  those  means  for  the  attainment 
of  so  desirable  an  end  which  may  be  thought 
best.  If  a  similar  mode  were  adopted  through- 
out the  church,  if  it  were  considered  as  the  duty 
of  each  member  to  contribute  in  the  proportion 
which  the  law  formerly  prescribed,  the  burden, 
thus  divided,  would  be  light,  and  I  doubt  not 
but  the  happiest  effects  would  ensue.  But,  my 
brethren,  think  not  that  what  has  been  just  said 
is  merely  for  our  own  sakes.  You  cannot,  you 
will  not,  if  you  reflect  upon  the  benefits  of  a 
standing  ministry,  such  I  mean  as  becomes  the 
church  of  which  we  are  members  ;  or  if  you 
regard  that  rational  mode  of  worship  to  which 
you  have  been  long  accustomed,  and  the  ad- 
vantages of  religious  instruction  for  yourselves, 
your  children,  your  country. 

To  you,  reverend  brethren,  as  the  anchor  of 
my  hopes,  my  thoughts  again  return.  I^et  us 
sincerely  and  earnestly  endeavour,  I  once  more 
entreat  you,  to  be  renewed  in  the  spirit  of  our 
vttation.     Let  our  diligence,  as  ministers  of 


the  gospel  of  Christ,  rise  in  proportion  to  the 
diflSculties  which  surround  us.  Let  us  uni- 
formly preserve  an  inviolable  equity  in  all  our 
transactions,  a  generous  disinterestedness  in 
our  functions,  the  strictest  adherence  to  the 
rules  of  the  church,  the  most  Warm  and  anima- 
ted piety  ;  but,  above  all,  a  fervent  zeal  for  the 
salvation  of  souls.  In  a  word,  let  us  be  sober, 
prudent,  serious, diligent,  and  pious;  in  all  things, 
exfffnples  to  the  flock.  Remember,  son  of  man, 
that  I  have  made  thee  a  watchman  unto  the  house 
of  Israel ;  therefore  hear  the  word  of  my  month, 
and  give  them  warning  from  vie.  If  thou  dost 
not  speak  to  wdrn  the  wicked  from  his  wicked 
way,  he  shall  die  in  his  iniquity ;  but  his  blood 
will  I  require  at  thine  hand.  Bui  if  thou  warn 
the  wicked,  and  he  lum  mot  from  his  wickedness^ 
he  shall  die  in  his  iniquity ;  but  thou  hast  de- 
livered thy  soul. 

But,  my  brethren,  vain  will  be  our  Endeavours 
for  the  prosperity  of  our  Zion,  unless  they  be 
attended  with  fervent  prayers,  that  God  would 
graciously  enable  us  to  perform  our  duty  with 
zeal,  fidelity,  and  success.  Our  sufficiency  is 
of  God.  To  that  infinitely  great  and  glorious 
Bemg,  let  us  therefore,  with  humility,  now  offer 
up  our  united  supplications."^ 

Almighty  and  everlasting  God.  Look  down 
from  heaven,  and  bchotd  and  visit  this  vme^ 
and.  the  vineyard  which  thy  right  hand  hath 
plarited ;  shed  the  dew  of  thy  blessing  upon  the 
labours  of  thy  servants  here  assembled  ;  may  thy 
holy  Spirit  animate  the  ministers  of  the  gospel 
of  Christ  with  a  .sincere  and  fervent,  but  cath- 
olic zeal,  in  the  discharge  of  their  duties  ;  may 
it  inspire  them  with  true  piety,  with  charity, 
with  every  godly  and  virtuous  affection.  Pros- 
per, O  Lord,  our  endeavours  to  revive  among 
us  a  just  sense  of  the  inestimable  benefits  of 
true  religion  ;  dispose  the  hearts  of  the  laity  to 
receive  thy  word,  and  grant  that  the  fruits  of 
righteousness  may  abound  more  and  more* 
Help  us,  for  the  glory  of  thy  name,  and  merci- 
fully grant,  that  every  member  of  thy  holy 
church,  in  his  vocation  and  ministry,  may  truly 
and  godly  serve  thee,  through  our  Lord  and 
Saviour  Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 

The  Rev.  John  Cameron  laid  before  the  Con- 
vention sundry  resolutions  of  a  presbytery  held 
at  the  glebe  of  Martin's  Brandon  Parish  on  Wed- 
nesday, the  13th  of  April,  1791,  which  were  read, 
and  ordcied  to  be  referred  to  a  committee  of  the 
whole  Convention. 

Ofdered,  That  Mr.  J.  Cameron,  Mr.  Waugn, 
Mr.  Peachy,  and  Mr.  New,  be  added  to  the  com- 
mittee for  revising  the  canons. 

Mr.  New  reported,  from  the^  committee  of 
elections.  That  the  committee  had,  according  to 
order,  examined  the  certificates  of  the  appoint- 
ment of  deputies  to  serve  in  the  present  Con- 
vention, and  had  come  to  a  resolution  thereon, 
which  was  read  and  agreed  to  by  the  Convention, 
as  followeth 

Resolved,  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  com- 
mittee, that  the  certificates  of  the  appointment 
of  deputies  to  serve  in  the  present  Conven- 
tion for  the  parishes  of  Abingdon,  Antrim,  Bath, 


46 


CONVENTION  OF  1791. 


Berkeley,  Bristol,  BrMtori,"  Charles,  Christ's 
Church,  Cumberland,  Dale,  Drysdale,  Eliza- 
beth River,  Fairfax,. Henrico,  Hungars,  James 
City,  King  William,  Littleton,  Lynnhaven,  Lex- 
ington, Manchester,  Meherrin,  Nottoway,  Ra- 
leigh, St.  Asaph,  St.  Bride,  St.  David,  St. 
George  (Accomack),  St.  George  (Spotsylvania), 
St.  James  Northam,  St.  Margaret,  St.  Mark, 
St.  Martin,  St.  Mary,  St.  Paul,  Soulham,  South; 
wark,  Suffolk,  Trinity,  Upper  Parish  (Nanse- 
mond),  and  Westover,  are  made  as  prescribed 
by  canon. 

The  Convention,  according  to  order,  resolved 
itself  into  a  committee  of  the  whole  Conven- 
tion 0*1  the  resolutions  of  the  presbytery  held 
at  Martin's  Brandon  glebe,  and  after  some  time 
spent  therein,  Mr.  Page  reported,  That  the  com- 
mittee had,  according  to  grdeT,  had  the  said 
resolutions  under  th^ir  consideration,  and  had 
come  to  several  resolutions  thereon,  which  were 
read  atid  agreed  to,  as/fblloweth  : — 

Resolved,  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  com- 
rnittee,  that  as  there  are  at  present  no  divinity 
schools  in  our  church,  the  instruction  of  stu- 
dents in  divinity  might  very  properly  be  Tnade 
part  of  the  business  of  each  presbytery  within 
its  own  bounds  ;  and  that  the  presbyteries,  in- 
stead of  meeting  annually  on  a  certain  day, 
should  be  required  to  assemble  as  often  as  any 
student  of  that  description  should  make  applica- 
tion ;  and^hen  thus  assembled,  should  examine 
the  applicant,  and,  on  finding  his  litefary  quali- 
fications such  as  the  canon  made  in  that  behalf 
requires,  prescribe  to  him  a  theme  or  text,  and 
give  him  such  directions  as  they  may  think  prop- 
er, in  order  to  enable  him  to  compose  a  dis- 
course on  the  same,  and,  on  a  future  day  to  be 
appointed  by  themselves,  hear  him  deliver  the 
said  discourse. 

Resolved,  That-  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  com- 
mittee that  every  candidate  for  holy  orders 
ought  to  be  required  to  produce  to  the  bishop 
to  whom  he  may  present  himself  for  ordination, 
a  certificate  of  his  having  performed,  in  a  satis- 
factory manner,  the  several  exercises  prescribed 
to  him  by  the  presbytery. 

Resolved,  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  com- 
mittee, that  the  Jnembers  of  the  Protestant  Epis- 
copal Church  within  this  commonwealth  ought 
to  form  a  society  for  the  relief  of  distressed 
widows  and  orphans  of  clergymen,  and  tbat  a 
committee  ought  to  be  appointed  to  frame  a 
plan  of  such  a  society. 

Ordered,  That  a  canon  or  canons  be  brought 
in,  pursuant  to  the  first  and  second  resolutions, 
and  that  the  committee  appointed  to  revise  the 
canons  prepare  and  bring  in  the  same. 

The  Convention  adjourned  until  12  o'clock 
to-morrow. 

Thursdav,  May  5. 

Mr.  Shield,  from  the  cotnmittee  appointed  to 
revise  the  canons,  reported.  That  the  committee 
had,  according  to  order,  taken  under  their  con- 
sideration the  business  to  them  referred,  and 
had  prepared  canons  to  be  substituted  in  the 
place  of  the  8th,  16th,  18th,  and  29th  canons, 
and  also  a  caaon  for  the  trial  of  offending  min- 


isters not  holding  parishes,  which  several  can- 
ons, after  being  twice  read,  were  referred  to  a 
committee  of  the  whole  Convention. 

The  Convention  having  resolved  itself  into  a 
committee  of  the  whole  Convention  on  the  can- 
ons, and  having  spent  some  time  therein,  Mr. 
Page  reported.  That  the  committee  had,  accord- 
ing to  order,  had  the  same  under  their  consider- 
ation, and  had  made  some  amendments  thereto, 
which  were  read  aiid  agreed  to,  and  the  canons 
were  ordered  to  be  fairly  transcribed  and  read  a 
third  time. 

A  letter  from  the  Rev.  Mr.  Emmerson,  visit- 
er of  District  No.  20,  resigning  that  office,  was 
read  ;  whereupon  the  Rev.  Jarfies  Taylor,  Rector 
of  Suffolk  Parish,  was  appointed  visiter  in  his 
room. 

On  motion.  Resolved,  That  this  Convention 
do  recommend  it  to  the  Right  Rev.  Dr.  James 
Madison,  bishop  in  this  state,  to  dispense  with, 
in  the,  examination  of  such  gentlemen  as  are 
now  in  deacon's  orders  in  this  state,  that  knowl- 
edge of  the  Greek  and  Latin  languages  which  is 
required  by  the  seventh  canon  of  the  General 
Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church 
in  the  United  States  of  America. 

Friday,  May  6. 

-The  canon  to  be  substituted  in  place  of  the  8th 
canon,  was  read  the  third  time,  and  passed. 

The  canon  to  be  substituted  in  place  of  the 
16th  canon,  was  read  the  third  time  and  rejected. 

The  canons  to  be  substituted  in  place  Of  the 
1 8th  and  29th,  were  severally  read  the  third 
time  and  passed. 

The  new  canon  for  the  trial  of  offending 
ministers  not  holding  parishes,  was  read  the 
third  time  and  rejected. 

Leave  was  given  to  bring  in  a  canon  to  amend 
the  thirty-first  canon  ;  and  Mr.  Foushee,  Mr, 
Patteson,  Mr,  Jarratt,  Mr.  Craig,  Mr.  Waugh, 
and  Mr.  Carrington,  were  appointed  to  prepare 
and  bring  in  the  same. 

Resolved,  That  deputies  be  appointed  to  at- 
tend any  General  Convention  of  the  Protestant 
EpisGop&l  Church  which  may  be  called  before 
the  month  of  May,  1792  :  And  the  Rev.  John 
Bracken  and  Robert  Andrews,  Esquire,  were  ac- 
cordingly appointed. 

Resolved,  That  a  standing  committee  be  ap- 
pointed, to  continue  in  office  until  the  end  of  Ih© 
next  session  of  Convention,  with  the  like  powers 
as  were  vested  in  the  last  standing  committee : 
And  the  Rev.  John  Bracken,  Rev.  Samuel 
Shield,  Robert  Andrews,  Esquire,  Rev.  Henry 
Skyrihg,  Hon.  Joseph  Prentis,  Hon.  Cyrus  Grif- 
fin, and  Joseph  Hornsby,  Esquire,  were  accord- 
ingly appointed. 

Resolved,  That  300  copies  of  the  Journal  of 
this  Convention  be  printed  under  the  inspection 
of  the  llev.  Mr.  Buchanan,  and  that  the  charge 
delivered  by  the  president,  together  with  the 
ordinances  and  canons,  be  annexed  to  the  same. 

Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  sev- 
eral vestries  of  this  church  to  transcribe  the 
ordinances  and  canons  into  their  vestry-books. 

Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the 
ministers  of  this  churph  to  read  or  cause  to  be 


CONVENTION  OF  1791. 


47 


read   the   ordinances   and '  canons  in  each-  of 
their  churches  at  least  once  in  every  year. 

Resolved,  TJiat  New- Year's  day  be  set  apart 
for  the  purpose  of  divine  worship,  and  that  the 
ministers  in  their  respective  parishes  recom- 
mend it  to  their  parishioners  to  devote  them- 
selves particularly  on  that  day  to  the  service  of 
their  Maker.         • 

Mr.  Foushee,  from  the  committee  appointed 
to  prepare  and  bring  in  a  canon  to  amend  the 
31st  canon,  reported,  That  the  committee  had, 
according  to  order",  prepared  the  same  ;  which 
was  received,  read  the  usual  numbe-  of  times, 
and  passed. 

Mr.  New,  from  the  committee  appointed  to 
examine  the  treasurer's  accounts,  reported.  That 
the  committee  had,  according  to  order,  examined 
the  same,  and  found  them  justly  and  fairly  sta- 
ted, and  that  the  balance  in  his  hands  for  general 
purposes  was  108/.  \bs.  Irf. ;  and  the  balance 
belonging  to  the  bishop's  fund  15/.  125.  Stf.  ; 
but  that  of  the  sum  of  200/.,  directed  by  the 
last  Convention  to  be  paid  to  the  bishop  for  the 
purpose  of  obtaining  his  consecration,  only  136/. 
lis.  lOt/.  had  been  paid.* 

Resolved,  That  the  treasurer's  accounts  do 
pass. 

Resolved,  That  the  treasurer,  out  of  any 
money  in  his  hands,  pay  to  Bishop  Madison  the 
sum  of  63/.  8*.  lid.,  the  balance  due  to  him 
on  the  vote  of  the  last  Convention. 

Resolved,  Tha,t  it  is  the  duty  of  every  member 
of  the  Protiestant  Episcopal  Church  to  contrib- 
ute towards  a  decent  and  comfortable  support 
of  their  bishops  and  other  pastors,  and  to  de- 
fray the  necessary  expenses  of  their  church. 

Resolved,  That  to  promote  the  welfare  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  it  be  recommend- 
ed to  the  vestries  of  the  several  parishes  to  raise 
a  fund  for  the  general  purposes  of  the  said 
church. 

Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  sev- 
eral parishes  within  this  commonwealth,  to  send 
the  sum  of  sixteen  dollars  each,  to  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Buchanan,  treasurer,  on  or  before  the  first 
Thursday  in  May  next,  to  be  applied  by  the 
Convention,  in  such  proportions  as  they  shall 
judge  necessary,  to  enable  the  bishop  to  make 
his  visitations,  and  to  perform  the  other  duties 
of  his  otfice,  and  for  the  other  purposes  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  this  state. 

Resolved,  That  the  report  of  the  church  prop- 
erty in  the  parishes  within  this  commonwealth, 
directed  by  the  last  Convention  to  be  forwarded 
to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Buchanan,  and  laid  before  this 
Convention,  together  with  such  further  reports 
on  the  same  subject  as  shall  come  to  his  hands, 
be  registered  by  the  treasurer  in  a  book  to  be 
kept  for  that  purpose,  in  which  shall  be  distin- 
guished the  parish  and  each  speci.es  of  property 
under  its  respective  head  in  separate  columns.. 
On  motion,  resolved,  That  the  State  of  Vir- 
ginia be  divided  into  districts  for  assembling  the 

*  Mr.  Graham  Franks,  merchant,  of  London, 
gave  five  guineas  to  the  bishop's  fund,  as  a  mark 
of  his  zeal  for  the  interest  of  the  Protestant  Epis- 
copal Church  in  Virgioia. 


ministers  in  presbytery  and  for  other  purposes, 
as  set  forth  in  the  8th  canon,  and  that  the  dis- 
tricts b&  arranged  in  the  following  manner,  viz  : 
District  No.  1,  containing  the  parishes  of 
Lynnhaven,  Ehzabeth  River,  Portsmouth,  St. 
Bride,  Suffolk,  and  Upper  Parish  (in  Nanse- 
mond).  Rev.  James  Taylor,  visiter. 

District  No.  2,  containing  the  parishes  of 
Newport,  Southwark,  St.  Luke,  and  Nottoway 
(in  Southampton),  Rev.  George  Gurley,  vis- 
iter. 

District  No.  3,  containing  the  parishes  of  Mar- 
tin's Brandon,  Albemarle,  Bristol,  Bath,  Diale^ 
and  Manchester,  Rev.  John  Cameron,  visiter. 
District  No.  4,  containing  the  parishes  of 
Raleigh,  Nottoway  (in  Nottoway),  Cumberland,. 
St.  Andrew,  Meherrin,  and'  St.  James,  Rev. 
James  Craig,  visiter.  .    ' 

District  No.  5,  containing  the  parishes  of 
King  William,  Southam,  Littleton,  Tillotson, 
and  St.  Patrick,  Rev.  Elkanah'Talley,  visiter. 
District  No.  6,  containing  the  parishes  of 
Cornwall,  Antrim,  Camden,  and  Russell,  Rev. 
Alexander  Hay,  visiter. 

District  No.  7,  containing  the  parishes  of 
Patrick,  Fincastle,  and  Botetourt. 

District  No.  8,  containing  the  parishes  of 
Accomack,  St.  George,  and  Hungars,  Rev. 
Samuel  S.  M'Croskey,  visiter. 

District  No.  9,  containing  the  parishes  of 
Elizabeth  City, Warwick, Yorkhampton,  Charles, 
and  Bruton,  Rev.  John  Bracken,  visiter. 

District  No.  10,  containing  the  parishes  of 
Abingdon,  Ware,  Kingston,  Pettsworth,  and 
Christ's  C!hurch  (in  Middlesex),  Rev.  Samuel 
Klug,.  visiter. 

District  No.  11,  containing  Ihe  parishes  of 
James  City,  Bhsland,  St.  Peter,  and  Westover, 
Rev.  James  Henderson,  visiter.  '   .        " 

District  No.  12,  containing  flie  parishes  of 
South  Farnham,  St.  Anne,  St.  David,  St.  John, 
Stratten  Major,  St.  Stephen,,  and  Drysdale, 
Rev.  Jesse  Carter,  visiter. 

District  No.  13,  containing  the  parishes  of 
St.  Asaph,  St.  Margaret,  St.  Mary,  St.  Paul, 
and  St.  Martin,  Rev.  Abner  Waugh,  visiter. 

District  No.  14,  containing  the  parishes  of 
Henrico,  St.  James  Northam,  and  Trinity,  Rev. 
John  Buchanan,  visiter. 

District  No.  15,  containing  the  parishes  of 
St.  George,  Berkeley,  St.  Thomas,  St.  Mark, 
and  Bromtield,  Rev.  James  Stephenson,  visiter. 
'District  No.  16,  containing  the  parishes  of 
Fredericksville,  St.  Anne,  Amherst,  and  Lex- 
ington, Rev.  Mattheyv  Maury,  visiter. 

District  No.  17;  containing  the  parishes  of 
Augusta  and  Beckford. 

District  No.  18,  containing  the  parishes  of 
Christ's  Church  (in  Lancaster),  St.  Stephen,  Wi- 
comico, Lunenburg,  and  Farnham,  Rev.  Thom- 
as Davis,  visiter. 

District  No.  19,  containing  the  parishes  of 
Cople,  Washington,  Overwharton,  Brunswick, 
Hanover,  and  St.  Paul. 

District  No.  20,  containing  the  parishes  of 
Fairfax,   Truno,    and   Dettingen,    Rev.    Brian 
Fairfax,  visiter. 
District  No.  21,  containmg  the  parishes  of 


48 


CONVENTION  OF  1791. 


Hamilton,    Leeds,    Cameron,    and   Shelburne, 
Rev.  James  Craig,  visiter.    " 

District  No.  22,  cont.iining  -the  parishes  of 
Frederick,  Norborne,  Hampsliire,  and  Hardy, 
ReV.  Ale.xander  Balmain,  visiter. 

The  Convention  having  taken  into  considera- 
tion a  resolution  of  the  last  General  Convention, 
respecting  the  propriety  of  investing  the  House 
of  Bishops  with  a  full  negative  on  the  proceed- 
ings of  the  other  house,  came  to  the  folhswing 
resolution  : 

Resolved,  That  the  depvities  from- the  -Prot- 
estant Episcopal  Church  in  this  state  to  the 
next  General  Convention,  be  instructed  to  ex- 
press the  disapprobation  of  this  Con^'ention  re- 
specting the  matter  of  the  said  resolution  of  the 
General  Convention. 

Resolved,  That  the  Rev.  Mr  Jarratt  be  re- 
quested to  preach  a  sermon  at  the  next  Con- 
vention. 

Resolved,  That  the  next  Convention  be  held 
in  the  city  of  Richmond. 

The  first  canon  viras  amended  with  respect  to 
the  time  of  the  annual  meeting  of  the  Con- 
vention. 

And  then  the  Convention  adjourned  until  the 
30th  day  of  April,  1792.  . 

James  Madison,  President. 
Robert  Andrews,  Secretary. 


CANONS. 

I.  Conventions  shall  be  holden  annually  on 
the  first  Thursday  in  May,  provided  neverthe- 
less, that  if  a  sufficient  number  of  members  to 
form  a  Convention  shall  not  attend  on  the  said 
day,  any  five  then  assembled  -shall  have  power 
to  adjourn. 

n.  A  person  shall  preside  in  Convention  with 
the  name  of  president,  who  shall  always  be  a 
bishop,  when  there  is  one  present  properly  con- 
secrated dnd  settled  in  the  chtfrch,  till  'which 
time  a  president  shall  be  appointed  by  the  Con- 
vention out  of  thfeir  own  body  ;  if  more  than  one 
bishop  is  found  necessary  in  the  church,  they 
shall  preside  alternately. 

HI.  A  secretary  shall  be  appointed  by  the 
Convention,  who  shall  continue  in  office  during 
good  behaviour,  who  shall  keep  a  record  of  their 
resolves  and  proceedings,  and  have  the  "records  in 
his  custody  so  long  as  he  shall  continue  in  office. 

IT.  l^tanding  rules  shall  be  established  fpr 
the  preservation  of  decorum,  and  the  orderly 
ma:nagement  of  business. 

V.  All  questions,  whether  they  relate  to  the 
order,  government,  discipHne,  doctrine,  or  wor- 
ship of  this  church,  or  to  any  other  matter  which 
is  properly  before  the  Convention,  shall  be  de- 
termiiaed  by  a  majority  of  \t)tes. 

VI.  At  all  future  Conventions,  each  member 
(whether  minister  or  layman)  shall,  previous 
to  hi&admission,  produce  a  testimonial  of  his  be- 
ing regularly  appointed,  whidh  testimonial  shall 
be  signed  by  one  or  both  of  the  church-wardens, 
or  by  the  clerk  of  the  respective  vestries. 

VII.  AH  the  ordinances  and  other  proceed- 
ings of  the  Convention  shall  be  attested  by  the 
secretary. 


VIII.  The  clergy  of  the  several  neighbouring 
parishes,  not  less  than  three  nor  more  than  ten, 
shall  assemble  in  presbytery  annually  on  some 
Sunday  in  April,  and  at. other  tiriiea,  if  required 
thereto,  at  some  convenient  place  in  the  dis- 
trict. One  in  eaph  district  shall  be  -appointed 
by  the  Convention  to  preside  at  their  meetings, 
with  the  .title  of  visiter,  who  shall  name  the 
place  and  time  of  meeting  ;  -shall  aimually  visit 
each  parish  in  his  district ;  shall  attend  to  and 
inspect  the  morals  and  conduct  of  the  clergy  ; 
shall  see  that  the  canons  and  rules  of  the  church 
are  observed  and  practised^  shall  admonish 
and  reprove  those  clergymen  who  are  negligent, 
or  act  in  an  .unbecoming  manner  ;  and  shall  re- 
port yearly  to  the  bishop,  if  there  be  one,  or,  if 
there  be  no  bishop,  to  the  next  Convention,  the 
sta^e  of  each  parish  in  his  district,  noting  down 
the  offenders  and  their  oftences.  It  shall  be  the 
business  of  the  presbytery  when  thus  assembled 
to  instruct  and  examine  candidates  for  holy 
orders  within  their  respective  districts,  to  pre- 
scribe to  them  a  thesis  or  text,  and  give  them 
proper  directions  for  composing  a  discourse  on 
the  same  ;  and  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  every  candi- 
date for  holy  orders  to  make  application  to  the 
presbytery  of  the  district  within- which  he  re- 
sides for  such  instruction' and  examination. 

IX.  The  clergy-  who  shall  minister  in  this 
church  shall  be  the  three  orders  of  bishops, 
priests,  and  deacons. 

X.  Every  person  hereafter  to  officiate  in  this 
church  as  a  bishop,  shall  be  nominated  by  the 
Convention  ;  and  having  received  episcopal  con- 
secration before  he  enters  on  his  office,  ishall 
subscribe  to  conform  to  the  doctrine,  disci- 
pline, and  worship  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  of  Virginia:  And  no  person  shall  be  re- 
ceived into  the  church  as  a  bishop  until  he  shall 
have  completed  the  thirtierti  year  of  his  age. 

XI-  As  we  conceive  the  office  of  a  bishop,  ac- 
cording to  the  true  apostolic  institution,  differs 
in  nothing  from  that  of  other  ministers  of  God's 
Word,  except  in  the  power  of  ordination  and  con- 
firmation, and  the  rights  of  superintending  the 
conduct  of  the  clergy,  and  of  precedency  in  ec' 
clesiastical  assemblies,  that  office  shall  be  ac- 
coidingly  so  exercised  in  this  church  :  And  every 
bishop,  after  his  promotion  to  the  episcopal 
order,  shall  continue  to  hold  a  parish  and  to  do 
the  duty  of  a  parish  minister,  except  when  he  is 
necessarily  employed  in  the  discharge  of  his 
episcopal  office. 

XII.  No  bishop  shall  inflict  any  censure  upon, 
or  exercise  any  power  over,  the  clergy  under  his 
inspection,  other  than  he  is  allowed  to  do  by  the 
laws  and  institutions  Of  this  church  made  in 
Convention. 

XIII.  No  priest  or  minister  shall  hereafter  be 
received  into  any  parish  within  this  common- 
wealth unless  he  first  produce  to  the  vestry  suf- 
ficient testimonials  of  his  having  been  regularly 
ordained  a  priest  by  some  Protestant  bishop, 
and  of  having  taken  the  oath  of  allegiance  to 
this  commonwealth,  and  subscribe  to  be  con- 
formable to  the  doctrine,  discipline,  and  worship 
of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  nor  till  he 
shall  have  entered  into  a  contract  in  writing 


CONVENTION  OF  1791. 


49 


with  the  vestry  or  trustees  on  behalf  of  the  so- 
ciety within  such  parish,  by  which  it  shall  be 
stipulated  and  declared  that  he  holds  the  ap- 
pointment, subject  to  removal,  upon  the  determi- 
nation of  the  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Epis- 
copal Church  in  this  state.  Provided,  That  any 
person  who  hath  been  ordained  by  a  bishop  of 
the  Church  of  Rome  may  also  be  received  as  a 
minister,  who  shall  produce  satisfactory  testi- 
monials respecting  his  ordination,  morals,  and 
conduct,  renounce  the  errors  of  that  church,  take 
the  oath,  and  subscribe  as  aforesaid. 

XIV.  No  minister  shall  hereafter  be  received 
into  a  parish  who  does  not  first  produce  to  the 
vestry  satisfactory  testimonials  of  his  morals, 
conduct,  and  conversation,  from  the  person  or 
persons  appointed  by  the  Convention  to  inquire 
into  such  matters  and  grant  such  testimonials. 

XV.  The  right  of  presentation  or  appointing 
ministers  to  serve  in  the  parishes  shall  continue 
in  the  vestries,  and  each  vestry  shall  choose  its 
own  minister. 

XVI.  Every  person  to  be  ordained  priest  or 
deacon  by  any  bishop  of  this  church,  shall 
first  produce  testimonials  of  his  good  morals 
and  orderly  conduct  from  the  clergy  assembled 
in  the  district  where  he  for  some  time  last  re- 
sided, and  from  the  vestry  of  the  parish  where 
he  last  lived  :  Provided  there  be  in  the  district 
a  sufficient  number  of  clergymen  to  form  a 
presbytery ;  otherwise,  a  testimonial  from  the 
minister  and  vestry  of  his  parish,  or  from  the 
vestry  alone,  if  the  parish  is  vacant,  shall  be 
deemed  sufficient  :  Provided  also,  the  candi- 
date is  not  an  inhabitant  of  some  other  state, 
and  intended  to  minister  in  some  parish  or  con- 
gregation in  a  neighbouring  state.  No  person 
shall  be  ordained  until  due  examination  had  by 
the  bishop  and  two  priests. 

XVII.  No  person  shall  be  admitted  to  priest's 
orders  until  he  shall  have  completed  the  twenty- 
fourth  year  of  his  age,  and  is  assured  of  the 
willingness  of  some  parish  or  congregation  to 
receive  him  as  their  minister,  to  be  certified 
under  the  hands  of  the  church-wardens,  and  at- 
tested by  the  clerk  of  the  vestry. 

XVIII.  Every  person  who  shall  be  admitted 
either  to  priest's  or  deacon's  orders,  shall  be  or- 
dained according  to  the  form  prescribed  in  the 
Book  of  Common  Prayer. 

XIX.  No  person  shall  be  ordained  a  deacon 
until  he  shall  have  completed  the  twenty-first 
year  of  his  age. 

XX.  No  person  having  deacon's  orders  only 
shall  be  allowed  to  hold  a  parish.  But  a  deacon 
may,  during  a  vacancy,  officiate  in  a  parish, 
if  chosen  by  the  vestry  to  do  so.  He  shall 
preach  the  gospel  and  baptize.  He  may  assist 
in  administering  the  sacrament  of  the  Lord's 
Supper,  but  not  consecrate  the  elements.  He 
may  solemnize  marriages,  and  shall  attend  to 
the  situation  and  circumstances  of  the  poor 
where  it  may  be  necessary. 

XXI.  A  person  may  be  ordained  a  deacon 
though  he  shall  have  no  assurance  of  being 
called  to  minister  in  a  parish  or  congregation, 
provided  his  testimonials  and  qualifications  are 
•atisfactory  to  the  bishop. 


XXII.  A  deacon  may  minister  as  a  proba- 
tioner or  missionary  under  the  direction  of  the 
Convention  or  the  bishop. 

XXIII.  The  parish  clerk  shall  be  appointed  by 
the  minister  and  vestry,  and  displaced  by  them 
whenever  his  services  are  not  satisfactory  to  the 
people  :  whenever  he  shall  neglect  his  duty,  or 
otherwise  misbehave  himself. 

XXIV.  Sextons  shall  be  appointed  by  the  ves- 
tries, and  dismissed  by  them  when  they  think 
proper. 

XXV.  Bishops  shall  be  amenable  to  the  Con- 
vention, who  shall  be  a  court  to  try  them,  from 
which  there  shall  be  no  appeal.  On  all  such  oc- 
casions a  president,  who  shall  be  a  bishop,  shall 
be  chosen  by  the  Convention  to  sit  as  judge,  and 
they  shall  also  appoint  a  clerk  to  the  court. 

XXVI.  All  accusations  against  a  bishop,  as 
such,  shall  come  from  the  vestries  ;  but  no  accu- 
sation against  a  bishop  shall  be  received  unless 
three  vestries  join  in  the  complaint.  All  com- 
plaints against  a  bishop  shall  be  lodged  with 
such  persons  as  may  be  appointed  to  call  a  Con- 
vention, and  a  copy  of  the  charge  or  charges  to 
be  brought  against  him  shall  be  communicated  to 
him  in  writing  at  least  tv/o  months  before  the 
trial.  Counsel  may  be  employed  on  both  sides  ; 
and  nonebntvivdvoce  evidence  shall  be  admitted. 

XXVII.  Disorderly,  scandalous,  and  immoral 
conduct,  neglect  of  duty,  a  disregard  to  the  rules 
and  canons  of  the  church,  or  taking  a  bribe  to 
grant  either  ordination  or  a  recommendation  for 
a  vacant  parish,  shall  be  considered  as  oflTences 
in  a  bishop,  for  which  he  may  be  brought  to 
trial,  and,  on  his  being  convicted  of  any  of  these, 
he  shall  be  reproved,  suspended,  or  dismissed, 
at  the  discretion  of  the  court. 

XXVIII.  Courts  shall  be  instituted  to  exam- 
ine into  complaints  exhibited  against  ministers  or 
deacons,  which  courts  shall  be  composed  of  one 
clergyman  and  one  vestryman  from  each  parish 
of  the  district  in  which  the  accused  minister  re- 
sides, the  parish  excepted  to  which  the  minister 
belongs.  The  appointment  of  the  vestrymen 
shall  be  by  lot ;  and  the  visiter  of  the  district, 
unless  he  shall  be  the  accused  person,  shall  pre- 
side as  judge  ;  and  in  that  case,  the  oldest  cler- 
gyman in  orders  shall  be  the  judge  :  Provided 
nevertheless,  That  where  the  number  of  settled 
clergymen  in  the  district  be  less  than  two,  the 
visiter  shall  call  for  a  clergyman  from  a  neigh- 
bouring district  ;  and,  moreover,  if,  when  the 
court  assembles,  the  number  of  vestrymen  shall 
be  found  to  exceed  the  number  of  clergymen 
present,  so  many  vestrymen  shall  be  withdrawn 
by  lot  as  shall  be  necessary  to  equalize  the 
numbers  of  the  two  orders. 

Any  number  of  members,  not  less  than  three, 
two  of  whom  shall  be  clergymen,  shall  be  suffi- 
cient to  constitute  a  court. 

On  conviction  of  a  minister,  the  court  shall 
proceed  to  pass  sentence,  which  shall  he  none 
other  than  reproof  or  suspension  ;  and  in  all  cases 
where  the  offence  shall  be  thought  to  deserve 
suspension,  the  court  shall  without  delay  report 
the  facts  and  state  the  evidence  to  the  bishop ; 
or,  until  a  bishop  shall  be  consecrated  for  the 
church  in  this  state,  to  the  chairman  of  the 


50 


CONVENTION  OF  1791. 


standing  committee,  who,  with  the  standing 
committee,  or  three  fourths  of  the  same,  shall 
be,  and  are  hereby  constituted  and  appointed 
a  court,  in  the  last  resort,  to  try  the  offender  ; 
and  who,  if  they  do  not  acquit  him,  shall  either 
confirm  the  sentence  of  the  examining  court,  or 
pass  such  other  sentence  as  a  majority  of  them 
shall  think  the  offence  deserves  ;  which  shall 
be  either  reproof,  dismission,  or  degradation. 

XXIX.  Complaints  against  a  mmister  shall 
be  received  from  the  vestry  of  the  parish  where 
the  minister  officiates,  and  from  no  other  person 
or  persons  whatever.  They  shall  be  signed  by 
a  majority  of  a  vestry,  without  which  no  com- 
plaint shall  be  received.  They  shall  be  directed 
to  the  visiter  of  the  district  in  which  the  ac- 
cused minister  resides,  or,  where  there  is  no 
visiter,  or  if  the  visiter  be  the  person  accused, 
to  a  member  of  the  presbytery  in  the  said  dis- 
trict, who  shall  forthwith  appoint  a  convenient 
time  and  place  for  the  trial,  and  take  care  that 
the  members  who  are  to  compose  the  court  shall 
have  timely  information  thereof 

In  every  complaint,  the  offence  or  offences 
shall  be  stated ;  and  the  minister  shall  be  fur- 
nished with  a  copy  of  the  charges  brought 
against  him,  and  with  notice  of  his  intended 
trial,  at  least  one  month  before  the  trial :  viva 
voce  evidence  only  shall  be  admitted,  and  that 
upon  oath ;  and  counsel  may  be  employed  on 
both  sides. 

The  visiter,  or  person  to  whom  the  complaint 
shall  be  made,  shall  cite  the  accused  person 
before  the  appointed  court ;  which  shall  (unless 
the  person  accused  is  prevented  from  attending 
by  sickness)  proceed  to  the  trial,  examine  the 
testimony  against  the  offender,  and  take  the 
depositions  of  the  witnesses. 

XXX.  No  vestryman  shall  sit  on  the  exam- 
ination of  a  minister  belonging  to  the  parish 
wherein  such  vestryman  resides  ;  the  examina- 
tion shall  be  held  in  the  parish  where  the  ac- 
cused minister  officiates,  and  at  a  place  to  be 
appointed  by  the  vestry  ;  the  judges  shall  appoint 
a  clerk  occasionally  for  such  examinations. 

XXXI.  Disorderly,  scandalous,  and  immoral 
conduct,  neglect  of  duty,  a  disregard  to  the 
rules  and  canons  of  the  church,  or  taking  a  bribe 
to  recommend  either  for  ordination  or  a  parish, 
are  to  be  considered  among  the  offences  for 
which  a  minister,  whether  benefited  or  not,  may 
be  brought  to  trial. 

Complaints  against  a  minister  who  has  never 
been  inducted  into  a  parish,  or,  having  been  in- 
ducted, shall  have  vacated  the  same,  shall  be  re- 
ceived from  the  minister  as  is  hereinafter  di- 
rected, or  from  the  vestry  of  the  parish  where 
the  offence  is  said  to  have  been  committed. 
They  shall  be  signed  by  the  minister  of  such 
parish,  and  four  of  his  vestry  at  least,  or  by  a 
majority  of  the  vestry,  where  the  minister  is  not 
included  as  a  complainant,  without  which  no 
complaint  shall  be  received ;  and  all  other 
proceedings  shall  be  the  same  as  for  the  trial 
of  a  beneficed  minister,  except  that  the  parish 
wherein  the  offence  is  alleged  to  have  been 
committed  shall  be  considered  as  the  parish 
where  the  offending  minister  resides  :  Provided 


always.  That  where  the  visiter  or  his  vestry  make 
the  complaint,  the  next  eldest  minister  in  the 
district  shall  act  in  the  place  of  such  visiter  ; 
and  the  court  shall  have  the  same  power  to  pro- 
nounce sentence  as  against  the  beneficed  min- 
ister. 

XXXII.  Deacons  behaving  in  a  scandalous, 
disorderly,  or  immoral  manner,  or  who  neglect 
the  duty  they  have  undertaken,  shall,  on  full  and 
satisfactory  proof,  be  suspended  or  silenced  by 
the  bishop  until  the  sense  of  the  Convention 
shall  be  known.  And  the  salary  accruing  during 
the  suspension  of  a  minister  or  deacon  who  is 
afterward  found  guilty,  shall  go  to  the  vestry,  for 
the  use  of  the  church. 

XXXIII.  Bishops  shall  visit  the  different 
parishes  under  their  inspection  once  in  three 
years  at  least ;  of  which  visitation  the  clergy 
or  church-wardens  shall  have  timely  notice  ;  in 
their  visitation  they  shall  confirm  such  as  choose 
to  receive  confirmation,  they  shall  inspect  the 
state  of  the  parishes,  and  the  conduct  of  the 
clergy,  who  shall  give  them  what  information 
they  can  respecting  such  ecclesiastical  matters 
as  they  may  choose  to  be  informed  of. 

XXXIV.  Bishops  shall  hold  ordinations  at 
such  times  and  places  as  they  may  judge  neces- 
sary and  convenient. 

XXXV.  Bishops,  after  every  visitation,  shall 
report  the  state  of  the  church  in  the  different 
parishes  to  the  Convention. 

XXXVI.  No  minister  or  bishop  shall  be  al- 
lowed to  hold  more  than  one  parish  at  the  same 
time.  Nevertheless,  a  minister  may,  if  called 
thereto  by  the  vestry,  preach  in  a  neighbouring 
parish  or  parishes  during  a  vacancy  in  such 
parish  or  parishes,  and  may  receive  a  compensa- 
tion for  his  services,  provided  he  has  the  con- 
sent of  his  own  vestry,  and  shall  not  neglect  the 
duties  of  his  parish. 

XXXVII.  Every  minister  shall  reside  within 
his  parish,  unless  a  majority  of  his  vestry  shall 
agree  to  dispense  with  his  residence  ;  and  shall 
at  no  time  leave  it  for  more  than  one  month 
without  the  consent  of  the  said  vestry. 

XXXVIII.  Ministers  shall,  at  their  churches 
and  other  convenient  places,  instruct  children, 
and  such  ignorant  persons  as  may  require  it,  in 
their  catechism,  and  the  principles  of  the  Chris- 
tian religion  as  maintained  by  this  church  ;  pro- 
vided this  duty  may  be  dispensed  with  during 
the  inclement  winter  months.  They  shall  also 
explain  the  nature  of  confirmation,  and  instruct 
and  prepare  their  parishioners  for  it. 

XXXIX.  Ministers  and  deacons  shall  wear  a 
surpHce  during  the  time  of  prayer  at  public 
worship,  in  places  where  they  are  provided  ;  shall 
wear  gowns  when  they  preach,  where  they  con- 
veniently can  ;  and  shall  at  all  times  wear  ap- 
parel suited  to  the  gravity  of  their  profession. 

XL.  Ministers  and  deacons  may  encourage 
people  to  assemble  together  in  small  societies 
at  convenient  times  for  their  edification,  and 
may  visit,  superintend,  and  instruct  such  soci- 
eties at  their  meetings  ;  provided  they  shall  not 
do  it  to  the  encouragement  of  idleness,  or  to 
the  injury  of  private  families. 

XLI.    Ministers  officiating  in   this  church, 


CONVENTION  OF  1792. 


51 


whether  bishops,  priests,  or  deacons,  shall  preach 
once  at  least  on  every  Lord's  day,  and  at  other 
stated  seasons,  unless  prevented  by  some  suffi- 
cient cause ;  they  may  at  their  discretion  preach 
also  at  other  times,  when  opportunities  shall 


oflFer  of  edifying  the  church ;  bishops  and  priests 
shall  administer  the  sacrament  at  least  four 
times  in  the  year  at  each  church  or  place  of 
worship  in  their  respective  parishes,  and  shall 
visit  the  sick  when  called  on  for  that  purpose. 


Journal  of  a  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  in  the  State  of  Virginia,  held  in  the 
Capitol  in  the  City  of  Richmond,  May  Sd,  1792. 


A  List  of  the  Members  of  the  Convention. 


Parishes. 
Antrim, 
Bath, 
Bristol, 
Bruton, 
Charles, 

Christ  Church  (Middlesex), 
Christ  Church  (Lancaster), 
Cumberland 
Dale, 
Frederick, 
Henrico, 
Hungars, 
James  City, 
King  William, 
Littleton, 
Manchester, 
Martin's  Brandon, 
Raleigh, 
St.  David, 
St.  James  Northam, 
St.  John, 
St.  Luke, 
St.  Margaret, 
St.  Mary, 

St.  Paul  (Hanover), 

St.  Stephen  (K.  &  Queen), 

St.  Stephen  (Northumb.), 

South  Farnham, 

Southwark, 

Westover, 

Wicomico, 


Clergymen. 

Devereaux  Jarratt. 
John  Cameron. 
John  Bracken. 
Samuel  Shield. 

David  Ball. 

James  Craig. 

Needier  Robinson. 

Alexander  Balmain. 

John  Buchanan. 

Samuel  S.  M'Croskey. 

James  Madison  (Bishop  &  Pres.). 

Elkanah  Talley. 
William  Cameron. 
John  Jones  Spooner. 

Reuben  Clopton. 
Charles  Hopkins. 

Joseph  Gurley  (Assistant  Min.). 

Abner  Waugh. 


Thomas  Davis. 
Andrew  Sim. 
Samuel  Butler. 
James  Henderson. 
John  Bryan. 


On  Thursday,  the  third  of  May,  in  the  year  of 
our  Lord  one  thousand  seven  hundred  and 
ninety-two,  being  the  day  appointed  for  the 
meeting  of  the  Convention  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church  in  the  Commonwealth  of 
Virginia,  a  sufficient  number  of  members  to  pro- 
ceed on  business  being  present, 

The  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Madison  took  his 
seat  as  President  of  the  Convention. 

Robert  Andrews  took  his  seat  as  Secretary  to 
the  Convention. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Bracken,  from  the  standing 
committee,  reported  standing  rules  for  regula- 
ting the  proceedings  of  Conventions,  which 
were  read  and  agreed  to,  as  follows  : — 

1.  No  member  shall  absent  himself  from  the 
service  of  the  Convention  unless  he  have  leave, 
or  be  sick  and  unable  to  attend. 

2.  When  any  member  is  about  to  speak  in 
debate,  or  deliver  any  matter  to  the  Conven- 
tion, he  shall  rise  from  his  seat,  and,  without  ad- 
vancing, shall  with  due  respect  address  himself 

D2 


Lay  Deputies, 
Henry  E.  Coleman. 
Peterson  Goodwin. 
Archibald  Gracie. 
Robert  Andrews. 

Francis  Corbin. 


Jerman  Baker. 

William  Foushee. 
John  Tankard. 
John  Ambler. 
Thomas  Harris. 
John  H.  Overstreet. 
David  Patteson. 
George  Ruffin. 
William  Murray. 
Nathaniel  Burwell. 
Archibald  Bryce. 
Carter  Braxton,  jun. 

Anthony  New. 

;  John  Pendleton  and 
;  William  Norvell. 
Thomas  Hill. 

William  Gatewood. 
James  Allen  Bradby. 
Charles  Carter. 


to  Mr.  President,  confining  himself  strictly  to 
the  point  in  debate,  and  avoiding  all  indecent 
and  disrespectful  language. 

3.  No  member  shall  speak  more  than  twice 
in  the  same  debate  without  leave. 

4.  A  question,  being  once  determined,  must 
stand  as  the  judgment  of  the  Convention,  and 
cannot  be  again  drawn  into  debate  during  the 
same  session. 

5.  While  the  President  is  putting  any  ques- 
tion, no  one  shall  hold  private  discourse,  stand 
up,  walk  into,  out  of,  or  across  the  house,  or 
read  any  book. 

6.  Every  member  who  shall  be  in  the  Con- 
vention when  any  question  is  put,  shall,  on  a 
division,  be  counted  on  one  side  or  the  other. 

7.  When  the  Convention  is  to  rise,  every 
member  shall  keep  his  seat  until  the  president 
go  out. 

Ordered,  That  a  committee  be  appointed  to 
examine  the  return  of  the  sitting  members,  and 
to  report  thereon.     And  a  committee  vvas  ap- 


52 


CONVENTION  OF  1792. 


pointed    of    Mr.    Bracken,   Mr,    Corbin,   Mr. 
Shield,  and  Mr.  Ambler. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Patteson,  Mr.  William 
Cameron,  Mr.  Davis,  and  Mr.  Baker,  be  ap- 
pointed a  committee  to  examine  the  treasurer's 
accounts,  and  to  report  thereon. 

Ordered,  That  leave  be  given  to  bring  in  a 
canon  or  canons  to  amend  the  15th,  29th,  and 
30th  canons;  and  that  Mr.  Talley,  Mr.  Hen- 
derson, Mr.  Brice,  Mr.  New,  Mr.  M'Croskey, 
and  Mr.  Bracken,  prepare  and  bring  in  the  same. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Shield,  Mr.  Carter,  Mr. 
M'Croskey,  Mr.  Bracken,  Mr.  Braxton,  Mr.  Cor- 
bin, Mr.  Baker,  and  Mr.  Andrews,  be  appointed 
a  committee  to  form  a  plan  of  a  society  for  the 
relief  of  distressed  widows  and  orphans  of 
clergymen  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church 
in  this  state. 

Ordered,  That  leave  be  given  to  bring  in  a 
canon  to  amend  the  30th  and  21st  canons  ;  that 
the  committee  appointed  to  prepare  and  bring  in 
a  canon  or  canons  to  amend  the  15th,  29th,  and 
30th,  prepare  and  bring  in  the  same ;  and  that 
Mr.  Shield  and  Mr.  Baker  be  added  to  the  said 
committee. 

Ordered,  That  leave  be  given  to  bring  in  a 
canon  to  direct  the  mode  in  which  notorious 
crimes  and  scandals  within  the  church  shall  be 
censured ;  and  that  Mr.  New,  Mr.  Talley,  Mr. 
Craig,  Mr.  Jarratt,  Mr.  Davis,  Mr.  Robinson, 
Mr.  Ruffin,  Mr.  Patteson,  Mr.  Foushee,  Mr. 
Burwell,  and  Mr.  Bradby,  prepare  and  bring  in 
the  same. 

The  Convention  adjourned  until  5  o'clock  in 
the  afternoon. 

May  3,  5  o'clock  P.  M.— The  Rev.  Mr.  Jar- 
ratt, according  to  the  order  of  the  last  Conven- 
tion, preached  a  sermon  before  the  Convention. 
The  Convention  adjourned  until  10  o'clock 
to-morrow  morning. 

Friday,  May  4. 

Mr.  Shield,  from  the  committee  appointed  to 
form  a  plan  of  a  society  for  the  relief  of  dis- 
tressed widows  and  orphans  of  clergymen  of 
the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  this  state, 
reported,  That  the  committee  had,  according  to 
order,  prepared  such  a  plan,  which  was  read 
and  agreed  to,  as  follows  : — 

A  fund  for  the  relief  of  distressed  widows 
and  orphans  of  clergymen  shall  be  raised  by 
subscription,  and  subscribers  may  be  divided 
into  three  classes,  viz. : — 

1.  Subscribers  who  choose  to  have  the  in- 
terest of  their  subscription  confined  in  the  div- 
idends to  the  families  of  subscribing  clergymen. 

2.  Subscribers  who  choose  to  name  a  par- 
ticular clergyman,  to  whose  family  the  same 
benefit  shall  be  extended  as  to  the  families  of 
subscribing  clergymen. 

3.  Subscribers  who  choose  to  have  their  in- 
terest applied  to  relieve  indigent  families  of 
clergymen  in  general,  without  confining  it  to 
those  of  subscribers. 

The  subscriptions  to  each  class  shall  be  taken 
distinctly,  and  the  account  of  the  interests  and 
dividends  of  the  third  class  shall  be  kept  separ- 
ately from  that  of  the  first  and  second. 


The  yearly  subscription  of  each  member  shall 
be  at  least  six  dollars. 

The  principal  money  shall  remain  a  standing 
fund  ;  and  the  dividends,  which  shall  be  annual, 
shall  be  made  of  the  interest  only. 

In  the  first  and  second  classes,  a  subscription 
of  five  years  shall  entitle  the  family  for  whose 
benefit  the  subscription  was  made  to  a  full  div- 
idend, provided  the  subscription  be  made  before 
the  4t.h  day  of  May,  1 793  ;  but  those  becoming 
interested  after  that  time,  shall  be  entitled  to  a 
full  dividend  only  on  a  subscription  of  eight  years. 
And  in  case  of  a  subscription  for  a  less  term 
than  what  entitles  to  a  full  dividend,  the  family 
shall  receive  in  proportion,  with  the  option  of 
allowing  to  be  withheld  annually  a  sum  equal  to 
the  yearly  subscription,  until  they  shall  be  en- 
titled to  a  full  share. 

The  claims  of  widows  and  daughters  shall 
cease  at  their  marriage  ;  and  that  of  sons  on 
their  attaining  the  age  of  twenty-one  years. 

Meetings  of  the  subscribers  shall  be  held  for 
the  management  of  the  fund,  at  least  once  in 
every  year,  at  which  each  subscriber  shall  have 
an  equal  vote. 

The  general  rules  and  principles  of  the  fund 
shall  not  be  altered  but  with  the  consent  of  two 
thirds  of  the  members  present  at  an  annual 
meeting. 

The  subscribers  to  the  fund  shall  be  called  a 
society  for  the  relief  of  distressed  widows  and 
orphans  of  clergymen  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  in  the  State  of  Virginia. 

A  subscriber  failing  for  five  years  to  pay  hi» 
subscription,  shall  forfeit  his  claim  to  a  dividend  ; 
and  m  case  of  failure  for  any  less  term,  he  shall 
preserve  it  only  by  a  full  payment  of  arrears, 
with  interest. 

Five  trustees  shall  be  appointed  by  the  so- 
ciety, to  continue  in  office  until  the  next  stated 
meeting,  or  until  a  new  appointment  shall  be 
made. 

A  treasurer  shall  be  appointed  by  the  society, 
by  ballot,  to  continue  in  office  during  good  be- 
haviour; who  shall  give  bond  to  the  trustees, 
with  security,  in  such  penalty  as  the  trustees  or 
a  majority  of  them  may  direct,  for  the  faithful 
discharge  of  his  duty. 

Occasional  donations  may  be  received  by  the 
society,  to  be  applied  as  the  donor  or  donors 
may  direct ;  and  in  case  there  be  no  direction, 
the  donations  shall  go  into  the  fund  for  the  gen- 
eral relief  of  the  indigent  famiUes  of  deceased 
clergymen. 

We,  the  subscribers,  do  therefore  agree  to  be- 
come members  of  the  said  society  for  the  relief 
of  the  distressed  widows  and  orphans  of  clergy- 
men of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the 
State  of  Virginia,  and  to  pay  the  sums  annexed 
to  our  respective  names,  to  be  applied  according 
to  the  class  in  which  our  subscriptions  shall  stand. 
Resolved,  unanimously,  That  the  thanks  of  the 
Convention  be  given  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Jarratt 
for  the  very/ excellent,  seasonable,  and  animated 
sermon  preached  by  him  yesterday  before  the 
Convention,  and  that  he  be  requested  to  pre- 
pare a  copy  of  the  same  for  the  press. 
Mr,  Patteson,  from  the  committee  appointed 


CONVENTION  OF  1792. 


53 


to  examine  the  treasurer's  accounts,  reported, 
That  the  committee  had,  according  to  order,  ex- 
amined the  same,  and  found  them  justly  and 
fairly  stated  ;  and  that  the  balance  in  his  hands 
for  general  purposes  is  152/.  8*.  Id.,  of  which 
the  sum  of  102/.  Is.  5d.  has  been  received 
from  sundry  parishes  in  consequence  of  the  rec- 
ommendation of  the  last  Convention. 

Resolved,  That  the  treasurer's  accounts  do 
pass. 

Mr.  Bracken  presented,  according  to  order, 
canons  to  amend  the  15th,  20th,  21st,  29th,  and 
30th  canons,  and  the  same  were  read  the  first 
time,  and  ordered  to  be  read  a  second  time. 

Mr.  Bracken,  from  the  committee  appointed 
to  examine  the  returns  of  the  sitting  members, 
reported,  That  the  committee  had,  according  to 
order,  examined  the  same,  and  found  that  the 
returns  from  the  following  parishes,  viz.,  An- 
trim, Bath,  Bristol,  Bruton,  Charles,  Christ 
Church  (Middlesex),  Christ  Church  (Lancaster), 
Cumberland,  Dale,  Frederick,  Henrico,  Hungars, 
James  City,  King  William,  Littleton,  Manches- 
ter, Martin's  Brandon,  Raleigh,  St.  David,  St. 
James  Northam,  St.  John,  St.  Luke,  St.  Mar- 
garet, St.  Mary,  St.  Paul  (Hanover),  St.  Ste- 
phen (King  and  Queen),  St.  Stephen  (North- 
umberland), South  Farnham,  Southwark,  West- 
over,  and  Wicomico,  were  made  agreeably  to 
the  canons. 

The  canons  to  amend  the  15th,  20th,  21st, 
29th,  and  30th  canons,  were  read  the  second 
time,  and  amended. 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  fairly  transcribed, 
and  read  a  third  time. 

Resolved,  That  the  Convention  proceed  by 
ballot  to  the  choice  of  two  deputies,  to  attend 
any  General  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Epis- 
copal Church  in  the  United  States  of  America, 
which  may  meet  before  the  month  of  May,  1793. 

The  Convention  accordingly  proceeded  by 
ballot  to  the  said  choice  ;  and  Mr.  J.  Cameron 
and  Mr.  Corbin  being  appointed  a  committee  to 
examine  the  ballots,  and  report  to  the  Conven- 
tion on  whom  the  majority  of  votes  should  fall, 
withdrew,  and  after  some  time  returned  into  the 
Convention,  and  Mr.  J.  Cameron  reported,  That 
the  committee  had,  according  to  order,  examined 
the  ballots,  and  found  them  to  stand  as  follows  : 
for  the  Rev.  Samuel  S.  M'Croskey,  25  ;  Robert 
Andrews,  Esq.,  38;  Rev.  John  Bracken,  14; 
Rev.  John  Cameron,  1;  Rev.  James  Craig,  1. 

A  majority  of  votes  appearing  in  favour  of  the 
Rev.  Samuel  S.  M'Croskey  and  Robert  An- 
drews, Esq.,  Resolved,  That  the  Rev.  Samuel 
S.  M'Croskey  and  Robert  Andrews,  Esq.  be, 
and  they  are  hereby  appointed,  deputies  to  at- 
tend any  General  Convention  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church  in  the  United  States  of 
America,  which  may  be  held  before  the  month 
of  May,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand 
seven  hundred  and  ninety-three. 

Mr.  New,  according  to  order,  presented  a 
canon  to  direct  the  mode  in  which  notorious 
crimes  and  scandals  within  the  church  shall  be 
censured  ;  and  the  same,  after  being  twice  read, 
was  ordered  to  be  fairly  transcribed,  and  read  a 
third  time. 


The  canons  to  amend  the  15th,  20th,  and  29th 
canons  were  read  the  third  time  and  passed,  as 
follows,  to  be  substituted  in  the  room  of  the 
said  15th,  20th,  and  29th,  and  numbered  as  such. 
Canon  XV.  The  right  of  presentation  or  of 
appointing  ministers  to  serve  in  the  parishes 
shall  continue  in  the  vestries,  and  each  vestry 
shall  choose  its  own  minister  ;  and  no  minister 
shall  officiate  as  a  stated  lecturer  or  preacher  in 
any  parish  in  which  there  is  a  rector,  without 
having  first  obtained  the  leave  of  the  said  rector, 
or  of  a  majority  of  the  vestry. 

Canon  XX.  No  person  having  deacon's 
orders  only,  shall  be  allowed,  as  such,  to  hold  a 
parish,  until  after  he  hath  officiated  eighteen 
months  as  a  deacon,  and  attained  the  age  of 
twenty-five  years  :  A  deacon  shall  preach  the 
gospel  and  baptize ;  he  may  solemnize  mar- 
riages, and  assist  in  administering  the  sacrament 
of  the  Lord's  Supper,  but  not  consecrate  the 
elements. 

Canon  XXIX.  Complaints  against  a  minister 
shall  be  made  on  oath,  and  directed  to  the  visiter 
of  the  district  in  which  the  accused  minister  re- 
sides, or,  where  there  is  no  visiter,  or  if  the  vis- 
iter be  the  person  accused,  to  a  member  of  the 
presbytery  in  the  said  district ;  who  shall  forth- 
with appoint  a  convenient  time  and  place  for  the 
trial  within  the  parish  where  the  accused  min- 
ister officiates,  and  take  care  that  the  members 
who  are  to  compose  the  court  shall  have  timely 
information  thereof.  The  judges  shall  appoint 
a  clerk  occasionally  for  such  trials,  and  no  ves- 
tryman shall  sit  on  the  trial  of  an  accused  min- 
ister belonging  to  the  parish  wherein  such  ves- 
tryman resides.  In  every  complaint,  the  offence 
or  offences  shall  be  stated ;  and  the  minister 
shall  be  furnished  with  a  copy  of  the  charges 
brought  against  him,  and  with  notice  of  his  in- 
tended trial,  at  least  one  month  before  the  trial : 
Viva  voce  evidence  only  shall  be  admitted,  and 
that  upon  oath ;  and  counsel  may  be  employed 
on  both  sides. 

The  visiter  or  person  to  whom  the  complaint 
shall  be  made,  shall  cite  the  accused  person  be- 
fore the  appointed  court;  which  shall,  unless 
the  person  accused  is  prevented  from  attending 
by  sickness,  proceed  to  the  trial,  examine  the 
testimony  against  the  offender,  and  take  the 
depositions  of  witnesses. 

In  all  complaints  where  the  accused  minister 
shall  be  the  only  clergyman  resident  within  the 
district,  the  complaint  shall  be  made  to  the 
bishop  and  standing  committee,  who  shall  with- 
out delay  institute  a  court,  consisting  of  two 
clergymen  from  an  adjoining  district,  and  two 
vestrymen  from  the  most  convenient  parishes 
within  the  district.  They  shall  appoint  also  the 
time  for  trial,  which  shall  be  held  at  such  place 
within  the  parish  of  the  accused  minister  as  the 
vestry  thereof  shall  direct. 

Resolved,  That  a  standing  committee  be  ap- 
pointed, to  continue  in  office  until  the  end  of  the 
next  session  of  Convention,  with  the  like  powers 
as  were  vested  in  the  last  standing  committee  : 
And  the  Rev.  John  Bracken,  Rev.  Samuel 
Shield,  Robert  Andrews,  Esq.,  Rev.  Henry  Sky- 
ring,  Hon.  Joseph  Prentis,  Hon.  Cyrus  Griffin, 


54 


CONVENTION  OP  1703. 


and  Joseph  Homsby,  Esq.,  were  accordingly 
appointed. 

Resolved,  That  all  reasonable  expenses  be 
allowed  the  deputies  appointed  to  attend  the 
next  General  Convention,  and  that  the  sum  of 
twenty-five  pounds  be  advanced  to  each  of  them 
on  account. 

Resolved,  That  the  standing  committee  be 
authorized  to  appoint  a  deputy  or  deputies  to 
the  General  Convention,  should  either  or  both  of 
the  deputies  appointed  by  this  Convention  be 
prevented  from  attending. 

Resolved,  That  all  reasonable  expenses  be 
allowed  the  Right  Rev.  Dr.  Madison,  which  he 
has  incurred  in  his  several  visitations,  and  which 
may  arise  from  his  attendance  on  the  next  Gen- 
eral Convention,  and  that  the  sum  of  eighty 
pounds  be  advanced  to  him  on  account.  Bishop 
Madison  delivered  in  to  the  Convention  a  report 
of  his  visitations  since  the  last  Convention, 
which  was  read,  and  is  as  follows  : — 

"Agreeably  to  the  35th  canon,  the  bishop 
begs  leave  to  report  that  he  has  visited  the  fol- 
lowing parishes,  viz.  :  York-Hampton,  Elizabeth 
City,  Abingdon,  Ware,  Christ  Church  (Middle- 
sex), St.  Anne,  St.  Paul  (King  George),  Berke- 
ley, Westover,  Bhsland,  Bruton,  James  City, 
Henrico,  and  Lunenburg;  and  is  happy  to  assure 
the  Convention  that  in  most  of  the  parishes,  the 
conduct  of  the  ministers  appeared  to  be  such 
as  merited  the  highest  commendation.  The 
congregations  where  he  attended  were  generally 
numerous,  and  attentive  to  the  form  of  worship 
established  by  the  church ;  and  though  he  had 
too  much  reason  to  lament  that  sufficient  regard 
was  not  paid  to  the  decent  support  of  the  clergy 
in  many  of  the  parishes,  yet  the  diligence  with 
which  most  of  the  ministers  continued  to  dis- 
charge their  sacred  functions,  while  it  afforded 
the  highest  proof  of  their  zeal  and  piety,  yielded 


at  the  same  time  a  pleasing  hope  that  the  church 
would  gradually  revive.  In  the  five  parishes  of 
Abingdon,  Ware,  Christ  Church  (Middlesex), 
Berkeley  (Fredericksburg),  and  Bruton,  up- 
wards of  six  hundred  persons  have  been  con- 
firmed." 

Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the 
several  parishes  within  this  commonwealth,  to 
send  each  the  sum  of  fifteen  dollars  to  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Buchanan,  treasurer,  on  or  before  the  first 
Thursday  in  May  next,  to  be  applied  by  the 
Convention  as  they  shall  judge  necessary,  to 
enable  the  bishop  to  make  his  visitations  and 
perform  the  other  duties  of  his  office,  and  to  the 
other  purposes  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  in  this  state. 

Ordered,  That  the  standing  committee  be 
directed  to  apply  to  the  different  parishes 
which  have  not  complied  with  the  requisition 
of  the  last  Convention  for  the  sum  of  sixteen 
dollars,  to  transmit  the  same  to  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Buchanan  as  soon  as  possible. 

Resolved,  That  300  copies  of  the  Journal  of 
this  Convention  be  printed  under  the  inspection 
of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Buchanan ;  and  that  the  ser- 
mon preached  yesterday  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Jarratt 
be  annexed  to  the  same. 

Resolved,  That  the  Rev.  Mr.  Waugh  be  re- 
quested to  preach  a  sermon  before  the  next 
Convention. 

The  canon  to  direct  the  mode  in  which  no- 
torious crimes  and  scandals  within  the  church 
shall  be  censured,  was  read  the  third  time ;  and 
the  question  being  put  whether  the  same  shall 
pass,  it  was  determined  in  the  negative. 

Resolved,  That  the  next  Convention  be  held 
in  the  city  of  Richmond. 

The  Convention  adjourned. 

Signed,        James  Madison,  President. 

Robert  Andrews,  Secretary. 


Journal  of  a  CorwerUion  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  State  of  Virginia,  held  in  the 
City  of  Richmond,  May  2d,  1793. 


Parishes. 
Antrim, 
Berkeley, 
Bristol, 
Bromfield, 
Bruton, 
Dale, 
Frederick, 
Fredericksville, 
Henrico, 
Hungara, 
James  City, 
Kingston, 
King  William, 
Littleton, 
Lexington, 
Manchester, 
Nottoway, 
St.  Andrews, 
St.  Bride, 
St.  David. 


A  List  of  the  Members  of  the  Convention. 


Clergymen. 

Hugh  Corrans  Boggs. 
Jolm  Cameron. 

John  Bracken. 
Needier  Robinson. 
Alexander  Balmain. 

John  Buchanan. 
Samuel  S.  M'Croskey. 
J.  Madison  (Bishop  and  Pr.). 
Armistead  Smiih. 


Charles  Crawford> 
William  Cameron- 


James  Morris. 


Lay  Deputies. 
Henry  E.  Coleman. 

Alexander  M'Rae. 
Reuben  Beall. 
Robert  Andrews. 
Thomas  Friend- 
John  Walker. 
William  Foushee. 


Dudley  Carey, 
John  Harris. 
Joseph  Carrington. 

David  Patterson. 

John  Gooch  and  Richard  Bland. 

Charles  B.  Jones. 

Joshua  Grymes. 

Benjamin  Temple  and  Nath.  Burwell. 


CONVENTION  OF  1793. 


ft5 


Parishes,  Clergymen. 

St  George  (Accomack), 
St.  James  Northam, 
St.  Margaret, 

St.  Martin,  Peter  Nelson. 

St.  Paul  (Hanover), 

St.  Stephen,  Thomas  Andrews. 

St.  Thomas, 

South  Farnham,  Andrew  Sim. 

Southam,  John  H.  Samiders. 

Washington, 

Westover,  Seawell  Chapin. 

York  Hampton,  James  Henderson. 

On  Thursday,  the  second  day  of  May,  in  the  1 
year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  seven  hundred 
and  ninety-three,  being  the  day  appointed  for 
the  meeting  of  the  Convention  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church  in  the  commonwealth  of  Vir- 
ginia, a  sufficient  number  of  members  to  proceed 
on  business  having  convened. 

The  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Madison  took  his 
seat  as  President  of  the  Convention. 

Robert  Andrews  took  his  seat  as  Secretary 
to  the  Convention. 

Ordered,  That  a  committee  be  appointed  to 
examine  the  returns  of  the  sitting  members,  and 
to  report  thereon.  And  a  committee  was  ap- 
pointed of  Dr.  Bracken,  Mr.  Balmain,  Mr.  Fou- 
shee,  and  Mr.  Patterson. 

Ordered,  That  leave  be  given  to  bring  in  a 
canon  concerning  vestries  and  trustees ;  a  canon 
concerning  conventions ;  a  canon  concerning 
presbyteries ;  a  canon  concerning  bishops  ;  a 
canon  concerning  the  ordination  of  priests  and 
xleacons,  and  their  duties  ;  a  canon  concerning 
the  induction  of  ministers  into  parishes ;  a  canon 
concerning  offences  and  the  mode  of  proceeding 
against  offending  ministers ;  a  canon  concerning 
the  appointment  and  duties  of  a  standing  com- 
jnittee ;  a  canon  concerning  the  manner  of  grant- 
ing testimonials  to  citizens  candidates  for  par- 
ishes ;  a  canon  concerning  a  treasurer  ;  and  a 
canon  rescinding  certain  ordinances  and  can- 
ons ;  and  that  Mr.  Andrews,  Mr.  Balmain,  Dr. 
M'Croskey,  Mr.  Walker,  Mr.  T.  Andrews,  Mr. 
Foushee,  Dr.  Bracken,  Mr.  W.  Cameron,  Mr. 
Patterson,  Mr.  Henderson,  Mr.  Carrington,  Mr. 
Sims,  Mr.  Gatewood,  Mr.  Boggs,  Mr.  Drum- 
mond,  Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Jones,  Mr.  Carter,  and  Mr. 
Charles  B.  Jones,  prepare  and  bring  in  the  same. 
Mr.  Andrews  presented,  according  to  order, 
a  canon  concerning  vestries  and  trustees ;  a  can- 
on concerning  conventions ;  a  canon  concerning 
presbyteries  ;  a  canon  concerning  bishops  ;  a 
canon  concerning  the  ordination  of  priests  and 
deacons,  and  their  duties ;  a  canon  concerning 
the  induction  of  ministers  into  parishes  ;  a  canon 
concerning  offences,  and  the  mode  of  proceeding 
against  offending  ministers ;  a  canon  concerning 
the  appointment  and  duties  of  a  standing  com- 
mittee ;  a  canon  concerning  the  manner  of  grant- 
ing testimonials  to  citizens  candidates  for  par- 
ishes ;  a  canon  concerning  a  treasurer ;  and  a 
canon  rescinding  certain  ordinances  and  canons ; 
which  several  canons  were  received,  read  a  first 
time,  and  ordered  to  be  read  a  second  time. 
On  motion  made,  the  canon  concerning  ves- 


Lay  Deputies. 
Cave  Jones  and  William  Drummond. 
Archibald  Bryce. 
Samuel  Temple. 

William  Tinsley 

Thomas  BarbouR 
WiUiam  Gatewood. 

Daniel  M'Carty,  jun. 
Charles  Carter. 
Hugh  Nelson. 

tries  and  trustees,  and  the  other  canons  before 
the  Convention,  were  read  a  second  time,  and 
ordered  to  be  committed  to  a  committee  of  the 
whole  Convention  to-morrow. 

Ordered,  That  a  committee  be  appointed  to 
examine  the  treasurer's  accounts  :  And  a  com- 
mittee was  appointed  of  Dr.  Bracken,  Mr.  Bryce, 
Mr.  Charles  B.  Jones,  and  Mr.  Henderson. 

The  Convention  adjourned  until  10  o'clock 
to-morrow  morning. 

Friday,  May  3. 

Bishop  Madison  having  delivered  a  charge  to 
the  clergy  at  the  meeting  of  Convention  this 
morning. 

Resolved,  unanimously.  That  the  thanks  of 
the  Convention  be  given  to  the  Right  Rev.  Doc- 
tor Madison,  for  his  very  sensible,  pious,  and 
excellent  address  delivered  this  day,  and  that  he 
be  requested  to  furnish  a  copy  for  the  press. 
An  Address  to  the  Convention  of  the  Protestant 

Episcopal  Church  in  Virginia.    By  Bishop 

Madison. 

Brethren, — When  I  determined  to  send  cir- 
cular letters  to  the  different  visiters,  in  order  that 
I  might,  through  them,  request  a  general  attend- 
ance of  the  clergy  at  this  Convention,  I  was 
well  aware  of  the  inconveniences  to  which  some 
of  the  members  might  be  exposed.  But,  such  is 
still  the  situation  of  our  church,  so  loudly  doth 
it  call  for  the  counsels  of  all  its  friends,  that  no 
doubt  was  left  upon  my  mind  but  those  incon- 
veniences would  be  cheerfully  borne,  provided 
our  consultations  should  be  productive  of  bene- 
ficial effects.  Whatever  may  be  the  result, 
whether  we  shall  be  enabled  to  devise  any  plan 
or  propose  any  measures  which  may  tend  to  that 
end,  so  ardently  to  be  supplicated,  still,  it  is  surely 
a  solemn  duty  imposed  upon  all  of  us,  to  endeav- 
our to  promote  the  prosperity  of  our  Zion  by 
all  those  prudent  means  which  our  profession 
will  justify.  This  is  most  likely  to  be  effected 
by  the  combined  wisdom  and  experience  of  the 
whole  body  of  the  clergy.  It  is  not  then  to  be 
wondered  at,  that  I  should  be  anxious  to  see  all 
the  faithful  pastors  of  our  church  here  assem- 
bled, and  that  I  should  earnestly  entreat  them, 
in  particular,  seriously  to  consult,  to  digest,  and 
bring  forward,  for  the  consideration  of  the  Con- 
vention, whatever  may  appear  most  likely  to  pro- 
mote the  interest  of  religion,  and  that  church  of 
which  we  are  the  ministers. 

I  trust  that  the  good  effects  of  our  late  minis- 
terial exertions  are  generally  felt  and  acknowl- 


56 


CONVENTION  OF  1793. 


edged ;  and  that  our  affairs,  under  the  blessing 
of  Providence,  begin  to  assume  somewhat  a 
more  pleasing  aspect.  Several  valuable  minis- 
ters have  been  sent  forth,  men  from  whose 
piety  and  labours  we  may  anticipate  the  happi- 
est effects  ;  our  congregations  seem  more  atten- 
tive to  their  religious  concerns,  and,  I  ardently 
hope,  are  gradually  advancing  to  a  greater  de- 
gree of  Christian  perfection.  Still,  however, 
our  exertions  must  be  unabated,  they  must  even 
increase  ;  we  must  continue  to  advance  if  we 
would  not  become  retrograde.  Nor  can  I  think 
but  that  Providence,  at  this  moment,  affords  the 
most  favourable  opportunity  for  prudent  and 
strenuous  exertions.  It  has,  in  some  degree, 
checked  that  fervour  of  enthusiasm  which  has 
lately  ravaged  our  church.  Our  evils  have  in 
a  great  measure  flowed  from  that  source.  But 
there  is  another  enemy  which  is  daily  making 
rapid  advances,  and  whose  progress,  if  possible, 
we  must  arrest ;  I  mean  the  demon  of  irreligion. 
These  are  the  two  principal  enemies  which  we 
have  to  oppose,  and  which  call  for  all  the  wis- 
dom and  all  the  zeal  of  every  sincere  minister. 
That  the  spirit  and  the  resolution  necessary 
for  the  most  zealous  opposition  animates  the 
breast  of  every  one  present,  I  do  not  question  ; 
but  what  are  the  prudent  means  which  we' must 
employ  1  what  are  the  weapons'?  what  is  the 
armour  we  must  put  on  for  this  Christian  war- 
fare"! These  are  inquiries  which  demand  our 
most  serious  attention. 

I  could  have  wished,  upon  this  occasion,  rather 
to  have  heard  the  sentiments  of  my  brethren, 
than  to  have  expressed  my  own.  I  do  not  pre- 
tend that  I  have  not  reflected,  and  that  often 
and  seriously,  upon  the  situation  of  our  church, 
and  the  means  of  promoting  its  prosperity  ;  but 
I  am  not  so  presumptuous  as  to  think,  that  bet- 
ter may  not  still  be  devised  than  those  which 
have  occurred  to  me.  Perhaps,  however,  the 
propositions  which  I  think  it  my  duty  to  lay  be- 
fore you,  if  they  do  not  meet  with  the  approba- 
tion of  this  assembly,  may  at  least  be  the  means 
of  calling  forth  others,  which  may  operate  more 
effectually  to  the  end  we  all  have  in  view. 

The  first  that  I  shall  submit  to  your  consider- 
ation, as  of  great  importance  in  my  mind  to- 
wards reviving  a  just  sense  of  religion,  and  es- 
tablishing a  due  ministerial  influence  among  our 
parishioners,  is,  that  the  different  pastors  should 
consider  it  as  a  duty  to  visit  their  parishioners 
at  their  private  dwellings  as  often  in  the  year 
as  may  be  convenient; — that,  at  these  visits, 
children  should  be  examined  and  instructed  in 
their  catechism  ;  parents,  when  necessary,  ex- 
horted to  lead  Christian  lives,  and  to  be  attentive 
to  the  religious  instruction  of  their  children ; 
while  the  well-disposed  should  be  encouraged 
to  persevere,  and  to  be  steadfast  in  their  attach- 
ment to  the  church.  A  practice  of  the  kind 
here  recommended  would  not  only  be  produc- 
tive of  the  best  effects  in  a  rehgious  point  of 
view,  but  it  seems  also  essentially  necessary  in 
order  to  form  that  friendly  attachment,  or  that 
intimate  union,  between  ministers  and  their 
flocks,  which  would  render  their  public  exhorta- 
tions more  efficacious ;  it  would  afford  the  best 


opportunity  of  counteracting  the  great  havoc 
which  novel  teachers  are  daily  making,  and 
which  is  carried  on  more  successfully,  I  believe, 
by  their  private  intercourse,  than  by  their  public 
harangues  ;  it  would  also  evince  a  spirit  of  dis- 
interestedness and  real  concern  for  the  religious 
welfare  of  our  flocks,  which,  while  it  is  the  duty 
of  a  minister  uniformly  to  manifest,  would  at 
the  same  time  cause  him  to  be  more  highly  re- 
spected and  beloved.  It  appears  then  that  this 
proposition  is  recommended  to  us  by  several 
cogent  considerations,  whether  we  attend  to  the 
proper  discharge  of  the  ministerial  functions,  to 
the  influence  it  will  give  the  different  pastors  in 
their  congregations,  or  to  the  means  it  would 
afford  of  counteracting  the  opponents  of  the 
church,  and  of  renovating  constantly  the  attach- 
ment of  its  members.  Perhaps  in  some  cases 
such  visits  would  not  always  be  convenient ; 
but  I  am  persuaded  that,  by  the  greater  part  of 
our  congregations,  they  would  be  justly  estima- 
ted, and,  I  have  no  doubt,  prove  highly  beneficial 
to  the  interest  of  the  church. 

A  second  proposition  which  I  shall  make,  ap- 
pears also,  at  this  time  in  particular,  of  great 
importance  to  the  real  ii^terest  of  our  holy  re- 
ligion and  of  our  church. 

It  is,  that  the  ministers  should  cause  to  be 
distributed  among  their  congregations  such 
books  or  pamphlets  as  would  tend  to  check  that 
spirit  of  proselytism  which  so  strongly  distin- 
guishes most  sects,  by  exposing  whatever  may 
appear  erroneous,  in  a  plain  and  candid  manner, 
and  at  the  same  time  showing  the  verity  and 
constant  superiority  of  the  principles  of  our  own 
church.  The  dissemination  of  pamphlets  which 
might  have  such  a  tendency,  appears  particular- 
ly necessary  at  this  time.  Every  one  must  have 
observed  that  there  are  two  kinds  of  enthusi- 
asts ;  the  one  seems  to  be  composed  of  men  of 
a  warm  imagination,  strong  passions,  and  little 
or  no  judgment.  These  lay  hold  of  some  fa- 
vourite tenet,  which  may  afford  them  an  oppor- 
tunity of  exercising  the  powers  of  the  imagina- 
tion, and  which  they  make  the  groundwork  upon 
which  to  erect  a  sect.  The  other  is  composed 
of  men  more  ignorant,  but  active  and  indefati- 
gable. They  dream  dreams  and  see  visions. 
They  are  favoured  with  immediate  inspiration 
from  Heaven  ;  they  soar  above  the  vulgar  rules 
of  morality,  and,  sanctifying  the  means  by  the 
end,  omit  nothing  to  complete  their  designs. 
How  shall  we  effectually  counteract  either,  but 
by  diffusing  such  pamphlets  as  shall  place  those 
truths  or  principles  which  are  in  danger  of  being 
obscured,  in  their  proper  light  1  What  mischief, 
for  instance,  have  not  those  wild  notions  re- 
specting divine  illumination,  or  inspiration,  pro- 
duced'? The  ordinary  means  of  interpreting 
and  explaining  Scripture  are  of  no  moment,  so 
long  as  the  extraordinary  can  be  obtained  ;  the 
Scriptures  are  thus  warped  to  support  any 
opinion,  however  contrary  to  the  truth ;  our 
flocks  are  misled,  and  too  often,  in  consequence, 
abandon  their  maternal  church.  These  evils 
flow  from  the  want  of  information.  Place  the 
truth  in  its  proper  light;  let  it  shine  forth  in 
every  man's   house,  from  plain   but  judicious 


CONVENTION  OF  1793. 


57 


pamphlets,  and  it  will  soon  illuminate  the  mind. 
Again,  it  is  an  opinion  which  has  become  too 
prevalent,  that  a  Christian  may,  consistently 
with  his  profession,  change  his  sect  as  often  as 
he  pleases,  or  as  often  as  caprice  may  direct ; 
and  that  the  ordinances  of  Christ  may  be  ad- 
ministered by  any  one  who  shall  assume  the 
ministerial  office.  Such  opinions  not  only  nurse 
the  spirit  of  disunion  among  Christians,,  whose 
fatal  effects  to  genuine  religion  I  need  not  here 
mention,  but  subvert  the  fundamental  principles 
of  a  Christian  church.  It  is  time  to  evince  to 
the  people  committed  to  our  charge  the  error 
and  the  dangerous  tendency  of  such  sentiments, 
and  to  show  the  duty  and  the  necessity  of  ad- 
hering to  those  institutions  which  Christ  and  his 
apostles  established.* 

I  would  propose  that  the  clergy  now  assem- 
bled specify  such  pamphlets  as  shall  appear 
most  useful  for  doctrinal  information  ;  that  a 
sufficient  number  of  copies  be  obtained  for  the 
congregations  generally  ;  that  the  respective 
ministers  be  supplied  in  proportion  to  the  extent 

*  In  a  late  charge  by  the  Bishop  of  Norwich,  a 
prelate  distinguished  for  his  learning  and  his  piety, 
speakmg  of  the  constitution  and  use  of  the  church 
of  Christ,  he  makes  some  observations  which  de- 
serve the  serious  attention  of  all  Christians.  "  Sal- 
vation," says  he,  "is  a  gift  of  grace  ;  that  is,  it 
is  a  free  gift,  to  which  we  have  no  natural  claim. 
It  is  not  to  be  conceived  within  ourselves,  but  to 
be  received,  in  consequence  of  our  Christian  call- 
ing, from  God  himself,  through  the  means  of  his 
ordinances.  These  can  no  man  administer  to  ef- 
fect, but  by  God's  own  appointment ;  at  first  by 
his  immediate  appointment,  and  afterward  by 
succession  and  derivation  from  thence  to  the  end 
of  the  world.  Without  this  rule  we  are  open  to 
imposture,  and  can  be  sure  of  nothing ;  we  cannot 
be  sure  4;hat  our  ministry  is  effective,  and  that  our 
sacraments  are  realities.  We  are  very  sensible 
the  spirit  of  division  will  never  admit  this  doc- 
trine ;  yet  the  spirit  of  charity  must  never  part 
with  it.  Writers  and  teachers  who  make  it  a 
point  to  give  no  offence,  treat  these  things  very 
tenderly ;  but  he  who,  in  certain  cases,  gives  men 
no  offence,  will  for  that  reason  give  them  no  in- 
struction. Light  itself  is  painful  to  weak  eyes ; 
but  delightful  to  them  when  grown  stronger,  and 
reconciled  to  it  with  use ;  and  he  who  was  instru- 
mental in  bringing  them  to  a  more  perfect  state 
of  vision,  though  less  acceptable  at  first,  may  yet, 
for  his  real  kindness,  be  more  cordially  thanked 
afterward,  than  if  he  had  made  the  ease  and  safe- 
ty of  his  own  person  the  measure  of  his  duty." 

In  the  same  paragraph  he  further  observes, 
"  We  are  informed  that  the  hberties  taken  of  late 
years  against  the  ministry  of  the  church,  have  ter- 
minated in  an  attempt  to  begin  a  spurious  epis- 
copacy, or  an  episcopacy  without  succession,  in 
America ;  a  particular  account  of  the  affair  has 
been  published  in  a  Life  of  Mr.  John  Wesley,  and 
the  case  appears  to  have  been  as  reported.  Mr. 
Wesley,  when  questioned  about  this  fact  in  his 
lifetime,  did  not  deny  it,  but  pleaded  necessity  to 
justify  the  measure  (see  Memoirs  of  the  Rev.  John 
Wesley,  by  John  Hampson) ;  a  fatal  precedent,  if 
it  should  be  followed.  For  if  a  presbyter  can  con- 
secrate a  bishop,  we  admit  that  a  man  may  confer 
a  power  of  which  he  is  not  himself  possessed ; 
instead  of  '  the  less  being  blessed  of  the  greater,' 
the '  greater  is  blessed  of  the  less,'  and  the  order  of 
all  things  inverted." 


of  their  cures  ;  and  that  they  distribute  them  to 
the  people,  charging  them  only  with  the  first 
cost. 

It  is  true,  that  sermons  should  occasionally  be 
delivered  upon  such  doctrinal  and  institutional 
topics  as  may  appear  most  necessary  for  the  in- 
formation of  congregations ;  they  would,  no 
doubt,  when  conducted  without  reflections  upon 
particular  sects,  have  a  good  effect  for  the  mo- 
ment. But  to  produce  that  which  shall  be  per- 
manent, the  same  doctrine  must  be  submitted 
to  private  consideration  and  reiterated  perusal. 

Nor  should  our  attention  be  confined  to 
pamphlets  which  respect  merely  the  doctrines 
or  the  institutions  of  our  church.  Devotional 
tracts,  such  as  would  inspire  and  keep  alive  the 
spirit  of  a  warm  but  rational  piety,  are  greatly 
wanted.  Let  then  such  of  this  nature  also  be 
dispersed,  as  the  ministry  may  approve  and  rec- 
ommend to  their  congregations.  They  would 
not  only  be  thus  called  to  active  piety,  but  se- 
cured against  the  impressions  which  the  appear- 
ance of  greater  devotion  and  zeal  in  other  sects 
must  always  make  upon  the  minds  of  the  truly 
religious.  Many  educated  in  the  bosom  of  our 
church  desert  it,  not  solely  from  a  conviction  of 
errors  in  doctrine,  but  because  the  great  bulk  of 
its  members  seem  indifferent  to  religious  exer- 
cises. Another  society  is  sought  for,  in  which 
the  pious  are  countenanced  and  stimulated  by 
reciprocal  example.  Why  can  we  not  introduce 
an  equal  attention  to  their  religious  duties 
among  the  members  of  our  own  church,  a  con- 
duct equally  guarded  and  pious  1  It  must  be 
done,  or  we  shall  have  only  the  semblance  of 
religion  among  us.  We  have  approached  too 
nearly  to  that  verge  already.  Let  us  then  en- 
deavour to  disseminate  valuable  devotional  trea- 
tises, and  by  all  the  means  in  our  power  recom- 
mend and  encourage,  exhort  and  enforce,  atten- 
tion to  them. 

A  third  proposition  I  have  to  make  is,  that 
we  should  endeavour  to  introduce  family  prayers 
among  the  members  of  our  church  ;  nothing, 
we  are  persuaded,  tends  more  to  keep  up  a 
sense  of  religion  in  the  minds  of  men,  than  a 
serious  and  constant  performance  of  this  neces- 
sary duty.  But  it  is  more  neglected  in  the 
families  who  profess  themselves  to  be  of  our 
church,  than  in  any  other  whatever.  I  would 
therefore  beseech  you,  with  earnestness,  to  ex- 
hort every  housekeeper  in  your  parishes,  both 
privately  and  publicly,  to  worship  God  daily  in 
their  families.  Among  the  poorer  class,  books 
with  proper  forms  should  be  distributed  gratis, 
or  at  as  low  a  price  as  possible.  I  would  not 
propose  that  the  clergy  should  be  burdened  with 
this  expense,  but  that  the  vestries  should  supply 
such  as  the  ministers  may  recommend.  If  also, 
on  particular  days,  as  Sundays,  when  there  may 
be  no  pubhc  service  in  our  church  sufficiently 
convenient,  families  could  be  persuaded  to  in- 
troduce their  devotions  with  singing  of  psalms 
or  hymns,  the  practice  would  effectually  revive 
psalmody  in  our  churches.  Unless  it  originate 
or  prevail  in  families,  our  congregations  will 
never  be  brought  to  join  generally  in  that  essen- 
tial and  beautiful  part  of  public  worship.     It  is 


58 


CONVENTION  OF  1793. 


this  circumstance  which,  in  point  of  psalmody, 
gives  to  the  dissenting  congregations  such  an 
advantage  over  those  of  our  church. 

If  the  duty  which  I  have  mentioned  could  be 
brought  into  general  practice,  and  I  cannot 
doubt  but  the  well-disposed  might  be  easily  led 
to  the  constant  performance  of  it,  the  happiest 
change  in  our  religious  affairs  would  be  the  im- 
mediate consequence ;  the  change  would  be 
most  important  in  a  religious  point  of  view, 
which  is  ever  the  first  consideration,  and  it 
would  also  make  an  impression  most  favourable 
to  our  church  in  the  minds  of  all. 

4th.  I  have  only  one  more  proposition  to 
make  ;  which  is,  that  we  should  all  consider  the 
interests  of  the  church  as  a  common  cause, 
which  we  are  bound  to  support  by  every  consid- 
eration the  most  sacred.  The  ministers,  in  par- 
ticular, should  ever  hold  themselves  related  to 
each  other  by  a  truly  fraternal  coimexion.  A 
general  cause  unites  them ;  but  this  union 
should  be  cherished  ;  it  should  be  a  principle  of 
action ;  it  should  animate  the  whole  body,  and 
render  the  concerns  of  one  the  concerns  of  the 
whole.  But  this  principle,  that  it  may  be  pro- 
ductive of  the  beneficial  effects  we  desire,  sup- 
poses necessarily  the  utmost  purity  in  the  order 
to  which  we  belong.  It  is  essentially  necessary, 
then,  that  the  preservation  of  the  credit  and 
reputation  of  our  order  should  be  the  constant 
object  of  every  minister.  That  confidence  in 
each  other  which  should  distinguish  our  society, 
that  disinterested  love  for  the  brotherhood,  that 
respect  and  estimation  which  it  should  have  in 
our  own  eyes,  as  well  as  those  of  the  world,  re- 
quire, that  every  one  should  consider  himself  as 
deeply  interested  in  the  conduct  of  every  cler- 
gyman. Without  an  entire  purity,  we  cannot 
have  confidence  ;  without  confidence,  we  cannot 
act  as  one  firm,  united  body,  whose  interests 
and  views  are  the  same  ;  in  short,  as  a  phalanx, 
whose  strength  depends  upon  the  integrity  of 
all  its  parts.  Without  this  union,  this  entire 
consolidation  of  views  and  interests,  success,  as 
a  Christian  sect,  cannot  be  expected.  Observe 
what  strength  and  firmness  those  sects  are  gain- 
ing, by  their  prudent  regulations  of  this  kind, 
whose  views  are  certainly  not  friendly  to  the 
prosperity  of  our  church.  To  maintain  even 
the  ground  we  now  possess,  we  must  adopt 
measures  equally  prudent ;  but  to  advance,  to 
recover  a  part  of  what  we  have  lost,  our  system 
must  not  only  be  wise  and  prudent,  but  it  must 
be  pursued  with  a  uniformity,  with  an  undevi- 
ating  regularity,  with  a  firmness  and  a  constan- 
cy, which  no  events  can  shake.  It  is  time  to 
unite  "  the  wisdom  of  the  serpent  with  the  in- 
nocence of  the  dove."  And  it  is  fortunate  that 
these  measures,  which  expediency  may  seem  to 
suggest,  or  particularly  to  require,  are  also  sug- 
gested by  duty. 

The  promotion  of  true  religion  is  our  primary 
duty;  but,  spHt  as  the  Christian  world  is  into  par- 
ties, we  have  also  the  interests  of  a  sect  to  pro- 
mote, in  order  to  perform  that  primary  duty. 
For  this  purpose,  we  must  have  not  only  our 
external,  but  internal  regulations  ;  we  must  have 
a  line  of  conduct  delineated,  which,  though  it 


will  not  admit  of  canonical  injunction,  still 
should  be  systematically  pursued  by  every  min- 
ister. The  force  of  a  uniform  systematic  con- 
duct upon  the  humin  mind,  in  every  instance,  is 
almost  irresistible.  It  carries  individuals  di- 
rectly, or  by  the  shortest  route,  to  the  object  at 
which  they  aim  ;  but  when  wisely  conceived  by 
a  body  of  men,  they  are  rendered  compact  and 
strong;  their  progress  towards  the  attainment 
of  their  end  is  constantly  accelerated  :  but  with- 
out a  system,  a  sect  becomes  a  heap  of  sand, 
unconnected  and  disunited,  ready  to  be  drifted 
or  blown  about  in  any  direction,  by  the  first 
wind  which  assails  them. 

Thus,  my  brethren,  I  have  laid  before  you,  as 
briefly  as  I  could,  such  observations  as  it  ap- 
peared to  me  were  not  unworthy  of  your  atten- 
tion :  of  that,  however,  you  will  judge.  Their 
object  is  to  promote  that  holy  religion  whose 
ministers  we  are,  by  reviving  a  spirit  of  true 
piety,  and  by  invigorating  that  attachment  to 
our  church,  which,  through  the  want  of  proper 
information,  I  fear  has  been  too  much  relaxed 
among  most  of  our  congregations.  But  let 
those  means  which  have  been  proposed  be 
adopted  with  a  zeal  becoming  the  greatest  of  all 
objects,  the  salvation  of  souls  ;  or  let  any  others, 
which  the  wisdom  of  this  assembly  may  prefer, 
be  adopted  and  pursued  in  the  manner  they 
ought,  and  I  doubt  not,  with  the  assistance  of 
divine  grace,  but  that  success  will  reward  our 
labours.  Like  the  rebuilders  of  Jerusalem  after 
the  captivity,  we  must,  in  the  language  of  the 
Prophet,  "  every  one,  with  one  of  his  hands, 
work  in  the  building  ;  with  the  other,  hold  a 
weapon."  With  one  hand  we  must  build  up 
our  people  in  the  doctrine  of  piety  and  the 
apostolic  institutions  of  our  church,  while,  with 
the  other,  we  must  resist  that  spirit  of  prosely- 
tism  which  is  so  unworthy  of  the  followers  of 
Christ,  but  which  will  otherwise  demolish  as 
fast  as  we  build.  In  short,  be  it  our  duty  in  all 
things  "to  show  ourselves  approved  unto  God, 
as  workmen  that  need  not  to  be  ashamed,  rightly 
dividing  the  word  of  truth,"  "  taking  heed  to 
the  ministry,  which  we  have  received  in  the 
Lord,  that  we  fulfil  it." 

Another  proposition,  which  I  confess  I  had 
much  at  heart,  I  should  have  laid  before  this 
Convention  ;  but  its  fate  has,  I  fear,  been  already 
determined  ;  I  mean,  an  invitation  to  all  sincere 
Christians  to  unite  with  us  in  forming  one 
church,  and  in  abolishing  those  dissensions 
which  are  so  contrary  to  our  profession.  There 
is  no  one  here  present  but  must  cordially  wish 
for  such  a  union,  provided  it  did  not  require  a 
sacrifice  of  those  points  which  are  deemed  es- 
sentials by  our  church  ;  from  them  we  have  not 
the  power  to  retreat.  But  in  such  matters  as 
are  subject  to  human  alteration,  if,  by  a  candid 
discussion,  they  could  be  found  capable  of  being 
so  modified  as  to  remove  the  objections  of  any 
sect  of  Christians  who  may  be  actuated  by  the 
same  catholic  spirit,  and  thereby  effect  a  union, 
in  that  case,  we  should  surely  have  reason  to 
rejoice,  not  only  in  the  event,  but  also  in  being 
the  first  to  set  an  example  to  Christians  which 
it  is  the  dijty  of  all  to  follow ;  and  in  convincing 


I 


CONVENTION  OF  1793. 


59 


them  that  there  is  infinitely  more  religion  in  not 
contending,  than  in  those  things  about  which 
they  contend.  There  appear,  however,  so 
many  difficulties,  so  many  obstacles  to  this 
great  work,  in  the  opinion  of  those  whose  judg- 
ment I  much  respect,  that  I  do  not  mean  to 
take  up  your  time  by  making  a  direct  proposi- 
tion upon  it.  But  if  any  of  the  members  here 
present  should  be  acquainted  with  circumstan- 
ces which  may  justify  a  conclusion  that  those 
apparent  difficulties  may  be  removed,  or  that 
the  end  mentioned  can  be  effected  by  any  means 
which  have  occurred  to  them,  consistently  with 
the  fundamental  principles  of  our  own  church, 
I  doubt  not  but  this  Convention  would  gladly 
hear  both  the  one  and  the  other. 

You  see,  respected  lay  brethren,  with  what 
difficulty  the  pastoral  office  is  surrounded. 
You  see  the  weight  of  that  burden  we  have  to 
support.  But  you  see  also  that  we  are  not  dis- 
mayed, but  anxious  to  encounter  those  difficul- 
ties, or  support  that  burden,  with  a  fortitude 
and  a  faithfulness  proportionate  to  their  magni- 
tude. It  must  be  remembered,  however,  that 
our  success,  next  to  the  divine  blessing,  depends 
upon  the  zealous  assistance  which  the  most  re- 
spectable lay  members  of  the  church  in  each 
parish  shall  afford.  Much  indeed  depends  upon 
your  example  ;  upon  the  influence  which  the  real 
concern  you  discover  for  the  prosperity  of  the 
church  must  have  upon  the  minds  of  the  people 
in  general.  Are  you  constant  and  exemplary  in 
your  attendance  upon  divine  worship  1  Are  you 
particularly  observant  of  that  excellent  mode  of 
worship  which  our  church  has  adopted  1  Do  you 
refrain  from  countenancing  those  teachers,  the 
validity  of  whose  ministry  the  church  does  not 
admit  1  Do  you  evince  an  earnest  zeal  for  the 
prosperity  of  our  Zion  1  The  example  will  be, 
and,  I  am  happy  to  say,  is  already,  felt  and  fol- 
lowed, wherever  it  is  fortunately  held  forth  to 
public  view. 

Let  me  exhort  you,  brethren,  be  emulous  in 
setting  such  an  example  in  your  respective  par- 
ishes. Your  pastors  tremble  at  their  insuffi- 
ciency for  their  momentous  undertaking.  Be  it 
yours  to  lessen  the  burden  of  the  ministerial 
functions,  by  offices  of  affection,  of  kindness,  and 
respect.  Be  it  yours  ever  to  say,  "  If  I  forget 
thee,  O  Zion,  let  my  right  hand  forget  her  cun- 
ning ;  if  I  do  not  remember  thee,  let  my  tongue 
cleave  to  the  roof  of  my  mouth,  if  I  prefer  not 
Zion  above  my  chief  joy." 

Bishop  Madison  reported  the  state  of  the 
churches  visited  by  him  since  the  last  Conven- 
tion, and  also  laid  before  the  Convention  the 
reports  made  to  him  by  sundry  visiters,  which 
reports  were  read,  and  ordered  to  lie  on  the  table. 

Dr.  Bracken,  from  the  committee  appointed 
to  examine  the  returns  of  the  sitting  members, 
reported.  That  the  committee  had,  according  to 
order,  examined  the  same,  and  found  that  the 
returns  from  the  following  parishes,  viz.,  An- 
trim, Berkeley,  Bristol,  Bromfield,  Bruton,  Dale, 
Frederick,  Fredericksville,  Henrico,  Hungars, 
James  City,  Kingston,  King  William,  Lexing- 
ton, Littleton,  Manchester,  Nottoway,  St.  An- 


drews, St.  Bride,  St.  David,  St.  George  (Acco- 
mack), St.  James  Northam,  St.  Margaret,  St. 
Martin,  St.  Paul  (Hanover),  St.  Stephen,  St. 
Thomas,  South  Farnham,  Southam,  Washing- 
ton, Westover,  and  York  Hampton,  were  made 
agreeably  to  the  canons. 

Dr.  Bracken,  from  the  committee  appointed 
to  examine  the  treasurer's  accounts,  reported, 
That  the  committee  had,  according  to  order, 
examined  the  same,  and  found  them  justly  and 
fairly  stated,  and  that  there  is  a  balance  in  his 
hands  of  139Z.  19s.  Id. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  permission  be 
given  to  the  Vestry  and  Trustees  of  the  Parish 
of  St.  George  (Accomack)  to  sell  the  glebe  in 
the  said  parish,  for  the  purpose  of  purchasing  one 
in  a  more  eligible  situation,  provided  it  can  be 
done  to  the  advantage  of  this  church. 

Ordered,  That  the  treasurer  pay  to  the  dep- 
uties to  the  late  General  Convention  any  bal- 
ances which  may  be  due  to  them  on  account  of 
their  expenses  in  attending  the  said  Conven- 
tion. 

The  Convention,  according  to  the  order  of  the 
day,  resolved  itself  into  a  committee  of  the  whole 
Convention  on  the  canons  concerning  vestries 
and  trustees,  concerning  conventions,  &c.,  &c., 
and  after  some  time  spent  therein,  Mr.  President 
resumed  the  chair,  and  Mr.  Charles  B.  Jones 
reported.  That  the  committee  had,  according  to 
order,  had  the  said  canons  under  their  consider- 
ation, and  had  made  several  amendments  there- 
to, which  were  read  by  the  secretary,  and  agreed 
to  by  the  Convention. 

Ordered,That  the  said  canons,  with  the  amend- 
ments, be  engrossed,  and  read  a  third  time. 

The  Convention  adjourned  until  10  o'clock 
to-morrow  morning. 

Saturday,  May  4. 

An  engrossed  canon  concerning  vestries  and 
trustees  was  read  the  third  time. 

Resolved,  That  the  canon  do  pass,  and  that 
the  title  be,  "A  canon  concerning  vestries  and 
trustees." 

An  engrossed  canon  concerning  conventions 
was  read  the  third  time. 

Resolved,  That  the  canon  do  pass,  and  that 
the  title  be,  "  A  canon  concerning  conventions." 

An  engrossed  canon  concerning  presbyteries 
was  read  the  third  time. 

Resolved,  That  the  canon  do  pass,  and  that 
the  title  be,  "  A  canon  concerning  presbyteries." 

An  engrossed  canon  concerning  bishops  was 
read  the  third  time. 

Resolved,  That  the  canon  do  pass,  and  that 
the  title  be,  "A  canon  concerning  bishops." 

An  engrossed  canon  concerning  the  ordination 
of  priests  and  deacons,  and  their  duties,  was  read 
a  third  time. 

Resolved,  That  the  canon  do  pass,  and  that 
the  title  be,  "  A  canon  concerning  the  ordination 
of  priests  and  deacons,  and  their  duties." 

An  engrossed  canon  concerning  the  induction 
of  ministers  into  parishes  was  read  a  third  time. 

Resolved,  That  the  canon  do  pass,  and  that 
the  title  be,  "A  canon  concerning  the  induction 
of  ministers  into  parishes." 


60 


CONVENTION  OF  1793. 


An  engrossed  canon  concerning  offences,  and 
the  mode  of  proceeding  against  offending  min- 
isters, was  read  the  third  time. 

Resolved,  That  the  canon  do  pass,  and  that 
the  title  be,  "  A  canon  concerning  offences,  and 
the  mode  of  proceeding  against  offending  min- 
isters.". 

An  engrossed  canon  concerning  the  appoint- 
ment and  duties  of  a  standing  committee  was 
read  the  third  time. 

Resolved,  That  the  canon  do  pass,  and  that 
the  title  be,  "  A  canon  concerning  the  appoint- 
ment and  duties  of  a  standing  committee." 

An  engrossed  canon  concerning  the  manner 
of  granting  testimonials  to  citizens  candidates 
for  parishes  was  read  a  third  time. 

Resolved,  That  the  canon  be  rejected. 

An  engrossed  canon  concerning  a  treasurer 
was  read  the  third  time. 

Resolved,  That  the  canon  do  pass,  and  that 
the  title  be,  "  A  canon  concerning  a  treasurer." 

An  engrossed  canon  rescinding  certain  ordi- 
nances and  canons  was  read  the  third  time. 

Resolved,  That  the  canon  do  pass,  and  that 
the  title  be,  "  A  canon  rescinding  certain  ordi- 
nances and  canons." 

Resolved,  That  the  Rev.  John  Buchanan  be 
appointed  treasurer  for  the  ensuing  year. 

Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the 
several  parishes  within  this  commonwealth,  to 
send  each  the  sum  of  fifteen  dollars  to  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Buchanan,  treasurer,  on  or  before  the  first 
Tuesday  in  May  next,  to  be  applied  by  the  Con- 
vention towards  compensating  the  bishop  for 
his  services,  and  expenses  incurred  in  his  visi- 
tations, and  to  the  general  purposes  of  the  Prot- 
estant Episcopal  Church  in  this  state. 

Resolved,  That  the  treasurer  be  instructed 
to  send  to  the  several  visiters  of  districts  a  list 
of  the  arrearages  due  from  the  parishes  within 
their  respective  districts,  and  that  it  be  recom- 
mended to  the  visiters  to  use  their  endeavours 
to  have  the  said  arrearages  collected  and  trans- 
mitted to  the  treasurer. 

Resolved,  That  the  visitatorial  districts  con- 
tinue as  at  present  arranged. 

Resolved,  That  the  Rev.  Henry  J.  Burgess 
be  appointed  visiter  of  District  No.  2,  in  the 
room  of  the  Rev.  George  Gurley,  who  has  re- 
signed his  parish ;  the  Rev.  Charles  Crawford, 
visiter  of  District  No.  7 ;  the  Rev.  Thomas  An- 
drews, visiter  of  District  No.  18,  in  the  room  of 
the  Rev.  Thomas  Davis,  who  has  removed  ;  the 
Rev.  Robert  Buchan,  visiter  of  District  No.  19 ; 
the  Rev.  Thomas  Davis,  visiter  of  District  No. 
20,  in  the  room  of  the  Rev.  Brian  Fairfax,  re- 
signed ;  and  the  Rev.  James  Thompson,  visiter 
of  District  No.  21,  in  the  room  of  the  Rev.  James 
Craig,  infirm. 

Resolved,  That  Samuel  Shield,  Robert  An- 
drews, Joseph  Prentis,  Cyrus  Griffin,  Joseph 
Hornsby,  and  James  Henderson,  be  appointed  a 
standing  committee  for  the  ensuing  year. 

On  motion.  Resolved,  That  a  committee  be 
appointed  to  examine  Mr.  Overstreet,  a  candi- 
date for  holy  orders,  and  report  to  the  Conven- 
tion whether,  in  their  opimons,  the  dispensing 
with  the  knowledge  of  the  Latin  and  Greek  lan- 


guages in  the  examination  of  the  said  Mr.  Over- 
street  before  the  bishop  will  be  of  use  to  the 
church  in  this  state  ;  and  a  committee  was  ap- 
pointed of  Dr.  M'Croskey,  Dr.  Cameron,  Mr. 
Henderson,  Mr.  Balmain,  and  Mr.  Buchanan. 

A  resolution  of  the  last  General  Convention 
having  been  communicated  to  the  Convention, 
which  is  in  these  words,  "  Resolved,  That  it  be 
made  known  to  the  several  state  Conventions, 
that  it  is  proposed  to  consider  and  determine,  in 
the  next  General  Convention,  on  the  propriety 
of  investing  the  House  of  Bishops  with  a  full 
negative  upon  the  proceedings  of  the  other 
house ;"  Resolved,  unanimously,  That  the  dep- 
uties from  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in 
this  state  to  the  next  General  Convention,  be 
instructed  to  express  the  highest  disapprobation 
of  this  Convention  respecting  the  investing  of 
the  House  of  Bishops  with  such  negative. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  deputies  be  further 
instructed  to  use  their  utmost  endeavours  to 
obtain  a  repeal  of  the  sixth  additional  canon 
passed  at  the  last  General  Convention. 

Resolved,  That  the  Convention  proceed  im- 
mediately to  the  choice  of  two  deputies  to  attend 
any  General  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Epis- 
copal Church  in  the  United  States  of  America, 
which  may  be  called  before  the  next  meeting  of 
the  Convention  of  the  said  church  in  this  slate. 

The  Convention  having  accordingly  balloted, 
Mr.  Crawford  and  Mr.  M'Rae  were  appointed 
a  committee  to  examine  the  ballots  ;  who,  having 
withdrawn,  after  some  time  returned  into  the 
Convention,  and  reported,  That  they  had  ex- 
amined the  same,  and  found  the  votes  unani- 
mously in  favour  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Samuel  S. 
M'Croskey  and  Robert  Andrews,  Esq. 

Resolved,  That  the  sum  of  one  hundred 
pounds  be  allowed  to  the  Right  Rev.  Dr.  Madi- 
son, for  his  services  as  bishop  in  this  church 
for  the  last  year,  and  for  expenses  incurred  in  his 
visitations,  and  that  the  treasurer  pay  the  same. 

The  president  signed  the  canons  passed  this 
day. 

Resolved,  That  300  copies  of  the  Journal  of 
this  Convention  be  printed,  under  the  inspection 
of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Buchanan  ;  q^id  that  the  bishop's 
charge,  the  canons  passed  by  this  Convention, 
the  general  constitution,  and  the  general  canons, 
be  annexed. 

Dr.  M'Croskey,  from  the  committee  appointed 
to  examine  Mr.  Overstreet,  Reported,  That  the 
committee  found  they  should  not  have  sufficient 
time  to  examine  into  the  qualifications  of  Mr. 
Overstreet  during  the  present  session  of  Con- 
vention ;  and  had  therefore  instructed  him  to 
move  that  they  should  be  discharged  from  pro- 
ceeding further  in  the  examination,  which  was 
agreed  to. 

Resolved,  That  the  Rev.  Dr.  M'Croskey  be 
requested  to  preach  before  the  next  Convention. 

Resolved,  That  the  next  Convention  be  held 
in  the  city  of  Richmond. 

Resolved,  That  the  treasurer  pay  five  dollars 
to  the  doorkeeper  for  his  services. 

The  Convention  adjourned. 

Signed,       James  Madison,  President. 
Attest,        RoBBBT  Andbbws,  Secretary. 


CONVENTION  OF  1793. 


61 


CANONS    FOR    THE    GOVERNMENT   OF   THE    PROT- 
ESTANT EPISCOPAL  CHURCH  IN  THIS  STATE. 

1.  A  Canon  concerning  Vestries  and  Trustees. 

1.  In  each  parish  within  the  Commonwealth 
of  Virginia,  there  shall  be  triennially  elected,  on 
Easter-Monday,  if  fair,  otherwise  on  the  next 
fair  day,  at  some  convenient  place  (of  which 
due  notice  shall  be  given),  by  the  freeholders 
and  housekeepers  who  are  members  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church  within  such  parish, 
and  regularly  contribute  to  the  support  of  the 
minister,  where  there  is  one,  and  to  the  com- 
mon exigences  of  the  church  within  the  parish, 
twelve  of  the  most  able  and  discreet  men  of 
their  society,  of  the  above  description  and  quali- 
fications, to  be  a  vestry  for  such  parish,  and 
trustees  of  their  property  for  the  three  succeed- 
ing years.  Intermediate  vacancies  occasioned 
by  death,  removal,  or  resignation,  shall  be  filled 
by  the  remaining  vestrymen  and  trustees,  and 
those  so  chosen  shall  have  power  to  act  until 
the  time  of  the  next  general  election  ;  the  first 
general  election  shall  be  in  the  year  of  our  Lord 
1796. 

2.  Every  vestryman  shall,  before  he  acts  in 
office,  subscribe  in  the  vestry-book  of  his  parish 
to  be  conformable  to  the  doctrine,  discipline, 
and  worship  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church 
in  the  United  States  of  America,  and  to  the 
orders  and  canons  of  the  said  church  in  this 
state. 

3.  Each  vestry,  at  their  first  meeting  after 
their  election,  shall  choose  two  of  their  members 
to  be  church- wardens,  who  shall  superintend 
the  next  general  election  of  vestrymen,  judge 
of  the  qualifications  of  voters,  and  certify  the 
names  of  the  persons  chosen.  They  shall  be 
considered  as  the  acting  part  of  the  vestry,  and 
shall  see  that  the  orders  and  resolutions  of  the 
vestry  be  carried  into  execution. 

4.  In  case  of  the  nonattendance  of  the  church- 
wardens at  an  election  of  vestrymen  and  trustees 
in  any  parish,  the  minister,  or,  if  he  be  absent,  or 
if  there  be  no  minister  in  the  parish,  any  two 
vestrymen,  or  if  there  be  no  vestrymen  present, 
any  two  reputable  inhabitants  of  the  parish,  who 
are  members  of  this  church,  may  be  appointed 
to  superintend  the  election. 

5.  If  any  person  elected  a  vestryman  and 
trustee  shall  neglect  or  refuse  to  attend  two 
successive  meetings  of  the  body,  having  had 
due  notice  thereof,  he  may  be  considered  as 
having  vacated  his  office  ;  and  the  remaining 
vestrymen  and  trustees  may  elect  into  his  place 
some  other  able  and  discreet  man  of  their  so- 
ciety. 

6.  In  any  parishes  which  have  neglected  to 
elect  vestries  and  trustees  agreeably  to  the  ordi- 
nances heretofore  in  force,  or  which  shall  here- 
after neglect  to  make  such  election  as  herein 
directed,  the  members  of  the  Protestant  Epis- 
copal Church  within  such  parishes  may,  at  any 
time  afterward  within  six  months,  elect  vestries 
and  trustees  in  the  manner  herein  directed. 
And  in  all  cases  where  elections  have  not  been 
held,  or  shall  not  be  held,  at  the  periods  fixed 
for  general  elections,  the  former  vestries  and 


trustees  shall  continue  to  act  until  elections 
shall  be  held  as  hereby  directed  ;  or,  if  no  elec- 
tions shall  he  held,  until  a  future  Convention 
shall  take  some  order  in  the  matter.  Provided 
nevertheless,  That  where  any  parish  which  had 
failed  to  elect  vestrymen  and  trustees  at  the 
time  appointed  for  a  general  election,  hath  since 
elected  the  same,  such  election  is  hereby  decla- 
red to  be  valid. 

7.  The  vestries  respectively,  with  the  min- 
ister, where  there  is  one,  shall  hold  and  enjoy 
all  glebes,  lands,  churches,  books,  plate,  and 
other  property  now  belonging  or  hereafter  ac- 
cruing to  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  within 
their  respective  parishes,  as  trustees  for  the 
benefit  of  the  society  ;  and  may  improve  or 
demise  the  lands  during  the  vacancy  of  a  min- 
ister, but  may  not  demise  lands  allowed  for  the 
minister's  habitation  or  use,  without  his  con- 
sent. They  may  also  use,  improve,  or  dispose 
of  all  personal  property,  and  the  produce,  rents, 
and  profits  of  lands  and  buildings  (not  appropri- 
ated for  the  minister)  belonging  to  this  church, 
for  the  benefit  of  the  society  in  erecting  or  re- 
pairing churches,  glebe-houses,  or  otherwise  ; 
and  may  make  such  rules  and  orders  for  mana- 
ging the  temporal  aflfairs  and  concerns  of  the 
church  (not  contrary  to  nor  inconsistent  with 
the  rules  and  orders  of  Convention)  within  their 
respective  parishes,  as  they  shall  think  most 
conducive  to  its  interest  and  prosperity,  and  for 
carrying  into  execution  the  orders  and  canons 
for  government  and  discipline,  or  other  spiritual 
purposes,  which  shall  be  framed  by  this  or  any 
future  Convention.  They  shall  have  the  sole 
power  of  directing  the  payment  of  money  be- 
longing to  the  church  within  their  respective 
parishes,  and  of  appointing  a  clerk,  and  such 
other  officers  of  the  church  as  they  shall  think 
proper,  and  of  removing  them  when  they  shall 
see  cause.  All  their  proceedings  shall  be  fairly 
entered  in  a  book  to  be  kept  for  that  purpose. 

8.  A  meeting  of  the  body,  to  be  called  by  the 
minister,  or,  if  he  be  absent,  or  in  case  of  a 
vacancy,  by  the  church-wardens,  or  by  a  church- 
warden, if  but  one  within  the  parish,  or  by  any 
two  vestrymen,  if  there  be  no  minister  or  church- 
warden, shall  be  had  as  often  as  may  be  neces- 
sary. In  these  meetings,  the  minister  shall  have 
a  vote  equal  to,  and  not  greater  than,  a  vestry- 
man, in  all  questions  except  for  the  demise  of 
the  glebe-lands  assigned  for  his  residence  or 
use,  in  which  he  shall  have  a  negative.  Seven 
members  shall  be  sufficient  to  constitute  a  meet- 
ing ;  and  all  questions  shall  be  decided  by  a 
majority  of  those  present.  Provided  always, 
That  in  the  induction  of  a  minister,  and  in  grant- 
ing testimonials  to  candidates  for  orders,  the 
votes  of  six  members  at  least  shall  be  neces- 
sary. 

9.  If  any  minister  of  a  parish  shall  neglect  or 
refuse  to  call  a  meeting  of  the  vestry,  when  re- 
quested by  two  or  more  vestrymen,  the  church- 
wardens, or  church-warden,  if  but  one  within  the 
parish,  may  call  a  meeting ;  or  if  there  be  no 
church-warden,  or  if  the  church-wardens  or 
church-warden  neglect  or  refuse  when  req^uested, 
any  two  vestrymen  may  call  a  meeting. 


62 


CONVENTION  OF  1793. 


10.  No  sale  of  that  kind  of  property  which 
may  be  considered  as  principal  or  stock,  belong- 
ing to  this  church  in  any  parish,  shall  be  made 
without  the  consent  of  the  Convention. 

2.  A  Canon  concerning  Conventions. 

1.  There  shall  be  a  Convention  of  the  Prot- 
estant Episcopal  Church  in  this  commonwealth 
on  the  first  Tuesday  of  May  in  every  year, 
in  such  place  as  shall  be  agreed  on  by  the 
Convention.  A  Convention  shall  consist  of 
two  deputies  from  each  parish,  of  whom  the 
minister  shall  be  one,  if  there  be  a  minister,  and 
the  other  shall  be  a  layman,  to  be  annually 
chosen  by  the  vestry.  If  there  be  no  minister 
in  any  parish,  two  lay  deputies  shall  be  chosen. 
Twenty-five  deputies,  thus  qualified  or  appointed, 
shall  be  a  Convention  ;  provided  always,  that 
if  a  sufficient  number  to  form  a  Convention  shall 
not  attend  on  any  day,  any  five  members  then 
assembled  shall  have  power  to  adjourn. 

2.  Special  Conventions  may  be  called  at  other 
times,  in  the  manner  hereafter  to  be  provided 
for. 

3.  Each  member  shall,  on  taking  his  seat, 
deHver  in  to  the  secretary  of  the  Convention  a 
testimonial  of  his  being  regularly  qualified  or 
appointed,  signed  by  one  or  both  of  the  church- 
wardens, or  by  the  clerk  of  the  vestry,  of  the 
parish  he  represents. 

4.  A  person  shall  preside  in  Convention  with 
the  name  of  president,  who  shall  always  be  a 
bishop,  when  there  is  one  present  properly  con- 
secrated and  settled  in  the  church.  If  there  be 
no  bishop  present,  the  Convention  shall  appoint 
some  other  member  of  their  body  president. 
If  there  be  more  bishops  than  one  in  Conven- 
tion, they  shall  have  the  right  of  presiding  in 
rotation. 

5.  A  secretary  shall  be  appointed  by  the 
Convention,  who  shall  continue  in  office  during 
good  behaviour.  He  shall  keep  a  record  of  their 
acts  and  proceedings,  and  have  the  custody  of 
the  records,  so  long  as  he  shall  continue  in 
office. 

6.  The  Convention  shall  establish  standing 
rules  for  the  preservation  of  decorum,  and  the 
orderly  management  of  business. 

7.  Conventions  shall  regulate  all  the  religious 
concerns  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church 
within  this  state,  its  doctrines,  discipline,  and 
worship,  and  institute  such  rules  and  regulations 
as  they  may  judge  necessary  for  the  good  gov- 
ernment thereof,  and  the  same  revoke  and  alter 
at  their  pleasure.  Provided  always,  That  the 
powers  hereby  declared  shall  not  be  so  con- 
strued as  to  affect  any  powers  exclusively  vest- 
ed in  the  General  Convention  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church  in  the  United  States  of 
America. 

8.  All  questions  before  the  Convention  shall 
be  determined  by  a  majority  of  votes. 

3.  A  Canon  concerning  Presbyteries. 

1.  The  clergy  of  the  several  neighbouring 
parishes,  not  less  than  three  nor  more  than  ten, 
shall  assemble  in  presbytery  annually,  on  some 
Monday  in  April,  and  at  other  times,  if  thereto 


required,  at  some  convenient  place  in  the  dis- 
trict. The  arrangement  of  the  parishes  into 
districts  for  this  purpose  shall  be  by  the  Con- 
vention, who  shall  also  appoint  in  each  district 
one  of  the  said  ministers,  to  preside  at  their 
meetings  with  the  title  of  visiter.  The  visiter 
shall  name  the  place  and  time  of  meeting  of  the 
presbyteries  ;  shall  annually  visit  each  parish  in 
his  district ;  shall  attend  to  and  inspect  the  morals 
and  conduct  of  the  clergy  ;  shall  see  that  the 
canons  and  rules  of  the  church  are  observed  and 
practised  ;  shall  admonish  and  reprove  privately 
those  clergymen  who  are  negligent  or  act  in  an 
unbecoming  manner  ;  and  shall  report  yearly  to 
the  bishop,  if  there  be  one,  or  if  there  be  no 
bishop,  to  the  next  Convention,  the  state  of  each 
parish  in  his  district. 

2.  It  shall  be  the  business  of  the  presbytery, 
when  assembled,  to  instruct  and  examine  candi- 
dates for  holy  orders  within  their  respective  dis- 
tricts, to  prescribe  to  them  a  thesis  or  text,  and 
give  them  proper  directions  for  composing  a 
discourse  on  the  same.  And  it  shall  be  the 
duty  of  every  candidate  for  holy  orders  to  make 
application  to  the  presbytery  of  his  district  for 
such  instruction  and  examination. 

4.  A  Canon  concerning  Bishops. 

1.  Every  person  to  officiate  as  a  bishop  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  this  state,  shall 
be  nominated  to  that  office  by  the  Convention ; 
and,  having  received  episcopal  consecration, 
shall,  before  he  enters  on  his  office,  subscribe 
to  conform  to  the  doctrine,  discipline,  and  wor- 
ship of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the 
United  States  of  America,  and  to  the  orders  and 
canons  of  the  said  church  in  this  state. 

2.  Every  bishop,  after  his  promotion  to  the 
episcopal  order,  may  continue  to  hold  a  parish, 
and  to  do  the  duty  of  a  parish  minister,  except 
when  he  is  necessarily  employed  in  the  discharge 
of  his  episcopal  office. 

3.  No  bishop  shall  inflict  any  censure  on,  or 
exercise  any  power  over,  the  clergy  under  his 
inspection,  other  than  he  is  allowed  to  do  by  the 
laws  and  institutions  of  this  church  made  in 
Convention. 

4.  Bishops,  after  every  visitation,  shall  report 
the  state  of  the  church  in  the  different  parishes 
to  the  Convention. 

5.  Bishops  shall  have  power  to  call  special 
meetings  of  the  Convention ;  to  grant  testi- 
monials to  all  persons  who  are  candidates  for 
parishes,  and  who  are  not  citizens  of  this  state  ; 
to  make  such  representations  on  behalf  of  this 
church,  as  may  from  time  to  time  be  expedient ; 
to  give  advice  on  difficulties  propounded  to  them 
concerning  this  church  during  the  recess  of 
Convention  ;  and  to  correspond  with  any  society 
or  societies  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church 
in  these  United  States,  on  any  matters  relating 
to  this  church,  which  several  powers  shall  be 
exercised  only  with  advice  of  the  standing  com- 
mittee. 

6.  Bishops  shall  be  amenable  to  the  Conven- 
tion, who  shall  b.e  a  court  to  try  them,  from 
which  there  shall  be  no  appeal.  On  all  such 
occasions,  a  bishop  shall  preside. 


CONVENTION  OF  1793. 


63 


7.  All  accusations  against  a  bishop,  as  such, 
shall  be  on  oalh  ;  but  no  accusation  against  a 
bishop  shall  be  received  unless  three  respectable 
persons  join  in  the  complaint.  All  complaints 
against  a  bishop  shall  be  lodged  with  the  stand- 
ing committee ;  and  a  copy  of  the  charge  or 
charges  to  be  brought  against  him  shall  be  com- 
municated to  him  in  writing,  at  least  two  months 
before  the  trial.  Counsel  may  be  employed  on 
both  sides,  and  none  but  viva  voce  evidence  shall 
be  admitted 

8.  If  a  complaint  be  against  a  bishop,  as  a 
minister  of  a  parish,  it  may  be  brought  as  is 
directed  in  the  canon  concerning  offences  and 
the  mode  of  proceeding  against  offending  min- 
isters, except  that  the  complaint  shall  be  made 
to  the  standing  committee  ;  and  the  subsequent 
proceedings  thereon  shall  be  before  the  Conven- 
tion ;  and  in  like  manner,  as  herein  prescribed, 
where  the  complaint  is  made  against  him  as  a 
bishop. 

9.  Disorderly,  scandalous,  and  immoral  con- 
duct, neglect  of  duty,  a  disregard  to  the  rules 
and  canons  of  the  church,  or  taking  a  bribe,  to 
grant  either  ordination  or  a  recommendation 
for  a  vacant  parish,  shall  be  considered  as  of- 
fences in  a  bishop  for  which  he  may  be  brought 
to  trial ;  and  on  being  convicted  of  any  of  these, 
he  shall  be  reproved,  suspended,  or  degraded. 

6.    A   Canon  concerning  the  Ordination  of 
Priests  and  Deacons,  and  their  Duties. 

1.  Every  person  to  be  ordained  priest  or 
deacon  by  any  bishop  of  this  church,  shall  pro- 
duce such  testimonials  of  his  good  morals  and 
orderly  conduct  as  are  required  by  the  canons 
of  the  General  Convention,  from  the  clergy  as- 
sembled in  the  district  where  he  for  some  time 
last  resided,  and  from  the  vestry  of  the  parish 
where  he  last  lived,  provided  there  be  in  the 
district  a  sufficient  number  of  clergymen  to  form 
a  presbytery  ;  otherwise  a  testimonial  from  the 
minister  and  vestry  of  his  parish,  or  from  the 
vestry  alone,  if  the  parish  be  vacant,  shall  be 
deemed  sufficient  :  Provided  also,  That  the  can- 
didate is  not  an  inhabitant  of  some  other  state, 
and  intended  to  minister  in  some  parish  or  con- 
gregation in  a  neighbouring  state.  No  person 
shall  be  ordained  until  due  examination  had  by 
the  bishop  and  two  priests. 

2.  Ministers  shall,  at  their  churches  and  othter 
convenient  places,  instruct  children,  and  such 
ignorant  persons  as  may  require  it,  in  their 
catechism,  and  the  principles  of  the  Christian 
religion  as  maintained  by  this  church  ;  pro- 
vided that  this  duty  may  be  dispensed  with 
during  the  inclement  winter  months.  They 
shall  also  explain  the  nature  of  confirmation, 
and  instruct  and  prepare  their  parishioners 
for  it. 

3.  Ministers  shall  wear  a  surplice  during  the 
time  of  prayer  at  public  worship,  in  places  where 
they  are  provided  ;  shall  wear  gowns  when  they 
preach,  where  they  conveniently  can  ;  and  shall 
at  all  times  wear  apparel  suitable  to  the  gravity 
of  their  profession. 

4.  Ministers  may  encourage  people  to  as- 
semble together  in  small  societies  at  convenient 


times  for  their  edification,  and  may  visit,  super- 
intend, and  instruct  such  societies  at  their  meet- 
ings ;  provided  they  shall  not  do  it  to  the  en- 
couragement of  idleness,  or  to  the  injury  of  pri- 
vate families. 

5.  Ministers  officiating  in  this  church,  whether 
bishops,  priests,  or  deacons,  shall  preach  once 
at  least  on  every  Lord's  day,  and  at  other  stated 
seasons,  unless  prevented  by  some  sufficient 
cause.  They  may,  at  their  discretion,  preach 
also  at  other  times,  when  opportunities  shall 
offer  of  edifying  the  church.  Bishops  and  priests 
shall  administer  the  sacrament  of  the  Lord's 
Supper  at  least  four  times  in  the  year  at  each 
church  or  place  of  worship  in  their  respective 
parishes,  and  shall  visit  the  sick  when  called 
on  for  that  purpose.  Deacons  as  well  as  priests 
shall  baptize  ;  and  may  solemnize  marriages, 
and  assist  in  administering  the  sacrament  of  the 
Lord's  Supper,  but  they  shall  not  consecrate 
the  elements. 

6.  A  Canon  concerning  the  Induction  of  Min- 
isters into  Parishes. 

1.  The  right  of  presentation,  or  appointing 
ministers  to  serve  in  the  parishes,  shall  continue 
in  the  vestries,  and  each  vestry  shall  choose  its 
own  minister. 

2.  No  minister  shall  be  received  into  a  parish 
who  does  not  first  produce  to  the  vestry  satis- 
factory testimonials  of  his  morals,  conduct,  and 
conversation,  from  the  person  or  persons  ap- 
pointed by  the  Convention  to  inquire  into  such 
matters,  and  grant  such  testimonials. 

3.  No  person  shall  be  received  into  any  parish 
within  this  commonwealth  as  a  minister,  unless 
he  first  produce  to  the  vestry  sufficient  testi- 
monials of  his  having  been  regularly  ordained  a 
priest  or  deacon  by  some  Protestant  bishop,  and 
of  having  taken  the  oath  of  allegiance  to  this 
commonwealth,  and  subscribe  to  be  conformable 
to  the  doctrine,  discipline,  and  worship  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church  of  the  United  States 
of  America,  and  to  the  orders  and  canons  of  the 
said  church  in  this  state  ;  nor  until  he  shall  have 
entered  into  a  contract  in  writing  with  the  vestry 
or  trustees  on  behalf  of  the  society  within  such 
parish,  by  which  it  shall  be  stipulated  and  de- 
clared, that  he  holds  the  appointment  subject  to 
removal,  agreeably  to  the  rules  and  canons  of  the 
Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church 
in  this  state.  Provided,  That  any  person  who 
hath  been  ordained  by  a  bishop  of  the  Church 
of  Rome  may  also  be  received  as  a  minister, 
who  shall  produce  satisfactory  testimonials  re- 
specting his  ordination,  morals,  and  conduct, 
take  the  oath,  and  subscribe  as  aforesaid. 

4.  No  minister  shall  be  allowed  to  hold  more 
than  one  parish  at  the  same  time.  Neverthe- 
less, a  minister  may,  if  called  thereto  by  the 
vestry,  preach  in  a  neighbouring  parish  or  par- 
ishes during  a  vacancy  therein  ;  and  may  re- 
ceive a  compensation  for  his  services,  provided 
he  has  the  consent  of  his  own  vestry,  and  does 
not  neglect  the  duties  of  his  parish. 

5.  Every  minister  shall  reside  within  his  parish, 
unless  a  majority  of  his  vestry  shall  agree  to 
dispense  with  his  residence,  and  shall  at  no 


64 


CONVENTION  OF  1793. 


time  leave  it  for  more  than  one  month  without 
the  consent  of  the  said  vestry. 

6.  No  person  having  deacon's  orders  only 
shall  be  allowed  as  such  to  hold  a  parish,  after 
he  hath  officiated  eighteen  months  as  a  deacon, 
and  attained  the  age  of  twenty-five  years. 

7.  A  Canon  concerning  Offences,  and  the  mode 
of  proceeding  against  offending  Ministers. 

1.  Disorderly,  scandalous,  and  immoral  con- 
duct, neglect  of  duty,  a  disregard  to  the  rules 
and  canons  of  the  church,  or  taking  a  bribe  to 
recommend  either  for  ordination  or  a  parish,  are 
offences  for  which  a  minister,  whether  beneficed 
or  not,  may  be  brought  to  trial. 

2.  District  courts  shall  be  instituted  to  ex- 
amine into  and  decide  on  complaints  exhibited 
against  ministers,  which  courts  shall  be  com- 
posed of  one  clergyman  and  one  vestryman  from 
each  parish  of  the  district  in  which  the  accused 
minister  resides,  the  parish  excepted  to  which 
the  accused  minister  belongs,  or  in  which  he  re- 
sides. The  appointment  of  the  vestrymen  shall 
be  by  their  respective  vestries,  and  by  lot.  The 
visiter  of  the  district  shall  preside,  unless  he  be 
the  accuser  or  the  accused  person  ;  in  either  of 
which  cases,  the  oldest  clergyman  in  orders 
shall  be  the  president.  Provided  nevertheless, 
That  where  the  number  of  settled  clergymen  in 
the  district  be  less  than  two,  the  president  shall 
call  for  a  clergyman  from  a  neighbouring  dis- 
trict. And  moreover,  if,  when  the  court  as- 
sembles, the  number  of  vestrymen  shall  be  found 
to  exceed  the  number  of  clergymen  present,  so 
many  vestrymen  shall  be  withdrawn  by  lot  as 
shall  be  necessary  to  equahze  the  numbers  of 
the  two  orders. 

3  Any  number  of  members  not  less  than 
three,  two  of  whom  shall  be  clergymen,  shall  be 
sufficient  to  constitute  a  court. 

4.  Complaints  against  a  minister  shall  be  on 
oath,  and  directed  to  the  visiter  of  the  district 
in  which  the  accused  minister  resides  ;  or,  where 
there  is  no  visiter,  or  where  the  visiter  exhibits 
the  complaint,  or  is  the  person  accused,  to  a 
member  of  the  presbytery  in  the  said  district. 
The  visiter,  or  member  of  the  presbytery,  as  the 
case  may  be,  shall  forthwith  appoint  a  convenient 
time  and  place  for  the  trial  within  the. parish 
where  the  accused  minister  officiates  or  resides, 
and  shall  take  care  that  the  members  who  are 
to  compose  the  court  may  have  timely  informa- 
tion thereof  The  courts  shall  appoint  their 
clerks  occasionally  for  such  trials  ;  and  no  ves- 
tryman shall  sit  on  the  trial  of  an  accused  min- 
ister belonging  to  or  residing  in  the  parish  to 
which  such  vestryman  belongs. 

6.  In  every  complaint  the  offence  or  offences 
shall  be  stated,  and  the  accused  minister  shall 
be  furnished  with  a  copy  of  the  charges  brought 
against  him,  and  with  notice  of  his  intended 
trial,  at  least  one  month  before  the  trial. 

6.  The  visiter,  or  person  to  whom  the  com- 
plaint shall  be  made,  shall  cite  the  accused 
minister  before  the  appointed  court,  which  shall, 
unless  the  person  accused  is  prevented  from  at- 
tending by  sickness,  proceed  to  the  trial.  Viva 
voce  evidence  shall  only  be  admitted,  and  that 


upon  oath ;  and  counsel  may  be  employed  on 
both  sides. 

7.  If  the  court  shall  be  of  opinion  that  the  ac- 
cused minister  is  guilty  of  the  charge  or  charges 
brought  against  him,  or  of  any  of  them,  they 
shall  proceed  to  pass  sentence,  which  shall  be 
none  other  than  reproof  or  suspension. 

8.  In  all  cases  where  the  court  shall  be  of 
opinion  that  the  offence  deserves  suspension, 
they  shall  take  the  depositions  of  witnesses,  and 
shall  without  delay  report  their  proceedings  and 
the  depositions  to  the  bishop  ;  or,  if  there  be  no 
bishop  of  the  church  in  this  state,  to  the  chair- 
man of  the  standing  committee  ;  and  the  bishop, 
with  the  standing  committee,  or,  if  there  be  no 
bishop,  the  standing  committee,  or  a  majority 
of  them  in  either  case,  shall  be,  and  are  hereby 
constituted  and  appointed  a  court,  in  the  last 
resort,  to  try  the  offender.  If,  on  considering 
the  case,  they  do  not  acquit  him,  they  shall 
either  confirm  the  sentence  of  the  district  court, 
or  pass  such  other  sentence  as  a  majority  of 
them  shall  think  the  offence  deserves,  which 
shall  be  either  reproof  or  degradation.  Pro- 
vided always,  That  if  there  be  no  bishop  of  this 
church  settled  in  the  state,  and  the  offences  for 
which  any  minister  may  be  suspended  by  a  dis- 
trict court  shall  appear  to  the  standing  com- 
mittee to  merit  the  punishment  of  degradation, 
the  standing  committee  shall  not  in  that  case 
pronounce  sentence  of  degradation,  but  shall 
request  the  attendance  of  any  bishop  of  this 
church  in  a  neighbouring  state,  who  shall,  on 
the  trial  and  in  pronouncing  sentence,  be  vested 
with  as  full  and  ample  powers  as  a  bishop  of 
this  church  settled  in  the  state  would  have. 

9.  If  a  minister,  while  under  the  sentence 
of  suspension,  shall  nevertheless  continue  to 
execute  the  functions  of  the  clerical  office,  on 
satisfactory  proof  thereof  being  made  to  the 
bishop,  or  standing  committee,  if  there  be  no 
bishop,  the  sentence  of  degradation  shall  be 
passed  on  him. 

8.  A  Canon  concerning  the  Appointment  and 
Duties  of  a  Standing  Committee. 

1.  A  standing  committee,  consisting  of  six 
persons,  shall  be  annually  appointed  by  the  Con- 
vention. They  shall  be  considered  in  office 
from  the  end  of  the  session  of  the  Convention 
in  which  they  are  appointed,  and  shall  continue 
in  office  until  the  end  of  the  next  annual  session 
of  Convention.  Any  four  of  them  shall  be  a 
sufficient  number  to  do  business. 

2.  The  standing  committee  shall  have  power, 
when  there  is  no  bishop  of  this  church  settled 
in  this  state,  to  call  meetings  of  the  Convention 
when  they  shall  think  them  necessary  ;  to  grant 
testimonials  to  all  persons  candidates  for  par- 
ishes, and  not  citizens  of  this  state,  who  may 
apply  for  the  same ;  to  make  such  representa- 
tions on  behalf  of  the  church  as  may  from  time 
to  time  be  expedient ;  to  give  advice  on  diffi- 
culties propounded  to  them  concerning  the 
church  during  the  recess  of  Convention  ;  to 
correspond  with  any  society  or  societies  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  these  United 
States,  on  any  matters  relating  to  the  church ; 


CONVENTION  OF  1794. 


65 


and  to  do  all  other  things  assigned  to  them  by 
the  rules  and  canons  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  in  the  United  States  of  America  passed 
in  General  Convention,  or  in  Convention  of  the 
said  church  in  this  state. 

9.  A  Canon  concerning  a  Treasurer. 

1.  There  shall  be  appointed  annually  by  the 
Convention  a  treasurer  of  this  church  in  this  state, 
who  shall  be  a  man  of  good  character  and  respon- 
sibility. He  shall  be  removable  at  the  pleasure 
of  the  Convention ;  but,  unless  so  removed,  shall 
continue  in  office  until  the  end  of  the  next  annual 
session  of  a  Convention  after  his  appointment. 

2.  He  shall  keep  a  fair  and  exact  account  of 
all  moneys  received  and  paid  away  by  him  ;  and 
shall  lay  before  the  Convention  annually,  or 
oftener  if  thereto  required,  a  full  and  accurate 
statement  of  his  accounts.     He  shall  pay  no 


money  but  by  direction  of  the  Convention,  and 
shall  in  all  things  relating  to  his  office  conform 
to  their  orders  and  regulations.  For  his  services 
he  shall  be  allowed  a  compensation  of  five  per 
cent,  on  all  moneys  received  by  him. 

10.  A  Canon  rescinding  certain  Ordinances  and 
Canons. 

1.  Whereas  a  general  code  of  canons  for  the 
regulation  and  government  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church  in  this  state  has  been  framed 
by  this  present  Convention,  all  ordinances  and 
canons  in  force  prior  to  the  meeting  of  this  Con- 
vention shall  be,  and  they  are  hereby  rescinded. 
Provided  nevertheless.  That  nothing  in  this 
canon  shall  be  construed  to  afiect  any  rights, 
remedies,  forfeitures,  or  penalties,  which  have 
accrued,  been  vested,  or  incurred,  prior  to  the 
passing  of  this  canon. 


Journal  of  a  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  State  of  Virginia,  held  in  the 

City  of  Richmond,  May  Qth,  1794. 

A  List  of  the  Members  of  the  Convention. 


Parishes. 

Clergymen. 

Lay  Deputies. 

Abingdon, 

Warner  Lewis. 

Bristol, 

Andrew  Syme. 

G.  K.  Taylor. 

Bruton, 

Robert  Andrews. 

Christ  Church  (Lancaster), 

5  Raleigh  W.  Downman, 
I  W.  Eustace. 

Dale, 

Needier  Robinson. 

Frederick, 

Alexander  Balmain. 

Fredericksville, 

Matthew  Maury. 

Reuben  Lindsay. 

Henrico, 

John  Buchanan. 

William  Foushee. 

James  City, 

James  Madison  (P.  and  B.). 

William  Browne. 

King  William, 

John  Harris.                               ^ 

Littleton, 

James  Deane. 

Manchester, 

William  Cameron. 

David  Patteson. 

Martin's  Brandon, 

John  J.  Spooner. 

Nottoway, 

John  Cameron. 

Robt.  Fitzgerald. 

St.  Andrews, 

W.  E.  Broadnax. 

St.  David, 

Joseph  Gwatney.i 

St.  George  (Accomack), 

Cave  Jones. 

St.  John, 

James  Price. 

Drury  Ragsdale. 

St.  Paul  (Hanover), 

Thomas  Tinsley,  John  (Jarland. 

York  Hampton, 

James  Henderson. 

Hugh  Nelson. 

The  Rev.  Sewall  Chapin  and  Samuel  Tyler,  Esqrs.,  from  the  parish  of  Westover,  arrived  on 
the  second  day  too  late  to  take  their  seats  in  Convention. 


On  Tuesday,  the  sixth  day  of  May,  in  the 
year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  seven  hundred 
and  ninety-four,  being  the  day  appointed  for  the 
meeting  of  the  Convention  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church  in  the  commonwealth  of  Vir- 
ginia, a  sufficient  number  of  members  to  pro- 
ceed on  business  having  convened, 

The  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Madison  took  his  seat 
as  President  of  the  Convention. 

Robert  Andrews  took  his  seat  as  Secretary 
of  the  Convention. 

Ordered,  That  a  committee  be  appointed  to 
examine  the  returns  of  the  sitting  members,  and 
to  report  thereon  :  And  a  committee  was  ap- 
pointed of  Mr.  Nelson,  Mr.  Patterson,  Rev,  Mr, 
J.  Cameron,  and  Rev.  Mr.  Maury. 

A  motion  being  made  by  Mr.  Nelson,  and  sec- 


onded by  Mr.  Patteson,  that  the  Convention 
come  to  this  resolution.  Resolved,  That  a  com- 
mittee be  appointed  to  inquire  into  the  proceed- 
ings of  all  the  Conventions  of  the  church  within 
the  state,  since  the  repeal  of  the  law  incorpora- 
ting the  church,  as  well  as  into  the  proceedings 
of  the  several  General  Conventions,  and  to  make 
report,  with  their  opinion  thereon,  to  this  Con- 
vention, the  resolution  was  read  by  the  sec- 
retary. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  resolution  Ue  on  the 
table. 

Ordered,  That  a  committee  be  appointed  to 
examine  the  treasurer's  accounts  :  And  a  com- 
mittee was  appointed  of  Mr.  Patteson,  Rev.  Mr. 
W.  Cameron,  Rev.  Mr.  Balmain,  and  Mr.  Lind- 
say. 


66 


CONVENTION  OF  1794. 


A  letter  from  the  Rev.  John  H.  Saunders,  ad- 
dressed to  the  president,  was  laid  before  the 
Convention  and  read  ;  whereupon  the  Conven- 
tion came  to  the  following  resolution  : — 

Resolved,  That  the  mode  of  communicating, 
by  letter,  sentiments  on  subjects  proper  for  the 
discussion  of  the  Convention,  is  irregular  in  in- 
dividual members  of  the  church. 

Papers  from  the  parishes  of  James  City  and 
Blisland,  recommending  Mr.  Benjamin  Brown 
for  holy  orders,  and  that  examination  in  the 
Latin  and  Greek  languages  might  be  dispensed 
with,  were  read,  and  ordered  to  be  referred  to  a 
committee,  consisting  of  Mr.  Brown,  Rev.  Mr. 
J.  Cameron,  Rev.  Mr.  Maury,  Mr.  Garland,  and 
Rev.  Mr.  Henderson. 

Papers  from  Accomack  parish  to  the  same 
effect  in  favour  of  Mr.  Isaac  Foster  were  read, 
and  ordered  to  be  referred  to  the  same  commit- 
tee. 

The  Convention  adjourned  until  10  o'clock 
to-morrow  morning. 

Wednesday,  May  7. 

Mr.  Brown,  from  the  committee  appointed  to 
examine  the  papers  relative  to  Mr.  Benjamin 
Brown  and  Mr.  Isaac  Foster,  reported.  That  the 
committee  had,  according  to  order,  examined 
the  same,  and  had  come  to  a  resolution  thereon, 
which  was  read,  and  agreed  to  by  two  thirds  of 
the  Convention,  as  follows  : — 

Resolved,  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  com- 
mittee, that  the  dispensing  with  the  knowledge 
of  the  Greek  and  Latin  languages  in  the  exam- 
ination of  the  said  Mr.  Benjamin  Brown  and 
Mr.  Isaac  Foster  for  holy  orders,  may  be  of  ad- 
vantage to  the  Episcopal  Church  in  this  state. 

Mr.  Nelson,  from  the  committee  appointed  to 
examine  the  returns  of  the  sitting  members,  re- 
ported. That  the  committee  had,  according  to 
order,  examined  the  same,  and  had  found  that 
the  returns  from  the  following  parishes,  viz., 
Abingdon,  Bristol,  Bruton,  Christ  Church  (Lan- 
caster), Dale,  Frederick,  Fredericksville,  Hen- 
rico, James  City,  King  William,  Littleton,  Man- 
chester, Martin's  Brandon,  Nottoway,  St.  An- 
drews, St.  David,  St.  George  (Accomack),  St. 
John,  St.  Paul  (Hanover),  and  York  Hampton, 
were  made  agreeably  to  the  canon. 

Resolved,  That  the  Convention  proceed  by 
ballot  to  the  choice  of  two  deputies  to  attend 
any  General  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Epis- 
copal Church  in  the  United  States  of  America, 
which  may  meet  before  the  next  meeting  of  the 
Convention  of  the  said  church  in  this  state. 

The  Convention  having  accordingly  balloted, 
Mr.  Foushee  and  Mr.  Henderson  were  appoint- 
ed a  committee  to  examine  the  ballots  ;  who, 
having  withdrawn,  after  some  time  returned  into 
the  Convention,  and  reported,  That  they  had 
found  a  majority  of  the  votes  of  the  whole  Con- 
vftntion  in  favour  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Samuel  S. 
M'Croskey  and  Robert  Andrews,  Esqrs. 

Resolved,  unanimously.  That  the  deputies  to 
the  next  General  Convention  from  the  Protest- 
ant Episcopal  Church  in  this  state  be  instructed 
to  express  the  highest  disapprobation  of  this 
Convention,  respecting  the  investing   of  the 


House  of  Bishops  with  a  full  negative  upon  th« 
proceedings  of  thr-  House  of  Deputies. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  deputies  be  also  m- 
structed  to  use  their  endeavours  to  have  the 
sixth  additional  canon,  passed  at  the  last  Gen- 
eral Convention,  so  amended  as  to  vest  the  war- 
dens, vestrymen,  or  trustees  of  any  parish,  with 
the  power  of  granting  permission  to  any  clergy- 
man of  this  church  to  preach  or  read  prayers  in 
the  churches  under  their  care,  whenever  they 
shall  be  of  opinion  that  the  interests  of  religion 
will  be  thereby  promoted. 

Bishop  Madison  reported  the  state  of  the 
churches  visited  by  him  since  the  last  Conven- 
tion. 

Mr.  Balmain,  from  the  committee  appointed 
to  examine  the  treasurer's  accounts,  reported, 
That  the  comniittee  had,  according  to  order,  ex- 
amined the  same,  and  found  them  justly  and 
fairly  stated  :  and  that  there  is  in  his  hands  a 
balance  of  871.  18s.  ii^d. 

Resolved,  That  the  treasurer's  accounts  do 
pass. 

Resolved,  That  the  Rev.  John  Buchanan  be 
appointed  treasurer  for  the  ensuing  year. 

Resolved,  That  Samuel  Shield,  Robert  An- 
drews, Joseph  Prentis,  Cyrus  Griffin,  Joseph 
Hornsby,  and  James  Henderson,  be  appointed  a 
standing  committee  for  the  ensuing  year. 

Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the 
several  parishes  within  this  commonwealth  to 
send  each  the  sum  of  fifteen  dollars  to  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Buchanan,  treasurer,  in  the  city  of 
Richmond,  on  or  before  the  first  Tuesday  in 
May  next,  to  be  applied  by  the  Convention  to- 
wards compensating  the  bishop  for  his  services, 
and  expenses  incurred  in  his  visitations,  and  to 
the  general  purposes  of  the  Protestant  Episco- 
pal Church  in  this  state. 

Resolved,  That  the  visiters  of  districts  be 
requested  to  use  their  endeavours  to  have  the 
arrearages  due  from  the  parishes  within  their 
respective  districts  collected  and  transmitted  to 
the  treasurer. 

Resolved,  That  the  sum  of  one  hundred 
pounds  be  allowed  to  the  Right  Rev.  Dr.  Mad- 
ison for  his  services  as  bishop  of  this  church  for 
the  last  year,  and  for  expenses  incurred  in  his 
visitations,  and  that  the  treasurer  pay  the  same. 

Resolved,  That  the  inhabitants  of  Tillotson 
parish  qualified  by  the  canons  to  vote  for  ves- 
trymen and  trustees,  be  empowered  to  elect  the 
same  on  any  day  before  the  first  day  of  January, 
1795,  in  the  manner  prescribed  by  the  canon 
concerning  vestries  and  trustees. 

Resolved,  That  the  Rev.  Needier  Robinson 
be  appointed  visiter  of  District  No.  3,  in  the 
room  of  the  Rev.  John  Cameron,  who  has  left 
the  said  district. 

Resolved,  That  the  Rev.  Needier  Robinson 
be  requested  to  preach  before  the  next  Conven- 
tion. 

Resolved,  That  the  standing  committee  be 
directed  to  address  the  members  of  the  Prot- 
estant Episcopal  Church  in  .he  different  par- 
ishes of  this  state,  through  their  ministers,  or 
vestries,  where  there  are  no  ministers,  on  the 
situation  of  the  church,  and  the  necessity  ol 


CONVENTION  OF  1796. 


67 


complying  with  the  requisitions  of  the  Conven- 
tion. 

Resolved,  That  the  next  Convention  meet  in 
the  city  of  Richmond. 

Resolved,  That  the  treasurer  pay  twenty  shil- 
lings to  the  doorkeeper  for  his  services. 


Resolved,  That  200  copies  of  the  Journal  of 
this  Convention  be  printed,  under  the  inspection 
of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Buchanan. 
The  Convention  adjourned. 

Signed,        James  Madison,  President. 
Attest,         RoBT.  Andksws,  Secretary. 


CONVENTION  OF  1795. 
A  copy  of  the  journals  of  this  Convention  could  not  be  found. 


Journal  of  a  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  Virginia,  held  at  the  Capitol  in 
the  City  of  Richmond,  May  3d,  1796. 


A  List  of  the  Members  of  tlie  Convention. 

Parishes. 

Clergymen. 

Lay  Deputies. 

Amherst, 

William  Crawford. 

Joseph  Shelton. 

Antrim, 

Alexand  r  Hay. 

Berkeley, 

Hugh  C.  Boggs. 

Edward  Herndon. 

BUsland, 

Burwell  Bassett. 

Botetourt, 

Samuel  Gray. 

Bristol, 

Andrew  Syme. 

Alexander  M'Rae. 

Bruton, 

John  Bracken. 

Robt.  Andrews. 

Christ  Church, 

Daniel  M'Naughton. 

James  Ball. 

Cumberland, 

John  Cameron. 

Christopher  Robertson, 

Dale, 

Needier  Robinson. 

Elizabeth  City, 

John  Jones  Spooner. 

Frederick, 

Alexander  Ba  main. 

James  Wood. 

Fredericksville, 

Matthew  Maury. 

John  Walker. 

Hanover, 

;  Aaron  Thornley, 
1  Peter  JetU 

Hardy, 

John  H.  Reynolds. 

Henrico, 

John  Buchanan. 

Hungars, 

Sam.  S.  M'Croskey. 

Nathaniel  Darby. 

James  City, 

Jas.  Madison  (B.  &  P.). 

John  Ambler. 

Manchester, 

David  Patteson. 

St.  Andrew, 

- 

<  John  Dunn, 

I  Charles  B.  Jones. 

St.  Asaph, 

George  Spierin. 

John  Woolfolk. 

St  David, 

<  Thomas  Fox, 
\  WUliam  Dabney. 

St.  George  (Ac), 

Cave  Jones. 

John  Reid. 

St.  George  (Sp.), 

James  Stephenson. 

William  Lovell. 

St.  James  Northam, 

Archibald  Bryce. 

St.  Mark, 

John  Woodville. 

Robt.  Slaughter,  jr. 

St.  Martin  (Ha.), 

Peter  Nelson. 

p         J 

St.  Paul       (do.), 

<  Thomas  Tinsley, 
(  John  Rowe. 

St.  Stephen  (K.  &  Q.), 

(  Thomas  Hill, 
\  William  Fleet. 

St.  Stephen  (Nor.), 

John  Seward. 

Abraham  Beacham. 

Shelburne, 

Alex.  M'Farland. 

Southam, 

Brett  Randolph. 
WiUiam  Hall. 

Ware, 

Elkanah  Talley. 

Washington, 

Jdin  O'Donnell. 

Daniel  M'Oarty. 

Westover, 

Sewall  Chapin. 

Wicomico, 

(  Hopkins  Hardy, 
\  Tho.  Hurst. 

York  Hampton, 

Thomas  GrifBn. 

On  Tuesday,  the  third  day  of  May,  in 
the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  seven 
hundred  and  ninety-six,  being  the  day  ap- 
pointed for  the  annual  meeting  of  the  Con- 
vention of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church 
in    the    State    of    Virginia,  a  sufficient   num- 

Ea 


ber  of  members  to  proceed  on  business  having 
convened. 

The  Right  Reverend  Bishop  Madison  took 
his  seat  as  President  of  the  Convention. 

Robert  Andrews  took  his  seat  as  Secretary 
to  the  Convention. 


68 


CONVENTION  OF  1796. 


A  committee,  consisting  of  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Cameron,  Mr.  Wood,  Mr.  Balmain,  and  Mr. 
Jones,  was  appointed  to  examine  and  report  on 
the  returns  of  the  sitting  members. 

A  committee,  consisting  of  Dr.  Cameron,  Mr. 
Patteson,  Mr.  Balmain,  and  Mr.  Ambler,  was 
appointed  to  examine  the  treasurer's  accounts, 
and  to  report  thereon. 

Dr.  M'Croskey  and  Mr.  Andrews,  deputies 
to  the  last  General  Convention,  reported  the 
proceedings  of  that  body. 

The  accounts  of  the  deputies  to  the  last 
General  Convention,  for  their  expenses,  were 
laid  before  the  Convention,  and  referred  to  the 
committee  appointed  to  examine  the  treasurer's 
accounts. 

Dr.  Cameron,  from  the  committee  appointed 
to  examine  the  returns  of  the  sitting  members, 
which  had  been  directed  to  withdraw  for  the 
purpose  of  examining  the  same,  reported,  That 
they  had  found  the  returns  from  the  following 
parishes,  viz.,  Amherst,  Antrim,  Berkeley, 
Bhsland,  Botetourt,  Bristol,  Bruton,  Christ 
Church  (Lancaster),  Cumberland,  Dale,  Eliza- 
beth City,  Frederick,  Fredericksville,  Hanover, 
Hardy,  Henrico,  Hungars,  James  City,  Man- 
chester, St.  Andrew,  St.  Asaph,  St.  David,  St. 
George  (Accomack),  St.  George  (Spotsylva- 
nia), St.  James  Northam,  St.  Mark,  St.  Martin, 
St.  Paul  (Hanover),  St.  Stephen  (King  and 
Queen),  St.  Stephen  (Northumberland),  Shel- 
burne,  Southam,  Ware,  Washington,  Wicomi- 
co, Westover,  and  York  Hampton,  were  made 
agreeably  to  the  canon. 

The  Convention  resolved  itself  into  a  com- 
mittee of  the  whole  Convention  on  the  state  of 
the  church  ;  and  after  some  time  spent  therein, 
the  committee  rose,  and  Mr.  Wood  reported 
progress,  and  asked  for  leave  to  sit  again ; 
whereon  it  was  agreed  that  the  Convention 
will  to-morrow  resolve  itself  into  a  committee 
of  the  whole  Convention  on  the  state  of  the 
church. 

The  Convention  adjourned  to  10  o'clock  to- 
morrow. 

Wednesday,  May  4. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Needier  Robinson,  according 
to  appointment,  preached  before  the  Conven- 
tion. 

The  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Madison  laid  before 
the  Convention  a  report  of  the  visitation  of 
parishes  made  by  him  since  the  last  Convention, 
which  was  read. 

The  Convention  resolved  itself  into  a  com- 
mittee of  the  whole  Convention  on  the  state  of 
the  church ;  and  after  some  time  spent  therein, 
the  committee  rose,  and  Mr.  Wood  reported. 
That  the  committee  had  taken  under  their  con- 
sideration the  state  of  the  church,  and  had 
come  to  some  resolutions  thereon,  which  were 
agreed  to,  as  follows  : — 

Resolved,  unanimously.  That  it  is  the  opin- 
ion of  this  committee,  that,  by  various  acts  of 
the  Legislature  of  Virginia,  the  property  of  the 
church,  formerly  established  by  law,  has  been 
confirmed  to  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church 
in  this  state ;  and  that,  therefore,  any  legisla- 


tive interference  without  the  consent  of  the  said 
church,  by  which  its  right  to  the  said  property 
would  be  affected,  would  be  a  violation  of  the 
rights  of  private  property,  and  of  one  of  tlie 
fundamental  principles  of  the  present  civil  gov- 
ernment. 

Resolved,  That  the  Convention  ought  to 
present  a  memorial  to  the  ensuing  General  As- 
sembly, stating  the  grounds  of  the  right  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church  to  the  glebes, 
churches,  and  other  property  now  held  by  the 
said  church  in  this  state. 

Mr.  Bassett,  Dr.  Cameron,  Mr.  Andrews,  Dr. 
M'Croskey,  Mr.  Walker,  and  Mr.  Maury,  were 
appointed  a  committee  to  draw  the  said  me- 
morial. 

A  petition  was  presented  from  the  parish  of 
Cumberland,  praying  for  leave  to  sell  a  part  of 
their  glebe,  for  the  purpose  of  raising  money  to 
repair  the  buildings  of  the  said  glebe  ;  whereon  it 
was  resolved,  That  the  trustees  of  the  parish  of 
Cumberland  have  the  consent  of  this  Conven- 
tion to  sell  that  part  of  the  glebe-land  of  the 
said  parish  which  hes  on  the  north  side  of  the 
Reedy  Creek  road,  containing  about  one  hun- 
dred acres,  for  the  purpose  of  raising  money  to 
repair  the  buildings  on  the  said  glebe. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  vestry  or 
trustees  of  St.  Andrew's  parish  have  the  con- 
sent of  the  Convention  to  sell  the  glebe  of  the 
said  parish  for  the  purpose  of  purchasing  a  more 
convenient  one  ;  provided  it  shall  be  done  with- 
in twelve  months,  and  it  shall  be  the  opinion  of 
the  trustees  that  it  can  be  done  with  advantage 
to  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church. 

Mr.  Spierin,  Mr.  Spooner,  and  Mr.  Nelson, 
obtained  leave  of  absence  for  the  remainder  of 
the  session. 

The  Convention  adjourned  to  10  o'clock  to- 
morrow. 

Thursday,  May  5. 

Dr.  Cameron,  from  the  committee  appointed 
to  examine  the  treasurer's  accounts,  reported, 
That  they  had  examined  the  same,  and  found 
them  fairly  and  truly  stated,  and  that  there  was 
in  his  hands  a  balance  of  two  hundred  and  fifty- 
two  pounds  six  shillings  and  a  halfpenny ;  and 
that  there  was  due  to  the  Rev.  Dr.  Samuel 
S.  M'Croskey  the  sum  of  thirty  pounds,  and 
to  Robert  Andrews  the  sum  of  twenty-three 
pounds  eighteen  shillings  and  eleven  pence,  for 
expenses  incurred  by  them  respectively  in  at- 
tending the  last  General  Convention  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  as  deputies  from 
the  said  church  in  this  state  ;  whereon. 

Resolved,  That  the  treasurer's  accounts  do 
pass. 

Resolved,  That  the  treasurer  pay  to  the 
Rev.  Dr.  M'Croskey  and  Robert  Andrews  the 
sums  reported  to  be  due  to  them. 

Resolved,  That  the  treasurer  pay  to  Bishop 
Madison  twenty-five  pounds  for  his  expenses  in 
attending  the  last  Greneral  Convention ;  and 
also  two  hundred  pounds  for  his  services,  and 
the  expenses  incurred  in  his  visitations  in  the 
years  1794  and  1795. 

Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  each 


CONVENTION  OF  1797. 


69 


of  the  parishes  within  this  commonwealth  to 
send  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Buchanan,  treasurer,  in 
the  city  of  Richmond,  on  or  before  the  first 
Tuesday  in  May  next,  the  sum  of  fifteen  dol- 
lars, to  be  applied  by  the  Convention  towards 
compensating  the  bishop  for  his  services,  and 
expenses  incurred  in  his  visitations,  and  to  the 
general  purposes  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  in  this  state. 

Mr.  Bassett,  from  the  committee  appointed  to 
prepare  a  draught  of  a  memorial  to  be  presented 
to  the  next  General  Assembly,  on  the  subject 
of  the  property  of  the  church,  reported  the 
same,  which  was  read  and  agreed  to ;  and  it 
was  resolved,  That  it  should  be  signed  by  the 
president  on  behalf  of  the  Convention,  and  that 
he  should  have  it  presented  to  the  next  General 
Assembly,  should  he  find  it  expedient. 

Resolved,  That  John  Blair,  Robert  Andrews, 
Joseph  Prentis,  Cyrus  Griffin,  James  Hender- 
son, and  Champion  Travis,  be  appointed  a 
standing  committee  for  the  ensuing  year. 

Resolved,  That  the  Rev.  John  Buchanan,  of 
the  city  of  Richmond,  be  appointed  treasurer 
for  the  ensuing  year. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  John  Cameron  was  appointed 
visiter  of  District  No.  4,  in  the  room  of  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Craig,  deceased. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  James  Whitehead  was  appoint- 
ed visiter  of  District  No.  1,  in  the  room  of  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Taylor,  deceased. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  John  Seward  was  appointed 
visiter  of  District  No.  18,  in  the  room  of  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Andrews,  deceased. 

Resolved,  That  the  Rev.  Mr.  Cave  Jones  be 
requested  to  preach  before  the  next  Convention  ; 
and  also,  that  the  Rev.  Mr.  Daniel*  M'Naughton 
be  requested  to  prepare  a  sermon  for  the  next 
Convention. 

The  Convention  having  proceeded  by  ballot 
to  the  choice  of  deputies  to  represent  the  church 


in  this  state  in  any  General  Convention  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  United 
States  which  might  meet  before  the  next  meet- 
ing of  the  Convention  of  the  said  church  in  this 
state,  on  examining  the  ballots  it  appeared  that 
the  Rev.  Samuel  S.  M'Croskey,  D.  D.,  was 
chosen  clerical  deputy,  and  Robert  Andrews, 
lay  deputy. 

Resolved,  That  the  next  Convention  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  this  state  meet 
in  the  city  of  Richmond. 

Resolved,  That  the  Rev.  Mr.  Needier  Robin- 
son be  requested  to  furnish  for  the  press  a  copy 
of  his  pious  and  judicious  sermon  preached  yes- 
terday. 

Resolved,  That  200  copies  of  the  Journal  of 
this  Convention  be  published,  and  under  the  di- 
rection of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Buchanan  ;  and  that  the 
sermon  preached  by  Mr.  Robinson,  and  the 
canons  passed  at  the  last  General  Convention, 
be  annexed  thereto. 

Dr.  Cameron  presented  a  canon  respecting 
ministers  holding  military  commissions,  which, 
after  the  customary  readings,  was  passed,  as 
follows : — 

A  canon  to  prohibit  clergymen  of  the  Protest- 
ant Episcopal  Church  from  holding  military 
commissions,  and  for  other  purposes. 

No  clergyman  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  in  the  State  of  Virginia  shall  be  per- 
mitted to  hold  a  military  commission  :  nor  shall 
a  clergyman  leaving  one  parish  be  inducted  into 
another,  unless  he  shall  produce  to  the  vestry  of 
such  parish  testimonials  of  his  good  conduct  from 
the  vestry  of  the  parish  where  he  last  resided. 
Resolved,  That  the  treasurer  pay  five  dollars 
to  the  person  who  has  acted  as  doorkeeper  to 
the  Convention  for  his  services. 
The  Convention  adjourned, 

James  Madison,  President. 
Attest,  Robert  Andrews,  Secretary. 


Journal  of  a  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  Virginia,  held  at  the  Capitol  in 
the  City  of  Richmond,  December  6th,  1797. 
A  List  of  the  Members  of  the  Convention. 


Parishes. 
Abingdon, 
Amherst, 
Berkeley, 
Blisland, 
Bristol, 
Brunswick, 
Bruton, 

Christ  Church  (Lancaster), 
Cumberland, 
Dale, 
St.  David, 
Elizabeth  River, 
Ehzabeth  City, 
Fairfax, 
Frederick, 
Fredericksville, 
Henrico, 
Hungars, 
James  City, 
King  William, 


Clergymen. 

William  Crawford. 
Hugh  C.  Boggs. 

Andrew  Syme. 

John  Bracken. 
Daniel  M'Naughton. 
John  Cameron. 
Needier  Robinson. 
Thomas  Hughes. 
James  Whitehead. 
John  J.  Spooner. 


John  Buchanan. 

Right  Rev.  Dr.  Madison. 


Lay  Deputies. 
John  Page. 
Hudson  Martin. 

Burwell  Bassett. 
George  K.  Taylor. 
Wm.  Alexander. 
Robert  Andrews. 
Martin  Sherman. 
Christ.  Robertson. 
Thomas  Boiling. 
Benj.  Temple. 
Thos.  Matthews. 
Wilson  M.  Cary. 
Ludwell  Lee. 
Governor  Wood. 
John  Walker. 
Edw.  Carrington. 
John  Stratton. 

Thomas  Harris. 


ro 


CONVENTION  OF  1797. 


Parishes. 
Leeds, 
Littleton, 
Lunenburg, 
St.  Margaret, 
St.  Martin, 
St.  Mark, 

St.  James  North  apa, 
Overwharton, 
St.  Paul's  (Hanover), 
Shelburne, 
Southam, 
St.  Thomas, 
Ware, 
Westover, 
Wicomico, 
York  Hampton, 
St.  Stephen, 
St.  John, 
Middlesex, 
Botetourt, 


Clergymen. 


Young. 


Peter  Nelson. 
John  Woodville. 


Alex.  Macfarlane. 

Charles  O'Niel. 

Sewall  Chapin. 

James  Henderson. 

John  Dunn, 
Henry  Heffernan. 


Lay  Deputies. 
William  Chilton. 
Alexander  Brend,  James  Deane. 
Richard  Barnes. 
Daniel  Coleman,  Richard  Wiatt. 

John  Jameson. 

Archibald  Bryce. 

John  Moncure. 

Thomas  Tinsley,  John  Bowie. 

Francis  Peyton. 

Edm.  Randolph. 

William  Moore. 

Peter  B.  Whiting. 

Thomas  Gaskins,  Thomas  Hurst. 

Thomas  Griffin. 

William  Claughton. 

James  Ruffin. 

Ralph  Wormeley. 

James  Brackenridge. 


A  suFPictENT  number  of  clerical  and  lay 
deputies  having  met  to  form  a  Convention, 

Robert  Andrews,  Esq.,  resigned  his  office  of 
secretary  to  the  Convention,  and  the  Rev.  John 
Bracken,  D.  D.,  was  appointed  in  his  room. 

The  Right  Rev.  Dr.  Madison,  Pr.,  then  ad- 
dressed the  Convention  on  the  subject  and  oc- 
casion of  their  present  meeting. 

Ordered,  That  it  be  referred  to  a  select  com- 
mittee to  take  into  consideration  the  matters 
therein  contained,  and  to  report  thereon,  as  also 
the  mode  which  in  their  opinion  will  be  most 
proper  for  showing  the  sense  of  this  Conven- 
tion upon  the  subject  of  the  sale  of  church  prop- 
erty, submitted  by  the  last  session  of  the  Gen- 
eral Assembly  to  the  consideration  of  the  peo- 
ple :  And  a  committee  was  appointed  for  that 
purpose  of  Mr.  Lee,  Governor  Wood,  Mr.  An- 
drews, Mr.  George  K.  Taylor,  Dr.  Cameron,  Dr. 
Buchanan,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Spooner,  and  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Dunn. 

The  opinions  of  Bushrod  Washington,  Ed- 
mund Randolph,  and  John  Wickham,  Esqrs. 
upon  the  subject  aforementioned,  were  presented 
by  the  president  to  the  Convention,  and  being 
read,  were  ordered  to  be  referred  to  the  said 
committee. 

On  motion,  Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  James 
Whitehead,  Mr.  John  Walker,  the  Rev.  Hugh 
C.  Boggs,  and  Mr.  Thomas  Tinsley,  be  appoint- 
ed a  committee  to  examine  and  make  report  on 
the  certificates  of  appointment  of  the  sitting 
members. 

On  motion,  Ordered,  That  a  committee  be  ap- 
pointed to  examine  and  report  on  the  treasurer's 
accounts  ;  And  a  committee  was  appointed  of 
Mr.  Andrews,  Dr.  Cameron,  Mr.  Griffin,  and  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Spooner,  for  that  purpose. 

The  Convention  then  adjourned  until  to-mor- 
row, 1  o'clock. 

Thursday,  December  7,  1797. 

Mr.  Andrews,  from  the  eommittep  appointed 
to  examine  the  treasurer's  accounts,  reported, 
That  they  had,  according  to  order,  examined 
the  same,  and  found  them  to  be  fairly  and  justly 


stated ;  and  that  the  balance  remaining  in  liis 
hands  due  to  the  church,  this  7th  day  of  Decem- 
ber, 1797,  is  53/.  2s.  Id. 

Resolved,  That  the  treasurer's  accounts  do 
pass. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Whitehead,  from  the  commit- 
tee appointed  to  examine  the  certificates  of  ap- 
pointment of  the  sitting  members,  reported. 
That  they  had,  according  to  order,  examined 
the  same,  and  found  the  certificates  of  appoint- 
ment from  the  following  parishes  to  be  made 
agreeably  to  the  canons  ;  viz. — 

Abingdon,  Amherst,  Berkeley,  Blisland,  Bris- 
tol, Brunswick,  Bruton,  Christ  Church  (Lan- 
caster), Cumberland,  Dale,  St.  Davids,  Eliza- 
beth River,  Elizabeth  City,  Fairfax,  Frederick, 
Fredericksville,  Henrico,  Hungars,  James  City, 
King  William,  Leeds,  Littleton,  Lunenburg,  St. 
Margaret,  St.  Martin,  St.  Mark,  St.  James 
Northam,  Overwharton,  St.  Paul's  (Hanover), 
Shelburne,  Southam,  St.  Thomas,  Ware,  West- 
over,  Wicomico,  York  Hampton,  St.  Stephen,  St. 
John,  Middlesex,  and  Botetourt. 

Mr.  Lee,  from  the  committee  appointed  to 
take  into  consideration  the  address  of  the  bishop, 
and  to  report  the  mode  which,  in  their  opinion, 
would  be  most  proper  for  showing  the  sense  of 
this  Convention  upon  the  subject  of  the  sale  of 
church  property,  submitted  by  the  last  session 
of  the  General  Assembly  to  the  consideration  of 
the  people,  reported.  That  they  had,  according 
to  order,  taken  into  consideration  the  matter  re- 
ferred to  them,  and  had  come  to  several  reso- 
lutions thereon,  which,  being  read,  were  ordered 
to  be  committed  to  a  committee  of  the  whole 
Convention. 

The  Convention  having  resolved  itself  into  a 
committee  of  the  whole  (Mr.  Basset  in  the  chair), 
proceeded  to  take  into  consideration  the  afore- 
said resolutions  ;  and  having  gone  through  and 
amended  the  same,  the  president  resumed  the 
chair. 

Mr.  Bassett,  from  the  committee  of  the  whole, 
reported.  That  they  had,  according  to  order, 
gone  through  and  considered  the  resolutions  to 
them  referred,  and  had  ameuded  the  same,  which^ 


CONVENTION  OF  1797. 


71 


with  the  amendments,  being  read  and  debated, 
paragraph  by  paragraph,  were  agreed  to. 

The  Convention  then  adjourned  until  to-mor- 
row, 1  o'clock. 

Friday,  December  8,  1797. 

After  prayers,  and  a  sermon  suitable  to  the 
occasion,  delivered  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  M'Naugh- 
ton  in  the  general  court  room,  the  Convention 
met  according  to  adjournment. 

On  motion.  Resolved,  That  the  report  of  the 
select  committee  on  the  president's  address,  &c., 
as  amended  and  agreed  to  yesterday,  be  recon- 
sidered. 

The  Convention  proceeded  to  reconsider  the 
resolutions  aforesaid,  and  having  farther  amend- 
ed the  same,  agreed  thereto,  as  follows  : — 

Resolved,  That  the  following  are  the  grounds 
of  the  title  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church 
to  the  glebes,  churches,  and  other  property  in 
their  possession. 

1.  That  the  said  glebes,  churches,  &c.,  were 
vested,  prior  to  the  revolution,  in  the  then  ex- 
isting church,  by  public  authority  or  private 
donations. 

2.  That  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  is 
the  same  in  its  rights  of  property  with  the  church 
which  existed  prior  to  the  revolution. 

3.  That  these  rights  cannot  be  wrested  from 
the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  upon  any  prin- 
ciple which  will  not  impair  all  other  rights  of 
private  property  which  was  acquired  before  the 
revolution. 

4.  That  if  succour  need  be  drawn  to  these 
rights,  existing  (as  they  do)  independently  of 
the  will  of  the  legislature,  they  have  been 
solemnly  recognised  by  an  act  of  the  General 
Assembly — made  at  the  session  succeeding  that 
which  framed  the  bill  of  rights  and  constitu- 
tion— by  the  same  body  which  composed  the 
Convention,  and  became,  under  the  constitu- 
tion, the  House  of  Delegates  ;  and  at  the  in- 
stance of  those  who  were  opposed  to  the  said 
church. 

5.  That  no  subsequent  act  of  the  General 
Assembly,  relative  to  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church,  ought,  or  can  be  so  interpreted,  as  to 
confer  on  the  General  Assembly  any  authority  to 
assume,  confiscate,  or  appropriate,  without  the 
will  of  the  said  church,  the  whole,  or  any  part,  of 
the  property  aforesaid. 

6.  I'hat  the  bill  of  rights  and  constitution 
forbid  the  intrusion  of  the  General  Assembly 
into  questions  concerning  the  right  of  property  ; 
and  more  especially  when  the  object  of  such 
intrusion  is  to  apply  that  property  to  public 
uses  to  which  the  whole  commonwealth,  and 
not  a  selected  and  marked,  portion  only  of  its 
citizens,  ought  to  contribute. 

7.  Resolved,  That  a  committee  of  five  per- 
sons be  appointed  by  ballot,  whose  duty  it  shall 
be  to  attend  the  discussion  of  the  memorial  of 
the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  the  consider- 
ation whereof  was  postponed  to  the  present  ses- 
sion of  the  General  Assembly,  and  to  make  to 
the  General  Assembly  such  other  representa- 
tions, by  memorial  or  otherwise,  in  behalf  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  as  to  them  shall 


seem  necessary,  and  shall  be  conformable  with 
the  spirit  of  the  foregoing  resolutions. 

8.  Resolved,  That  from  the  firm  persuasion 
which  this  Convention  entertains  of  the  validity 
of  the  rights  of  property  as-serted  in  the  forego- 
ing resolutions,  it  be  an  instruction  to  the  said 
committee  to  propose  to  the  General  Assembly, 
that  the  controversy  concerning  them  be  sub- 
mitted to  the  decision  of  a  proper  tribunal  of 
justice. 

9.  Resolved,  That  this  Convention  will  cause 
to  be  defrayed  all  reasonable  and  necessary  ex- 
penses in  carrying  into  execution  the  foregoing 
resolutions. 

The  house  proceeded  to  ballot  for  five  per- 
sons to  form  a  committee  whose  duty  it  should 
be  to  attend  the  discussion  of  the  memorial  of 
the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  &c.  ;  and  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Henderson  and  Mr.  Griffin  being  ap- 
pointed to  examine  the  ballots,  proceeded  to 
examine  the  same,  and  reported,  That  a  majori- 
ty of  the  whole  house  was  in  favour  of  Robert 
Andrews,  Ludwell  Lee,  George  K.  Taylor, 
John  Page,  and  James  Brackenridge,  Esqrs, 

Resolved,  therefore.  That  they  are  appointed 
a  committee  for  the  purpose  aforesaid. 

Resolved,  unanimously.  That  the  Rev.  John 
Buchanan,  D.  D.,  be  continued  treasurer  for 
the  ensuing  year,  and  to  the  end  of  the  next 
Convention. 

Resolved,  That  John  Blair;  Robert  Andrews, 
Cyrus  Griffin,  Joseph  Prentis,  Esqrs.,  the  Rev. 
James  Henderson,  and  Champion  Travis,  Esqrs., 
be  continued  members  of  the  standing  commit- 
tee, and  that  they  remain  in  ofiice  to  the  end  of 
the  next  Convention. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  it  be  an  instruc- 
tion to  the  standing  committee  to  make  inquiry 
concerning  any  church  property  which  may 
have  been  alienated  since  the  commencement 
of  the  revolution,  and  to  report  the  situation 
and  circumstances  to  the  next  session  of  the 
Convention. 

Resolved,  nemine  contradicente,  That  Robert 
Andrews,  Esq.,  and  the  Rev.  John  Bracken, 
D.  D.,  do  represent  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  of  this  state  in  the  next  General  Con- 
vention. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  deputies  to 
the  next  General  Convention  be  instructed  to 
agree  to  the  following  addition  to  the  second 
article  of  the  general  constitution,  in  the  ninth 
line  after  the  word  constitution,  viz.,  "But  if 
the  church  shall  not  be  represented  in  both  or- 
ders in  a  majority  of  the  states,  then  the  vote 
shall  be  given  by  states  without  regard  to 
orders." 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  Mr.  Smith  be  ap- 
pointed a  visiter  in  the  room  of  James  M.  Fon- 
taine, D.  D.,  deceased. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  Mr.  Dunn  be  re- 
quested to  preach  before  the  next  Convention. 

Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the 
several  parishes  within  this  state,  to  forward  the 
annual  contribution  of  15  dollars,  for  the  use  of 
the  church,  to  John  Buchanan,  D.  D.,  treasurer, 
and  that  such  as  are  in  arrears  do  immediately 
send  forward  their  arrearages. 


72 


CONVENTION  OF  1799. 


Ordered,  That  300  copies  of  the  Journal  of 
this  Convention  be  printed,  under  the  direction 
of  Dr.  Buchanan,  and  distributed  among  the 
several  parishes. 

Resolved,  unanimously,  That  the  thanks  of 
this  Convention  be  given  to  Bushrod  Washing- 
ton, Edmund  Randolph,  and  John  Wickham, 
Esqrs.,  for  their  opinion,  delivered  in  to  this 
house  by  the  president,  on  the  subject  of  the 
sale  of  glebes  and  other  church  property. 

Ordered,  That  the  next  Convention  do  meet 
in  the  city  of  Richmond. 

Ordered,  That  the  treasurer  pay  to  the  door- 
keeper the  sum  of  six  dollars. 

The  Convention  then  adjourned. 

Signed,  James  Madison,  President. 

Attest  John  Bracken,  Secretary. 

Richmond,  Dec.  5,  1797. 
Sir, — "We  have  endeavoured  to  fulfil  the  re- 
quest of  yourself  and  the  standing  committee, 
by  the  best  examination  in  our  power,  of  the 
tenure  under  which  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  claim  the  glebes,  churches,  &.c.  Know- 
ing that  you  possess  every  document  and  fact 
to  which  we  have  access,  and  that  we  may  be 
therefore  permitted  to  excuse  ourselves,  by  the 


multiplicity  of  our  late  professional  labours, 
from  a  detail  of  the  reasons  which  govern  us, 
we  shall  offer  to  you  the  conclusions  only  which 
we  have  formed.     These  are, 

Ist.  That  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church 
is  the  exclusive  owner  of  those  glebes,  churches, 
&c. 

2d.  That  so  far  is  the  title  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church  from  being  impaired  (as  has 
been  suggested)  by  our  bill  of  rights,  that  they 
do  not  clash  on  any  sound  construction  ;  but 
that  title  stands  upon  the  same  grounds  with 
the  rights  of  private  property,  which  have  been 
recognised  and  secured  by  the  principles  of  the 
revolution  and  by  the  constitution. 

3d.  And  that  any  question  concerning  the 
right  of  property  in  those  glebes,  churches,  &c., 
being  of  a  judicial  nature,  must  constitutionally 
be  decided  by  the  judiciary,  and  the  judiciary 
alone. 

We  have  the  honour,  sir,  to  be,  with  great 
respect,  your  most  obedient  servants, 

Bushrod  Washington, 
Edmund  Randolph, 
John  Wickham. 

The  Right  Rev.  James  Madison,  Bishop  *of 
the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  Virginia. 


CONVENTION  OF  1798. 
The  Journal  of  this  year  has  not  been  obtained. 


JourntU  of  a  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  Virginia,  held  at  the  Capitol  in 
the  City  of  Richmond,  May  7th,  1799. 

A  List  of  the  Members  of  the  Convention. 


Parishes. 
Bristol, 
Blisland, 
Bruton, 

Christ  Church  (Lan.), 
Cople, 
Cumberlemd, 
Bale, 

Fredericksville, 
Hampshire, 
Henrico, 
Hungars, 
James  City, 
Littleton, 
Lunenburg, 
Manchester 
St.  David, 
St.  George  (Accom.), 

St.  John  (King  WilliamX 

St.  Martin, 

St.  Paul  (Hanover), 

St.  Peter, 

St.  Stephen, 

Washington, 

Westover, 

Wicomioo, 

York  Hampton, 


Clergymen. 


Daniel  M'Naughton. 
James  EUiott. 
John  Cameron. 
Needier  Robinson. 
Matthew  Maury. 

John  Buchanan. 

James  Madison  (B.  and  Pr.). 
James  Dickinson. 
George  Young. 
John  Dunn. 
Thomas  Hughes. 
Cave  Jones. 


Peter  Nelson. 

Benjamin  Brown. 
John  Seward. 


Sewall  Chapin, 


Lay  Deputies. 
John  Grammer. 
Henry  Brown. 
Robert  Andrews. 
Wm.  Montague. 

Peter  Eppes,  jun. 

John  Walker. 
John  H.  Reynolds. 
WiUiam  Berkeley. 
Nathaniel  Wilkins. 
John  Ambler. 
Alexander  Trent. 

David  Patteson. 
Thomas  Fox. 

Ed.  P.  Chamberlayne, 
John  Lord. 
Carter  Berkeley. 
Thomas  Tinsley. 


WiUiam  Thompson. 

William  Davenport, 
Thomas  Harvey. 
Gavin  L.  Corbin. 


CONVENTION  OF  1799. 


73 


TuESDAT,  May  7,  1799. 

A  SUFFICIENT  number  of  clerical  and  lay  depu- 
ties having  met  to  form  a  Convention, 

Tlie  Right  Reverend  Dr.  Madison  took  the 
chair  as  president  ex-officio.  Robert  Andrews 
was  appointed  to  act  as  secretary  in  the  absence 
of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Bracken. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  Dr.  John  Cameron, 
Rev.  Mr.  Jones,  Mr.  Patteson,  and  Mr.  Am- 
bler, be  appointed  a  committee  to  examine  and 
report  immediately  on  the  testimonials  of  the 
members. 

The  committee,  accordingly,  having  with- 
drawn and  examined  the  testimonials,  reported, 
That  the  testimonials  from  the  following  parishes 
were  made  agreeably  to  the  canons,  viz.  : — 

Bristol,  Blisland,  Bruton,  Christ  Church 
(Lancaster),  Cople,  Cumberland,  Dale,  Freder- 
icksville,  Hampshire,  Henrico,  Hungars,  James 
City,  Littleton,  Lunenburg,  Manchester,  St. 
David,  St.  George  (Accomack),  St.  John  (King 
William),  St.  Martin,  St.  Paul  (Hanover),  St. 
Peter,  St.  Stephen,  Washington,  Westover, 
Wicomico,  and  York  Hampton. 

Ordered,  That  Bishop  Madison  and  Mr.  Am- 
bler be  appointed  a  committee  to  consult  gentle- 
men of  eminence  in  the  law  respecting  the 
method  of  defending,  before  the  judiciary,  the 
right  of  the  church  to  glebes  directed  to  be  sold 
by  act  of  Assembly. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  Mr.  Maury  and  Mr. 
W.  Berkeley  be  appointed  a  committee  to  ex- 
amine the  treasurer's  accounts,  and  report 
thereon. 

Resolved,  That  one  hundred  and  fifty  copies 
of  the  canons  be  printed  and  distributed  among 
the  parishes  within  this  state  ;  and  that  the  bish- 
op be  requested  to  accompany  them  with  an  ad- 
dress to  the  members  of  the  church,  enjoining  a 
strict  observance  of  the  same,  and  of  the  sev- 
eral duties  particularly  required  of  them  at  this 
important  crisis. 

Resolved,  That  the  Convention  do  attend  di- 
vine service  in  the  assembly  room  at  10  o'clock 
to-morrow  morning. 

The  Convention  adjourned  till  10  o'clock  to- 
morrow morning. 

Wednesday,  May  8,  1799. 

The  Convention  met  according  to  adjourn- 
ment. 

Divine  service  was  performed,  and,  agreeably 
to  an  order  of  the  last  Convention,  a  sermon  was 
delivered  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Dunn,  which  was 
well  adapted  to  the  occasion. 

Mr.  Ambler,  from  the  committee  appointed  to 
consult  gentlemen  of  eminence  in  the  law  re- 
specting the  method  of  defending,  before  the  ju- 
diciary, the  right  of  the  church  to  glebes,  &c., 
made  a  report,  which  was  read,  and  ordered  to 
be  filed  by  the  secretary  among  the  papers  of 
the  Convention. 

Resolved,  That  the  Convention  grant  per- 
mission to  the  vestry  and  trustees  of  Bristol  par- 
ish to  sell  and  dispose  of  the  present  glebe- 
land  of  the  parish,  if  they  shall  think  proper, 
ajid  to  vest  the  proceeds  thereof  in  such  prop- 


erty as  may  be  thought  more  beneficial  and 
profitable  to  the  parish  and  the  incumbent. 

Mr.  Maury,  from  the  committee  appointed  to 
examine  the  treasurer's  accounts,  reported,  That 
the  committee  had,  according  to  order,  examined 
the  same,  that  they  had  found  them  fairly  and 
justly  stated,  and  that  the  balance  remaining  in 
his  hands  this  day  is  ninety-four  pounds  seven 
shillings  and  ten  pence. 

Resolved,  That  the  treasurer's  accounts  do 
pass. 

Ordered,  That  leave  be  given  to  bring  in  a 
canon  to  amend  the  canon  entitled  "  A  canon 
concerning  offences,  and  the  mode  of  proceeding 
against  offending  ministers  :"  and  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Maury  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Jones  were  appointed 
to  bring  in  the  same. 

Resolved,  That  the  Rev.  Doctor  John  Bu- 
chanan be  appointed  treasurer  for  the  ensuing 
year. 

Resolved,  That  John  Blair,  Robert  Andrews, 
Cyrus  Griffin,  Joseph  Prentis,  James  Hender- 
son, and  Champion  Travis,  be  appointed  a  stand- 
ing committee  for  the  ensuing  year. 

Mr.  Maury,  from  the  committee  appointed,  re- 
ported a  canon  to  amend  the  canon  concerning 
offences,  and  the  mode  of  proceeding  against  of- 
fending ministers,  which  was  read  the  first  time, 
and  ordered  to  be  read  a  second  time. 

Resolved,  That  the  bishop  and  standing  com- 
mittee be  authorized  to  employ  counsel  to  defend 
the  right  of  the  church  to  its  property,  whenever 
it  shall  appear  to  them  most  proper  to  bring  the 
question  before  the  judiciary,  and  to  draw  on 
the  treasurer  for  any  money  which  may  be  ne- 
cessary for  the  said  purpose. 

Resolved,  That  two  clerical  and  two  lay  dep- 
uties be  appointed  to  attend  the  next  General 
Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church, 
and  also  any  General  Convention  of  the  said 
church  which  shall  convene  before  the  next 
meeting  of  the  Convention  of  the  church  in  this 
state. 

The  Convention  then  proceeded  by  ballot  to 
the  appointment  of  deputies  to  the  next  Gen- 
eral Convention,  &c.  ;  when  a  majority  of  votes 
appeared  in  favour  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  John  Brack- 
en and  the  Rev.  Dr.  Samuel  S.  M'Croskey  as 
clerical  deputies,  and  of  Robert  Andrews  and 
John  Walker,  Esqrs.,  as  lay  deputies. 

The  canon  to  amend  the  canon  concerning 
offences,  and  the  mode  of  proceeding  against 
offending  ministers,  was  read  a  second  time, 
amended,  and  ordered  to  be  fairly  transcribed 
for  a  third  reading. 

Resolved,  That  it  be  an  instruction  to  the 
deputies  appointed  to  attend  the  next  General 
Convention,  to  submit  to  the  said  Convention  an 
amendment  to  the  sixth  general  canon,  so  far  as 
it  requires  testimonials  of  piety  and  good  moral 
conduct  for  three  years. 

The  canon  to  amend  the  canon  concerning 
offences,  and  the  mode  of  proceeding  against  of- 
fending ministers,  was  read  the  third  time  and 
passed. 

Ordered,  That  the  treasurer  pay  to  Bishop 
Madison  the  sum  of  one  hundred  and  sixty  dol- 
lars. 


74 


CONVENTION  OF  1799. 


Resolved,  That  one  hundred  and  fifty  copies 
of  the  Journal  be  printed  under  the  direction  of 
the  Rev.  Dr.  Buchanan. 

Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the 
several  parishes  within  this  state,  to  forward  the 
annual  contribution  of  15  dollars,  for  the  use  of 
the  church,  to  the  Rev.  Dr.  John  Buchanan, 
treasurer,  and  that  such  as  are  in  arrears  do  im- 
mediately send  forward  their  arrearages. 

Resolved,  That  the  next  Convention  do  meet 
in  the  city  of  Richmond. 

Ordered,  That  the  treasurer  pay  four  dollars 
to  the  doorkeeper. 

Resolved,  That  the  Rev.  Mr.  Cave  Jones  be 
requested  to  preach  before  the  next  Convention. 

Resolved,  That  it  be  enjoined  on  the  clergy 
throughout  the  state,  to  officiate  in  the  vacant 
parishes  in  their  neighbourhoods  as  frequently 
as  the  duties  of  their  own  parishes  will  permit. 

The  Convention  then  adjourned. 

Attest,  James  Madison,  President. 

Robert  Andrews,  ) 

for  John  Bracken,  Secretary.  J 


Canons — for  the  government  of  the  Prot- 
estant episcopal  church  in  this  state. 
1.  A  Canon  concerning  Vestries  and  Trustees. 

1.  In  each  parish  within  the  Commonwealth 
of  Virginia,  there  shall  be  triennially  elected,  on 
Easter-Monday,  if  fair,  otherwise  on  the  next 
fair  day,  at  some  convenient  place  (of  which  due 
notice  shall  be  given),  by  the  freeholders  and 
housekeepers  who  are  members  of  the  Prot- 
estant Episcopal  Church  within  such  parish,  and 
regularly  contribute  to  the  support  of  the  min- 
ister, where  there  is  one,  and  to  the  common  exi- 
gences of  the  church  within  the  parish,  twelve  of 
the  most  able  and  discreet  men  of  their  socie- 
ty, of  the  above  description  and  qualifications,  to 
be  a  vestry  for  such  parish,  and  trustees  of  their 
property  for  the  three  succeeding  years.  In- 
termediate vacancies,  occasioned  by  death,  re- 
moval, or  resignation,  shall  be  filled  by  the  re- 
maining vestrymen  and  trustees,  and  those  so 
chosen  shall  have  power  to  act  until  the  time  of 
the  next  general  election  ;  the  first  general  elec- 
tion shall  be  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  1796. 

2.  Every  vestryman  shall,  before  he  acts  in 
office,  subscribe  in  the  vestry-book  of  his  parish 
to  be  conformable  to  the  doctrine,  discipline,  and 
worship  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in 
the  United  States  of  America,  and  to  the  or- 
ders and  canons  of  the  said  church  in  this  state. 

3.  Each  vestry,  at  their  first  meeting  after 
their  election,  shall  choose  two  of  their  members 
to  be  church-wardens,  who  shall  superintend  the 
next  general  election  of  vestrymen,  judge  of  the 
qualifications  of  voters,  and  certify  the  names 
of  the  persons  chosen.  They  shall  be  consid- 
ered as  the  acting  part  of  the  vestry,  and  shall 
eee  that  the  orders  and  resolutions  of  the  vestry 
be  carried  into  execution. 

4.  In  case  of  the  nonattendance  of  the  church- 
wardens at  an  election  of  vestrymen  and  trus- 
tees in  any  parish,  the  minister,  or,  if  he  be  ab- 
sent, or  if  there  be  no  minister  in  the  parish, 
any  two  vestrjmien,  or  if  there  be  no  vestrymen 


present,  any  two  reputable  inhabitants  of  the 
parish,  who  are  members  of  this  church,  may  be 
appointed  to  superintend  the  election. 

5.  If  any  person'  elected  a  vestryman  and 
trustee  shall  neglect  or  refuse  to  attend  two 
successive  meetings  of  the  body,  having  had  due 
notice  thereof,  he  may  be  considered  as  having 
vacated  his  office  ;  and  the  remaining  vestrymen 
and  trustees  may  elect  into  his  place  some  other 
able  and  discreet  man  of  their  society. 

6.  In  any  parishes  which  have  neglected  to 
elect  vestries  and  trustees  agreeably  to  the  or- 
dinances heretofore  in  force,  or  which  shall  here- 
after neglect  to  make  such  election  as  herein 
directed,  the  members  of  the  Protestant  Epis- 
copal Church  within  such  parishes  may,  at  any 
time  afterward  within  six  months,  elect  vestries 
and  trustees  in  the  manner  herein  directed. 
And  in  all  cases  where  elections  have  not  been 
held,  or  shall  not  be  held  at  the  periods  fixed 
for  general  elections,  the  former  vestries  and 
trustees  shall  continue  to  act  until  elections 
shall  be  held  as  hereby  directed,  or,  if  no  elec- 
tions shall  be  held,  until  a  future  Convention 
shall  take  some  order  in  the  matter.  Provided 
nevertheless.  That  where  any  parish  which  had 
failed  to  elect  vestrymen  and  trustees  at  the 
time  appointed  for  a  general  election,  hath  since 
elected  the  same,  such  election  is  hereby  de- 
clared to  be  valid. 

7.  The  vestries  respectively,  with  the  minis- 
ter, where  there  is  one,  shall  hold  and  enjoy  all 
glebes,  lands,  churches,  books,  plate,  and  other 
property  now  belonging  or  hereafter  accruing  to 
the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  within  their 
respective  parishes,  as  trustees  for  the  benefit 
of  the  society  ;  and  may  improve  or  demise  the 
lands  during  the  vacancy  of  a  minister,  but  may 
not  demise  lands  allowed  for  the  minister's  hab- 
itation or  use  without  his  consent.  They  may 
also  use  improve,  or  dispose  of  all  personal 
property,  and  the  produce,  rents,  and  profits  of 
lands  and  buildings  (not  appropriated  for  the  min- 
ister) belonging  to  this  church,  for  the  benefit 
of  the  society,  in  erecting  or  repairing  churches, 
glebe-houses,  or  otherwise,  and  may  make  such 
rules  and  orders  for  managing  the  temporal  affairs 
and  concerns  of  the  church  (not  contrary  to  nor 
inconsistent  with  the  rules  and  orders  of  Con- 
vention) within  their  respective  parishes,  as  they 
shall  think  most  conducive  to  its  interest  and 
prosperity,  and  for  carrying  into  execution  the 
orders  and  canons  for  government  and  disci- 
pline or  other  spiritual  purposes,  which  shall  be 
framed  by  this  or  any  future  Convention.  They 
shall  have  the  sole  power  of  directing  the  pay- 
ment of  money  belonging  to  the  church  within 
their  respective  parishes,  and  of  appointing  a 
clerk  and  such  other  officers  of  the  church  as 
they  shall  think  proper,  and  of  removing  them 
when  they  shall  see  cause.  All  their  proceed- 
ings shall  be  fairly  entered  in  a  book  to  be  kept 
for  that  purpose. 

8.  A  meeting  of  the  body,  to  be  called  by  the 
minister,  or,  if  he  be  absent,  or  in  case  of  vacan- 
cy, by  the  church- ward  ens,  or  by  a  church-war- 
den, if  but  one  within  the  parish,  or  by  any  two 
vestrymen,  if  there  be  no  minister  or  church- 


CONVENTION  OF  1799. 


75 


warden,  shall  be  had  as  often  as  may  be  neces- 
sary. In  these  meetings  the  minister  shall  have 
a  vote  equal  to,  and  not  greater  than  a  vestry- 
man, in  all  questions  except  for  the  demise  of 
the  glebe-lands  assigned  for  his  residence  or  use, 
in  which  he  shall  have  a  negative.  Seven  mem- 
bers shall  be  sufficient  to  constitute  a  meeting ; 
and  all  questions  shall  be  decided  by  a  majority 
of  those  present.  Provided  always,  That  in  the 
induction  of  a  minister,  and  in  granting  testimo- 
nials to  candidates  for  orders,  the  vote^  of  six 
members  at  least  shall  be  necessary. 

9.  If  any  minister  of  a  parish  shall  neglect  or 
refuse  to  call  a  meeting  of  the  vestry  when  re- 
quested by  two  or  more  vestrymen,  the  church- 
wardens, or  church-warden,  if  but  one  within 
the  parish,  may  call  a  meeting  ;  or  if  there  be 
no  church-warden,  or  if  the  church-wardens  or 
church-warden  neglect  or  refuse  when  request- 
ed, any  two  vestrymen  may  call  a  meeting. 

10.  No  sale  of  that  kind  of  property  which 
may  be  considered  as  principal  or  stock,  belong- 
ing to  this  church  in  any  parish,  shall  be  made 
without  the  consent  of  the  Convention. 

2.  A  Canon  concerning  Conventions. 

1.  There  shall  be  a  Convention  of  the  Prot- 
estant Episcopal  Ch'jioh  in  this  commonwealth 
on  the  first  Tuesday  of  May  in  every  year,  in 
such  place  as  shall  be  agreed  on  by  the  Con- 
vention. A  Convention  shall  consist  of  two  dep- 
uties from  each  parish,  of  whom  the  minister 
shall  be  one,  if  there  be  a  minister,  and  the  other 
shall  be  a  layman,  to  be  annually  chosen  by  the 
vestry.  If  there  be  no  minister  in  any  parish,  two 
lay  deputies  shall  be  chosen.  Twenty-five  depu- 
ties, thus  qualified  or  appointed,  shall  be  a  Con- 
vention :  Provided  always.  That  if  a  sufficient 
number  to  form  a  Convention  shall  not  attend  on 
any  day,  any  five  members  then  assembled  shall 
have  power  to  adjourn. 

2.  Special  Conventions  may  be  called  at  other 
times  in  the  manner  hereafter  to  be  provided  for. 

3.  Each  member  snail,  on  taking  his  seat,  de- 
liver in  to  the  secretary  of  the  Convention  a 
testimonial  of  his  being  regularly  nualified  or 
appointed,  signed  by  one  or  both  of  uie  church- 
wardens, or  by  the  clerk  of  the  vestry  of  the 
parish  he  represents. 

4.  A  person  shall  preside  in  Convention  with 
the  name  of  president,  who  shall  always  be  a 
bishop,  when  there  is  one  present  properly  con- 
secrated and  settled  in  the  church.  If  there  be 
no  bishop  present,  the  Convention  shall  appoint 
some  other  member  of  their  body  president.  If 
there  be  more  bishops  than  one  in  Convention, 
they  shall  have  the  right  of  presiding  in  rotation. 

6.  A  secretary  shall  be  appointed  by  the  Con- 
vention, who  shall  continue  in  office  during  good 
behaviour.  He  shall  keep  a  record  of  their  acts 
and  proceedings,  and  have  the  custody  of  the 
records  so  long  as  he  shall  continue  in  office. 

6.  The  Convention  shall  establish  standing 
rules  for  the  preservation  of  decorum,  and  the 
orderly  management  of  business. 

7.  Conventions  shall  regulate  all  the  religious 
concerns  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church 
within  this  state,  its  doctrines,  discipline,  and 


worship,  and  institute  such  rules  and  regulations 
as  they  may  judge  necessary  for  the  good  gov- 
ernment thereof,  and  the  same  revoke  and  alter 
at  their  pleasure.  Provided  always.  That  the 
powers  hereby  declared  shall  not  be  so  con- 
strued as  to  affect  any  powers  exclusively  vested 
in  the  General  Convention  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church  in  the  United  States  of 
America. 

8.  All  questions  before  the  Convention  shall 
be  determined  by  a  majority  of  votes. 

3.  A  Canon  concerning  Presbyteries. 

1.  The  clergy  of  the  several  neighbouring  par- 
ishes, not  less  than  three  nor  more  than  ten,  shall 
assemble  in  presbytery  annually  on  some  Mon- 
day in  April,  and  at  other  times,  if  thereto  re- 
quired, at  some  convenient  place  in  the  district. 
The  arrangement  of  the  parishes  into  districts 
for  this  purpose  shall  be  by  the  Convention, 
who  shall  also  appoint  in  each  district  one  of 
the  said  ministers,  to  preside  at  their  meetings 
with  the  title  of  visiter.  The  visiter  shall  name 
the  place  and  time  of  meeting  of  the  presby- 
teries ;  shall  annually  visit  each  parish  in  his 
district ;  shall  attend  to  and  inspect  the  morals 
and  conduct  of  the  clergy  ;  shall  see  that  the 
canons  and  rules  of  the  church  are  observed 
and  practised  ;  shall  admonish  and  reprove  pri- 
vately those  clergymen  who  are  negligent,  or 
act  in  an  unbecoming  manner  ;  and  shall  report 
yearly  to  the  bishop,  if  there  be  one,  or,  if  there 
i)e  no  bishop,  to  the  next  Convention,  the  state 
of  each  parish  in  his  district. 

.2.  It  shall  be  the  business  of  the  presbytery 
when  assembled  to  instruct  and  examine  can- 
didates for  holy  orders  within  their  respective 
districts,  to  prescribe  to  them  a  thesis  or  text, 
and  give  them  proper  directions  for  composing 
a  discourse  on  the  same.  And  it  shall  be  the 
duty  of  every  candidate  for  holy  orders,  to  make 
application  to  the  presbytery  of  his  district  for 
such  instruction  and  examination. 

4.   A  Canon  concerning  Bishops. 

1.  Every  person  to  officiate  as  a  bishop  of 
the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  this  state, 
shall  be  nominated  to  that  office  by  the  Conven- 
tion ;  and,  having  received  episcopal  consecra- 
tion, shall,  before  he  enters  on  his  office,  sub- 
scribe to  conform  to  the  doctrine,  discipline,  and 
worship  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in 
the  United  States  of  America,  and  to  the  orders 
and  canons  of  the  said  church  in  this  state. 

2.  Every  bishop,  after  his  pronation  to  the 
episcopal  order,  may  continue  to  hold  a  parish, 
and  to  do  the  duty  of  a  parish  minister,  except 
when  he  is  necessarily  employed  in  the  dis- 
charge of  his  episcopal  office. 

3.  No  bishop  shall  inflict  any  censure  on,  or 
exercise  any  power  over,  the  clergy  under  his  in- 
spection, other  than  he  is  allowed  to  do  by  the 
laws  and  institutions  of  this  church  made  in 
Convention. 

4.  Bishops,  after  every  visitation,  shall  report 
the  state  of  the  church  in  the  different  parishes 
to  the  Convention. 

5.  Bishops  shall  have  power  to  call  special 
meetings  of  the  Convention  ;  to  grant  testimO' 


76 


CONVENTION  OF  1799. 


nials  to  all  persons  who  are  candidates  for  par- 
ishes, and  who  are  not  citizens  of  this  state  ;  to 
make  such  representations  on  behalf  of  this 
church,  as  may  from  time  to  time  be  expedient ; 
to  give  advice  on  difficulties  propounded  to  them 
concerning  this  church  during  the  recess  of  Con- 
vention ;  and  to  correspond  with  any  society  or 
societies  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in 
these  United  States  on  any  matters  relating  to 
this  church  ;  which  several  powers  shall  be  ex- 
ercised only  with  advice  of  the  standing  com- 
mittee. 

6.  Bishops  shall  be  amenable  to  the  Con- 
venrion,  who  shall  be  a  court  to  try  them,  from 
which  there  shall  be  no  appeal.  On  all  such 
occasions,  a  bishop  shall  preside. 

7.  All  accusations  against  a  bishop,  as  such, 
shall  be  on  oath ;  but  no  accusation  against  a 
bishop  shall  be  received  unless  three  respectable 
persons  join  in  the  complaint.  All  complaints 
against  a  bishop  shall  be  lodged  with  the  stand- 
ing committee,  and  a  copy  of  the  charge  or 
charges  to  be  brought  against  him  shall  be  com- 
municated to  him  in  writing  at  least  two  months 
before  the  trial.  Counsel  may  be  employed  on 
both  sides,  and  none  but  viva  voce  evidence 
shall  be  admitted. 

8.  If  a  complaint  be  against  a  bishop,  as  a 
minister  of  a  parish,  it  may  be  brought  as  is  di- 
rected in  the  canon  concerning  offences,  and  the 
mode  of  proceeding  against  offending  ministers, 
except  that  the  complaint  shall  be  made  to  the 
standing  committee  ;  and  the  subsequent  pro- 
ceedings thereon  shall  be  before  the  Convention, 
and  in  like  manner  as  herein  prescribed,  where 
the  complaint  is  made  against  him  as  a  bishop. 

9.  Disorderly,  scandalous,  and  immoral  con- 
duct, neglect  of  duty,  a  disregard  to  the  rules 
and  canons  of  the  church,  or  taking  a  bribe  to 
grant  either  ordination  or  a  recommendation  for 
a  vacant  parish,  shall  be  considered  as  offences 
in  a  bishop,  for  which  he  may  be  brought  to 
trial ;  and,  on  being  convicted  of  any  of  these, 
he  shall  be  reproved,  suspended,  or  degraded. 

5.  A   Canon   concerning  the  Ordination  of 
Priests  and  Deacons,  and  their  Duties. 

1,  Every  person  to  be  ordained  priest  or  dea- 
con by  any  bishop  of  this  church,  shall  pro- 
duce such  testimonials  of  his  good  morals  and  or- 
derly conduct  as  are  required  by  the  canons  of  the 
General  Convention,  from  the  clergy  assembled 
in  the  district  where  he  for  some  time  last  re- 
sided, and  from  the  vestry  of  the  parish  where 
he  last  lived,  provided  there  be  in  the  district 
a  sufficient  number  of  clergymen  to  form  a  pres- 
bytery ;  otherwise  a  testimonial  from  the  min- 
ister and  vestry  of  his  parish,  or  from  the  vestry 
alone,  if  the  parish  be  vacant,  shall  be  deemed 
sufficient ;  provided  also  that  the  candidate  is 
not  an  inhabitant  of  some  other  state,  and  in- 
tended to  minister  in  some  parish  or  congrega- 
tion in  a  neighbouring  state.  No  person  shall 
be  ordained  until  due  examination  had  by  the 
bishop  and  two  priests. 

2.  Ministers  .shall,  at  their  churches  and  other 
convenient  places,  instruct  children,  and  such 
ignorant  persons  as  may  require  it,  in  their  cate- 


chism and  the  principles  of  the  Christian  re- 
ligion as  maintained  by  this  church ;  provided 
that  this  duty  may  be  dispensed  with  during  the 
inclement  winter  months  ;  they  shall  also  explain 
the  nature  of  confirmation,  and  instruct  and  pre- 
pare their  parishioners  for  it. 

3.  Ministers  shall  wear  a  surplice  during  the 
time  of  prayer  at  public  worship,  in  places 
where  they  are  provided ;  shall  wear  gowns 
when  they  preach,  where  they  conveniently  can  ; 
and  shall  at  all  times  wear  apparel  suitable  to 
the  gravity  of  their  profession. 

4.  Ministers  may  encourage  people  to  assem- 
ble together  in  small  societies,  at  convenient 
times,  for  their  edification,  and  may  visit,  super- 
intend, and  instruct  such  societies  at  their  meet- 
ings ;  provided  they  shall  not  do  it  to  the  en- 
couragement of  idleness,  or  to  the  injury  of  pri- 
vate families. 

5.  Ministers  officiating  in  this  church,  whether 
bishops,  priests,  or  deacons,  shall  preach  once  at 
least  on  every  Lord's  day,  and  at  other  stated 
seasons,  unless  prevented  by  some  sufficient 
cause.  They  may,  at  their  discretion,  preach 
also  at  other  times,  when  opportunities  shall 
offer  of  edifying  the  church.  Bishops  and 
priests  shall  administer  the  sacrament  of  the 
Lord's  Supper  at  least  four  times  in  the  year  at 
each  church  or  place  of  worship  in  their  respec- 
tive parishes,  and  shall  visit  the  sick  when 
called  on  for  that  purpose.  Deacons,  as  well 
as  priests,  shall  baptize  ;  and  may  solemnize 
marriages,  and  assist  in  administering  the  sacra- 
ment of  the  Lord's  Supper,  but  they  shall  not 
consecrate  the  elements. 

6.  A  Canon  concerning  the  Induction  of  Min- 
isters into  Parishes. 

1.  The  right  of  presentation,  or  appointing 
ministers  to  serve  in  the  parishes,  shall  con- 
tinue in  the  vestries,  and  each  vestry  shall 
choose  its  own  minister. 

2.  No  minister  shall  be  received  into  a  parish 
who  does  not  first  produce  to  the  vestry  satis- 
factory testimonials  of  his  morals,  conduct,  and 
conversation,  from  the  person  or  persons  ap- 
pointed by  the  Convention  to  inquire  into  such 
matters,  and  grant  such  testimonials. 

3.  No  person  shall  be  received  into  any  parish 
within  this  commonwealth,  as  a  minister,  unless 
he  first  produce  to  the  vestry  sufficient  testimo- 
nials of  his  having  been  regularly  ordained  a 
priest  or  deacon  by  some  Protestant  bishop,  and 
of  having  taken  the  oath  of  allegiance  to  this  com- 
monwealth, and  subscribe  to  be  conformable  to 
the  doctrine,  discipline,  and  worship  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church  of  the  United 
States  of  America,  and  to  the  orders  and  canons 
of  the  said  church  in  this  state  ;  nor  until  he 
shall  have  entered  into  a  contract  in  writing 
with  the  vestry  or  trustees  on  behalf  of  the  so- 
ciety within  such  parish,  by  which  it  shall  be 
stipulated  and  declared  that  he  holds  the  ap- 
pointment, subject  to  removal,  agreeably  to  the 
rules  and  canons  of  the  Convention  of  the  Prot- 
estant Episcopal  Church  in  this  state.  Pro- 
vided, That  any  person  who  hath  been  ordained 
by  a  bishop  of  the  Church  of  Rome  may  also  be 


CONVENTION  OF  1799. 


77 


received  as  a  minister,  who  shall  produce  satis- 
factory testimonials  respecting  his  ordination, 
morals,  and  conduct,  take  the  oath,  and  sub- 
scribe as  aforesaid. 

4.  No  minister  shall  be  allowed  to  hold  more 
than  one  parish  at  the  same  time.  Neverthe- 
less, a  minister  may,  if  called  thereto  by  the 
vestry,  preach  in  a  neighbouring  parish  or  par- 
ishes during  a  vacancy  therein,  and  may  re- 
ceive a  compensation  for  his  services,  provided 
he  has  the  consent  of  his  own  vestry,  and  does 
not  neglect  the  duties  of  his  parish. 

5.  Every  minister  shall  reside  within  his 
parish,  unless  a  majority  of  his  vestry  shall 
agree  to  dispense  with  his  residence,  and  shall 
at  no  time  leave  it  for  more  than  one  month, 
without  the  consent  of  the  said  vestry. 

6.  No  person,  having  deacon's  orders  only, 
shall  be  allowed,  as  such,  to  hold  a  parish,  after 
he  hath  officiated  eighteen  months  as  a  deacon, 
and  attained  the  age  of  twenty-five  years. 

7.  A  Canon  to  amend  the  canon  entitled,  "  A 
canon  concerning  Offences,  and  the  mode  of 
proceeding  against  Offending  Ministersy 

1.  Courts  shall  be  instituted  to  inquire  into 
and  decide  on  complaints  exhibited  against 
ministers ;  to  compose  which  courts  an  equal 
number  of  clergymen  and  vestrymen  shall  be 
appointed,  as  follows  :  On  the  testimony  of  two 
credible  witnesses  of  the  offence  of  any  minis- 
ter, the  bishop,  with  the  advice  and  consent  of 
the  standing  committee,  or  the  standing  com- 
mittee, when  there  is  no  bishop,  shall  nominate 
such  clergymen  as  he  or  they  shall  think  proper, 
in  the  neighbourhood  of  the  parish  in  which  the 
accused  minister  resides,  and  the  vestries  of 
the  parishes  of  such  clergymen  shall  severally 
appoint  one  of  their  own  body  to  act  in  con- 
junction with  their  clergymen.  The  visiter  of 
the  district,  if  he  be  nominated,  shall  preside, 
unless  he  be  the  accuser  or  the  accused  person, 
in  either  of  which  cases,  or  in  case  there  be  no 
visiter,  or  the  visiter  be  not  nominated,  the 
oldest  of  the  clergymen  assembled  under  the 
nomination  shall  preside.  If,  when  the  court 
assembles,  the  number  of  vestrymen  shall  be 
found  to  exceed  the  number  of  clergymen  pres- 
ent, so  many  vestrymen  shall  be  withdrawn  by 
lot  as  shall  be  necessary  to  equahze  the  num- 
bers of  the  two  orders.  And  courts  thus  con- 
stituted shall  have  the  same  powers  as  are  vested 
in  the  courts,  directed  for  the  like  purposes,  by 
the  canon  entitled  "A  canon  concerning  of- 
fences, and  the  mode  of  proceeding  against  of- 
fending ministers;"  and  shall  proceed  in  like 
manner,  except  where  it  is  herein  otherwise  di- 
rected and  provided  for. 

2.  The  bishop,  with  the  advice  and  consent 
of  the  standing  committee,  shall  appoint  a  con- 
venient time  and  place  for  the  trial,  and  shall 
take  care  that  the  members  who  are  to  com- 
pose the  court  may  have  timely  information 
thereof  The  courts  shall  appoint  their  clerks 
occasionally  for  such  trials  ;  and  no  vestryman 
shall  sit  on  the  trial  of  an  accused  minister  be- 
longing to,  or  residing  in,  the  parish  to  which 
such  vestryman  belongs. 


3.  Any  clergyman  who,  being  nominated  and 
called  on  as  above  mentionedj  shall  refuse  or 
neglect  to  attend  at  the  time  and  place  fixed  on 
for  the  purpose  of  forming  the  court  as  afore- 
mentioned, shall  be  liable  to  be  proceeded 
against  in  the  same  manner  as  other  offending 
clergymen. 

4.  The  bishop,  or  the  standing  committee, 
if  there  be  no  bishop,  shall  cite  the  accused 
minister  before  the  appointed  court ;  which  shall, 
unless  the  person  accused  is  prevented  from  at- 
tending by  sickness,  proceed  to  trial.  Viva  voce 
evidence  only  shall  be  admitted,  and  that  upon 
oath ;  and  counsel  may  be  employed  on  both  sides. 

5.  The  second,  fourth,  and  sixth  sections  of 
the  canon  entitled  "A  canon  concerning  of- 
fences and  the  mode  of  proceeding  against  of- 
fending ministers,"  is  hereby  repealed. 

8.  A  Canon  concerning  the  Appointment  and 
Duties  of  a  Standing  Committee. 

1.  A  standing  committee,  consisting  of  six 
persons,  shall  be  annually  appointed  by  the  Con- 
vention. They  shall  be  considered  in  office 
from  the  end  of  the  session  of  the  Convention 
in  which  they  are  appointed,  and  shall  continue 
in  ofiice  until  the  end  of  the  next  annual  ses- 
sion of  Convention.  Any  four  of  them  shall 
be  a  sufiicient  number  to  do  business. 

2.  The  standing  concunittee  shall  have  power, 
when  there  is  no  bishop  of  this  church  settled 
in  this  state,  to  call  meetings  of  the  Convention 
when  they  shall  think  ihem  necessary  ;  to  grant 
testimonials  to  all  persons  candidates  for  parishes, 
and  not  citizens  of  this  state,  who  may  apply 
for  the  same;  to  make  such  representations  on 
behalf  of  the  church  as  may  from  time  to  time 
be  expedient ;  to  give  advice  on  difiiculties  pro- 
pounded to  them  concerning  the  church  during 
the  recess  of  Convention  ;  to  correspond  with 
any  society  or  societies  of  the  Protestant  Epis- 
copal Church  in  these  United  States,  on  any 
matters  relating  to  the  church  ;  and  to  do  all 
other  things  assigned  to  them  by  the  rules  and 
canons  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in 
the  United  States  of  America,  passed  in  Gen- 
eral Convention,  or  in  Convention  of  the  said 
church  in  this  state. 

9.  A  Canon  concerning  a  Treasurer. 

1.  There  shall  be  appointed  annually  by  the 
Convention  a  treasurer  of  this  church  in  this 
state,  who  shall  be  a  man  of  good. character  and 
responsibility.  He  shall  be  removable  at  the 
pleasure  of  the  Convention,  but,  unless  so  re- 
moved, shall  continue  in  office  until  the  end  of 
the  next  annual  session  of  a  Convention  after 
his  appointment. 

2.  He  shall  keep  a  fair  and  exact  account  of 
all  moneys  received  and  paid  away  by  him  ;  and 
shall  lay  before  the  Convention  annually,  or 
oftener  if  thereto  required,  a  full  and  accurate 
statement  of  his  accounts.  He  shall  pay  no 
money  but  by  direction  of  the  Convention ; 
and  shall  in  all  things  relating  to  his  office  con- 
form to  their  orders  and  regulations.  For  his 
services  he  shall  be  allowed  a  compensation  of 
five  per  cent,  on  all  moneys  received  by  him. 


78 


CONVENTION  OF  1799. 


10.  A  Canon  rescinding  certain  Ordinances 
and  Canons. 
Whereas  a  general  code  of  canons  for  the 
regulation  and  government  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church  in  this  state  has  been  framed 
by  this  present  Convention,  all  ordinances  and 
canons  in  force  prior  to  the  meeting  of  this  Con- 
vention shall  be  and  they  are  hereby  rescinded. 
Provided  nevertheless,  That  nothing  in  this 
canon  shall  be  construed  to  affect  any  rights, 
remedies,  forfeitures,  or  penalties,  which  have 
accrued,  been  vested,  or  incurred,  prior  to  the 
passing  of  this  canon. 


An  Address  to  the  Members  of  the  Protestant 

Episcopal  Church  in  Virginia.     By  Bishop 

Madison. 

Brethren, — It  is  with  an  anxious  solicitude 
that  I  undertake  to  fulfil  the  request  of  the  late 
Convention  of  our  church.  At  a  crisis  so  in- 
teresting as  the  present,  the  zeal  of  that  body 
must  appear  highly  commendable  to  you,  as  well 
as  to  myself ;  for  the  time  has  arrived  when  it 
is  no  longer  a  doubt  whether  every  one,  who 
has  any  regard  for  religion,  for  morals,  for  indi- 
vidual and  for  social  happiness,  should  unite, 
should  reuse  from  their  lethargy,  and  consider 
profoundly  the  means  of  securing  those  great  and 
important  objects.  I'hey  are  in  jeopardy.  That 
dreadful  prostration  of  religious  and  moral  prin- 
ciple, which  we  everywhere  experience,  mani- 
fests the  awful  truth.  Reiigion,  the  only  an- 
chor which  holds  man  to  his  duties,  no  longer 
finds  that  firm  ground  in  which  it  can  inhere  ; 
morals,  and  with  them  private  and  public,  pres- 
ent and  future  happiness,  are  left  to  the  mercy 
of  a  rude  storm,  which  threatens  their  destruc- 
tion. Even  they  who  still  call  themselves 
Christians,  have  grown  cold  and  languid  ;  while 
thousands,  availing  themselves  of  that  languor, 
treat  religion  as  a  prejudice  which  debases  the 
human  mind  ;  deride  its  sacred  obligations,  and 
exultingly  anticipate  its  obliteration  from  the 
earth.  The  success  which  attends  the  inde- 
fatigable labours  of  those  apostles  of  irreligion 
and  immorality,  in  disseminating  principles 
which  appal  the  good,  cannot  be  unknown  to 
you.  To  their  own  consciences,  however,  let 
the  appeal  be  made.  I  presume  not  to  address 
them.  But  to  you,  brethren,  who  have  not  yet 
abjured  your  God  and  your  Saviour,  I  address 
myself  with  confidence  ;  you,  who  know  that 
good  morals  can  spring  only  from  the  bosom  of 
religion,  and  that  they  are  equally  essential  to 
temporal  and  eternal  happiness. 

The  first  subject  which  solicits  your  atten- 
tion, is  the  necessity  of  a  strict  observance  of 
the  canons,  or  laws,  which  have  been  enacted 
for  the  government  of  our  church.  These  laws 
arise  from  two  sources  ;  the  General  Conven- 
tion of  the  United  Episcopal  Churches  in 
America,  and  your  State  Convention ;  both 
regularly  constituted  and  authorized  by  you  to 
enact  all  necessary  laws  for  the  above  purpose. 
They  have  done  so.  They  have  accomplished 
that  work  as  became  faithful  and  zealous  repre- 
sentatives ;  and  have  deposited  the  result  of 


their  labours  in  your  hands,  as  the  proper  guar- 
dians. Destitute  of  that  coercive  power  which 
compels  obedience  to  civil  laws,  the  enforce- 
ment of  those  which  you  have  adopted  as  a 
Christian  society,  depends  entirely  upon  your 
virtue.  It  is  strictly  a  government  of  choice  ; 
a  government  which  is,  or  should  be,  the  result 
of  that  noble,  disinterested  effort,  which  actuates 
the  great  and  good,  when  they  experience  no 
other  impulse  than  that  which  their  own  reason, 
their  own  patriotism,  their  own  generous  love 
for  man  communicates.  It  supposes  a  society 
of  Christians,  governing  themselves  not  by 
those  severe  penalties  which  civil  laws  annex  to 
their  nonobservance,  but  by  a  high  and  elevated 
sense  of  duty,  by  considerations  no  less  im- 
portant than  those  which  are  suggested  by 
temporal  and  eternal  felicity.  It  supposes  vir- 
tue to  be  the  basis  ;  and  that  its  members  will 
never  cease  to  strengthen  that  basis,  by  a  daily 
progression  in  virtue.  It  supposes  men  to  be 
actuated  by  a  spirit  worthy  of  Christianity  : 
sensible,  indeed,  that  no  society  can  exist  with- 
out certain  laws  and  rules  by  which  the  general 
interest  may  be  regulated  and  promoted  ;  but 
cherishing  the  fond  hope  that  every  individual 
will  feel  it  his  sacred  duty,  either  to  conform  to 
them,  or  voluntarily  to  aid  in  the  enforcement 
of  them.  Did  men  possess  that  virtue  which 
such  a  social  union  supposes,  v/ere  they  actu- 
ated by  that  truly  dignified  spirit  which  gave  it 
birth,  no  government  could  be  more  prompt  or 
certain  in  its  effects.  Every  one  would  feel  a 
sincere  anxiety  for  the  preservation  of  its  laws  ; 
obedience,  springing  from  the  noblest  principle 
of  the  human  soul,  would  show  to  men  the 
practicabiiity  of  a  government,  whose  energy 
consisted  in  the  love  of  its  members.  Thus 
would  be  reahzed  that  great  truth  in  govern- 
ment, which  Christianity  desires  to  impress 
upon  the  hearts  of  men  :  thus,  either  no  viola- 
tions of  those  rules  by  which  the  society  re- 
solved to  act  in  concert  would  arise  ;  or,  if 
they  should  arise,  the  execution  of  that  sen- 
tence which  the  laws  had  previously  pro- 
nounced would  inevitably  follow.  It  is  true, 
then,  that  your  representatives^  either  in  the 
General  or  State  Conventions,  were  not  pursu- 
ing a  chimera  when  they  digested  a  plan  of 
union,  and  enacted  laws  by  which  the  church 
should  be  governed.  They  did  not  rest  upon  the 
aid  of  civil  law,  nor  did  they  desire  that  aid  to 
cause  their  decrees  to  be  enforced.  But  they  did 
confide  in  your  virtue,  in  your  good  sense,  in 
your  love  for  reli^on  and  your  country.  It  was 
a  confidence  which  you  reposed  in  yourselves. 
And  truly,  it  was  a  spectacle  at  which  many 
great  and  good  men  might  well  rejoice,  when 
they  beheld  the  members  of  our  church,  after 
the  American  revolution  had  sealed  the  liberties 
of  this  western  world,  instead  of  repining  at  the 
loss  of  those  exclusive  advantages  which  had 
long  been  enjoyed,  evincing  their  consciousness, 
that  on  themselves  alone  depended  the  pros- 
perity of  their  Zion.  Scarce  was  the  voice  of 
one  of  her  sons  heard  to  utcer  the  language  of 
discontent.  They  immolated  with  joy  those 
exclusive  advantages  upon  the  sacred  altar  of 


CONVENTION  OF  1799. 


79 


public  justice.  They  organized  their  church, 
adopted  rules  by  which,  as  a  society,  they  were 
to  act  in  concert,  and  framed  laws  for  its  par- 
ticular government. 

Such  were  the  principles,  such  the  conduct, 
which  gave  birth  to  your  laws.  You  still  ad- 
mire that  self-confidence  which  suggested  the 
idea  that  we  possessed  sufficient  virtue  to  gov- 
ern ourselves  ;  you  still  acknowledge  that,  with- 
out the  observance  of  its  rules,  no  society  can 
exist  ;  and  you  still  retain  the  just  conviction 
that,  without  religion,  man  degenerates  into  the 
beast  that  perishes.  Shall  I  here,  then,  place 
before  your  view  that  situation  into  which  your 
laws  have  fallen  1  Shall  I  remind  you  that  they 
have  become  a  dead  letter  ;  that  they  are  treated 
as  unworthy  of  your  regard ;  that  there  is 
scarcely  a  parish  which  conforms  to  them,  or 
even  knows  the  duties  which  they  enjoin  1 
No,  brethren !  You  are  ready  to  spare  me  the 
pain  which  you  know  must  attend  so  disagreea- 
ble a  recital,  and  yourselves  the  mortification 
which  it  would  ex  ite  in  your  breasts.  To  all 
of  us,  this  truth  is  too  impressive  not  to  be 
felt  and  acknowledged,  that,  unless  the  laws 
and  the  rules  which  we  have  adopted  for  our 
government  as  a  Christian  society  be  strictly 
adhered  to  and  enforced,  our  church  must  fall 
the  victim  of  our  own  apathy.  But,  in  God's 
name,  is  it  possible  that  tne  flight  of  a  few 
years  has  wrought  such  degeneracy  in  the  sons 
of  a  church  which  has  for  ages  been  the  orna- 
ment and  the  bulwark  of  genuine  Christianity  1 
Is  it  possible  that  we  have  already  experienced 
60  violent  a  recession  from  those  just,  wise,  and 
virtuous  principles  which  originated  our  laws, 
as  that  all  attachment  to  them,  all  sense  of  their 
utihty,  all  conviction  of  the  necessity  of  their 
observance,  is  eradicated  and  lost !  I  will  not 
indulge  a  supposition  so  degrading  to  us,  so 
humiliating  to  our  church,  so  afiiictive  to  virtue 
and  to  religion.  But  I  will  earnestly  and  affec- 
tionately exhort  you,  brethren,  to  dispel  this 
astonishing,  this  fatal  lethargy  ;  to  resume  your 
wonted  love  for  your  maternal  church,  that 
church  which  first  nurtured  you  with  the  milk 
of  the  gospel ;  and  to  evince  a  determination  to 
atone  for  past  neglect,  by  your  attention  to  her 
laws  in  future.  That  every  difficulty  niay  be 
removed  in  thus  acting,  the  Convention  has 
directed  a  sufficient  number  of  copies  of  them 
to  be  forwarded  to  each  parish.  Let,  I  entreat, 
the  vestries  become  intimately  acquainted  with 
them,  and  zealous  for  their  observance  ;  let 
stated  times  of  reading  them  to  our  congrega- 
tions be  carefully  regarded  ;  and  let  ministers, 
vestrymen,  every  worthy  member  of  the  church, 
feel  a  lively  interest  in  their  support.  In  those 
parishes  where  there  are  no  vestries  duly 
elected,  let  some  friend  to  our  church  urge, 
without  delay,  the  duty  and  the  necessity  of 
holding  an  election,  and  of  organizing  that  es- 
sential part  of  our  ecclesiastical  government. 
Let  men  be  chosen  whose  souls  can  comprehend 
a  general  good  ;  and  whose  hearts,  warmed 
with  the  love  of  religion,  know  how  to  appre- 
ciate its  value.  Let  such  men  be  the  guardians 
of  the  property  of  the  church ;  let  them  hus- 


band it  with  an  affectionate  concern  ;  let  them 
manage  it  with  the  same  prudence  which  they 
extend  to  their  private  affairs  ;  and  let  them  not 
despair  of  obtaining,  in  due  time,  holy  and  vir- 
tuous pastors,  whose  instructions,  admonitions, 
and  example,  they  will  love,  reverence,  and 
follow. 

I  proceed  to  another  subject.  St.  Paul,  when 
he  visited  Athens,  observed  an  altar  dedicated 
to  the  unknown  God.  Suppose  the  holy  apostle, 
descending  from  the  mansions  of  eternal  bUss, 
should  visit  our  altars  and  our  temples  :  to 
whom  do  you  imagine  he  would  think  they 
were  dedicated  1  Not,  surely,  to  that  God 
in  whom  we  live,  move,  and  have  our  leing, 
and  who  was  made  known  to  us  by  his  messen- 
gers :  nor  even  to  the  unknown  God.  No ! 
he  would  consider  them  as  dedicated,  or  rather 
devoted,  to  the  demon  of  ruin ;  he  would  read 
in  their  dejected,  forlorn  aspects,  the  fate  which 
threatens  them  ;  and  in  that  fate  the  degeneracy 
of  those  who  once  felt  a  holy  pride  in  having 
reared  them  for  the  service  of  the  living 
God.  Ah,  brethren  !  Is  it  a  melancholy 
truth,  that  your  temples  are  the  just  emblems 
of  your  regard  for  religion  1  You  see  them, 
almost  everywhere  (I  thank  God  there  are 
some  exceptions),  tottering  to  their  base.  Shall 
ruin  seize  them  ]  Shall  those  venerable  fabrics 
perish,  and  leave  not  a  trace  of  public  worship 
among  us  1  It  is  in  vain  to  urge  that  our  uncer- 
tain tenure  of  them  will  not  justify  the  expense 
which  their  repairs  demand.  Four  of  the  most 
able  jurists,  men  whose  bright  talents  reflect  a 
lustre  upon  their  profession,  and  even  upon  their 
country,  have  not  hesitated  to  declare  that  your 
title  is  valid.  The  integrity  of  the  judiciary  will 
then  be  your  shield  against  every  attack.  Pro- 
ceed upon  this  ground  ;  and  while,  as  good  citi- 
zens, you  cheerfully  acquiesce  in  those  laws 
which  the  constitution  of  our  country  will  em- 
brace, and  which  the  public  good  may  require, 
still  maintain  a  sacred  regard  for  your  rights  as 
men  and  as  members  of  a  Christian  society  ; 
nor  fear  a  deprivation  of  them  by  any  exertion 
of  power  which  justice  and  the  universal  laws 
of  property  will  not  sanction.  Hasten,  I  en- 
treat you,  to  cause  your  churches  to  assume  an 
appearance  more  worthy  of  adorators  of  the 
beneficent  Parent  of  the  universe  ;  let  them  no 
longer  present  to  the  astonished  eye  of  every 
good  man  the  miserable  garb  of  exiles  or  out- 
casts; let  not  their  silent  eloquence  plead  in 
vain ;  but  let  the  love  of  God  and  of  our  holy 
religion  open  the  palm  of  bounty,  and  let  all  vol- 
untarily contribute  to  their  necessities,  accord- 
ing to  that  store  with  which  a  kind  Providence 
hath  blessed  him.  The  vestries  will,  I  trust, 
make  every  proper  arrangement,  and  conduct 
this  good,  this  necessary  work,  with  a  zeal  which 
knovVs  how  to  ensure  success.  The  simplicity 
of  our  worship  requires  no  pomp  or  magnifi- 
cence in  our  buildings  appropriated  for  that  pur- 
pose ;  but  assuredly  it  is  a  duty  incumbent 
upon  us  to  keep  them  in  decent  repair,  to  guard 
them  against  the  injuries  which  they  must  re- 
ceive from  time,  and  particularly  from  a  shame- 
ful exposure  to  every  insult. 


80 


CONVENTION  OF  1799. 


This  subject  is  interesting,  not  only  on  ac- 
count of  the  value  of  the  buildings,  and  their 
convenience  for  public  worship,  but  also  on 
another  ground.  By  an  unavoidable  associa- 
tion of  ideas,  men  easily  transfer  to  religion 
itself  that  indifference,  that  contempt,  which 
they  see  manifested  towards  one  of  the  means 
of  promoting  it.  It  is  in  vain  to  say  we  have 
a  just  and  a  sincere  regard  for  religion  ;  we 
know  and  we  feel  its  infinite  importance  to  tem- 
poral and  eternal  felicity  ;  and  at  the  same  time 
permit  those  buildings,  so  essential  to  its  dis- 
sernination,  to  exhibit  a  spectacle  at  which  the 
good  and  the  pious  man,  of  whatever  sect  he 
may  be,  must  weep.  No,  brethren  !  Your 
very  children  will  not  be  duped  by  so  shallow  a 
pretext.  They  will  draw  for  themselves  that  in- 
ference which  you  will  never  afterward  be  able  to 
shake.  They  will  be  cradled  in  a  contempt  for 
religion.  Yes ;  this  afflicting  spectacle  of  an 
object  which  ought  to  recall  to  the  infant 
mind,  and  to  the  minds  even  of  the  aged,  the 
awful  idea  of  a  God,  such  as  we  worship,  must 
be  fatal  to  religion  and  to  virtue. 

Let  me  then,  brethren,  earnestly  exhort  you, 
in  every  parish  to  which  the  exhortation  will 
apply,  and  particularly  in  those  parishes  where 
there  may  not  be,  at  present,  a  stated  minister, 
carefully  to  attend  to  this  important  object ; 
and  let  us  evince  externally,  as  well  as  inter- 
nally, that  we  have  not  forsaken  the  God  who 
made  us,  nor  lightly  esteemed  the  rock  of  our 
salvation. 

This  subject  calls  me  to  another  very  nearly 
connected  with  it ;  I  mean,  the  situation  of 
your  pastors.  That  some  stipend  should  be 
allowed  for  their  support  and  that  of  their  fami- 
lies, is  obvious.  The  truth  is  acknowledged 
by  the  facility  with  which  a  subscription  is  gen- 
erally obtained  ;  but,  unfortunately  for  the  pastor 
and  for  religion,  the  collection  too  often  proves 
another  mortifying  truth,  which  I  need  not  de- 
tail. It  is  not  expected,  it  is  not  desired,  that 
the  pastoral  office  should  be  burdensome  to 
those  for  whose  instruction  and  benefit  it  was 
instituted  ;  but,  on  the  other  hand,  it  can  nei- 
ther be  expected  nor  desired  by  the  real  friends 
of  religioh,  that  the  labours  of  that  office  should 
receive  so  uncertain,  so  precarious  a  reward,  as 
not  to  afford  the  necessary  support.  In  the 
present  state  of  society,  nothing  can  be  accom- 
plished without  pecuniary  aid.  Your  pastors, 
though  glowing  with  the  zeal  of  martyrs,  though 
animated  by  the  most  ardent  love  for  piety  and 
virtue,  though  urged  by  the  strongest  sense  of 
duty  to  God  and  to  their  Saviour,  cannot  devote 
themselves  to  their  holy  functions,  unless  they 
know  that  they  may  rely  upon  a  certain  stipu- 
lated income.  No  clergyman  is  so  weak  as  to 
expect  to  be  enriched  by  his  ministerial  labours  ; 
but  every  one  who  discharges  his  duty  with  the 
fidelity  which  becomes  his  station,  and  whose 
life  is,  as  it  ought  to  be,  a  living  gospel  to  his 
parishioners,  should  in  justice  receive  that 
compensation  at  least  which  may  enable  him 
to  continue  his  utility.  It  is  fortunate  for  you, 
for  themselves,  and  for  society,  that  to  the  min- 
isterial office,  your  pastors  generally  add  the 


office  of  instructers  of  youth.  In  this  double 
capacity,  they  discharge  duties  the  most  inter- 
esting. It  is  certainly  in  the  first  period  of  edu- 
cation that  the  germe  of  future  greatness  is 
either  fostered  with  a  genial  warmth  which  en- 
sures its  full  development,  or  is  bruised,  stifled 
perhaps,  or  deadened,  by  the  murdering  hand  of 
the  instructer.  Of  what  infinite  importance, 
then,  is  it  not  to  parents  and  to  their  children, 
to  have  in  their  own  neighbourhood,  or  in  their 
parishes,  schools  under  the  guidance  of  men 
whose  profession  and  whose  duty  is  the  incul- 
cation and  the  practice  of  the  sublimest  moral 
duties,  while  they  are  instilling  into  the  infant 
mind  the  first  rudiments  of  science.  Parents 
ought  to  have  the  highest  security  that  the  pas- 
tor of  their  church  will  be  the  faithful  guardian 
of  the  morals  and  improvement  of  their  chil- 
dren ;  while  the  vicinity  also  of  the  school  ena- 
bles parents  to  superintend  the  discharge  of 
this  most  important  trust.  It  is  true,  and  I  re- 
joice at  it,  that  the  pastor  frequently  derives 
from  his  labours,  as  instructer  of  youth,  a  rea- 
sonable competence  ;  but  it  is  no  less  true,  that 
without  this  auxiliary  resource,  few  could  con- 
tinue their  ministerial  functions.  They  do  not 
find,  that  they  who  preach  the  gospel  can  live 
by  the  gospel,  though  the  Scriptures  inform  us 
they  should.  But  if  this  be  the  case,  if  it  be  a 
melancholy  truth  that  the  ministers  of  our 
church  do  not,  as  ministers,  receive  that  sup- 
port which  their  labours  merit,  or  which  will 
enable  them  to  continue  those  labours,  the  in- 
evitable consequence  must  be,  so  soon  as  this 
generation  is  passed,  that  there  will  be  neither 
able  pastors  of  our  churches,  nor  confidential 
pastoral  instructers  of  our  children.  But,  I 
ask,  who  among  us  wishes  to  see  the  mournful 
period  arrive,  when  the  attendants  at  the  altar 
shall  no  longer  be  men  well  instructed,  well 
educated  in  all  liberal  science  ;  men  whose 
minds,  enlarged  by  true  philosophy,  and  exalted 
by  sublime  conceptions  of  the  Deity,  contain 
within  themselves  the  strongest  stimulus  to  vir- 
tuous action,  as  well  as  the  surest  antidote  to 
a  grovelling  fanaticism,  or  a  wild  and  extrava- 
gant enthusiasm,  as  inconsistent  with  the  gos- 
pel as  with  reason  1  And  yet  arrive  it  must, 
unless  the  only  preventive  which  the  case  will 
admit  be  strenuously  applied.  I  exhort  you, 
then,  adopt  in  your  respective  parishes  some 
certain  mode,  by  which  your  pastors  may  be 
assured  of  receiving  the  stipulated  support 
which  you  may  find  yourselves  able  and  willing 
to  give.  Let  it  be  moderate,  but  let  it  be  cer- 
tain. 

It  is  now  no  longer  admitted  to  plead  disaf- 
fection to  th€  clergyman.  He  is  a  man  of  like 
passions  with  yourselves.  He  may  prove  a  re- 
creant in  the  cause  of  religion  and  virtue.  If 
such  should  be  the  fatal  issue  ;  if  he  should  de- 
part from  the  strictest  adherence  to  those  sa- 
cred duties  which  his  profession  enjoins ;  if, 
instead  of  being  a  light,  he  should  become  a 
blot  upon  our  church,  the  canon  passed  at  our 
last  state  Convention  points  out  to  you  the 
mode  by  which  we  may,  as  expeditiously  as 
justice  will  admit,  purge  off  the  foul  stain. 


CONVENTION  OF  1799. 


81 


There  still  remains  another  subject  which 
ought  not  to  be  omitted  in  this  short,  but  sin- 
cerely aifeclionate  address. 

Certainly,  our  best  reason  authorizes  the  be- 
lief, that  the  order  of  the  universe  was  not  only 
at  tirst  established,  but  is  every  moment  main- 
tained, by  the  incessant  agency  of  one  Supreme 
Mind.  AH  the  phenomena  of  this  world,  and 
of  other  worlds,  so  far  as  we  can  trace  them, 
lead  to  the  necessary  conclusion  of  a  presiding,  as 
well  as  a  creating  God.  Nor  is  it  less  certain, 
that  our  perceptions  of  moral  distinctions,  the  ad- 
monitions of  conscience,  the  irresistible  impulse 
which  forces  us  to  love  virtue  and  to  hate  vice, 
do  all  imply  a  conviction  of  the  moral  iadminis- 
tration  of  the  universe.  Man  sees  everywhere 
clear  indications  of  a  dBnnexion  between  virtue 
and  happiness,  to  which  he  must  conform  if  he 
would  avoid  misery.  He  sees  everywhere  a 
system  upheld  by  laws,  both  physical  and  moral, 
which  never  err ;  and  which,  the  more  they 
are  investigated,  the  more  do  they  evince  the 
beneficent  design  of  the  Creator.  It  is  thus 
that  the  mind  acquires  just  ideas  of  the  attri- 
butes of  God,  and  from  thence  of  the  relation 
we  bear  to  him.  The  duties  of  religion  follow 
as  a  self-evident  consequence.  If  infinite  power, 
infinite  wisdom,  infinite  moral  excellence  be  the 
attributes  of  the  Deity,  must  we  not  extend  to 
him,  though  in  an  infinite  degree,  all  those  affec- 
tions of  veneration,  of  love,  of  gratitude  and 
confidence,  which  similar  attributes  in  our  fel- 
low-creatures, however  vast  the  ditTerente,  never 
fail  to  excite  in  the  breast  of  every  one  who  has 
not  lost  the  nature  of  a  man  1  Surely  the  cul- 
tivation of  those  affections,  the  establishment 
of  an  habitual  love  and  reverence  for  the  Su- 
preme Being,  is  the  first  great  branch  of  mo- 
rality ;  nor  is  it  possible  that  the  virtue  of  that 
man  can  be  complete  or  consistent  with  itself, 
whose  mind  is  not  acted  upon,  warmed,  and 
elevated  by  these  first  sentiments  of  piety,  which 
nature  and  reason  so  powerfully  inculcate  ;  while, 
on  the  other  hand,  it  is  impossible  that  exalted 
virtue  should  not  be  the  offspring  of  such  senti- 
ments, wherever  they  are  received,  loved,  and 
cherished  in  all  their  purity.  Can  man  conceive 
just  ideas  of  a  God,  can  he  beheve  in  him  as 
the  Creator,  the  protector  of  whatever  exists, 
but  pairticularly  as  the  friend  of  innocence  and 
virtue,  and  not  feel  the  strongest  inducement  to 
practise  every  branch  of  his  duty  1  Will  not 
conscience  be  to  him  the  vicegerent  of  God  1 
Will  not  its  whispers  be  to  him  the  commands 
of  that  Being  whose  government  can  have  no 
other  object  than  the  happiness  and  the  perfec- 
tion of  his  creation  1  Can  man  extend  his 
views  still  further,  and,  aided  by  the  combined 
light  of  reason  and  revelation,  contemplate  him- 
self as  the  heir  of  immortal  life  ;  can  he  enter- 
tain a  just  regard  for  an  eternity  of  happiness  ; 
can  he  consider  the  connexion  between  that 
happiness  and  virtue  as  indissoluble  ;  can  he,  in 
a  word,  look  intensely  forward  to  a  state  of  fu- 
ture rewards  and  punishments,  and  not  be  urged, 
by  the  most  irresistible  motives,  to  love  and  to 
practise  the  purest  virtue  1  Who  does  not  see 
that  religion  thus  becomes  a  species  of  authori- 

F 


tative  law,  enforced  by  the  most  awful  sanc- 
tions, and  extending  not  merely  to  our  actions, 
but  to  our  thoughts "?  "  In  the  case  of  the 
great  bulk  of  mankind,"  says  an  able  modem 
philosopher,  "who  are  incapable  of  abstract  spec- 
ulation, and  whose  moral  feelings  cannot  be 
supposed  to  have  received  much  cultivation,  it 
is  chiefly  this  view  of  religioUj  which  is  addressed 
to  their  hopes  and  fears,  that  secures  a  faithful 
discharge  of  their  social  duties."  Let  us  not, 
then,  suppress  the  truth,  that  religion,  such  as 
the  blessed  Jesus  presents  to  us,  is  essential  to 
private  and  to  public,  to  temporal  as  well  as 
eternal  felicity.  Ah  !  had  men  acted  upon 
this  truth,  had  they  cherished  the  spirit  of  our 
holy  rehgion  and  obeyed  its  precepts,  instead 
of  desolation  and  misery,  instead  of  those  bit- 
ter potions  of  sorrow  and  wretchedness  with 
which  ambition  and  impiety  have  drenched  the 
human  race,  righteousness  and  peace,  justice 
and  benevolence,  would  long  have  flowed  as 
mighty  streams  throughout  the  earth,  gladden- 
ing the  nations,  and  pouring  through  a  thou- 
sand diflferent  channels  prosperity,  happiness, 
and  joy. 

But,  brethren,  if  reason,  if  revelation,  if  duty 
and  interest,  if  the  good  order  of  society,  if 
every  unbiased  sentiment  of  the  human  heart, 
if,  in  short,  every  consideration  the  most  impor- 
tant to  man,  thus  evinces  the  high  and  inestima- 
ble value  of  religion,  it  follows,  undoubtedly, 
that  the  abandonment  of  it  must  be  fatal  to 
human  happiness.  This  conclusion  follows,  or 
we  should  be  justified  in  the  expectation  of  an 
effect  when  the  only  cause  which  -can  produce 
it  is  removed.  What  then  is  the  real  factl 
Is  not  religion,  I  might  not  confine  the  question 
to  that  sincere  and  ardent  love  for  it  which  the 
trvily  virtuous  only  feel,  but  is  not  even  the  ap- 
pearance of  religion  almost  laid  aside,  nay, 
scoffed  at,  by  the  great  bulk  of  society  !  I  do 
not  think  it  becomes  me  to  dissemble  this  truth, 
terrific  as  it  really  is  ;  nor  do  I  think  it  neces- 
sary, though  the  task  would  not  be  diflficult,  to 
investigate  the  causes  which  have  produced  the 
effect ;  but  I  am  convinced,  deeply  convinced, 
that  the  affirmative  cannot  be  denied.  Do  not 
our  days  of  public  worship  manifest  this  truth  t 
Does  not  the  entire  neglect  of  parents  in  the 
religious  instruction  of  their  children  manifest 
this  truth  1  Does  not  the  rapid  growth  of  im- 
morality in  general,  of  profaneness  and  impiety  ; 
do  not  the  beginnings  of  prodigious  crimes ; 
does  not  that  party  rage,  which,  not  content 
with  blasting,  by  slander's  envenomed  breath, 
the  well-earned  fame  of  honesty  and  worth,  but, 
tiger-like,  thirsts  even  for  the  blood  of  fellow- 
citizens;  do  not  all  these  effects  demonstrate 
that  religion  no  longer  dwells  among  us  1  But, 
indeed,  I  might  save  both  you  and  myself  the 
trouble  of  these  interrogatories,  and  ask,  whether 
there  be  a  truth  more  manifest  to  the  minds  of 
all,  or  one,  which  could  be  the  cause  of  more 
exultation  to  many  ■? 

If  such  then  be  our  situation,  while  the  im- 
portance of  religion  is  also  such  as  we  contend 
for,  what  remains  to  be  done  1  Shall  we,  with 
folded  arms,  await  the  rising  tempest   which 


et 


CONVENTION  OF  1799. 


threatens  to  shake  this  guilty  land,  and  to  sweep 
■with  the  besom  of  destruction  these  fair  fabrics 
of  human  wisdom,  the  proudest  monuments  of 
repubhcan  virtue  ;  or  shall  we  raise  to  Heaven 
the  only  means  which  are  left  of  averting  the 
impending  ruin,  and  of  conducting  it  silently 
and  imperceptibly  from  usi  Between  these 
extremes,  a  wise  man  will  not  hesitate.  He 
will  seize  those  means  with  avidity.  He  will 
become  the  sincere  and  the  active  friend  of 
rational  religion  ;  convinced  that  it  is  the  only 
foundation  upon  which  good  morals,  and,  con- 
sequently, private,  social,  and  eternal  happiness, 
ean  securely  rest.  He  will  see  that  those  pre- 
tended lovers  of  morality  who  tear  it  from 
religion,  Jeave  a  bleeding  trunk  and  grasp  a 
withered  bough.  He  will  guard  the  sacred 
trunk,  nourish  its  roots,  protect  its  branches, 
and  once  more  indulge  the  delicious  hope  of 
enjoying  the  fruits  of  righteousness  and  of 
peace. 

But  in  order  that  a  speci6c  mode  may  be 
adopted  which  shall  be  the  most  likely  to  pro- 
duce the  effect  so  devoutly  to  be  wished,  the 
revival  of  a  just  sense  of  religion,  permit  me  to 
submit  the  following  to  every  parish. — Let  the 
vestries  assemble  so  soon  as  it  may  be  conve- 
nient ;  and  let  it  then  be  proposed  to  enter  into 
a  solemn  engagement  with  each  other,  to  use 
every  exertion  to  induce  a  regular  attendance  at 
church,  whenever  an  opportunity  is  presented  ; 
let  them  resolve  to  set  the  example  ;  let  their 
attendance,  with  their  families,  be  as  constant 
and  uniform  as  possible  ;  and  let  each,  being 
provided  with  a  prayer-book,  join  in  the  service, 
as  our  church  has  directed.  Let  them  also  use 
all  their  influence,  by  reasoning,  by  persuasion, 
by  such  exhortations  as  may  be  thought  most 
proper,  to  induce  their  neighbours  to  adopt  and 
to.  carry  into  eflfect  the  same  resolution.  Lei 
them  begin,  seriously  and  heartily,  to  attend  to 
whatever  concerns  the  interest  of  the  church  ; 
and,  for  this  purpose,  to  have  regular  quarterly 
meetings.  If  those  meetings  could  be  held  in 
church,  after  divine  service,  I  believe  it  would 
often  be  found  most  convenient.  Let  also  every 
respectable  and  influential  character  who  may 
prefer  our  church,  whether  he  be  a  vestryman 
or  not,  resolve  to  give  his  assistance :  let  all  join 
zealously  in  this  good  work,  and  we  should  soon 
see  rational  religion  to  revive  among  us.  I  do 
not  suppose  that  any  one,  who  has  voluntarily 
undertaken  the  office  of  a  vestryman,  will  object 
to  what  has  been  here  proposed,  unless  he  can 
suggest  a  better  plan  to  effect  the  same  purpose ; 
but  if  any  one  should,  a  resignation  would  be  a 
benefit  which  he  could  have  no  reluctance  in 
conferring  upon  religion  and  the  church. 

It  will  not  be  objected  to  this  proposal,  that 
we  might  thus  have  the  show  of  religion,  but 
still  want  the  reality.  No !  I  have  a  higher 
idea  of  the  attractive  charms  of  religion  than  to 
believe  that  they  who  frequent  her  courts,  and 
who  come  within  the  music  of  her  voice,  will 
not  learn  to  love  her.  I  know  that  inattention 
to  religion  produces  indifference,  and  that  indif- 
ference teraunates  in  irreligion,  in  profaneness, 
W»d  impiety ;  one  effect  thue  becoming  the  pro- 


lific- parent  of  other  effects  the  most  deadly  to 
individual,  to  domestic,  and  to  social  happiness. 
The  unnatural  state  of  man  is  certainly  that 
which  is  diseased  and  polluted  with  moral  tur- 
pitude ;  which  is  rendered  loathsome  by  crimes 
rank  and  offensive  to  Heaven  and  earth.  A 
state  of  religion  ^nd  of  virtue  is  his  only  natural 
state.  The  distinction  between  the  religious 
and  the  moral  man  is  a  cobweb,  which  may  en- 
tangle the  sophist,  himself ;  but  he  who  loves 
virtue,  he  who  really  practises  moral  duties, 
will  never,  without  some  violence  offered  to  his 
nature,  fall  into  the  absurdity  of  neglecting  the 
God  by  whose  appointment  they  are  made 
necessary  to  happiness.  We  need,  then,  to 
arrest  the  progress  of  irreligion,  only  assemble 
men  once  more  as  Chiistians ;  we  need  only 
accustom  them  to  worship  their  God,  to  hear 
instruction,  and.  to  see  fiow  anuable  his  taberna- 
cles, are ;  they  will  abandon  the  unnatural  state, 
they  will  return  to  that  which  is  so  congenial  to 
their  nature ;  they  will  gradually  repent,  and 
turn  to  God,  mid  do  works  meet  for  repentance. 
We  should  behold,  in  a  short  time,  how  great  a 
matter  a  little  fire  kindlctk ;  we  should  see  the 
love  of  God  and  man  to  warm  the  breasts  of 
fellow-citizens  ;  we  should  see  a  society  where 
each  might  say.  We  have  wronged  no  man,  we 
have  corrupted  no  man,  we  have  defrauded  no 
man  ;  a  society  in  which,  instead  of  being  hate- 
ful and  hating  one  another,  all  bitterness,  and 
wrath,  and  clamour,  and  evil-speaking,  and  evil- 
doing,  would  be  put  away  from  us. 

To  the  soul  frozen  with  apathy,  or  entirely 
engrossed  with  its  worldly  pursuits  ;  to  the  man 
who  has  so  long  abstracted  himself  from  every 
thought  of  religion,  that  it  is  not  possible  to  find 
even  a  few  of  its  scattered  rays  emanating  from 
his  breast,  which  we  might  concentre,  and  re- 
flect back  upon  himself  in  their  collected  warmth, 
these  ideas  will  appear  vain  and  illusory,  perhaps 
extravagant  and  enthusiastic.  Be  it  so.  To 
those  who  cherish  virtue  ;  who  know,  from  all 
past  and  present  experience,  throughout  every 
period  of  civil  history,  that  criminality  has 
always  advanced  in  the  same  proportion  as  the 
principle  of  religion  has  receded  ;  and  that  it  is 
more  easy  to  recall  men  to  a  state  which  is 
natural  to  them,  and  in  which  their  happiness  is 
placed  by  God  himself,  than  to  turn  them  from 
it  to  one- which  is  unnatural,  and  consequently 
miserable,  to  such  I  address  myself  with  con- 
fidence. From  such  I  hear  the  animating  voice. 
Come,  let  us  make  the  noble  effort ;  it  is  reason, 
it  is  patriotism,  it  is  our  best  interest,  it  is  grati- 
tude to  our  God,  which  persuades  ;  let  us  snatch 
ourselves,  our  children,  our  country,  from  the 
madness  of  libertinism,  from  the  vortex  of  im- 
piety and  irreligion,  and  let  us  revive  the  reign 
of  truth  and  justice,  of  peace  and  righteousness, 
of  love  to  God  and  man.  Let  us  unite  ;  let  us 
act  as  fathers,  as  patriots,  and  as  Christians  ;  let 
us  raise  the  parent  of  morality  and  happiness 
from  the  dust ;  and  let  us  resolve  henceforth  to 
become  her  protectors,  her  guardians,  her  truly- 
sincere  and  zealous  friends. 

Before  such  sentiments,  such  resolutions, 
would  not  every  obstacle  vanish !     Would  they 


CONVENTION  OF  1806. 


83 


toot  disappear,  like  the  light  down  which  the 
wind  chaseth  from  the  mountain's  top  1  They 
would.  There  is  not  a  tongue  which  is  not 
ready  to  join  in  the  response.  See  then  the 
conclusion.  The  means  are  certain  ;  they  are 
within  your  power ;  nay,  they  invite  you  to 
hasten  to  their  adoption.  If  they  be  not  adopt- 
ed, the  consequences  may  be  fatal  to  human 
happiness.  To  your  consciences,  and  to  your 
God,  I  leave  the  decision.  If  religion,  such  as 
the  wisest  and  the  best  of  men  approve,  must 
continue  to  decline — perish  it  cannot — nothing 
remains  for  its  real  friends  but  the  mantle  of 
mourning.  I  anticipate,  however,  a  far  different 
event.  Besides  the  hope  of  your  exertions,  a 
ray  of  consolation  seems  to  break  forth  from 
another  quarter.  The  cultivation  of  piety  is 
ranked  by  the  most  eminent  writers  among  the 
highest  duties  which  a  nation  owes  to  itself. 
Perhaps  the  time  may  not  be  far  distant,  when 
the  enlightened  patriots  of  this  country,  in  their 
legislative  capacities,  conscious  of  this  duty, 
"  knowing  that  nothing  is  so  proper  as  piety  to 
strengthen  virtue,  and  to  give  it  its  full  extent;" 
and  preferring  the  prevention  of  crimes  to  the 
multiplication  of  sanguinary  laws  ;  or  the  per- 
fection of  citizens  to  their  extermination  ;  will 
bring  forward  some  well-digested  plan  for  the 
security  of  this  great  object.  Whether  a  gen- 
eral assessment,  upon  principles  suited  to  the 
nature  of  a  free  government,  would  not  be  the 
most  happy  expedient,  and  productive  of  really 
great  and  extensive  public  gopd,  is  a  subject 


well  worthy  of  the  most  serious  consideration  of 
every  friend  to  virtue  and  genuine  republicanism. 

To  you,  reverend  brethren,  in  particular,  a 
few  words  only  shall  be  added.  This  is  the 
season  for  exertion.  You  will  find,  I  trust,  in 
every  parish,  many  good  men,  who  will  gladly 
aid  you.  Consult  with  them  ;  exhort  and  en- 
courage each  other ;  unite  your  zeal  with 
theirs,  and  let  not  the  overflowings  of  ungod- 
liness deter  you  from  your  duty.  Extend  your 
care  not  only  to  your  own  parish,  but  to  any 
neighbouring  parish  which  may  not  have  a 
minister.  Make  known  to  all  the  laws  and 
regulations  which  govern  us  as  a  Christian  so- 
ciety ;  excite  all  to  a  diligent  observance  of 
them  ;  and  be  the  first  to  set  the  example.  Be 
zealous  for  the  glory  of  our  God,  walk  in  all  his 
ordinances  blameless,  and  in  every  thing  keep 
a  conscience  void  of  offence.  Be  ever  im- 
pressed with  this  truth,  the  most  important  to 
us  and  to  religion,  that,  to  be  useful,  we  must 
be  respected  ;  and  to  be  respected,  we  must  be 
truly  good.  Prudence,  mildness,  benevolence, 
charity  for  all  men,  wisdom  and  piety,  active, 
zealous,  but  liberal ; — great  God  !  with  these 
virtues  clothe  the  ministers  of  thy  gospel. 

And  now,  brethren,  I  commend  you  to  God, 
and  to  the  word  of  his  grace,  which  is  able  io 
build  you  up,  and  io  give  you  an  inheritance 
among  all  them  that  are  sanctified. 

James  Madison, 
Bishop  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  in  Virginia. 


From  the  best  information  which  the  author  has  been  able  to  collect,  the  depressed  condition 
of  the  church  led  to  the  entire  discontinuance  of  the  Conventional  meetings  for  several  years. 
There  will  therefore  bd  found  irregularity  in  the  Journals  from  this  period  up  to  1812.  All  that 
could  be  procured  are  published. 


Journal  of  a  Special  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  Virginia,  held  at  the 
Capitol  in  the  City  of  Richmond,  May  7th,  1805. 


On  Tuesday,  the  7th  of  May,  in  the  year  of 
our  Lord  180.5,  being  the  day  appointed  for  a 
special  meeting  of  the  Convention  of  the  Prot- 
estant Episcopal  Church  at  the  Capitol  in  the 
city  of  Richmond,  a  sufficient  number  of  mem- 
bers having  attended  to  form  a  Convention,  the 
Rev.  Abner  Waugh  read  prayers,  after  which  the 
Rt.  Rev.  Dr.  Madison  took  his  seat  as  president. 

Charles  Marshall  was  appointed  secretary  to 
the  Convention. 

An  address  suitable  to  the  occasion  was  de- 
livered by  the  president. 

The  deputies  then  delivered  in  at  the  secre- 
tary's table  the  certificates  of  their  appoint- 
ments. 

Resolved,  That  the  Rev.  Mr.  M'Norton  and 
Mr.  Ambler  be  appointed  a  committee  to  ex- 
amine the  certificates  of  the  deputies  attending, 
and  report  to  the  Convention. 

The  committee  appointed  to  examine  the  cer- 
tificates of  members  attending  reported,  That 


the  returns  made  from  the  parishes  of  Berkeley, 
Bruton,  Christ's  Church,  Fredericksville,  Ham- 
ilton, Henrico,  Elizabeth  River,  James  City, 
Manchester,  St.  Mark,  Southam,  St.  Stephen, 
St.  Martin,  Shelburne,  Wicomico,  Ware,  St, 
James  Norlham,  Cumberland,  and  Bath,  were 
conformably  to  the  canons. 

The  Rev.  Abner  Waugh,  Sewall  Chapin,  and 
Andrew  Syme,  appeared  without  certificates  ; 
and  the  Convention  being  satisfied  that  they 
were  regularly  ordained  ministers,  and  in  the 
following  parishes,  to  wit :  the  Rev.'  Abner 
Waugh  in  the  parish  of  St.  Mary's  (Caroline), 
the  Rev.  Andrew  Syme  of  the  parish  of  Bris- 
tol,  the  Rev.  Sewall  Chapin  in  the  parish  of 
Westover,  and  Godfrey  Davenish,  Master  of  an 
Academy,  King  William,  were  severally  per- 
mitted to  take  their  seats  in  Convention  vvithout 
certificates. 

The  Convention  was  th«n  composed  of  th« 
following  members,  viz  : — 


84 


CONVENTION  OF  1805. 


Clerical  Deputies. 
Hugh  Goran  Boggs, 

Daniel  M'Norton, 
Matthew  Murray,  D.  D., 
Charles  O'Neal, 
James  Madison  (B.  ^d  P.)> 


James  "Whitehead>  D.  D., 

Duncan  M'Naughton, 
John  Dunn, 

John  Buchanan,  D.  D., 


Lay  Deputies. 

Robert  Greenhow, 
James  Ball, 
John  Walker, 
Charles  Marshall, 
John  Ambler, 
David  Patteson,          > 
James  A.  Patterson,  J 

Wilham  Broadus, 
William  Bently, 
John  Hull, 
William  Fontaine, 

Richard  Gaskins, 
Richard  Banum, 


John  Cameron,  D.  D., 

Wright  Tucker, 

Abner  Waugh, 

Godfrey  Davenish,  Master  of  an  Academy, 

Sewall  Chapin, 

Andrew  Syme, 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Ambler,  Mr. .  Fontaine, 
Rev.  Mr.  M'Norton,  and  Rev.  Mr.  Waugh,  be 
appointed  a  committee  to  examine  the  treasu- 
rer's accounts  and  report,  &c. 

Resolved,  That  the  Rev.  Doctor  Cameron, 
the  Rev.  Doctor  Buchanan,  the  Rev.  James 
Whitehead,  the  Rev.  Daniel  M'Norton,  the 
Rev.  Matthew  Murray,  the  Rev.  Hugh  Coran 
Boggs,  the  Rev.  Abner  Waugh,  Mr.  Walker, 
Mr.  Ball,  Mr.  Ambler,  Mr.  Greenhow,  Mr. 
Fontaine,  Mr.  Broadus,  and  Mr.  Marshall,  be 
appointed  a  connnittee  to  take  under  considera- 
tion the  subjects  mentioned  in  the  president's 
address  this  day  delivered,  and  also  the  general 
business  to  be  laid  before  the  Convention,  and 
report  their  opinion  of  the  measures  necessary 
to  be  adopted,  and  that  the  president  be  re- 
quested to  attend  the  said  committee. 

Resolved,  That  the  Convention  do  to-morrow 
form  themselves  into  a  committee  of  the  whole,  to 
take  under  consideration  the  state  of  the  church. 

Resolved,  That  the  thanks  of  this  Conven- 
tion be  given  to  the  Right  Rev.  Doctor  Madi- 
son for  his  well-timed  and  judicious  addres?. 

Resolved,  That  the  visiters  of  districts  who 
are  present,  give  as  accurate  information  as 
they  can  to  the  secretary,  of  the  officiating 
clergy  within  their  respective  vestry  districts. 

Ordered,  That  the  Convention  do  adjourn  un- 
til to-morrow  morning,  9  o'clock; 

Wkdnesday-,  May  8th,  1805. 

The  Convention  met  according  to  adjourn- 
ment. Prayers  were  read  by  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Yoting,  and  a  sermon  delivered  by  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Dunn. 

The  Rev.  John  Bracken,  D.  D.,  of  the  parish 
of  Bruton,  appeared  and  took  his  seat. 

Certificates  from  the  clerk  of  Washington 
parish,  from  the  Wardens  of  Elizabeth  City 
parish,  from  Drysdale  parish,  and  from  Fred- 
erick parish,  were  severally  handed  in  at  the 


John  Curd, 
Edmund  P.,  Bacon, 
John  Walker, 


Parishes. 
Berkeley. 
Bruton. 

Christ's  Church. 
Fredericksville. 
Hamilton. 
James  City. 

Manchester. 

Elizabeth  River. 

St.  Mark. 

Soutbam. 

St.  Stephen. 

St.  Martin. 

Shelburne. 

Wicomico. 

Ware. 

Henrico. 

St.  James. 

Cumberland. 

Bath. 

St.  Mary. 

King  William. 

Westover. 

Bristol. 


secretary's  table,  and,  upon  being  examined  by 
the  committee  appointed  for  that  purpose,  were 
found  to  be  conformable  to  the  canons  ;  where- 
upon the  Rev.  James  Elliott  and  Daniel  Car- 
michael,  deputies  from  the  parish  of  Washmg- 
ton,  the  Rev.  Benjamin  Brown  and  John  Coop- 
er, deputies  from  the  parish  of  Elizabeth  City, 
William  Syme,  a  lay  deputy  from  the  parish  of 
Drysdale,  and  Gilbert  Page,  a  lay  deputy  from 
the  parish  of  Frederick,  severally  took  their  seats. 

The  committee  appointed  yesterday  to  take 
under  consideration  the  president's  address,  and 
also  the  general  business  to  be  laid  before  the 
Convention,  returned  a  report  in  part,  which 
was  delivered  in  at  the  secretary's  table,  where 
it  was  read. 

Resolved,  That  the  Convention  form  them- 
selves into  a  committee  of  the  whole  on  the 
state  of  the  church. 

The  Convention  then  formed  themselves  into 
a  committee  of  the  whole,  to  take  under  consid- 
eration the  report  of  the  select  committee,  Mr. 
David  Patteson  in  the  chair ;  and  after  some 
time  spent,  the  committee  rose,  reported,  and 
asked  leave  to  sit  again. 

Mr.  David  Patteson  reported.  That  the  com- 
mittee of  the  whole  had  gone  through  the  re- 
port of  the  select  committee,  and  agreed  to  the 
same,  with  an  amendment,  which  he  dehvered 
in  at  the  secretary's  table. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  report  lie  on  the  table, 
and  be  made  the  order  of  the  day  for  to-morrow. 

The  Rev.  John  Bracken  and  Robert  Page 
were  added  to  the  committee  appointed  to  take 
under  consideration  the  president's  address,  and 
the  general  business  to  be  laid  before  the  Con- 
vention. 

Ordered,  That  the  Convention  be  adjourned 
until  to-morrovv  morning,  9  o'clock. 

Thursday,  Mat  9th,  1805. 
The  Convention  met  according  to  adjourn- 


CONVENTION  OF  1805. 


85 


meut.  Prayers  were  read  by  the  Rev.  John 
Buchanan.  The  Convention  then  proceeded 
to  consider  the  report  yesterday  made  from  the 
committee  of  the  whole  on  the  state  of  the 
church,  and  which  was  made  the  order  of  the 
day. 

The  said  report  having  been  debated  by  sec- 
tions, received  several  amendments,  and  was 
afterward  read  by  the  secretary  as  amended. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  report,  as  amended, 
be  agreed  to. 

Resolved,  That  a  canon  in  conformity  to  the 
said  report  be  prepared  and  reported  to  the 
Convention. 

A  canon  conformably  to  the  said  report  was 
then  presented,  as  follows  : 

A  Canon  for  the    effectual  government  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  this  State. 

"Whereas  the  present  state  of  the  Prot- 
estant Episcopal  Church  in  Virginia  has  ex- 
perienced many  and  great  inconveniences  from 
the  want  of  such  regulations  and  provisions  as 
the  good  and  wholesome  government  of  the 
said  church  required,  and  from  the  nonper- 
formance of  existing  canons ;  Now,  in  order 
that  such  inconveniences  may  be  removed,  so 
far  as  lieth  in  this  Convention,  and  that  the 
rules  and  canons  of  the  said  church,  and  also 
those  of  the  General  Convention,  may  be 
strictly  observed  and  enforced  in  all  time  to 
come,  that  all  the  members  of  the  said  church, 
whether  clergymen  or  laymen,  may  be  excited 
to  the  most  zealous  and  commendable  exertions 
to  further,  by  all  justifiable  means,  the  future 
prosperity  of  the  church, 

Be  it  ordained.  That  every  minister  shall  lay 
before  each  Convention  a  full  statement  of  the 
eburch  within  his  care,  which  shall  exhibit  not 
only  the  numbers  of  his  congregation  or  con- 
gregations, but  of  their  increase  or  decrease, 
the  number  of  communicants,  the  support  which 
he  receives,  the  attention  paid  to  the  preservation 
of  the  church  or  churches,  the  state  of  psalm- 
ody, the  use  of  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer, 
and  the  general  observance  of  the  ordinances. 

Sec.  2d.  Every  minister  shall  take  due  care 
that  vestries  be  regularly  elected,  that  the  rules 
of  the  church  be  read  agreeably  to  a  canon  pro- 
vided for  that  purpose,  and  shall  once  at  least 
in  every  year  preach  a  sermon  upon  the  neces- 
sity of  knowing  and  adhering  to  the  rules  of  the 
church,  and  use  every  exertion  to  instruct  the 
rising  generation  in  the  principles  of  Christianity 
^■xind  of  our  church.  ' 

Sec.  3d.  Every  minister  shall  attend  Con- 
yentions,  unless  in  case  of  sickness  or  other 
sufficient  reason,  of  which  each  succeeding 
Convention  shall  be  notified  and  judge. 

Sec.  4th.  In  any  case  of  nonobservance  of 
these  regulations,  the  sentence  shall  be  admo- 
nition, censure,  or  suspension. 

Sec.  5th.  Any  lay  member  of  the  qhurch, 
conducting  himself  in  a  manner  unworthy  of  a 
Christian,  may  be,  and  ought  to  be,  admonished 
by  the  minister  and  vestry  of  the  parish  or  con- 
gregation ;  and  if  such  member  persevere  in 
^ucn  conduct,  he  shall  be  suspended  or  expelled 


by  the  minister  and  vestry  ;  in  which  case  he 
may  appeal  to  the  Convention,  who  shall  have 
power  to  confirm  or  reject  the  sentence. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  canon  do  pass,  and 
the  title  thereof  be,  "A  canon  for  the  effectual 
government  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church 
in  this  state." 

Resolved,  That  the  treasurer  be  directed  to 
take  measures  for  compiling  into  one  volume  all 
the  canons  and  resolutions,  as  well  of  the  gen- 
eral as  State  Conventions,  which  shall  have  been 
heretofore  made  and  are  now  in  force,  for  the 
government  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  ; 
and  that  he  cause  two  hundred  copies  to  be  im- 
mediately printed,  and  distributed  among  the 
ministers  and  laymen  of  the  several  parishes 
within  this  state,  who  shall  hold  such  copies  for 
the  use  of  their  respective  vestries,  and  shall 
submit  them,  when  desired,  to  the  inspection  of 
parishioners. 

Resolved,  That  the  Rev.  Mr.  M'Norton,  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Whitehead,  D.  D.,  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Bracken,  D.  D.,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Boggs,  Mr.  Walk- 
er, Mr.  Ambler,  and  Mr.  Page,  be  appointed  a 
committee  to  bring  in  a  canon  amendatory  of 
the  canon  concerning  presbyteries. 

Resolved,  That  the  thanks  of  this  Convention 
be  given  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Dunn  for  his  excel- 
lent sermon  preached  yesterday. 

The  committee  appointed  to  examine  the 
treasurer's  accounts,  returned  their  report  that 
there  was  a  balance  remaining  in  his  hands  of 
67Z.  12s.  7d. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  account  and  report 
do  pass. 

The  committee  appointed  to  take  into  con- 
sideration the  subjects  mentioned  in  the  presi- 
dent's address,  and  also  the  general  business  to  be 
laid  before  the  Convention,  reported.  That  they 
had,  according  to  order,  again  taken  those  sub- 
jects into  their  consideration,  and  had  agreed  to 
several  resolutions  thereupon,  which  were  de- 
livered in  at  the  secretary's  table  :  which  reso- 
lutions are  in  the  words  following,  to  wit  : — 

Wliereas  the  great  question  of  the  title  to 
the  glebe-lands  belonging  to  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church,  in  the  estimation  of  this 
committee,  remains  yet  undecided  ;  and  this 
committee,  considering  the  law  of  this  common- 
wealth, passed  in  the  year  1802,  authorizuig  the 
overseers  of  the  poor  to  expose  to  sale  all  va- 
cant glebes,  to  be  unconstitutional,  as  interfering 
with  a  title  completely  vested  in  the  Episcopal 
Church,  and  subversive  of  private  right ;  and 
this  committee,  feeling  an  ardent  desire  to  de- 
fend the  rights  of  the  church,  they  therefore 
recommend  to  the  Convention,  for  their  adoption, 
the  following  resolutions  : — 

Resolved,  That  the  bishop  and  standing  com- 
mittee be  authorized  and  requested  to  pursue  to 
the  end  the  defence  of  the  rights  and  property 
of  the  churches  aforesaid. 

Resolved,  That  this  Convention  will  endeav- 
our, by  contribution  from  the  several  parishes  or 
otherwise,  to  raise  a  fund  for  the  purpose  of 
defraying  any  and  all  expenses  which  may  be 
incurred  in  the  protection  and  maintenance  of 
the  rights  aforesaid. 


86 


CONVENTION  OF  1805. 


These  resolutions,  after  being  read,  were 
agreed  to. 

A  resolution  from  the  same  committee  was 
delivered  in  at  the  secretary's  table,  and,  after 
being  read,  was  agreed  to  in  the  words  follow- 
ing :—     . 

Resolved,  That  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  vis-: 
iter  of  each  district  in  the  state,  to  report  as 
soon  as  possible  to  the  bishop  and  standing  com- 
mittee all  the  parishes  within  his  district,  with 
the  name  of  each  parish,  what  parishes  have 
incumbents,  who  those  are,  what  parishes  are 
vacant,  what  glebes  have  been  sold,  and  what 
are  in  a  state  of  litigation ;  and  that  it  be  the 
duty  of  the  bishop  and  standing  committee  to 
report  the  result  to  the  next  Convention. 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  appointed  to 
take  into  consideration  the  subjects  mentioned 
in  the  president's  address,  and  also  the  general 
business  to  be  laid  before  the  Convention,  be 
discharged  from  further  proceeding. 

Whereas  the  bishop  has  represented  to  this 
Convention,  that  from  want  of  bodily  strength, 
and  from  sundry  necessary  and  official  occupa- 
tions, he- finds  himself  unable  to  discharge  the 
whole  of  the  arduous  and  important  duties  an- 
nexed to  that  office ;  Resolved,  That  it  is  ex- 
pedient an  assistant  bishop  be  appointed. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  resolution  be  commit- 
ted to  a  committee  of  the  whole  on  the  state  of 
the  church. 

The  Convention  then  formed  themselves  into 
a  committee  of  the  whole  on  the  state  of  the 
church,  Mr.  D.  Patteson  in  the  chair  ;  and  af- 
ter some  time  spent  therein,  the  committee 
rose,  and  the  chairman  reported.  That  the  com- 
mittee had,  according  to  order,  taken  the  said 
resolution  under  consideration,  and  had  directed 
him  to  report  the  same  without  amendment. 

The  Convention  then  took  the  report  of  the 
committee  of  the  whole  into  consideration,  and 
agreed  thereto. 

Resolved,  That  the  nomination  of  an  assist- 
ant bishop  be  postponed  until  the  next  Conven- 
tion. 

Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the 
clergy  in  their  respective  cures,  to  embrace 
every  opportunity  of  visiting  their  parishioners, 
accompanying  those  visits  with  instructions  suit- 
able to  their  sacred  office,  insisting  on  the  ne- 
cessity of  religion  to  the  happiness  of  man,  the 
duty  incumbent  on  all  parents  to  instruct  their 
children  in  the  principles  of  Christianity,  the 
advantages  arising  from  family  worship,  and  a 
pointed  attendance  on  the  public  worship  of  our 
church. 

The  said  resolution  being  first  read  by  the  sec- 
retary, and  then  by  the  president,  was  agreed  to. 

A  resolution  respecting  itinerant  ministers 
was  delivered  in  at  the  secretary's  table  ;  and  af- 
ter being  read,  Resolved,  That  the  said  resolu- 
tion be  committed  to  the  Rev.  John  Bracken, 
D.  D.,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Whitehead,  B.  D.,  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Boggs,  the  Rev.  Mr.  M'Norton,  Mr. 
Walker,  Mr.  Ambler,  and  Mr  Page,  to  make  a 
report  on  the  same. 

Ordered,  That  the  Convention  adjourn  until 
to-nidrrdw  mbrnin  cr,  10  o'clock. 


FainAY,  May  10,  1805. 

The  Convention  met  according  to  adjounl-' 
ment. 

The  Rev.  Matthew  Murray,  D.  D.,  read  pray- 
ers. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  res- 
olution concerning  itinerant  missionaries  re- 
ported. That  they  had,  according  to  order,  taken 
into  consideration  the  subject,  and  had  come  to 
a  resolution  thereupon,  which  was  delivered  in 
at  the  secretary's  table,  and,  after  being  twice 
read,  was  agreed  to,  as  follows  : — 

Whereas  many  parishes  in  this  state  are  with- 
out pastors,  so  that  the  members  of  the  Prot- 
estant Episcopal  Church  residing  therein  have 
no  opportunity  of  hearing  the  doctrines  of  our 
church  expl^ained  and  inculcated,  and  of  having 
its  several  ordinances  administered  :  And  where- 
as it  is  believed  that  the  interests  of  religion 
will  be  promoted  by  the  mission  of  suitable  char- 
acters in  the  several  districts  within  this  state, 
for  the  purpose  of  explaining  and  inculcating 
those  doctrines,  and  of  administering  such  or- 
dinances :  Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended 
to  the  bishop  and  standing  committee  to  select 
so  many  suitable  characters  as  they  shall  deem 
necessary,  from  time  to  time,  for  the  objects 
aforesaid  ;  and  that,  previous  to  such  missions, 
due  notice  shall  be  given,  by  circular  letters  or 
otherwise,  to  the  minister  and  vestry,  or,  where 
there  is  no  vestry,  to  some  respectable  member 
or  members  of  each  parish,  whose  duty  it  shall 
be  to  promote  a  subscription  for  the  compensa- 
tion of  such  travelling  ministers,  and  that  the  sev- 
eral sums  so  raised  be  forwarded  to  the  treasurer 
of  the  church,  subject  to  the  management  and 
disposal  of  the  bishop  and  standing  committee. 

Resolved,  That  the  Rev.  Dr.  Buchanan  be 
appointed  treasurer  of  the  church  for  the  ensu- 
ing year. 

Resolved,  That  the  next  Convention  be  held 
in  the  city  of  Richmond. 

Resolved,  That  the  treasurer  be  directed  to 
report  to  the  next  Convention  what  parishes 
have  failed  in  payment  of  the  annual  requisi- 
tions, with  a  statement  of  the  amount  of  the  ar- 
rearages due  from  each  delinquent  parish ;  and,  in 
the  meantime,  that  he  shall  transmit  to  the  minis- 
ter and  vestry,  or,  where  there  shall  be  no  minis- 
ter or  vestry,  to  some  respectable  member  of  such 
delmquent  parish,  a  statement  of  the  balances 
due  from  such  parish. 

Resolved,  That  Cyrus  Griffin,  Joseph  Prentis, 
James    Henderson,    Champion    Travis,    John 
Bracken,  and  Robert  Greenhow,  be  appointed  aW 
standing  committee  for  the  ensuing  year. 

The  thanks  of  this  Convention  were  unani- 
mously given  to  Charles  Marshall,  for  his  atten- 
tion to  the  duty  of  secretary. 

Ordered,  That  the  treasurer  pay  to  the  Right 
Rev.  Dr.  Madison  one  hundred  and  fifty  dol- 
lars, for  his  services  as  bishop  for  the  last  year. 

Resolved,  That  the  Reverend  Mr.  Duncan 
M'Naughton,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Davenish,  and  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Boggs,  be  each  of  them  requested  to 
prepare  a  sermon,  to  be  preached  before  the  next 
Convention. 

Resolved,  That  the  treasurer  pay  five  dollars 


CONVENTION  OF  1812. 


87 


to  the  person  who  has  acted  as  doorkeeper  to 
the  Convention. 

Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the 
bishop  and  standing  committee  to  call  the  next 
Convention  to  meet  on  the  first  Tuesday  in 
May,  1806. 

Resolved,  That  two  hundred  copies  of  the 
Journal  be  printed,  under  the  direction  of  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Buchanan,  D.  D.,  and  that  two  copies 
be  furnished  to  each  parish. 

The  Convention  then  adjourned. 

Attest,     Charles  Marshall,  Secretary. 


A  Canon  to  amend  the  Canon  entitled  ''A 
Canon  co7icerning  Conventions.^'  [Passed  in 
May,  1803.] 

Fifteen  deputies,  qualified  or  appointed  agree- 


ably to  the  canon  concerning  Conventions,  shall 
be  a  Convention,  any  thing  in  the  said  canon 
concerning  Conventions  notwithstanding  :  And 
there  shall  be  a  Convention  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church  in  this  state  on  the  fourth 
Tuesday  of  May  in  every  year,  instead  of  the 
first  Tuesday  of  May,  in  such  place  as  shall  be 
agreed  on  by  the  Convention.  Provided  al- 
ways. That  for  the  altering  or  framing  of  a  canon, 
twenty-five  members  at  least  shall  be  neces- 
sary. 

A  Canon  for  the  effectual  government  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  this  State. 
[Passed  in  May,  1805.] 

See  Journal  of  May  9th,  1805. 


Journal  of  a  Special  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal   Church  in  Virginia,  held  at  the 
Capitol  in  the  City  of  Richmond,  May  I3th,  1812. 


On  Wednesday,  the  13th  of  May,  in  the  year 
of  our  Lord  1812,  being  the  day  appointed  for 
the  special  meeting  of  the  Convention  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  Virginia,  at  the 
capitol  in  the  city  of  Richmond,  a  sufficient 
number  of  members  having  attended  to  form  a 
Convention,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Strebeck  read  prayers, 
after  which  the  Rev.  Dr.  John  Bracken  was 
chosen  president,  and  George  Deneale,  Esq. 
was  appointed  secretary. 

The  clerical  and  lay  deputies  then  delivered 
in  at  the  secretary's  table  the  certificates  of 
their  appointment. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  Rev.  John 


Cameron,  the  Rev.  John  Buchanan,  and  Mr. 
William  Moore,  be  appointed  a  committee  to 
examine  the  certificates  afore;said,  and  to  report 
thereon. 

The  said  committee  shortly  after  reported. 
That  the  returns  made  from  the  parishes  of 
Bristol,  Lynnhaven,  Cumberland,  Manchester, 
Henrico,  Lyttleton,  Staunton,  St.  Mark,  Christ 
Church,  Alexandria,  St.  George,  Wicomico, 
Suffolk,  Berkeley,  Bruton,  and  Antrim,  were  con- 
formable to  the  canons. 

The  Convention  was  then  composed  of  the 
following  members,  viz.  :-rr- 


Clerical  Deputies. 
Rev.  Andrew  Syme, 
Anthony  Walke, 
John  Cameron, 

John  Buchanan, 

William  King, 
John  Woodvilie, 


William  Meade, 
George  Strebeck, 
Samuel  Low, 
Jacob  Keeling, 
Hugh  C.  Boggs, 
John  Bracken, 
Alexander  Hay, 


Lay  Deputies. 
WiUiam  Moore, 


David  Patteson, 
Alexander  M'Rae, 
Codrington  Carrington, 
George  Turner, 
Robert  Slaughter, 
Raleigh  W.  Downman,  ) 
John  M.  Smith,  J 

George  Deneale, 
William  S.  Stone, 
Thomas  Gaskins, 
Thomas  H.  P.  Goodwyn, 


On  motion  made  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Cameron, 
Resolved,  That  a  committee  be  appointed  to 
take  into  consideration  the  expediency  of  amend- 
ing the  canon  concerning  vestries  and  trustees, 
passed  in  May,  1799,  which  resolution  was  re- 
ferred to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Cameron,  Rev,  Mr. 
Walke,  Rev.  Mr.  Boggs,  Mr.  M'Rae,  and  Mr. 
Patteson. 

On  motion  made  and  seconded.  Resolved, 
That  a  committee  be  appointed  to  amend  the 
canon  entitled  a  canon  concermng  Conventions, 
passed  in  May,  1803,  which  resolution  was  also 


Parishes. 
Bristol. 
Lynnhaven. 
Cumberland. 
Manchester. 
Henrico. 
Littleton. 
Staunton. 
St.  Mark. 

Christ  Church. 

Alexandria. 

St.  George. 

Wicomico.  . 

Suffolk. 

Berkeley, 

Bruton. 

Antrim. 


referred  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Cameron,  Rev.  Mr. 
Walke,  Rev.  Mr.  Boggs,  Mr.  M'Rae  and  Mr. 
Patteson. 

On  motion^  Resolved,  That  Mr.  Jlobert 
Slaughter  and  Mr.  William  B.  Stone  be  ap- 
pointed a  committee  to  examine  the  treasurer's 
accounts,  and  to  report  thereon. 

A  motion  was  made  and  seconded,  That  a 
committee  be  appointed  to  consider  the  ex- 
pediency of  amending  the  7th  canon;  and  on 
the  question  being  put,  it  passed  in  the  affirma- 
tive.    The  following  gentlemen  were  accord- 


88 


CONVENTION  OF  1812. 


ingly  appointed,  viz. :  the  Rev.  Mr.  Cameron, 
Rev.  Mr.  Walke,  Rev.  Mr.  Boggs,  Rev.  Mr. 
Meade,  Rev.  Mr.  Hay,  Mr.  M'Rae,  Mr.  Patte- 
son,  Mr.  Gaskins,  and  Mr.  Downman. 

A  certificate  from  Frederick  parish  wa.s  laid 
on  the  secretary's  table  by  Mr.  Edward  M'Guire, 
showing  his  appointment  as  a  lay  deputy  from 
the  said  parish  ;  which,  on  examination,  was 
found  to  be  conformable  to  the  canons,  and  Mr. 
M'Guire  took  his  seat  accordingly. 

The  Rev.  Alexander  Hay,  from  Antrim  parish, 
presented  a  report  agreeably  to  a  canon  "  for  the 
effectual  government  of  the  Protestant  Episco- 
pal Church  in  this  state." 

On  a  motion  made,  it  was  unanimously  Re- 
solved, That  the  Rev.  Dr.  Bracken  be  requested 
to  deliver  a  sermon  to-morrow  morning  at 
11  o'clock. 

The  Convention  then  adjourned  until  to- 
morrow morning  11  o'clock. 

Thursday,  14th  May,  1812, 

The  Convention  met,  agreeably  to  adjourn- 
ment, at  1 1  o'clock.  Present  the  same  mem- 
bers as  yesterday.  Divine  service  was  per- 
formed, and  a  sermon  preached  by  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Bracken;  after  which,  Resolved,  That  the  thanks 
of  this  Convention  be  given  to  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Bracken,  for  the  excellent  sermon  he  delivered. 
On  a  motion  made  and  seconded,  the  Con- 
vention resolved  itself  into  a  committee  of  the 
whole  on  the  state  of  the  church,  Mr.  Moore 
in  the  chair  ;  and  after  some  time  spent  therein, 
the  committee  rose,  and  the  chairman  reported, 
That  the  committee  had  come  to  the  following 
resolutions,  viz.  : — 

Resolved,  That  it  is  expedient  that  the  stand- 
ing committee  should  address,  and  they  are 
hereby  requested  to  address,  a  circular  letter  to 
the  minister  and  vestrymen  of  each  parish  in  this 
state,  or  to  the  vestry,  where  there  is  no  minister, 
calling  on  them  in  the  most  urgent  manner  to 
carry  into  effect  "  the  canon  for  the  effectual  gov- 
ernment of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in 
this  state  ;"  and  also  the  fortieth  canon  of  the 
General  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episco- 
pal Church.  And  also,  Resolved,  That  the  stand- 
ing committee  be  requested  to  address  the  min- 
ister and  vestry  of  each  parish,  or  the  vestry, 
where  there  is  no  minister,  urging  them  to  com- 
ply with  the  annual  requisition  for  the  general 
Eurposes  of  the  church  ;  which  said  resolutions 
aving  been  twice  severally  read,  were  agreed 
to  by  the  Convention. 

A  motion  was  made,  That,  when  the  Conven- 
tion adjourns,  it  adjourn  to  the  hour  of  five  this 
afternoon,  for  the  purpose  of  taking  into  con- 
sideration the  propriety  of  electing  a  bishop  for 
this  state,  which  motion  was  agreed  to. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the 
settlement  of  the  treasurer's  accounts  reported. 
That  they  had  performed  that  duty,  and  found  said 
accounts  to  be  correctly  stated  and  supported  by 
vouchers,  and  that  there  remained  in  the  treas- 
urer's hands  a  balance  of  52/.  2*.  Id.,  which  report 
*vas  received  and  approved  by  the  Convention. 

The  Convention  then  adjourned  till  5  o'clock 
T  M. 


Thursday,  5  o'clock  P.  M. — The  Conven- 
tion met  agreeably  to  adjournment. 

The  chairman  of  the  committee  appointed  to 
take  into  consideration  the  expediency  of  amend- 
ing the  canon  concerning  vestries  and  trustees, 
passed  in  May,  1799,  reported  it  to  be  the 
opinion  of  the  committee.  That  it  is  inexpedient 
at  this  time  to  alter  in  any  manner  whatever 
any  part  of  the  canon  aforesaid  ;  which  report 
having  been  twice  read,  was  agreed  to  by  the 
Convention. 

The  chairman  of  the  committee  appointed  to 
amend  the  canon  concerning  Conventions,  pass- 
ed in  May,  1803,  reported.  That  the  said  com- 
mittee had,  according  to  order,  maturely  con- 
sidered whether  any,  and  if  any,  what  amend- 
ments were  necessary  to  the  said  canon,  and 
had  agreed  to  the  following,  to  wit :  that  in  the 
first  line  thereof  the  word  nine  should  be  in- 
serted in  place  of  the  word  fifteen  ;  and  that  in 
the  last  line  but  one,  the  word  fifteen  should  be 
inserted  instead  of  the  words  twenty-five  ;  which 
said  several  amendments  having  been  duly  read, 
were  agreed  to  by  the  Convention  ;  and  a  canon 
conformably  thereto  was  accordingly  prepared 
and  submitted :  the  said  canon  having  been 
read  a  first  and  second  time,  was  ordered  to  be 
engrossed,  and  read  a  third  time  ;  and  having 
been  so  read,  was  passed.  Ordered,  That  the 
title  of  the  said  canon  be,  "  A  canon  to  amend 
the  canon  entitled  a  canon  to  amend  the  canon 
entitled  a  canon  concerning  Conventions." 

The  chairman  of  the  committee  appointed  to 
consider  the  expediency  of  amending  the  7th 
canon  reported.  That,  according  to  order,  the 
said  committee  having  maturely  considered  the 
propriety  of  amending  the  same,  had  agreed  to 
the  following  amendments,  to  wit :  That  all  the 
words  of  the  first  section,  from  the  word  "  cler- 
gymen" in  the  eighth  line,  to  the  word  "  the"  in 
the  thirteenth  line,  shall  be  stricken  out,  and  that 
in  lieu  thereof  be  inserted  the  following  words, 
viz. :  and  vestrymen  as  he  or  they  may  deem 
proper;  and  also,  that  the  whole  of  the  third 
section  of  the  said  canon  be  •expunged  there- 
from :  which  said  several  amendments  having 
been  duly  considered,  were  agreed  to  by  the 
Convention.  A  canon  was  then  prepared  in 
conformity  to  the  said  amendments,  which 
canon  having  been  read  a  first  and  second  time, 
was  ordered  to  be  engrossed,  and  read  a  third 
time  ;  and  after  being  engrossed,  having  been  so 
read,  was  passed.  Ordered,  That  the  title  of  the 
said  canon  be,  "  A  canon  to  amend  the  canon  en- 
titled a  canon  to  amend  the  canon  entitled  a 
canon  concerning  offences,  and  the  mode  of  pro- 
ceeding against  offending  ministers." 

The  Rev.  William  H.  Wilmer  and  Mr. 
Charles  Page  appeared  and  produced  certifi^ 
cates  of  their  election  as  deputies  from  St. 
Paul's  Church,  in  Alexandria  ;  which,  on  exam- 
ination, were  found  to  be  conformable  to  the 
canons,  and  they  took  their  seats  accordingly. 

A  motion  was  made  and  seconded,  That  the 
Convention  do  now  proceed  to  the  appointment 
of  deptities  to  the  next  General  Convention  to  be 
holden  in  Philadelphia;  and  on  the  questioni 
being  put,  it  passed  in  the  affirmative ;  the  Rey. 


CONVENTION  OF  1813. 


^d 


Doctor  Bracken,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Wilmer,  Mr. 
M'Rae,  and  Mr.  M'Guire,  were  accordingly  ap- 
pointed. 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Hay,  leave  is 
granted  him  to  withdraw  his  report  laid  on  the 
table  yesterday. 

The  expediency  of  electing  a  bishop  was  next 
considered,  according  to  the  resolution  of  this 
morning,  whereupon.  Resolved,  That  it  is  ex- 
pedient that  the  Convention  do  now  proceed  to 
the  choice  of  a  bishop.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Bu- 
chanan having  nominated  the  Rev.  Dr.  Brack- 
en, the  members  then  proceeded  to  ballot ;  and 
the  ballots  being  received,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Bu- 
chanan and  Mr.  M'Rae  were  appointed  a  com- 
mittee to  count  the  same.  The  said  committee 
having  performed  that  duty,  reported.  That  they 
found  the  ballots  to  be,  for  the  Rev.  Dr.  Brack- 
en, 22,  and  for  the  Rev.  Mr.  Boggs,  3  ;  and 
thereupon  the  Rev.  John  Bracken,  D;  D.,  was 
declared  to  be  duly  elected  Bishop  of  the  Prot- 
estant Episcopal  Church  in  this  state. 

On  motion.  Resolved,  That  the  Convention 
do  now  proceed  to  the  election  of  a  treasurer ; 
and  thereupon  the  Rev.  Mr.  Buchanan  was 
duly  elected. 

On  motion  made  by  Mr.  M'Rae,  and  seconded. 
Resolved,  unanimously,  That  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Meade  be  requested  to  deliver  a  sermon  to- 
morrow. 

On  motion.  Resolved,  That  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Dennis,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Halson,  Mr.  Wilson 
Miles  Cary,  Mr.  James  Henderson,  Mr.  Alex- 
ander Campbell,  and  Mr.  Anthony  Robinson,  be 
appointed  a  standing  committee,  agreeably  to  the 
8th  canon.  Resolved,  That  two  hundred  copies 
of  the  Journal  be  printed,  with  the  canons  an- 
nexed, under  the  direction  of  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Buchanan  and  Mr.  M'Rae,  and  that  the  same 


be  distributed  among  the  several   parishes  in 
this  state. 

A  motion  was  made  and  seconded,  That  the 
Convention  do  now  proceed  to  the  appointment 
of  a  clerical  deputy,  in  the  room  of  the  Rev. 
Dr.  Bracken,  elected  bishop,  to  the  next  General 
Convention ;  and  on  the  question  being  taken, 
it  passed  in  the  affirmative,  and  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Strebeck  was  appointed  accordingly. 

Then  the  Convention  adjourned  until  to- 
morrow morning  9  o'clock. 

John  Bracken,  President. 

Friday,  15th  May,  1812. 

The  Convention  met  agreeably  to  adjourn- 
ment, and  the  president  being  absent,  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Boggs  was  requested  to  take  the  chair. 

A  motion  was  made  and  seconded.  That  the 
Convention  appoint  two  clerical  and  two  lay 
deputies,  in  addition  to  those  heretofore  ap- 
pointed, to  attend  the  next  General  Convention 
in  Philadeljphia ;  and  the  question  being  put, 
it  passed  in  the  affirmative.  The  Rev.  Mr. 
Meade,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Boggs,  Mr.  Deneale,  and 
Mr.  Patteson,  were  accordingly  appointed. 

Resolved,  That  the  Rev.  Mr.  Wilmer,  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Strebeck,  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Wood- 
ville,  be  each  of  them  requested  to  prepare  a  ser- 
mon to  be  preached  before  the  next  Convention, 

Resolved,  unanimously,  That  the  thanks  of 
this  Convention  be  given  to  George  Deneale, 
Esq.,  for  his  services  as  their  secretary. 

Resolved,  That  this  Convention  do  now  ad- 
journ, to  meet  again  on  the  fourth  Tuesday  in 
May,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  1813,  in  the  city 
of  Richmond. 

The  Convention  then  adjourned. 

Hugh  C.  Boggs. 
Attest,  G.  Deneale,  Secretary. 


Journal  of  a  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  State  of  Virginia,  held  at  the 
Capitol,  in  the  City  of  Richmond,  from  May  25th  to  May  26/ A,  1813,  both  inclusive. 


Tuesday,  May  25. 

According  to  the  adjournment  of  the  last 
Convention,  the  following  gentlemen  of  the 
clergy  and  laity  assembled  at  the  capitol,  viz.  : 

Rev.  Dr.  Cameron,  Mr.  James  M'Farland, 
Cumberland ;  Rev.  Dr.  Buchanan,  Henrico ; 
Rev.  Andrew  Syme,  Mr.  William  Moore,  Bris- 
tol ;  Rev.  Samuel  Low,  Mr.  Joseph  Ball,  Wi- 
comico ;  Rev.  Wright  Tucker,  Bath  ;  Rev. 
John  Dunn,  Shelburne  ;  Mr.  David  Patteson, 
Manchester  ;  Mr.  Anthony  Crease,  Alexandria  ; 
Mr.  James  Mosely,  Lynnhaven. 

It  being  late  before  a  sufficient  number  to 
form  a  quorum  had  convened,  they  resolved  to 
adjourn  until  to-morrow. 

Wednesday,  May  26th. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjourn- 
ment, and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Meade  read  prayers. 
After  which  the  Rev.  Doctor  Bracken  was 
chosen  president,  and  Mr.  Anthony  Crease,  sec- 
retary. 

Resolved,  That  the  Rev.  Dr.  Cameron,  Mr. 


Syme,  and  Mr.  Patteson,  be  a  committee  to 
examine  the  testimonials  of  the  deputies  to  this 
Convention,  and  to  report  therieon.  They  were 
accordingly  appointed,  and  reported.  That  the 
following  persons  have  exhibited  the  requisite 
credentials,  and  are  entitled  to  seats,  viz.  :■ — 

Lay  Deputies — Rev.  John  Bracken,  D.  D., 
Bruton  ;  Rev.  John  Buchanan,  D.  D.,  Mr.  John 
Adams,  Henrico ;  Rev.  Andrew  Syme,  Mr. 
William  Moore,  Bristol  ;  Rev.  Wright  Tucker, 
Bath  ;  Rev.  John  Cameron,  Mr.  James  M'Far- 
land, Cumberland  ;  Mr.  Anthony  Crease,  Alex- 
andria ;  Mr.  David  Patteson,  Manchester ;  Mr. 
Samuel  Wilson,  Littleton ;  Rev.  Samuel  Low, 
Mr.  Joseph  Ball,  Mr.  William  Lee  Ball,  Wico- 
mico, Christ  Church  ;  Mr.  James  Mosely,  Lynn- 
haven  ;  Rev.  John  Dunn,  Shelburne ;  Rev. 
William  Meade,  Frederick. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Bracken,  who  was  elected 
bishop  of  the  church  in  this  state  by  the  last 
Convention,  gave  in  his  resignation  thereof, 
which  was  accepted. 

Resolved,  That  the  Rev.  Mr.  Syme,  Messrs. 


90 


CONVENTION  OF  1813. 


Patteson  and  Moore,  be  a  committee  to  examine 
the  treasurer's  account,  and  report  thereon. 

Resolved,  That  the  Convention  do  mow  pro- 
ceed to  the  election  of  a  treasurer;  and  there- 
upon the  Rev,  Dr.  Buchanan  was  unanimously 
chosen. 

Resolved,  That  the  treasurer  do  apply  the 
funds  accrued  and  accruing  in  such  manner  as 
he  may  deem  expedient  for  its  interest. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the 
examination  of  the  treasurer's  account  report, 
That  they  had  performed  that  duty,  and  found 
the  account  to  be  correctly  stated,  and  support- 
ed by  vouchers  ;  and  that  the  sum  remaining  in 
the  hands  of  the  treasurer  amounts  to  100/. 
5s.  Id.  Resolved,  That  the  Convention  do 
concur  in  the  said  report. 

The  report  on  the  state  of  the  church  in 
each  parish,  required  by  the  canon,  was  called 
for,  and  the  following  gentlemen  complied  with 
the  request,  viz.  : — The  Rev.  Drs.  Bracken  and 
Buchanan,  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Syme,  Low,  Cam- 
eron, Tucker,  and  Dunn,  and  Mr.  Anthony 
Crease.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Anthony  Walke  hav- 
ing in  the  course  of  the  day  appeared  and  taken 
his  seat,  gave  in  his  report  also. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  reports  be  referred 
to  the  treasturer. 

Resolved,  That  the  Convention  do  now  pro- 
ceed to  the  election  of  a  standing  committee  for 
the  ensuing  year  ;  whereupon  the  following  per- 
sons were  chosen : — The  Rev.  John  Dunn, 
William  H.  Wilmer,  Oliver  Norris,  the  Hon. 
Bushrod  Washington,  Nicholas  Fitzhugh,  and 
Edmund  I;  Lee, 'Esq. 

The  Rev.  Oliver  Norris  was  elected  to  repre- 
sent this  state  in  the  next  General  Convention, 
instead  of  Mr.  Strebeck,  who  has  removed ; 
and  the  election  of  the  gentlemen  by  the  last 
Convention  was  confirmed. 

The  following  resolution  was  submitted  and 


Whereas,  from  the  destitute  state  of  the 
churches  in  this  state,  many  piously  disposed 
persons,  who  are  attached  to  the  doctrine,  wor- 
ship, and  discipline  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church,  are  deprived  of  the  means  of  worship- 
ping God  according  to  her  venerable  forms, 
to  the  great  unhappmess  of  hemselves,  as  well 
as  to  the  great  detriment  of  the  church  at  large. 

Resolved,  therefore.  That  it  is  expedient  to 
raise  a  fund  for  the  purpose  of  aiding  in  the  sup- 
port of  such  clergymen  of  piety  and  talents  as 
may  be  obtained,  to  perform  divine  service  in 
such  districts  in  the  state  as  may  be  assigned 
them  by  the  Convention. 

Resolved,  That  the  clergy  and  vestry,  or  any 
influential  members  of  the  church  in  the  several 


parishes  in  this  state,  be,  and  are  hereby  re- 
quested, to  use  their  best  endeavours,  either  by 
subscriptions  or  otherwise,  to  promote  this  ob- 
ject, and  to  forward  the  amount  of  the  sums 
thus  raised  to  the  treasurer,  at  or  before  the 
meeting  of  the  neit  Convention. 

Resolved,  That  the  members  of  this  church 
generally  are  hereby  most  earnestly  entreated 
to  consider  the  necessity  of  adopting  zealous 
measures  for  the  restoration  of  religion  among 
us  ;  that  they  endeavour  to  manifest  their  grati- 
tude to  Almighty  God,  and  their  sense  of  the 
awful  importance  of  his  blessed  revelation  ;  that 
they  consider  the  unspeakable  rewards  they 
will  receive  from  that  gracious  Master  to  whom 
they  belong,  whose  goodness  demands  the 
warmest  returns  of  love,  duty,  and  obedience  ; 
and  that  they  will  contribute,  to  the  utmost  in 
their  power,  to  render  this  most  acceptable  ser- 
vice to  his  cause. 

Resolved,  That  the  standing  committee  do 
frame  an  address  on  the  state  of  the  church  ;  and 
that  they  cause  to  be  printed  thereof  200  copies, 
and  to  address  them  in  the  form  of  a  circular  let- 
ter, and  accompanied  by  the  Journal,  to  the  min- 
ister and  vestry  of  each  parish,  and  to  such  other 
persons  as  may  be  likely,  in  their  judgment,  to 
promote  the  interest  of  the  church. 

Contributions  from  the  following  parishes 
were  received,  and  paid  into  the  hands  of  the 
treasurer,  viz. : — 

I.    s.  d. 
Bristol,      -..--.      4  10  0 

Antrim, 3     0  0 

Cumberland, 4  10  0 

Bath,      -------   4  10  0 

Wicomico, 4  10  0 

Lancaster  (Christ  Church),      4  10  0     • 

Henrico, 900 

Manchester, 3     0  0 

Shelburne, 4  10  0 

Bruton, 4  10  0 

Bristol,        - 4  10  0 

Alexandria, 4100 


The  balance  before  on  hand, 


55  00  0 
100    5  1 


Now  in  the  treasury,  155     5  1 

Resolved,  That  200  copies  of  the  Journal  be 
printed,  under  the  superintendence  of  the  Rev. 
WiUiam  H.  Wilmer  and  Mr.  Anthony  Crease. 

Resolved,  That  the  Convention  do  now  ad- 
journ, to  meet  at  Richmond,  on  the  first  Wednes- 
day in  May,  in  the  year  1814. 
Adjourned. 

John  Bracken,  President. 
Anthony  Crease,  Secretary. 


CONVENTION  OF  1814. 


91 


Journal  of  a  Special  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  Virginia,  held,  at  the 
Capitol  in  the  City  of  Richmond,  May  4tth,  1814. 


At  a  special  meeting  of  the  members  of  the 
Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church 
of  the  State  of  Virginia,  held  at  the  capitol  in 
the  city  of  Richmond,  on  Wednesday,  the  4th 
day  of  May,  1814, 

A  sufficient  number  of  members  appearing  to 
form  a  Convention,  Samuel  Greenhow  was  ap- 
pointed secretary ;  the  Convention  then  pro- 
ceeded to  ballot  for  a  president,  and  the  Rev. 
William  H.  Wilmer  was  ^ected. 


On  motion,  it  was  Ordered,  That  a  committee 
be  appointed  to  examine  the  certificates  of  the 
appointment  of  tKe  clerical  and  lay  deputies  ; 
and  that  the  Rev.  Andrew  Syme,  the  Rev. 
Oliver  Norris,  Messrs.  David  Patteson,  and  John 
Adams,  be  that  committee  ;  which  committee  re-r 
ported  forthwith  the  following  members  to  b^ 
duly  appointed,  conformably  to  the  canons  of 
the  Episcopal  Church  of  Virginia,  viz. : — 


Clerical  Deputies. 
The  Rev.  Oliver  Norris, 
The  Rev.  Wm.  H.  Wilmer, 
The  Rev.  Wm.  Meade, 


The  Rev.  J.  Cameron,  D.  D. 
The  Rev.  John  Dunn, 


The  Rev.  J.  Buchanan,  D.  D. 
The  Rev.  Andrew  Syme, 


Lay  Deputies. 
Mr.  Edmund  J.  Lee, 
Dr.  Geo.  Thornton, 
Mr.  Wm.  Mayo, 
Wm.  Broadus, 
James  Hunter,       ) 
Thos.  Matthews,    J 
Edward  M'Guire,    ) 
Hugh  Mercer,         ) 
David  Patteson, 
John  Buford, 
Wilson  G.  Selden, 
Daniel  Carmichael,    ) 
Baldwin  M.  Lee,       ] 
Dr.  John  Adams, 
Richard  Stuart,    ) 
C.  J.  Dade,  S 

Wm.  Cameron, 


Parishes. 
Christ  Church,  Ala. 
Fairfax.  Do. 

Frederick. 
St.  Mark. 

St.  Anne. 

St.  George. 

Manchester, 
Cumberland, 
Shelburne. 

Washington^ 

Henrico. 

St.  Paul. 

Bristol. 


All  of  whom  appeared  and  took  their  seats, 
except  Dr.  Wilson  C.  Selden,  the  lay  deputy 
from  Shelburne  parish. 

On  motion,  Ordered,  That  the  secretary  do 
read  the  standing  rules  for  regulating  the  pro- 
ceedings of  the  Conventions  of  this  diocess ; 
which  was  accordingly  done. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  a  committee  be 
appointed  to  revise  the  standing  rules  for  regu- 
lating the  proceedings  of  the  Conventions  ;  and 
the  following  gentlemen  were  appointed  to  form 
that  committee  :  The  Rev.  John  Buchanan, 
the  Rev.  Andrew  Syme,  the  Rev.  John  Dunn, 
Dr.  John  Adams,  Col.  Hugh  Mercer,  and  Mr. 
Edmund  J.  Lee. 

Dr.  John  Adams  presented  a  memorial  from 
the  vestry  of  the  Monumental  Church  in  the 
city  of  Richmond,  praying  the  right  of  represen- 
tation in  this  Convention  ;  which  was  received, 
and  ordered  to  be  read  by  the  secretary  ;  and  the 
same  was  accordingly  read  : — 

And  on  motion  made  and  seconded.  Resolv- 
ed, That  the  prayer  of  the  memorial  of  the  ves- 
try of  the  Monumental  Church  in  the  city  of 
Richmond  be  granted,  and  that  the  deputies  ap- 
pointed by  that  vestry  be  invited  to  take  their 
seats  in  the  Convention  immediately. 

Resolved,  That  the  Rev.  John  Dunn,  the 
Rev.  Andrew  Syme,  the.  Rev.  William  Meade, 
the  Rev.  Oliver  Norris,  Col.  Hugh  Mercer,  Ed- 
mund J.  Lee,  Dr.  James  McClurg,  and  Dr. 
John  Adams,  be  a  committee  to  take  into  con- 
sideration the  state  of  the  church  in  the  diocess, 
and  report  thereupon  to  the  Convention. 


Resolved,  That  the  thanks  of  this  Convention 
be  presented  to  the  Rev.  William  H.  Wilmer, 
for  the  eloquent,  appropriate,  and  impriessive  dis- 
course delivetjed  in  the  Monumental  Church  this 
morning. 

The  Hon.  John  Marshall  and  Dr.  James  Mc 
Clurg  appeared,  presented  their  certificate  of  ap- 
pointment as  lay  deputies  of  the  Monumental 
Church  (which  was  feceived),  and  took  their 
seats  as  members  of  the  Convention. 

Resolved,  That  the  memorial  of  the  vestry 
of  the  Monumental  Church  of  the  city  of  Rich- 
mond, with  the  regulations  referred  to  therein, 
be  referred  to  the  committee  appointed  to  take 
into  consideration  the  state  of  the  church. 

And  then  the  Convention  adjourned,  to  meet 
again  at  10  o'clock  A.  M.  on  to-morrow. 

Thursday,  Ma.y  5,  1814. 

The  Convention  met  agreeably  to  adjourn- 
ment, and  was  opened  with  prayer  by  the  Rev. 
John  Dunn. 

The  committee  appointed  to  examine  and  re- 
port on  the  state  of  the  church,  and  to  whom 
was  referred  so  much  of  the  memorial  of  the 
Monumental  Church  as  prays  for  the  reception 
of  that  church  into  the  general  government 
of  this  diocess,  reported  sundry  resolutions  and 
recommendations,  which,  after  consideration  and 
amendments,  were  adopted,  as  follow  : — 

Resolved,  That  the  prayer  of  the  memorial 
of  the  vestry  of  the  Monumental  Church  is  rea- 
sonable. 

And  the  same  committee  having  reported  a 


92 


CONVENTION  OF  1814. 


canon  to  provide  for  the  reception  of  the  Monu- 
mental Church  as  a  member  of  the  general 
church  of  the  diocess,  and  to  provide  for  similar 
cases  in  future,  the  same  was  considered,  and, 
after  amendment,  was  adopted,  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : — 

Whereas  that  canon  of  the  Protestant  Epis- 
copal Church  of  Virginia  which  directs  the  man- 
ner of  choosing  vestrymen  in  the  several  par- 
ishes is  not  applicable  to  the  case  of  churches 
built  and  supported  by  voluntary  associations  of 
individuals,  without  any  parochial  charge  ;  and 
it  is  proper  that  those  who  hold  the  sole  prop- 
erty of  a  particular  church  should  provide  for 
its  care  and  management :  Be  it  ordained,  That, 
in  all  such  cases,  and  particularly  in  that  of  the 
Monumental  Church  of  Richmond,  the  choice 
of  the  vestrymen  shall  be  in  the  pew-holders 
of  such  churches,  who,  in  the  number  and  time 
of  election  of  their  vestrymen,  may,  until  some 
general  regulation  be  made  on  this  subject,  con- 
sult their  own  convenience  :  Provided,  That 
every  vestryman  hereafter  to  be  elected,  before 
he  acts  in  office,  shall  subscribe  in  the  vestry- 
bopk  of  his  church  to  be  conformable  to  the 
doctrine,  discipline, 'and  worship  of  the  Protest- 
ant Episcopal  Church  in  the  United  States  of 
America,  and  to  the  orders  and  canons  of  the 
said  church  in  this  state. 

Resolved,  That  the  appointment  of  a  bishop 
for  this  diocess  is  highly  expedient  and  necessary 
for  the  maintenance  and  support  of  the  church. 

On  motion  made  and  seconded.  Resolved, 
That  the  Convention  proceed  immediately  to 
the-election  of  a  person  to  fill  the  episcopate  in 
this  state. 

Dr.  James ,  McClurg  then  presented  a  certi- 
fied extract  from  the  vestry -book  of  the  Monu- 
mental Church  in  Richmond,  showing  the  ap- 
pointment of  the  Rev»  Richard  Channing  Moore, 
D.  D.,  of  the  city  of  New- York,  to  the  rector- 
ship of  that  church. 

On  motion,  Ordered,  That  the  secretary  read 
sundry  letters,  exhibited  by  members  of  the 
standing  committee,  from  Dr.  Moore  and  the 
Right  Rev.  Bishop  Hobart,  which  was  accord- 
ingly done. 

Dr.  Moore  was  nominated  to  fill  the  office  of 
bishop  in  this  state. 

No  other  person  being  in  nomination,  the 
Convention  proceeded  to  ballot  for  a  bishop. 

The  Hon.  John  Marshall  and  Mr.  Edmund 
J.  Lee  were  appointed  to  count  the  ballots  ; 
who  reported.  That  there  were  twenty-three 
votes  for  the  Rev.  Richard  Channing  Moore, 
and  one  vote  for  Dr.  John  Buchanan. 

Whereupon  the  Reverend  Richard  Channing 
Moore  was  declared  to  be  duly  elecJLed  to  the 
episcopate  in  the  diocess  of  Virginia  ;  and  the 
members  of  the  Convention  proceeded  to  sub- 
scribe the  testimonial  required  by  the  constitu- 
tion of  the  general  church  of  the  United  States. 

Resolved,  That  the  president  be  requested  to 
^apprize  Dr.  Moore  of  his  election  to  the  episco- 
pate ;  and  that  the  secretary  do  furnish  forth- 
with a  certificate  of  that  appointment. 

Resolved,  That  a  committee  be  appointed, 
v^ose  duty  it  shall  be  to  revise  and  condense  the 


constitution  and  canons  of  this  church,  and  re- 
port to  the  next  Convention  ;  and  that  the  Rev. 
Oliver  Norris,  the  Rev.  William  H.  Wilmer, 
and  Mr.  Edmund  J.  Lee,  constitute  that  com- 
mittee. 

Resolved,  That  the  resolutions  and  address 
passed  at  the  last  Convention,  providing  for  the 
raising  of  a  fund  to  be  applied  to  the  support  of 
clergymen  in  vacant  parishes  of  this  state,  be 
published  on  the  journals  of  this  Convention. 

Resolved,  That  committees  be  appointed  in 
the  city  of  Richmond,  the  city  of  Williamsburg, 
the  borough  of  Norfolk,  the  towns  of  Alexandria, 
Fredericksburg,  Petersburg,  Lynchburg,  Lees- 
burg,  Winchester,  Fairfax  (Culpepper),  Shep- 
herdstown,  Martinsburg,  in  the  parish  of  Man- 
chester, and  in  the  counties  of  Orange,  King 
George,  Westmoreland,  and  Essex,  who  shall 
be  earnestly  requested  to  aid  in  the  furtherance 
and  advancement  of  the  object  of  the  aforesaid 
resolutions. 

Resolved,  That  the  following  gentlemen  con- 
stitute the  committees  required  by  the  last  res- 
olution, and  that  the  secretary  do  convey  to 
each  of  the  said  committees  a  copy  of  the 
journals  of  this  Convention. 

For  the  city  of  Richmond — The  Hon.  John 
Marshall,  Dr.  James  McClurg,  Mr.  Samuel 
Greenhow. 

For  Winchester — The  Rev.  Wm.  Meade, 
Mr.  Henry  St.  George  Tucker,  Mr.  Alfred 
Powell. 

For  the  city  of  Williamsburg — The  Rev. 
John  Bracken,  the  Hon.  Robert  Nelson,  Mr. 
Ferdinand  L.  Campbell. 

For  the  borough  of  Norfolk — General  Robert 
B.  Taylor,  Mr.  Littleton  W.  Tazewell,  Mr.Wm. 
Nivison. 

For  Alexandria — Mr.  George  Taylor,  Mr. 
John  Muncaster,  Mr.  Daniel  McLean. 

For  Fredericksburg — Mr.  Benjamin  Day,  Col, 
Hugh  Mercer,  Mr.  Robert  Lewis. 

For  Petersburg — Mr.  Robert  Boiling,  Mr. 
W"m.  Moore,  Mr.  Wm.  Cameron. 

For  Lynchburg — Mr.  Charles  Johnston,  Mr, 
Wm.  Norvel,  Col.  John  Wiatt. 

For  Leesburg — Dr.  Wilson  C.  Selden,  Dr. 
Henry  Claggett,  Dr.  Wm.  B.  Tyler. 

For  Martinsburg — Mr.  Wm.  Pendleton,  Col. 
Elisha  Boyd,  Mr.  Raleigh  Colston. 

For  Fairfax,  in  Culpepper  —  Mr.  Robert 
Slaughter,  Mr.  Garland  Thompson,  Mr.  Peter 
Hansbrough,  jr. 

For  Manchester  parish — Mr.  Philip  Turpin, 
Mr.  Thomas  Branch,  Mr.  David  Patteson. 

For  Orange  county — Dr.  Francis  Dade,  Dr. 
W^m.  Shepherd,  Mr.  Hay  Taliaferro,  Rose  Hill. 

For  King  George— Mr.  Richard  Stuart,  Mr. 
Cadwallader  J.  Dade,  Mr.  Townshend  J.  Dade, 

For  Westmoreland — Mr.  Baldwin  M.  Lee, 
Mr.  Daniel  Carmichael,  Mr.  John  Payne. 

For  Essex — Mr.  James  M.  Garnett,  Mr, 
James  Hunter,  Mr.  Edward  Rouzee. 

The  resolutions  are  as  follow  : — • 

Whereas,  from  the  destitute  state  of  the 
churches  in  this  state,  many  piously  disposed 
persons,  who  are  attached  to  the  doctrine,  wor- 
ship, aad  discipline  of  the  Protestant  Episcop^ 


CONVENTION  OF  1814. 


93 


Church,  are  deprived  of  the  means  of  worship- 
ping God  according  to  her  venerable  forms,  to 
the  great  unhappiness  of  themselves,  as  well  as 
to  the  great  detriment  of  the  church  at  large  : 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  it  is  expedient  to 
raise  a  fund  for  the  purpose  of  aiding  in  the 
support  of  such  clergymen  of  piety  and  talents 
as  may  be  obtained,  to  perform  divine  service 
in  such  districts  in  the  state  as  may  be  assigned 
them  by  the  Convention. 

Resolved,  That  the  clergy  and  vestry,  or  any 
influential  members  of  the  church,  in  the  several 
parishes  in  this  state,  be,  and  are  hereby  re- 
quested, to  use  their  best  endeavours,  either  by 
subscriptions  or  otherwise,  to  promote  this  ob- 
ject, and  to  forward  the  amount  of  the  sums 
thus  raised  to  the  treasurer,  at  or  before  the 
meeting  of  the  next  Convention. 

Resolved,  That  the  members  of  this  church 
generally  are,  hereby  most  earnestly  entreated 
to  consider  the  necessity  of  adopting  zealous 
measures  for  the  restoration  of  religion  among 
us  ;  that  they  endeavour  to  manifest  their  grat- 
itude to  Almighty  God,  and  their  sense  of  the 
awful  importance  of  his  blessed  revelation ;  that 
they  consider  the  unspeakable  rewards  they  will 
receive  frem  that  gracious  Master  to  whom  they 
belong  ;  whose  goodness  demands  the  warmest 
returns  of  love,  duty,  and  obedience  ;  and  that 
they  will  contribute,  to  the  utmost  in  their 
power,  to  render  this  most  acceptable  service 
to  his  cause. 

Resolved,  That  the  deputies  of  this  diocess 
be  directed  to  use  their  influence  to  cause  the 
next  General  Convention  succeeding  that  to  be 
holden  in  this  month  to  make  their  session  in 
the  city  of  Richmond,  or  at  some  place  conve- 
nient to  themselves,  and  as  near  to  the  city  of 
Richmond  as  that  convenience  will  admit  of. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the 
amendment  and  revision  of  the  rules  and  reg- 
ulations for  the  orderly  transaction  of  the  busi- 
ness of  the  Convention,  reported.  That  they 
had,  according  to  order,  had  the  same  under  con- 
sideration, and  had  agreed  upon  the  following  : 

1st.  The  business  of  every  day  shall  be  intro- 
duced by  prayer. 

2d.  When  the  president  takes  the  chair,  no 
member  shall  continue  standing,  or  afterward 
stand  up,  unless  to  address  the  chair. 

3d.  No  member  shall  absent  himself  from  the 
service  of  the  Convention,  unless  he  have  leave 
of  absence,  or  be  unable  to  attend. 

4th.  When  any  member  is  about,  to  speak  in 
debate,  or  deliver  any  matter  to  the  Convention, 
he  shall  rise  from  his  seat,  and,  without  advan- 
cing, shall,  with  due  respect,  address  himself  to 
the  president,  confining  himself  strictly  to  the 
point  in  debate. 

5th.  No  member  shall  speak  more  than  twice 
in  the  same  debate  without  leave  of  the  house. 

6th.  A  question  being  once  determined,  shall 
stand  as  the  judgment  of  the  Convention,  and 
shall  not  be  again  drawn  into  debate  during  the 
same  session,  except  two  thirds  of  the  members 
present  in  Convention  shall  consent  to  revise 
the  decision. 

7th.  While  the  president  is  putting  any  ques- 


tion, no  one  shall  hold  any  private  discourse, 
stand  up,  walk  into,  out  of,  or  across  the  house, 
or  read  any  book. 

8th.  Every  member  who  shall  be  in  the  Con- 
vention when  any  question  is  put,  shall,  on  a  de- 
cision, be  counted,  unless  he  be  particularly  in- 
terested in  the  decision. 

9th.  No  motion  shall  be  considered  as  before 
the  house,  unless  it  be  seconded  and  reduced  to 
writing  when  required. 

10th.  After  the  Convention  is  formed  and  or- 
ganized, the  president  shall  cdl  for  the  parochial 
reports. 

1 1th.  After  calling  for  and  receiving  the  paro- 
chial reports,  the  canons  of  the  general  Con- 
vention, and  the  journals  of  the  standing  com- 
mittee, shall  be  read. 

12th.  Before  any  subject  is  taken  up,  a  com- 
mittee, consisting  of  three  clerical  and  three  lay 
deputies,  shall  be  appointed,  to  take  into  con- 
sideration the  general  state  of  the  church,  and 
report  thereupon. 

I3th.  When  any  question  is  before  the  Con- 
vention, it  shall  be  determined  on  before  any 
thing  new  is  introduced,  except  the  question  for 
adjournment. 

14th.  The  question  on  a  motion  for  adjourn- 
ment shall  be  taken  before  any  other,  and  with- 
out debate. 

15th.  When  the  Convention  is  to  rise,  every 
member  shall  keep  his  seat  until  the  president 
leaves  the  chair. 

16th.  All  subjects  brought  before  the  Conven- 
tion may,  on  application  of  any  members,  be 
acted  upon  in  the  committee  of  the  whole,  be- 
fore they  are  finally  disposed  of. 

17th.  Whenever  a  quorum  of  the  delegates 
has  assembled,  they  sh^ll  proceed  to  the  elec- 
tion of  a  president,  and  appoint  a  committee  to 
examine  the  credentials  of  delegates,  and  report 
to  the  Convention. 

18th.  The  members  upon  committees  shall 
be  appointed  by  the  president  of  the  Convention. 

Which  several  rules  were  approved,  and 
adopted  by  the  Convention. 

On  motion,  Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  Andrew 
Syme  and  Mr.  David  Patteson  be  a  committee 
to  examine  the  accounts  of  the  treasurer. 

That  committee  having  retired,  after  some 
time  reported  the  treasurer's  accounts,  as  follows  j 

The  Treasurer — to  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church,  -  Dr. 

1813,  May  25th.  /.  s.d. 
To  balance,                                            100     5  1 

"  Interest  one  year,  6     0  0 

1814,  .May  6. 

To    Contribution   from   Cumberland 

Parish,  4  10  0 

"      da     from  Bristol   do.  4  10  0 

"      do.      do.   St.  Paul's  Parish,  Al- 
exandria, 9     0  0 
"      do.      do.    Christ    Church,   Fair- 
fax Parish,                   9     0  0 
«      do.      do.   St.  Mark's  Parish,          4  10  0 
"      do.      do.   Monumental  Church  of 

Richmond,  4  10  0 


Amount  carried  forward. 


142    5  1 


94 


CONVENTION  OF  1814. 


/.    s.d. 
Amount  brought  forward,  142  5  1 

To    Contribution  from    St.    George's 

Parish,  4  10  0 

"      do.     from  Henrico  Parish,  4  10  0 

"  do.  do.  Frederick  Parish,  for 
procuring  ministers 
to  officiate  in  vacant 
parishes,  13  10  0 

"      do.       do.   Henrico  Parish  for  do.  13  10  0 


178     5  1 


Cr. 
18ia,May  31st.  /.  *•  d. 

By  cash  paid  doorkeeper,       0  6  0 
Sept.  7. 

By  cash  paid  carriage  of  Jour- 
nals from  Alexandria,  0  3  0 
**   do.  paid  for  printing  200 
J  copies  of  Journals,  6  0  0 

**■  do.  paid  for  printing  200 
copies  of  Circular 
Letter,  2  8  0 


8  17  0 


Leaving  in  the  hands  of  the  >      irq     c  1 
treasurer  J 

Of  which  27Z.  is  a  part  of  the  fund  for  sup- 
porting ministers  in  vacant  parishes. 

Resolved,  That  the  treasurer's  accounts  pass. 

Resolved,  That  the  Rev.  William  Meade  be 
requested  to  deliver  a  discourse  in  the  Monumen- 
tal Church  in  this  city,  at  thehour  of  feleven  A.  M. 
on  the  next  Sabbath  day,  appropriate  to  the  oc- 
casion of  admitting  that  church  into  the  general 
church  of  this  diocess. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Buchanan,  who  has  executed 
the  duties  of  treasurer  to  the  general  church  for 
nearly  thirty  years,  urging  his  increased  years 
and  consequent  infirmity,  declined  a  reappoint- 
ment to  the  office  of  treasurer  of  the  church  in 
the  diocess ; — and  thereupon,  on  motion  made 
and  seconded,  the  Convention  proceeded  to  the 
appointment  of  a  treasurer. 

Samuel  Greenhow  alone  was  in  nomination- 
on  an  order  to  proceed  to  the  appointment  of  a 
treasurer. 

The  Convention  proceeded-  to  elect  by  ballot 
a  treasurer  for  the  church  ;  and  Samuel  Green- 
how  was  unanimously  elected  to  fill  that  office. 

Resolved,  That  the  following  gentlemen  be 
appointed  as  the  standing  committee  of  the 
church  of  this  state  until  the  next  Convention, 
and  until  a  new  appointment  of  a  standing  com- 
mittee shall  be  made  by  a  future  Convention, 
viz.  :  the  Rev.  Wm.  H.  Wilmer,  the  Rev.  Oli- 
ver Norris,  the  Rev.  John  Duim,  the  Hon. 
Bushrod  Washington,  the  Hon.  Nicholas  Fitz- 
hugh,  and  Mr.  Edmund  J.  Lee. 

On  motion,  The  proceedings  of  the  standing 
committee  were  read  by  the  secretary. 

The  donation  and  Sentence  of  consecration 
of  Christ's  Church,  in  Fairfax  parish,  by  the 
Right  Reverend  Thomas  John  Claggett,  D.  D., 
bishop  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  of 
Maryland,  were  read,  and  ordered  to  be  recorded 
in  a  book  to  be  provided  for  that  purpose  by 
the  secretary. 


Ordered,  That  three  hundred  copies  of  the 
Journal  be  printed,  under  the  superintendence 
of  the  secretary  ;  which  shall  be  distributed  as 
the  standing  committee  or  the  Convention  may 
direcX. 

Resolved,  That  the  Rev.  William  H.  Wil- 
mer, the  Rev.  Oliver  Norris,  the  Rev.  John 
Dunn,  the  Rev.  William  Meade,  and  Col.  Hugh 
Mercer,  with  Mr.  George  Deneale,  Mr.  Edward 
McGuire,  and  Mr.  David  Patteson,  be  appointed 
deputies  to  represent  this  diocess  in  the-  Gen- 
eral Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  of  the  United  States,  to  be  holden  in 
Philadelphia  on  the  third  Tuesday  of  the  present 
months 

Ordered,  That  the  treasurer  do  furnish  to  the 
deputation  to  the  General  Convention  a  testi- 
monial -or  testimonials  of  their  appointment  to 
represent  this  diocess  in  that  Convention. 

Resolved,  That  the  treasurer  do  pay  to  the 
deputies  who  shall  attend  the  General  Conven- 
tion at  Philadelphia,  ^nd  who  reside  on  the 
north  side  of  the  Rappahannock,  each,  the  sum 
of  fifty  dollars  ;  and  to  those  who  shall  attend 
that  Convention,  and  who  reside  on  the  south 
side  of  that  river,  the  sum  of  seventy  dollars 
respectively,  for  the  purpose  of  defraying  their 
expenses. 

And  then  the  Convention  adjourned,  to  meet 
again  on  to-morrow,  at  10  o'clock  A.  M. 

Friday,  May  6th,  18l4. 

The  Convention  met  agreeably  to  adjourn- 
ment, and  was  opened  with  prayer  by  the  Rev. 
Olivei'  Norris. 

Resolved,  That  the  names  of  the  members 
returned  as  delegates  to  this  Convention  be 
called  by  the  secretary,  and  that  he  enter  those 
present  on  the  journal,  which  was  done  ;  and 
the  following  gentlemen  were  present. 

Clerical  Deputies — The  Rev.  Oliver  Norris, 
the  Rev.  Wm.  H.  Wilmer,  the  Rev.  Wm. 
Meade,  the  Rev.  John  Dunn^  the  Rev.  John 
Buchanan,  D.  D. 

Lay  Deputies — Mr.  Edmund  J.  Lee,  Dr. 
George  Thornton,  Mr.  William  Mayo,  Mr.  Will- 
iam Broadus,  Mr.  James  Hunter,  Mr.  Thomas 
Matthews,  Mr.  Edward  McGuire,  Col.  Hugh 
Mercer,  Mr.  D.  Carmicbael,  Mr.  Baldwin  M. 
Lee,  Dr.  John  Adams,  Mr.  Richard  Stewart, 
Mr.  Cadwallader  J.  Dade,  the  Hon.  John  Mar- 
shall, Dr.  James  McClurg. 
»  On  motion  of  Mr.  Edmund  J.  Lee,  leave  of 
absence  from  the  Convention  for  this  day  was 
granted  to  Dr.  George  Thornton. 

Resolved,  That  the  thanks  of  this  Cohventioa 
be  returned  to  the  Rev.  Dr.  John  Buchanan,  for 
his  long  and  faithful  services  as  treasurer  to  the 
Convention  of  the  Episcopal  Church  in  Virginia. 

The  Rev.  John  Dunn  having  resigned  his  ap- 
pointment of  yesterday  as  a  deputy  to  the  General 
Convention,  the  Rev.  Hugh  C.  Boggs  was 
appointed,  in  his  place,  a  deputy  to  represent 
this  diocess  in  the  next  General  Convention. 

Resolved,  That  the  standing  committee  be 
requested  to  make  provision  for  the  delivery  of 
a  discourse  on  the  meeting  of  the  next  Con* 
ventiori. 


CONVENTION  OF  1814. 


95 


On  motion  of  Mr.  Edmund  J.  Lee,  Resolved, 
That  the  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the 
revision  of  the  constitution  and  canons  of  the 
church  do  particularly  report,  whether  any,  and 
what  amendments  should  be  made,  to  the  con- 
stitution and  canon  concerning  the  offences  of 
ministers,  and  the  manner  of  trying  them. 

On  motion,  The  Convention  resolved  itself 
into  a  committee  of  the  whole,  to  take  into  con- 
sideration the  amendment  of  the  canon  concern- 
ing Conventions.  t)r.  John  Adams  was  called 
to  the  chair  :  After  some  time  spent  therein,  the 
committee  rose  ;  and  Dr.  Adams  reported.  That 
the  committee  had,  according  to  order,  had  un- 
der their  consideration  the  canon  aforesaid,  and 
had  directed  him  to  report  an  amendment,  which 
he  was  ready  to  do. 

Ordered,  That  the  report  of  the  committee  of 
the  whole  be  now  received  ;  and  the  same  hav- 
ing been  considered,  the  Convention  adopted 
the  following  amendment  to  the  canon  concern- 
ing Conventions. 

Be  it  ordained.  That  the  second  canon  of  the 
church  of  this  state  be,  and  the  same  is  hereby 
amended,  by  adding  after  the  words,  "  to  be  an- 
nually chosen  by  the  vestry,"  in  the  first  section, 
the  following  clause;  "or,  where  there  be  no 
vestry,  by  persons  who  may,  with  propriety,  be 
considered  as  members  of  the  Protestant  Epis- 
copal Church,  duly  notified ;  and  the  election 
shall  be  certified  by  at  least  five  respectable 
members  of  the  church." 

Resolved,  unanimously.  That  the  thanks  of 
this  Convention  be  returned  to  the  president 
and  secretary  for  their  atteniion  to  the  order 
and  business  of  this  Convention  during  the 
present  session. 

No  farther  business  being  before  the  Conven- 

vention,  on  motion,  the  Convention  adjourned,  to 

meet  again  on  the  fourth  Tuesday  in  May  next. 

Wm.  H.  WiLMER,  President. 

Attest,       Sajhtel  Greenhow,  Secretary. 


2d. — A  Canon  concerning  Conventions. 
1st.  There  shall  be  a  Convention  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  this  common- 
wealth on  the  fourth  Tuesday  of  May  in  every 
year,  in  such  place  as  shall  be  agreed  on  by  the 
Convention.  A  Convention  shall  consist  of 
two  deputies  from  each  parish,  of  whom  the 
minister  shall  be  one,  if  there  be  a  minister, 
and  the  other  shall  be  a  layman,  to  be  atmually 
chosen  by  the  vestry  ;  or,  where  there  be  no  ves- 


try, hy  persons  who  may,  with  propriety,  he  con- 
sidered  as  members  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church,  duly  notified ;  and  the .  election  shall  be 
certified  by  at  least  five  respectable  members  of 
the  church.  If  there  be  no  minister  in  any  par- 
ish, two  lay  deputies  shall  be  chosen.  Nine 
deputies,  thus  qualified  or  appointed,  shall  be  a 
Convention.  Provided  always.  That  for  the 
altering  or  framing  of  a  canon,  fifteen  members 
at  least  shall  be  necessary.  Provided  also,  That 
if  a  sufficient  number'  to  form  a  Convention 
shall  not  attend  on  any  day,  any  five  members 
then  assembled  shall  have  power  to  adjourn. 

2d.  Special  Conventions  may  be  called  at 
other  times,  in  the  manner  hereafter  to  be  pro- 
vided for. 

3d.  Each  member  shall,  on  taking  his  seat, 
deliver  in  to  the  secretary  of  the  Convention  a 
testimonial  of  his  being  regularly  qualified  or 
appointed,  signed  by  one  or  both  of  the  church- 
wardens, or  by  the  clerk  of  the  viestry  of  the 
parish  he  represents. 

'  4th.  A  person  shall  preside  in  Convention 
with  the  name  of  president,  who  shall  always 
be  a  bishop,  when  there  is  one  present  properly 
consecrated  and  settled  in  the  church.  If  there 
be  no  bishop  present,  the  Convention  shall  ap- 
point some  other  member  of  their  body  presi- 
dent. If  there  be  more  bishops  than  one  in 
Convention,  they  shall  have  the  right  of  presi- 
ding in  rotation. 

5th.  A  secretary  shall  be  appointed  by  the 
Convention,  who  shall  continue  in  office  during 
good  behaviour.  He  shall  keep  a  record  of 
their  acts  and  proceedings,  and  have  the  cus- 
tody of  the  records,  so  long  as  he  shall  continue 
in  office. 

6th.  The  Convention  shall  establish  standing 
rules  for  the  preservation  of  decorum,  and  the 
orderly  management  of  business. 

7th.  Conventions  shall  regulate  all  the  reli- 
gious concerns  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  within  this  state,  its  doctrines,  disci- 
pline, and  worship,  and  institute  such  rules  and 
regulations  as  they  may  judge  necessary  for  the 
good  government  thereof,  and  the  same  revoke 
and  alter  at  their  pleasure  :  Provided  always. 
That  the  powers  hereby  declared  shall  not  be 
so  construed  as  to  affect  any  powers  exclusively 
vested  in  the  General  Convention  of  the  Prot- 
estant Episcopal  Church  in  the  United  States 
of  America.  .        ,    ^ 

8th.  All  questions  before  the  Convention 
shall  be  determined  by  a  majority  of  votes. . 


96 


CONVENTION  OF  1815. 


Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of  a  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  of  Virginia,  which 
assembled  in  the  City  of  Richmond,  on  Tuesday,  the  'ZMof  May,  1816. 


At  a  meeting  of  a  Convention  of  the  Prot- 
estant Episcopal  Church  of  the  State  of  Virginia, 
held  at  the  Monumental  Qhurch  in  the  city  of 
Richmond,  on  Tuesday,  the  23d  of  May,  in  the 
year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  eight  hundred 
and  fifteen, 

A  sufficient  number  of  members  appearing  to 
form  a  Convention,  the  Right  Rev.  Richard 
Channing  Moore,  D.  D.,  bishop  of  this  diocess, 
took  the  chair  as  president,  and  William  Mun- 
ford  was  appointed  secretary  to  this  Conven- 
tion. 

On  motion,  it  was  Ordered,  That  a  committee 
be  appointed  to  examine  the  certificates  of  the 
appointment  of  the  lay  deputies ;  and  that  the 
Rev.  V^illiam  H.  Wilmer,  Dr.  Janies  McClurg, 
the  Hon.  Bushrod  W^ashington,  and  William 
Munford,  be  that  committee  ;  which  contunittee 
reported  forthwith  the  following  members  to  be 
duly  appointed,  conformably  with  the  canons  of 
the  Episcopal  Church  of  Virginia. 

Dr.  John  Adams,  for  Henrico  parish,  Henrico 
county  ;  the  Hon.  Hugh  Nelson,  fdr  Fredericks- 
ville  parish,  Albemarle  ;  Mr.  Robert  Slaughter, 
for  St.  Mark's  parish,  Culpepper;  Mr.  Charles 
Page,  for  St.  Paul's  Church,  Alexandria ;  Mr. 
William  Pendleton,  for  Norbome  parish,  Berice- 
ley  ;  Gen.  Charles  F.  Mercer,  for  Shelburne 
parish,-  Loudoun  ;  Mr.  Samuel  Slaughter,  for  St. 
Stephen's  Church,  Culpepper;  Maj.  Benjamin 
Day,  for  St.  George's  parish,  Fredericksburg ; 
the  Hon.  Bushrod  Washington,  for  Christ 
Church,  Fairfax  parish,  Alexandria ;  Mr.  John 
Buford,  for  Cumberland  parish,  Lunenburg';  Mr. 
Samuel  Low  and  Dir.  Thomas  Henderson,  for 
Hamilton  parish,  Fauquier;  Mr.  CadwaHaderJ. 
Dade  and  Mr.  John  Stith,  for  St.  Paul's  parish. 
King  George;  Mr.  David  Patteson  and  Mr. 
Matthew  Cheatham,  for  Manchester  parish, 
Chesterfield  ;  Dr.  Carter  Berkeley,  for  St.  Mar- 
tin's parish,  in  Hanover  and  Louisa  ;  Mr. 
Thomas  G.  Allen,  for  Aquia  parish,  Stafford', 
Mr.  William  Cameron,  for  Bristol  parish,  Pe- 
tersburg ;  Mr.  Ferdinand  Campbell,  for  Bruton 
parish,  Williamsburg. 

All  of  whom  appeared  and  took  their  seats, 
except  Mr.  Matthew  Cheatham,  the  lay  deputy 
for  Manchester  parish. 

For  reasons  appearing  to  the  Convention,  Mr. 
Laurence  T.  Dade  was  also  admitted  to  a  seat 
as  lay  deputy  for  St.  Thomas  parish,  in  Orange 
county  ;  Mr.  William  Mayo  as  lay  deputy  for 
Frederick  parish ;  and  Mr.  Benjamin  Allen,  jr., 
as  lay  deputy  for  St.  Andrew's  parish,  in  the 
county  of  Jefferson, 

The  following  clerical  deputies  appeared  and 
took  their  seats  in  this  Convention,  viz.  : — 

The  Rev.  John  Cameron,  D.  D.,  Cumberjiand 
parish;  the  Rev.  John  Buchanan,  D.  D.,  Hen- 
rico parish;  the  Rev,  John  Dunn,  Shelburne 
parish  ;  the  Rev.  Andrew  Syme,  Bristol  parish ; 
the  Rev.  John  ^oodville, 'St.  Mark's  parish; 
the  Rev.  WiUiam  H.  Wilmer,  St.  Paul's  Church, 
Alexandria ;  the  Rev.  William  Meade,  Freder- 


ick parish  ;  the  Rev.  Oliver  Norris,  Christ 
Church,  Alexandria ;  the  Rev.  Edward  G. 
M'Guire,  St.  George's  parish ;  the  Rev.  Will- 
iam King,  Staunton  parish  ;  the  Rev.  Alex- 
ander Hay,  Antrim  parish,  Halifax  ;  the  Rev. 
Hugh  C.Boggs,  Berkeley  parish,  Spotsylvania; 
the  Rev.  John  Philips,  St.  Martin's  parish  ;  the 
Rev.  William  Hawley,  St.  Stephen's  Church, 
Culpepper.  -  , 

Ordered,  That  the  secretary  read  the  stand- 
ing rutes  for  regulating  the  proceedings  of  the 
Conventions  of  this  diocess ;  which  was  ac- 
cordingly dqne. 

Resolved,  Thai  the  Rev.  William  Meade,  the 
Rev.  Oliver  Norris,  the  Rev.  William  H.^Wil- 
mer,  the  Rev.  Andrew  Syme,  the  Hon.  Bush- 
rod Washington,  Gen.  Charles  F.  Mercer,  and 
Mr.  William  Mayo,  be  a  committee  to  take  into 
consideration  the  state  of  the  church  in  the 
diocess,  and  report  thereupon  to  the  Convention. 

Resolved,  That  the  Rev.  Hugh  C.  Boggs,  the 
Rev.  John  Woodville,  Maj.  Benjamin  Day,  and 
Dr.  John  Adams,  be  a  committee  to  exarniue  the 
parochial  reports. 

On  motion.  Resolved,  That  a  committee  be 
appointed  to  wail  on  the  several  printers  of 
newspapers  in  this  city,  and  request  them  not 
to  publish  any  proceedings  of  this  Convention 
but  such  as  the  said  committee  shall  assure 
them  to  be  correct ;  and  that  Dr.  John  Adams 
and  Mr.  William  Mayo  be  that  committee. 

The  Convention  being  informed  that  Samuel 
Greenhow,  late  treasurer  of  the  Episcopal 
Church  in  this  diocess,  has  departed  this  life, 
proceeded  to  the  appointment  of ^.a  successor ; 
whereupon 

William  Munford,  being  the  only  person  nom- 
inated, was  duly  elected  treasurer. 

Resolved,  unanimously,  ThAt  the  thanks  of 
Ihis  Convention  be  presented  to  the  Right  Rev. 
Bishop  Moore,  for  the  evangehcal  and  eloquent 
discourse  delivered  by  him  in  the  Monumental 
Church  this  morning  ;  and  that  he  be  requested 
to  favour  the  Convention  with  a  copy  thereof 
for  publication. 

And  then  the  Convention  adjourned,  to  meet 
again  at  the  capiiol,  at  9  o'clock  A.  M.,  on  to- 
morrow. 

Wednesday,  May  24,  1815. 

The  Convention  met  according  to  adjourn- 
ment, and  was  opened  with  prayer  by  the  Rev. 
William  Meade. 

The  following  lay  deputies  produced  certifi- 
cates of  their  appointments,  which,  being  ex- 
amined by  the  committee  appointed  for  that  pur- 
pose, were  found  conformable  to  the  canons  of 
the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  of  Virginia, 
viz.  : — 

Mr.  Robert  W.  Carter  and  Mr.  John  Tayloe 
Lomax,  for  Lunenburg  parish,  Richmond 
county  ;  Mr.  Peter  Presley  Cox  and  Maj.  John 
Turberville,  for  Cople  parish,  Westmoreland 
county  ;  and  Dr.  James  McClurg,  for  the  vestry 


CONVENTION  OF  1815. 


07 


of  the  Monumental  Church  in  the  city  of  Rich- 
mond. 

The  Rev.  Oliver  Norris,  from  the  committee 
to  whom  was  referred,  by  a  resolve  of  the  Con- 
vention of  the  5th  of  May,  1814,  the  subject  of 
revising  and  condensing  the  constitution  and 
canons  of  this  church,  reported,  That,  according 
to  order,  the  said  committee  had  taken  the  sub- 
ject referred  to  them  into  consideration,  and  had 
agreed  upon  a  revision  of  the  constitution  and 
canons  of  this  diocess,  which  he  now  laid  be- 
fore the  Convention. 

The  constitution  and  canons,  as  revised  by  the 
said  committee,  were  then  read  by  the  secre- 
tary, and,  on  motion,  referred  to  a  committee 
of  the  whole  house. 

The  Convention  accordingly  resolved  itself 
into  a  committee  of  the  whole  house,  the  Hon. 
Hugh  Nelson  in  the  chair — and  after  some  time 
spent  therein,  the  president  resumed  the  chair, 
and  Mr.  Nelson  reported.  That  the  committee  of 
the  whole  house  had,  according  to  order,  had 
under  consideration  the  revised  constitution  and 
canons  to  them  referred,  and  agreed  to  sundry 
amendments  thereto,  which  he  delivered  in  at  the 
secretary's  table,  together  with  the  said  revisal. 

On  motion,  Ordered,  That  the  same  do  lie 
upon  the  table  until  to-morrow. 

The  Rev.  William  Meade,  from  the  commit- 
tee on  the  state  of  the  church,  made  a  report  in 
part,  which,  for  reasons  appearing  to  the  Conven- 
tion, was  ordered  to  be  recommitted  to  the  same 
committee. 

On  motion,  Ordered,  That  the  gentlemen 
charged  with  parochial  reports  deliver  them  to 
the  Rev.  Hugh  C.  Boggs,  chairman  of  the  com- 
mittee appointed  to  examine  such  reports  ;  and 
that  the  said  committee  be  instructed  to  report 
to  the  Convention  the  substance  thereof  in  a 
condensed  form. 

On  motion,  leave  of  absence  from  the  Con- 
vention, for  the  remainder  of  this  day,  was 
granted  to  the  Rev.  William  King. 

The  Canons  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  in  the  United  States  of  America, 
estabUshed  by  the  General  Convention,  were 
then  read  by  the  secretary,  in  obedience  to  the 
nth  standing  rule  for  regulating  the  proceed- 
ings of  the  Conventions  of  this  diocess. 

The  journal  of  the  proceedings  of  the  stand- 
ing committee  of  the  church  of  this  state  were 
laid  before  the  Convention  by  the  Rev.  William 
H.  Wilmer,  and  read  by  the  secretary. 

On  motion.  Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  John 
Buchanan  and  Dr.  John  Adams  be  appointed 
a  committee  to  examine  the  accounts  of  the 
late  treasurer,  and  report  thereupon  to  this 
Convention. 

The  donation  and  sentence  of  consecration 

of —  Church,  in  the  town  of  Petersburg, 

by  the  Right  Rev.  Richard  Channing  Moore, 
D.  D.,  bishop  of  this  diocess,  were  read,  and 
ordered  to  be  recorded  by  the  secretary. 

The  president  laid  before  the  Convention  a 
letter  from  Dr.  John  Augustine  Smith,  Presi- 
dent of  William  and  Mary  College,  which  was 
read,  and  ordered  to  be  referred  to  the  commit- 
tee on  the  state  of  the  church. 

G 


And  then  the  Convention  adjourned,  to  meet 
again  on  to-morrow,  at  9  o'clock  A.  M. 

Thursday,  May  25th,  1815. 

The  Convention  met  according  to  adjourn- 
ment, and  was  opened  with  prayer  by  the  Rev. 
William  Meade. 

Mr.  Matthew  Cheatham,  one  of  the  lay  dep)- 
uties  for  Manchester  parish,  appeared  and  took 
his  seat  in  the  Convention. 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  Alexander  Hay, 
Resolved,  That  the  committee  on  the  subject 
of  the  parochial  reports  be  discharged  from  the 
farther  consideration  thereof ;  that  the  said 
reports  be  read  by  the  secretary,  and  inserted  in 
the  Journal. 

The  same  were  accordingly  delivered  in  by 
the  chairman  of  the  committee,  and  read  by  the 
secretary. 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  William  H.  Wilmer, 
Resolved,  That  the  vote  for  inserting  the  said 
reports  in  the  Journal  be  reconsidered,  and  that 
the  same  be  again  committed  to  the  said  commit- 
tee, with  instructions  to  report  the   substance 
thereof  to  the  Convention  in  a  condensed  form. 
The  Revised  Constitution  and  Canons  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  this  state  were 
then  taken  up,  with  the  amendments   thereto 
proposed  by  the  committee  of  the  whole  house. 
And  the  said  amendments,  on  questions  sev- 
erally put   thereupon,  were    agreed  to  by  the 
Convention. 

The  constitution  was  farther  amended  ;  and 
thereupon.  Resolved,  unanimously.  That  the 
said  constitution,  as  amended,  be  adopted  and 
established  as  the  constitution  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church  in  the  Diocess  of  Virginia. 

The  canons  were  also  farther  amended,  and 
agreed  to  as  amended. 

On  motion  of  the  Hon.  Hugh  Nelson, 
Resolved,  That  the  vote  of  this  Convention 
agreeing  to  the  said   canons  be   reconsidered, 
and  that  the  same  be  again  committed  to  a  com- 
mittee of  the  whole  house. 

The  Convention  accordingly  resolved  itself 
into  a  committee  of  the  whole  house,  the  Hon. 
Hugh  Nelson  in  the  chair ;  and,  after  some 
time  spent  therein,  the  president  resumed  the 
chair,  and  Mr.  Nelson  reported.  That  the  com- 
mittee of  the  whole  house  had,  according  to 
order,  had  under  consideration  the  canons  to 
them  referred,  and  agreed  to  sundry  amend- 
ments thereto,  which  he  delivered  in  at  the 
secretary's  table,  together  with  the  said  canons. 
The  said  amendments  being  read,  were,  on 
questions  severally  put  thereupon,  agreed  to  by 
the  Convention ;  and  the  canons  were  farther 
amended,  on  motion, 

Whereupon,  Resolved,  That  the  said  canons, 
as  amended,  be  approved  and  established  as  the 
Canons  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in 
the  Diocess  of  Virginia :  Provided,  That  the 
6th,  7th,  8th,  and  9th  canons  shall  not  take 
effect  until  after  the  rising  of  the  next  Conven- 
tion for  the  said  diocess. 

On  motions  severally  made,  leave  of  absence 
for  the  remainder  of  the  session  of  this  Con- 
vention was  granted  to  Maj.  Benjamin  Day,  Mr. 


CONVENTIOiN  OF  1815. 


Robert  Slaughter,  the   Rev.  John  Woodville, 
Mr.  Charles  Page,  and  Mr.  William  Cameron. 

And  then  the  Convention  adjourned  until  to- 
morrow morning,  9  o'clock. 

Friday,  May  26th,  1815. 

The  Convention  met  according  to  adjourn- 
ment, and  was  opened  with  prayer  by  the  Rev. 
William  Hawley. 

Mr,  Meade,  from  the  committee  on  the 
state  of- the  church,  presented  a  report,  which 
was  read,  as  follows  ; — 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  state 
of  the  church  report,  That  Evan  Ragland,  de- 
ceased, late  of  the  county  of  Halifax,  in  this 
state,  did,  by  his  last  will  and  testament,  dated  the 
4th  of  June,  1814,  devise  to  the  President  and 
Professors  or  Masters  of  William  and  Mary  Col- 
lege, and  to  their  successors,  a  tract  of  land  lying 
in  the  said  county,  together  with  five  negroes,  in 
trust,  for  the  maintenance  of  a  minister  or  min- 
isters of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  within 
the  parish  of  Antrim  in  the  said  county;  and 
also,  in  trust,  to  raise  thereout  the  sum  of  eighty 
dollars  per  annum  during  the  term  of  fifteen  years, 
and  annually  thereafter  the  sum  of  one  hundred 
dollars  for  ever,  to  be  appropriated,  under  the  di- 
rection of  the  President  and  Professors  or  Mas- 
ters of  William  and  Mary  College,  as  a  fund  to 
be  applied  towards  defraying  the  general  expenses 
of  the  church  in  this  state,  at  the  discretion  of 
the  bishop  and  standing  committee  thereof,  or  of 
the  Convention  of  this  state,  in  case  there  should 
be  no  bishop  or  standing  committee. 

Your  committee  further  report,  that  the  title  to 
the  land  so  devised  is  disputed  by  the  heirs  of 
the  said  Evan  Ragland,  the  testator;  in  conse- 
quence of  which,  the  Rev.  Alexander  Hay,  the 
present  incumbent  of  the  church  in  the  parish  of 
Antrim,  has  been  compelled  to  institute  a  suit  in 
the  Court  of  Chancery  against  the  heirs  of  the 
said  testator  and  the  trustees  named  in  the  said 
will,  for  the  purpose  of  obtaining  the  benefit  of 
the  same,  so  far  as  he  is  interested  ;  to  which 
suit  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  of  this  diocess  is 
made  a  party  defendant. 

Your  committee,  after  such  inquiries  as  it  has 
been  in  their  power  to  make  in  relation  to  the 
value  of  the  property  charged  as  aforesaid,  with 
the  bequest  made  in  favour  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church  of  this  state  as  aforesaid,  and 
also  to  the  title  to  the  land  so  devised,  are  clearly 
of  opinion  that  all  proper  means  should  be  imme- 
diately pursued  for  securing  to  the  church  the 
benefit  of  the  aforesaid  bequest ;  and  that  the  ex- 
penses which  may  be  necessarily  incurred  in  as- 
serting the  right  of  the  church  ought  to  be  defray- 
ed out  of  the  funds  belonging  to  the  said  church, 
at  the  disposal  of  the  Convention  of  this  state. 

Resolved,  therefore.  That  it  be  the  duty  of 
the  standing  committee,  under  the  direction  of 
the  bishop,  to  pursue  all  proper  means  for  secu- 
ring to  the  church  the  full  benefit  of  the  afore- 
said bequest,  made  in  her  favour  by  the  will  of 
the  said  Evan  Ragland  :  and  to  draw  upon  the 
treasurer  of  the  said  church,  from  time  to  time, 
for  such  sums  as  may  be  necessary  for  defray- 
ing the  expenses  which  may  be  incurred  in  the 
discharge  of  this  duty. 

The  committee  to  whom   was  referred  the 

Sroposition  from  the  President  of  William  and 
laxy  College,  on  the  expediency  of  providing  a 
sum  for  the  support  of  the  theological  chair  in 
that   institution,   have   taken  the  subject  into 


I  consideration,  and  recommend  to  the  Conven- 
tion the  following  resolution  : — 

Resolved,  That  the  bishop  and  standing  com- 
mittee be  requested  to  ascertain  what  practica- 
ble mode  can  be  devised  to  that  eflfect ;  and  that 
they  be  authorized  to  adopt  measures  for  the 
promotion  of  an  object  of  so  great  magnitude, 
and  which  may,  under  the  blessing  of  God,  be 
productive  of  the  most  beneficial  consequences. 
The  resolutions  of  the  said  committee,  on  the 
subject  of  the  devise  from  Evan  Ragland,  de- 
ceased, and  in  relation  to  the  proposed  estab- 
lishment of  a  theological  professorship  in  the 
College  of  William  and  Mary,  were,  on  ques- 
tions severally  put  thereupon,  agreed  to  by  the 
Convention. 

Mr.  Boggs,  from  the  committee  on  the  sub- 
ject of  the  parochial  reports,  presented  a  state- 
ment containing  the  substance  thereof  in  a  con- 
densed form  ;  which  statement  was,  on  motion, 
ordered  to  be  recommitted ;  was  afterward 
again  reported  from  the  same  committee  with 
amendments ;  and,  being  so  amended,  was  ap- 
proved by  the  Convention,  and  ordered  to  be 
inserted  in  the  Journal,  as  follows  : — 

The  following  condensed  report  of  the  paro- 
chial returns,  exhibiting  a  view  of  the  state  of  the 
Episcopal  Churches  in  Fredericksburg;  in  An- 
trim parish,  Halifax  county  ;  in  Shelburne  parish, 
Loudoun  county  ;  in  Hamilton  parish,  Fauquier 
county ;  in  the  congregations  of  Dumfries  and 
Aquia,  Prince  William  county;  in  Cumberland 
parish ;  in  the  parishes  of  Norbome  and  St.  An- 
drews ;  in  the  parish  of  Frederick ;  in  the  par- 
ishes of  Hardy  and  Hampshire;  in  the  parishes 
of  Manchester  and  Bristol ;  of  Berkeley,  in  the 
county  of  Spotsylvania ;  of  the  church  in  Alex- 
andria ;  in  the  parish  of  Lunenburg ;  in  that  of 
St.  Paul,  in  the  county  of  King  George  ;  in  the 
parish  of  St.  Martin's  in  Hanover  county;  and 
in  that  of  Cople,  Westmoreland  county,  is  laid 
before  the  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Epis- 
copal  Church,  assembled  in  the  city  of  Richmond, 
in  May,  1815,  by  the  conunittee  appointed  to  ex- 
amine the  parochial  reports. 

The  report  from  the  church  in  Fredericksburg, 
from  Shelburne  parish,  from  Hamilton  parish, 
from  the  congregations  of  Dumfries  and  of  Aquia, 
from  the  parishes  of  Norbome  and  St.  Andrews, 
from  the  church  in  Winchester,  from  the  parishes 
of  Hardy  and  Hampshire,  and  from  St.  Martin's, 
is  favourable.  The  spirit  of  religion  is  increasing ; 
many  are  zealously  attached  to  the  Episcopal 
Church,  and  are  making  exertions  to  support  her 
ordinances.  The  state  of  the  church  in  Antrim 
parish  is  discouraging  in  the  extreme.  The  two 
churches  in  the  parish  of  Manchester  are  in  a 
state  of  decay.  Relative  to  Bristol  parish,  there 
is  nothing  particularly  mentioned,  except  that,  at 
the  consecration  of  the  church,  twenty-five  per- 
sons, male  and  female,  were  confirmed.  The  re- 
port from  Cumberland  parish  exhibits  nothing 
more  than  the  baptism  of  twenty-one  white  chil- 
dren and  ten  negro  children,  the  burial  of  nine 
grown  persons  and  four  children,  and  the  mar- 
riage of  three  couple.  The  report  of  Mr.  Will- 
iam King  shows  that  he  has  been  unable  to  or- 
ganize a  church  in  Staunton.  The  number  of 
communicants  in  the  two  congregations  in  Win- 
Chester  is  between  80  and  SO.  In  Shelburne  par- 
ish there  have  been  four  baptisms,  five  funerals. 
The  number  of  communicants  is  twenty.  In  the 
church  of  Fredericksburg  the  number  of  commu- 
-nicanta  is  upwards  of  sixty ;  the  baptisms  last  year 


CONVENTION  OF  1815. 


99 


are  fourteen,  the  marriages  four,  and  the  number 
of  funerals  ten.  Since  the  induction  of  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Hay,  the  number  of  baptisms  has  been  annu- 
ally between  thirty  or  forty,  marriages  two  or 
three.  The  Episcopal  Church  in  the  county  of 
Fauquier  is  in  a  very  prosperous  condition.  A 
strong  disposition  has  been  lately  manifested,  by 
the  members  of  the  church  in  that  county,  for  the 
obtainment  of  religious  knowledge.  The  attach- 
ment of  the  mass  of  the  community  to  our  church 
is  strong  and  ardent.  The  number  of  communi- 
cants upon  occasional  celebrations  of  the  Lord's 
Supper  last  year  was  thirty ;  and  an  increase  of 
communicants  is  expected.  From  the  liberal  zeal 
of  the  members  of  the  church,  recently  mani- 
fested by  pecuniary  contributions,  the  pleasing 
expectation  is  entertained  that  a  sufficient  number 
of  churches  will  soon  be  in  repair.  The  church 
in  Alexandria  is  in  an  improving  state.  The 
churches  are  in  good  order.  There  is  among  the 
members  of  the  church  an  increase  of  evangelical 
piety.  The  number  of  communicants  is  about 
two  hundred,  the  baptisms  about  one  hundred  and 
fifty.  In  the  parish  of  Cople  the  number  of  com- 
municants is  considerable,  and  an  earnest  desire  is 
manifested  among  the  people  to  revive  the  church. 
A  hope  is  confidently  entertained,  that  soon  the 
former  character  of  the  church  in  that  parish  will 
be  supported,  by  making  provision  for  the  perma- 
nent and  respectable  establishment  of  a  minister. 

The  report  from  the  parish  of  St.  Paul,  King 
George  county,  states,  that  the  church  is  falling 
to  ruin ;  that  there  are  no  funds  for  the  support  of 
a  pastor ;  but  that,  however,  of  late,  a  spirit  of 
religion  is  reviving  in  the  parish,  and  Mr.  Keith, 
who  officiates  on  alternate  Sundays,  has  large  con- 
gregations. In  the  parish  of  Lunenburg,  many 
persons  are  sincerely  attached  to  the  church. 
No  doubt  is  entertained  but  that  the  congregation 
will  be  sufficiently  numerous  to  afford  a  compe- 
tent support  to  a  minister.  In  the  church  of  the 
city  of  Richmond,  much  attention  is  given  to  di- 
vine worship.  The  number  of  communicants  is 
about  one  hundred  and  twenty,  and  the  number 
of  prayer-books  is  increased. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Samuel  Low,  Resolved, 
That  the  11th  canon,  established  yesterday,  be 
reconsidered  : 

The  said  canon  was  amended,  on  Mr.  Pat- 
teson's  motion,  and  agreed  to  as  amended. 

Resolved,  That  the  following  gentlemen  be 
appointed  the  standing  committee  of  the  church 
of  this  state  until  the  next  Convention,  and 
until  a  new  appointment  of  a  standing  commit- 
tee shall  be  made  by  a  future  Convention,  viz.  : 
the  Rev.  William  H.  Wilmer,  the  Rev.  Oliver 
Norris,  the  Rev.  John  Dunn,  the  Hon.  William 
Cranch,  and  Edmund  J.  Lee,  Esq. 

On  motion  of  the  Hon.  Hugh  Nelson, 

The  following  canon  was  added  to  the  can- 
ons revised  and  established  by  the  present  Con- 
vention, viz.  : — 

The  canons  and  constitution  heretofore 
adopted  by  the  former  Conventions  of  this 
state,  shall  be  and  are  hereby  repealed. 

Resolved,  That  the  secretary  of  the  Conven- 
tion be  requested  to  transmit  annually  the  pro- 
ceedings of  the  Conventions  of  this  diocess  to 
the  secretaries  of  the  Conventions  of  the  several 
states,  and  to  request  of  them  to  send  in  return, 
annually,  the  journals  of  their  several  Conven- 
tions. 

On  motion  of  Dr.  James  McCIurg, 


Resolved,  That  a  committee  be  appointed  to 
consider  the  expediency  of  re-enacting  the  canon 
of  the  last  Convention  concerning  the  Monu- 
mental Church  in  the  city  of  Richmond. 

And  a  committee  was  appointed  of  Dr.  James 
McClurg,  the  Rev.  WiUiam  H.  Wilmer,  and 
Dr.  John  Adams ;  and,  after  some  time,  Dr. 
McClurg  reported  thereupon,  That,  in  the  opin- 
ion of  the  said  committee,  a  canon  ought  to  be 
established,  in  addition  to  the  canons  enacted 
yesterday  ;  which  additional  canon  he  delivered 
in  at  the  secretary's  table.  The  same  being 
read,  was  agreed  to  by  the  Convention,  and 
ordered  to  be  inserted  as  the  twelfth  in  the 
list  of  canons. 

Dr.  John  Adams,  from  the  committee  to 
whom  the  accounts  of  the  late  treasurer  were 
referred,  presented  a  report,  which  was  read,  as 
follows  : — 

Samuel  Greenhow,  late  treasurer  of  the  Prot- 
estant Episcopal  Church  of  Virginia,  in  ac- 
count with  said  church,  Dr. 

1814,  May  6. 

To  cash  received  of  the  Rev.  John 
Buchanan,  his  predecessor  in  office, 
for  the  general  fund,  $270 

To  do.  received  of  do.  for  the  mis- 
sionary fund,  90 

May  11. 

To  do.  received  of  do.  in  full  of  the 
balance  reported  to  the  Convention 
as  being  in  his  hands, 


1814,  May  6.  Cr. 

By  cash  paid  the  following  dep- 
uties to  the  General  Conven- 
tion, viz.  : 

Edward  G.  McGuire, 

Hugh  Mercer, 

Rev.  William  H.  Wilmer, 
"      Oliver  Norris, 
"      William  Meade, 

To  do.  paid  the  doorkeeper  for 
attendance  during  the  Con- 
vention, 

May  10. 

By  cash  paid  Mr.  George  De- 
neale,  a  deputy  to  the  General 
Convention, 

May  12. 

By  cash  paid  Fitzwhylsonn  and 
Potter,  for  four  blank  books, 
and  a  ream  of  paper  to  print 
the  journal  on. 

May  19. 

By  cash  paid  for  printing  and 
stitching  300  copies  of  the 
Journal  of  Convention,  24 

July  4. 

By  cash  paid  Thomas  Ritchie  for 
publishing  notice  of  Conven- 
tion to  be  holden  in  May,  1814,     1 


204  68 
$564  68 


$70 
70 
50 
50 
50 


50 


25 


75 


Balance  due, 


891  75 


$172  98 


100 


CONVENTION  OF  1815. 


Of  which  ninety  dollars  are  due  to  the  mis- 
sionary fund. 

The  above  statement  has  been  taken  from  the 
books  of  the  late  treasurer,  and  is  believed  by 
the  committee  to  be  correct,  but  no  acknowledg- 
ment of  the  balance  due  has  been  obtained  from 
the  executrix.  J.  Adams. 

May  26,  1815. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  report  be  approved. 

On  motion,  the  Convention  proceeded  to  the 
election,  by  ballot,  of  delegates  to  the  General 
Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church 
— whereupon  the  Rev.  William  H.  Wilmer,  the 
Rev.  William  Meade,  the  Rev.  William  Haw- 
ley,  Gen.  Charles  F.  Mercer,  the  Hon.  Hugh 
Nelson,  and  Doctor  John  Adams,  were  duly 
elected. 

On  motion  of  Dr.  Adams,  Resolved,  That 
the  treasurer  be  authorized  to  pay,  out  of  any 
funds  which  may  be  in  his  hands,  the  expenses 
which  may  attend  the  episcopal  visitations  in 
this  diocess. 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  William  H.  Wilmer, 

Resolved,  That  a  committee  be  appointed  to 
prepare  an  article  to  be  added  to  the  constitu- 
tion in  relation  to  the  office  of  treasurer. 

And  a  committee  was  appointed  of  the  Rev. 
William  H.  Wilmer  and  the  Hon.  Hugh  Nel- 
son, who  prepared  and  reported  an  article,  which 
was  read  and  agreed  to  by  the  Convention,  and 
ordered  to  be  inserted  as  the  9th  article  in  the 
constitution  for  the  government  of  the  Protest- 
ant Episcopal  Church  in  this  diocess. 

The  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Moore  delivered  to 
this  Convention  an  address  on  the  state  of  the 
church  ;  which  being  heard. 

Resolved,  unanimously.  That  the  thanks  of 
the  Convention  be  presented  to  the  Right  Rev. 
Richard  Channing  Moore,  D.  D.,  for  his  excel- 
lent address  this  day  delivered  ;  and  that  the 
same  be  inserted  in  the  Journal :  which  address 
is  in  the  following  words  : — 

Brethren, — It  becomes  my  duty,  by  virtue  of 
the  canon  of  the  General  Convention,  to  lay 
before  you  a  view  of  the  state  of  the  church  in 
this  diocess.  As  my  residence  in  Virginia  has 
been  of  short  duration,  it  cannot  be  supposed 
that  I  could  have  possessed  myself  of  informa- 
tion very  general  in  its  nature.  The  visita- 
tions, however,  which  I  have  made,  though  very 
circumscribed,  have  enabled  me  to  form  some 
view  of  the  state  of  our  ecclesiastical  concerns, 
and  from  that  view  I  think  myself  justified  in 
drawing  the  most  pleasing  conclusions. 

In  every  parish  which  I  have  visited,  I  have 
discovered  the  most  animated  wish  in  the  peo- 
ple to  repair  the  waste  places  of  our  Zion,  and 
to  restore  the  church  of  their  fathers  to  its 
primitive  purity  and  excellence.  I  have  found 
their  minds  alive  to  the  truths  of  religion,  and 
have  discovered  an  attachment  to  our  excellent 
liturgy  exceeding  my  utmost  expectations.  I 
have  witnessed  a  sensibility  to  divine  things 
bordering  on  the  spirit  of  gospel  times.  I  have 
seen  congregations,  upon  the  mention  of  that 
glory  which  once  irradiated  with  its  beams  the 
church  of  Virginia,  burst  into  tears,  and  by 
their  holy  emotions  perfectly  electrify  my  mind. 


The  apostolic  rite  of  confirmation,  which  I 
have  administered  in  several  parishes,  was  re- 
ceived by  people  of  all  ages  with  the  greatest 
joy,  and  a  general  principle  of  union  and  exer- 
tion was  upon  those  occasions  universally  ex- 
pressed. Parishes  which  have  been  destitute 
of  ministerial  aid  for  many  years,  which  had 
slumbered  until  the  warmest  friends  of  the 
church  conceived  it  to  have  been  the  sleep  of 
death,  have,  in  two  instances,  been  awakened 
from  that  state  of  torpor  in  which  they  were  in- 
volved, and  have  arisen  in  all  the  vigour  of  per- 
fect health.  The  younger  clergy  of  this  dio- 
cess, who,  from  their  youth  and  spiritual  attain- 
ments, are  well  qualified  for  the  glorious  work, 
have  exerted  themselves  in  a  manner  deserving 
the  most  honourable  mention.  They  have  car- 
ried the  standard  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ 
through  a  considerable  portion  of  this  church ; 
they  have  gone  out  into  the  highways  and  hedges, 
preaching  the  truths  of  their  Divine  Master ; 
and  by  their  holy  conversation  with  the  people, 
have  adorned  the  gospel  of  Christ.  A  number 
of  their  elder  brethren,  though  prevented  by  age 
from  using  the  same  exertion,  have  laboured 
with  fidelity,  and  contributed  their  best  efforts 
to  promote  that  work  which  has  been  commit- 
ted to  their  hands.  The  laity  have  been  equal- 
ly assiduous  in  the  discharge  of  that  duty  pecu- 
liar to  their  station — the  duty  of  providing  for 
the  ministers  of  religion.  May  Heaven  reward 
them  for  their  labours  of  love  ;  and  may  every 
cup  of  cold  water  which  they  have  given  to  a 
disciple,  in  the  name  of  a  disciple,  receive  a  dis- 
ciple's reward. 

The  members  of  the  church  in  this  city, 
brethren,  deserve  my  sincerest  thanks,  for  the 
friendship,  affection,  and  indulgence  with  which 
they  have  favoured  me  : — they  have  shown,  by 
their  marked  and  continued  tenderness  towards 
me  and  my  family,  that  they  are  alive  to  all  the 
sensibilities  which  adorn  our  nature.  I  have 
found  in  them  not  only  friends,  but  brothers  and 
benefactors  ;  they  have  met  my  necessities  with 
a  solicitude  beyond  my  expectations  ;  they  have 
anticipated  my  every  want ;  they  have  dis- 
charged the  duty  of  the  most  affectionate  chil- 
dren towards  their  spiritual  father. 

I  have  admitted  within  the  past  year,  as 
candidates  for  the  ministry,  Mr.  George  H. 
Norton,  Benjamin  Allen,  Jr.,  Thomas  G.  Allen, 
and  Samuel  Low.  I  have  licensed  as  lay  read- 
ers, Mr.  Benjamin  Allen,  Thomas  Allen,  Mr. 
Keith,  and  Thomas  Henderson.  I  have  ad- 
mitted to  the  order  of  deacon,  Mr.  Edward  G. 
M'Guire  and  John  P.  Philips  ;  and  to  the  order 
of  priesthood,  the  Rev.  William  Hawley.  I 
have  held  a  confirmation  in  the  church  of  Alex- 
andria, at  which  place  upwards  of  fifty  persons 
received  that  holy  rite.  I  have  held  a  confirm- 
ation in  Culpepper,  when  upwards  of  sixty,  and 
in  Fauquier,  when  upwards  of  fifty,  received  that 
rite.  I  have  visited  and  consecrated  the  church 
at  Petersburg,  under  the  direction  of  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Syme ;  at  which  time  upwards  of  twenty 
were  confirmed.  I  have  preached  in  Manches- 
ter twice,  and  in  Hanover  in  three  different 
places. 


CONVENTION  OF  1815. 


101 


Should  my  health  be  continued,  brethren,  it 
is  my  intention  to  visit  as  many  parishes  this 
summer  and  autumn  as  my  parochial  engage- 
ments will  admit  of,  and  shall  thank  the  Con- 
vention or  the  standing  committee  to  direct  me 
to  those  parts  of  the  diocess  where  my  labours 
may  be  thought  to  promise  the  most  benefit  to 
the  church.  My  Brethren  of  the  Clergy — The 
welfare  and  advancement  of  our  Zion  depend 
upon  our  joint  and  vigorous  exertions.  Great 
is  the  duty  imposed  upon  us,  and  great  is  the 
responsibility  of  that  character  which  we  fill, 
as  ministers  of  the  gospel  of  peace.  If  there 
ever  was  a  period  in  which  exertion  was  neces- 
sary, and  if  there  ever  was  a  period  which  bids 
fair  to  crown  that  exertion  with  success,  this  is 
the  time.  Though  few  in  number,  yet,  depend- 
ing for  support  upon  the  promises  of  God,  we 
may  look  for  an  abundant  blessing  upon  our  la- 
bours. Jehovah  has  promised  to  be  with  his 
church  to  the  end  of  the  world,  and  he  will  fulfil 
his  declaration.  The  parishes  are  invoking  our 
aid.  Oh"!  listen,  I  beseech  you,  to  their  numer- 
ous entreaties.  Be  steadfast,  then,  be  unmovea- 
ble,  always  abounding  in  the  work  of  the  Lord, 
and  your  labour  will  not  be  in  vain  in  the  Lord. 

On  motion.  Resolved,  unanimously.  That  the 
thanks  of  this  Convention  be  presented  to  the 
secretary,  for  his  services  during  the  present 
session. 

Ordered,  That  the  usual  number  of  copies  of 
the  Journal  of  this  Convention  be  printed,  and 
sent  by  the  secretary  to  the  respective  parishes. 

No  further  business  being  before  the  Con- 
vention, on  motion,  the  Convention  adjourned, 
to  meet  again  on  the  third  Tuesday  in  May 
next. 

Richard  Channing  Moore, 
Bishop  of  the  P.  E.  Church  in  the 
Diocess  of  Virginia. 

Attest,  Wm.  Munford,  Secretary, 


Constitution  and  Canons  for  the  government  of 
the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  of  Virginia. 
Revised  and  established  by  the  Convention  of 
that  Church  which  met  in  the  City  of  Rich- 
mond on  Tuesday,  May  23d,  1815. 

constitution. 

Article  L  There  shall  be  a  Convention  of 
the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  this  state 
on  the  third  Tuesday  in  May  every  year  :  but 
the  Convention  which  meets  in  the  year  pre- 
vious to  the  meeting  of  the  General  Convention, 
may  have  power  to  appoint  the  time  and  place 
of  meeting  for  the  next  annual  session. 

Art.  II.  The  Convention  shall  be  composed 
of  the  officiating  ministers  who  have  been  reg- 
ularly and  canonically  elected  in  parishes  or 
churches  within  this  state,  and  within  that  part 
of  the  territory  of  Columbia  formerly  part  of 
this  state  ;  and  of  those  whom  age  or  infirmity 
prevents  from  exercising  their  clerical  functions, 
who  shall  be  considered  members  ex-ojfficio. 
The  Convention  shall  also  be  composed  of  lay 
members,  consisting  of  one  delegate  from  each 
parish  (or  of  two  lay  deputies,  where  there 
shall  be  no  clergyman  in  the  parish),  chosen  by 


the  vestry  thereof,  or,  if  there  be  no  vestry, 
by  at  least  twelve  persons  who  may  with  pro- 
priety be  considered  as  members  of  the  Protest- 
ant Episcopal  Church,  duly  notified  ;  and  the 
election  shall  be  certified  by  at  least  five  mem- 
bers of  this  church  ;  provided,  that  every  parish 
having  more  than  one  officiating  minister  who 
hath  been  regularly  and  canonically  elected, 
shall  be  entitled  to  send  as  many  lay  delegates 
as  it  has  ministers. 

Art.  III.  Six  members  of  the  clerical,  and 
six  of  the  lay  order,  shall  constitute  a  quorum 
for  the  transaction  of  business ;  but  a  smaller 
number  may  adjourn. 

Art.  IV.  In  all  matters  that  shall  come  be- 
fore the  Convention,  the  clergy  and  laity  shall 
deliberate  in  one  body  ;  and  the  concurrence  of 
a  majority  shall  give  validity  to  any  measure. 
But,  when  three  members  require  it,  there  shall 
be  a  vote  by  orders. 

Art.  V.  The  election  of  a  bishop  of  this 
church  shall  be  made  in  Convention,  in  the  fol- 
lowing manner.  The  order  of  the  clergy  shall 
nominate  and  appoint,  by  ballot,  some  fit  and 
qualified  clergyman  for  that  office ;  and  the 
votes  of  two  thirds  of  that  order  shall  be  requi- 
site to  constitute  a  choice.  And  thereupon 
such  appointment  shall  be  presented  to  the  or- 
der of  the  lay  delegates,  and  be  considered  by 
them ;  and  if,  on  a  ballot,  it  shall  appear  that 
the  person  so  ordained  is  approved  of  by  two 
thirds  of  the  lay  order,  he  shall  be  then  declared 
to  be  duly  elected. 

Art.  VI.  In  this  diocess  there  shall  be  but  one 
bishop.  He  shall  be  president  of  the  Conven- 
tion ;  in  which  character  it  shall  be  his  duty  to 
give  to  the  Convention,  as  often  as  he  may 
deem  expedient,  a  general  view  of  the  state  of 
the  church ;  to  call  special  Conventions,  at 
whatever  times  and  places  he  may  think  neces- 
sary ;  to  preserve  order  during  the  time  of  ses- 
sion ;  to  put  the  question,  collect  the  votes,  and 
declare  the  decision.  He  may  make  any  mo- 
tion which  he  shall  judge  conducive  to  the  good 
of  the  church,  but  shall  not  enter  into  debate  ; 
and  he  may  deliver  his  sentiments  on  any  subject 
after  it  has  been  discussed,  before  a  vote  there- 
on. 

Art.  VII.  In  case  of  a  vacancy  in  the  epis- 
copal office,  the  Convention,  immediately  upon 
their  assembling,  shall  choose,  by  joint  ballot,  a 
president  from  among  the  order  of  priests,  who 
shall  remain  in  office  until  the  next  election  of  a 
president.  He  shall  perform  all  the  duties  and 
possess  all  the  privileges  above  specified ;  but 
he  shall  not  call  special  meetings  of  the  Conven- 
tion, unless  applied  to  for  that  purpose  by  a 
majority  of  the  standing  committee.  And  if, 
while  there  is  a  bishop  in  this  church,  he  shall 
not  be  present  at  any  meeting  of  the  Conven- 
tion, they  shall  elect,  in  the  manner  aforesaid, 
a  president  pro  tempore. 

Art.  VIII.  A  secretary  shall  be  appointed 
by  the  Convention,  who  shall  continue  in  office 
during  good  behaviour.  His  duty  shall  be  to 
make  minutes  of  their  proceedings,  to  preserve 
their  journals  and  records,  to  attest  the  public 
acts  of  the  body,  and  faithfully  to  deliver  into 


102 


CONVENTION  OF  1816. 


the  hands  of  his  successor  all  books  and  papers, 
relative  to  the  concerns  of  the  Convention, 
which  may  be  in  his  possession.  It  shall  be  his 
duty  to  notify,  through  the  channel  of  the  public 
papers,  as  he  may  think  proper,  the  time  and 
place  appointed  for  the  meeting  of  the  succeed- 
mg  Convention. 

Art.  IX.  A  treasurer  shall  be  appointed  by 
the  Convention,  who  shall  continue  in  office 
during  good  behaviour,  and  who  shall  discharge 
the  duties  usually  appertaining  to  that  office. 

AjtT.  X.  Before  the  adjournment  of  each  an- 
nual Convention,  a  standing  committee,  con- 
sisting of  six  members,  three  clerical  and  three 
of  the  lay  order,  shall  be  chosen  by  a  ballot  of 
the  clergy  and  laity. 

Art.  XI.  If  at  any  time  there  should  be  no 
bishop  in  this  church,  the  Convention  shall  di- 
vide the  state  or  diocess  into  districts,  and  as- 
sign to  such  clergymen  as  they  may  appoint 
the  superintendence  of  a  district,  which  it  shall 
be  their  duty  to  visit  at  least  once  a  year,  and  to 
report  the  ecclesiastical  and  secular  state  there- 
of to  the  Convention. 

Art.  XII.  Every  parish  within  this  diocess 
shall  be  entitled  to  the  entire  benefit  of  this 
constitution,  as  soon  as  it  shall  have  signi- 
fied its  ratification  thereof,  either  in  writing  or 
by  sending  a  lay  delegate  to  the  Convention  ; 
and  such  parish  shall  thereafter  be  benefited  and 
bound,  equally  with  the  other  parishes  in  this 
diocess,  by  every  rule  and  canon  which  shall  be 
framed,  by  any  Convention  acting  under  this 
constitution,  for  the  government  of  this  church 
in  ecclesiastical  concerns. 

Art.  XIII.  This  constitution  shall  be  unal- 
terable, except  in  the  following  manner : — a 
proposition  for  any  change  shall  be  introduced 
in  writing,  and  considered  in  Convention  ;  and, 
if  approved  of,  the  same  shall  be  transmitted  to 
the  several  vestries  of  the  parishes  which  shall 
have  ratified  this  constitution  ;  and  if  again  ap- 
proved of  in  the  next  ensuing  Convention  by  a 
majority,  the  change  shall  then  take  place,  and 
the  constitution,  so  altered,  shall  be  valid  and 
obligatory. 


The  minister  of  each  parish  shall  make  out 
and  continue  an  exact  register  of  all  the  com- 
municants within  his  congregation  ;  which  regis- 
ter shall  be  left,  upon  his  death  or  removal,  for 
the  use  of  his  successor. 


It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  ministers  of  our 
church  to  be  careful  in  observing  all  the  direc- 
tions of  the  rubric,  and  of  the  General  Conven- 
tion, which  relate  to  communicants ;  to  main- 
tain the  most  aflfectionate  intercourse  with  all 
their  members  on  religious  subjects  ;  but,  es- 
pecially, to  converse  with  those  who  oflfer  them- 
selves for  the  first  time  for  the  communion,  on 
those  qualifications  which  are  proper  for  the 
worthy  receiving  of  the  sacrament,  unless  they 
be  otherwise  satisfied  that  they  are  properly 
quaUfied. 


LAY  DISCIPLINE. 

CANON  III. 

Communicants  to  have  Family  Worship. 
It  shall  be  the  duty  of  every  communicant  of 
this  church,  who  is  the  head  of  a  family,  to  live 
in  the  habitual  exercise  of  family  worship. 

CANON  IV. 

The  members  of  this  Church  to  instruct  their  fam- 
ilies in  the  Principles  of  Religion. 
The  members  of  this  church  shall  instruct 
their  families,  as  far  as  they  are  able,  in  the 
principles  of  the  Christian  religion  ;  and,  as  soon 
as  they  are  sufficiently  informed  and  impressed 
with  the  importance  and  sacredness  of  their  bap- 
tismal vow,  and  have  come  to  a  proper  age  to 
ratify  the  same  in  their  own  persons,  they  shall 
present  them  to  the  bishop  for  confirmation, 
when  conveniently  in  their  power. 

CANON  V. 

The  members  of  this  Church  to  be  regular  in 
their  attendance  on  Public  Worship. 
The  members  of  this  church  shall  attend  the 
public  worship  of  God  as  regularly  and  con- 
stantly as,  from  their  age,  infirmities,  and  cir- 
cumstances in  life,  may  be  reasonably  expected  ; 
and  shall  admit  of  no  excuse  for  the  neglect  of 
this  important  duty,  but  such  as  they  may  plead 
at  the  bar  of  God  in  the  day  of  judgment. 

CANON  VI.* 

Offences  for  which  a  Layman  may  be  presented 
and  tried. 
Drunkenness,  incontinence,  profane  swear- 
ing, general  neglect  of  public  worship.  Sabbath- 
breaking,  irreverent  behaviour  during  divine  ser- 
vice, gaming,  extortion,  and  any  other  open  vi- 
ciousness  of  life,  are  crimes  and  misdemeanors 
for  which  lay  members  who  are  communicants 
of  this  church  may  be  reproved,  publicly  cen- 
sured, or  repelled  from  the  holy  communion,  ac- 
cording to  the  degrees  of  the  oifence,  and  the 
age  and  other  circumstances  of  the  offender. 

CANON  VII.* 

Manner  of  proceeding  against  a  Layman. 

If  a  lay  member,  being  a  communicant,  shall 
oflTend  in  any  of  these  respects,  the  minister  of 
the  parish  in  which  the  offender  shall  reside 
shall,  upon  receiving  information  thereof,  take 
cognizance  of  the  offence  ;  and  if  he  shall  have 
sufficient  evidence  of  the  guilt,  he  shall  privately 
admonish  the  person  ;  and  if  this  shall  not  have 
the  desired  effect,  he  shall  then  convene  the  ves- 
try and  wardens  ;  first  giving  the  party  reason- 
able notice,  in  writing,  of  the  nature  of  the  of- 
fence alleged,  and  of  the  time  appointed  for  the 
meeting  of  the  minister,  vestry,  and  wardens,  for 
the  purpose  of  inquiring  into  it  ;  who  shall 
thereupon  proceed  to  inquire  into  the  charge  ; 
and,  if  they  shall  be  of  opinion  that  it  is  substan- 
tiated, the  minister  shall  pronounce  such  sen- 
tence as  the  offence  may  deserve  ;  which  sen- 
tence shall  be  either  reproof  before  the  vestry 
and  wardens,  public  censure  in  the  church,  or 
repelling  him  from  the  holy  communion.  But 
if  the  person  accused,  being  duly  notified,  shall 


CONVENTION  OF  1815. 


103 


refuse  to  appear,  the  minister,  vestry,  and  war- 
dens shall,  notwithstanding,  proceed  to  inquiry 
and  sentence  :  Provided,  That  every  minister  so 
repelling  any  as  is  herein  specified,  shall  be 
obliged  to  give  an  account  of  the  same  to  the 
ordinary,  as  soon  as  conveniently  may  be,  who 
shall  decide  thereupon. 

CLERICAL  DISCIPLINE. 

CANON  VIII.* 

Offences  for  which  a  Clergyman  may  he  brought 
to  trial. 

Whereas  it  is  essential  to  the  purity  and 
prosperity  of  all  religious  communities  that  the 
temper  and  deportment  of  their  ministers  be 
preserved  holy  and  unblameable  ;  it  is  hereby  de- 
clared to  be  the  duty  of  the  bishop,  or,  if  there 
be  none,  of  the  standing  committee,  to  take  cog- 
nizance of  any  offence  against  decorum  and  re- 
ligion, of  which  a  priest  or  deacon  shall  be 
charged  upon  credible  testimony.  Disorderly, 
scandalous,  and  immoral  conduct,  neglect  of 
duty,  disregard  of  the  constitution  or  canons  of 
the  church,  disseminating  or  countenancing  of 
opinions  which  are  contrary  to  her  doctrines, 
gaming,  or  any  other  vicious  or  unseemly  diver- 
sions, are  offences  for  which  (as  well  as  for 
a  violation  of  the  26th  canon  of  the  General 
Convention)  a  minister  may  be  brought  to  trial. 
And  the  mode  of  proceeding  shall  be  as  fol- 
lows : — 

Whenever  satisfactory  information  shall  be 
given  in  writing,  by  any  two  credible  members 
of  the  church  in  this  diocess,  to  the  bishop  or 
standing  committee,  that  any  clergyman  is  guilty 
of  a  violation  of  the  canons,  or  conducts  him- 
self in  any  way  incompatible  with  the  character 
of  a  minister  of  Christ,  the  bishop  shall  sum- 
mon a  meeting  of  the  standing  committee,  or,  if 
there  be  no  bishop,  the  president  of  the  standing 
committee  shall  assemble  them,  for  the  purpose 
of  inquiry  and  trial.  Notice  of  the  time  and 
place  of  meeting  shall  be  given  to  the  accused 
party,  and  also  a  copy  of  the  charge  or  charges 
laid  against  such  clergyman,  at  least  two  months 
before  the  time  appointed  for  trial.  Witnesses 
shall  be  called,  and  no  charge  shall  be  deem- 
ed substantial  but  upon  the  testimony  of  two 
credible  witnesses,  upon  oath,  either  deliv- 
ered viva  voce,  or  by  deposition  taken  after 
reasonable  notice  given  of  the  time  and  place 
of  taking  the  same.  The  party  accused  may  call 
in  any  person  to  assist  him  in  his  defence,  and 
also  such  witnesses  as  he  may  think  proper,  and 
have  the  benefit  of  depositions  as  above  pre- 
scribed. The  bishop,  or,  if  there  be  no  bishop, 
the  standing  committee,  may  appoint  a  clergy- 
man to  conduct  the  trial  on  the  part  of  the 
church  ;  and  counsel  may  be  employed  on  each 
side.  If,  after  hearing  the  evidence  and  the  de- 
fence of  the  party  accused,  two  thirds  of  the 
quorum  of  the  standing  committee  shall  be  of 
opinion  that  the  person  is  guilty  of  the  charge 
or  charges  brought  against  him,  the  bishop  shall 
proceed  to  reprove,  suspend,  or  degrade  him,  as 
the  offence  may  deserve.  If  there  be  no  bish- 
op, the  standing  committee  shall  take  record 
and  give  notice  of  the  punishment  due  to  the 


party  offending :  and,  in  the  latter  case,  an  ap- 
peal may  be  made  to  the  State  Convention,whose 
decision  shall  be  final.  Provided,  That  none  but 
a  bishop  shall  pronounce  sentence  of  deposition 
or  degradation  from  the  ministry  on  any  cler- 
gyman, whether  bishop,  or  presbyter,  or  deacon. 

CANON  IX.* 

Manner  of  proceeding  against  a  Bishop. 

If  the  bishop  of  this  church  shall  voluntarily 
commit  any  act  or  acts  violating  the  constitu- 
tion or  canons,  presentment  shall  be  made,  by 
the  Convention,  to  two  or  more  bishops  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  United 
States.  Such  bishops  shall  have  authority  to 
institute  a  trial  within  the  diocess  of  the  accu- 
sed party  :  and  the  sentence  of  the  two  bishops, 
or  of  a  majority  of  a  greater  number,  being 
founded  on  the  canons  of  the  church,  shall  be 
final ;  except  the  sentence  of  degradation,  in 
which  case  he  shall  be  allowed  the  privilege  of 
an  appeal  to  the  House  of  Bishops,  provided  he 
give  notice  of  such  appeal,  within  six  months, 
to  the  bishop  who  presided  in  the  House  of  Bish- 
ops at  their  session  immediately  preceding. 

CANON  X. 

It  shall  be  the  duty  of  every  parish  to  send 
to  the  Convention  the  sum  of  thirty  dollars  an- 
nually, for  the  contingent  expenses  of  the 
church  ;  which  money  shall  be  lodged  with  the 
treasurer  of  the  Convention  of  this  church,  and 
held  subject  to  their  order. 

CANON  II. 

The  manner  of  electing  Vestrymen. 

On  every  Easter-Monday,  each  parish  shall 
elect  eight  vestrymen.  Two  weeks  notice  shall 
be  given  of  the  meeting  by  the  minister,  from  the 
pulpit ;  or,  if  there  be  no  minister,  by  the  ves- 
try ;  and,  if  there  be  no  vestry,  by  any  two  mem- 
bers who  last  possessed  the  power  of  vestry- 
men ;  who  shall  cause  advertisements  of  the 
meeting  to  be  put  up  at  such  public  places  as 
will  secure  due  notice  of  the  meeting.  And 
every  pew-holder  and  contributor  to  the  sup- 
port of  the  church  shall  be  entitled  to  vote. 
Every  vestryman  shall,  upon  taking  his  seat, 
subscribe  the  following  form  : — 

"  I  do  believe  the  Holy  Scriptures  of  the  Old 
and  New  Testaments  to  be  the  word  of  God,  and 
to  contain  all  things  necessary  to  salvation : 
and  I  do  solemnly  engage  to  conform  to  the 
doctrines  and  worship  of  the  Protestant  Epis-^ 
copal  Church  in  these  United  States." 

The  vestrymen  thus  elected  shall  choose  two 
church-wardens  out  of  their  own  body,  to  dis- 
charge the  duties  appropriate  to  their  office. 

In  cases  where  unavoidable  circumstances 
prevent  the  election  on  Easter-Monday,  it  shall 
take  place  on  any  time  that  may  be  deemed 
expedient  by  persons  authorized  to  call  the 
meeting,  and  in  the  manner  aforesaid  :  and,  un- 
til a  new  election,  the  former  vestry  shall  con- 
tinue in  office.     The  minister  shall  be  a  mem- 


*  Note.— The  6th,  7th,  8th,  and  9th  canons  are 
suspended,  by  a  resolution  of  this  Convention,  un- 
til the  end  of  the  session  of  the  next  Convention. 


104 


CONVENTION  OF  1816. 


ber  ex-officio;  and  five  members  shall  be  re- 
quired to  constitute  a  quorum. 
CANON  xn. 
Whereas  that  canon  of  the  Protestant  Epis- 
copal Church  of  Virginia  which  directs  the 
manner  of  choosing  vestrymen  in  the  several 
parishes  is  not  applicable  to  the  case  of 
churches  built  and  supported  by  voluntary  asso- 
ciations of  individuals,  without  any  parochial 
charge  ;  and  it  is  proper  that  those  who  hold 
the  sole  property  of  a  particular  church  should 
provide  for  its  care  and  management ; — 


In  the  case  of  the  Monumental  Church  in 
the  city  of  Richmond,  and  in  all  similar  cases, 
the  choice  of  vestrymen  shall  be  made  by  the 
pew-holders  of  the  respective  churches,  con- 
forming, as  to  the  time  of  appointment  and  man- 
ner of  qualifying  the  vestrymen,  to  the  regulationg 
prescribed  by  the  11th  canon  established  by  the 
present  Convention. 

CANON  xni. 

The  canons  and  constitution  heretofore  adopt- 
ed by  the  former  Conventions  of  this  state  shall 
be  and  are  hereby  repealed. 


Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of  a  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  of  Virginia,  which 
assembled  in  the  City  of  Richmond^on  Tuesday,  the  2lst  of  May,  1816. 


A  SUFFICIENT  number  of  members  appearing 
to  form  a  Convention,  the  Right  Rev.  Richard 
Channing  Moore,  D.  D.,  bishop  of  this  diocess, 
took  the  chair  as  president  of  this  Convention. 

A  committee  was  appointed  to  examine  the 
certificates  of  appointments  of  the  lay  deputies  ; 
which  committee,  consisting  of  the  Rev.  John 
Dunn,  the  Rev.  Andrew  Syme,  Mr.  Robert 
Randolph,  and  William  Munford,  secretary  of 
the  Convention,  reported  forthwith  the  follow- 
ing members,  being  present,  to  be  duly  appoint- 
ed, conformably  with  the  canons  of  the  Prot- 
estant Episcopal  Church  of  Virginia,  viz.  : — 

William  A.  Knox,  for  St.  George's  parish, 
Fredericksburg;  John  Hoof,  for  St.  Paul's 
Church,  Alexandria ;  Thomas  G.  Allen,  for 
Aquia  parish,  Stafford  county  ;  John  Adams 
and  Benjamin  Watkins  Leigh,  for  Henrico  par- 
ish ;  William  Mayo  and  Lewis  Berkeley,  for 
Frederick  parish  ;  Alexander  Keech,  for  St. 
Mary's  parish,  Caroline  county;  John  S.  Ra- 
venscroft  and  John  Buford,  for  Cumberland 
parish,  Lunenburg  county  ;  Carter  Berkeley, 
for  St.  Martin's  parish,  in  Hanover  and  Louisa 
counties  ;  Richard  Stuart  and  Townshend  S. 
Dade,  for  St.  Paul's  parish.  King  George  coun- 
ty ;  Hugh  Nelson,  for  Fredericksville  parish, 
Albemarle  county  ;  Robert  Randolph,  for  Ham- 
ilton parish,  Fauquier  county ;  Benjamin  Al- 
len, jr.,  for  St.  Andrew's  parish,  Jefferson 
county;  Samuel  Slaughter,  for  St.  Stephen's 
Church,  Culpepper  county  ;  Henry  Lee,  jr.,  for 
Washington  parish,  in  Westmoreland  county  ; 
David  Patteson,  for  Manchester  parish,  Ches- 
terfield county ;  Francis  Adams,  for  Christ 
Church,  Alexandria. 

The  following  clerical  deputies  appeared  and 
took  their  «eats  in  this  Convention,  viz.  : — 

The  Rev.  John  Buchanan,  D.  D.,  Henrico 
parish ;  the  Rev.  Edward  C.  M'Guire,  St. 
George's  parish  ;  the  Rev.  Andrew  Syme,  Bris- 
tol parish  ;  the  Rev.  William  H.  Wilmer,  St. 
Paul's  Church,  Alexandria  ;  the  Rev.  William 
H.  Hart,  church  on  Richmond  Hill ;  the  Rev. 
William  Meade,  Frederick  parish ;  the  Rev. 
Charles  Crawford,  Lexington  parish,  Amherst ; 
the  Rev.  John  Philips,  St.  Martin's  parish ; 
the  Rev. William  Steel,  Dettingen  parish,  Prince 
William  ;  the  Rev.  Hugh  C.  Boggs,  Berkeley 
parish,  Spotsylvania  ;    the  Rev.  George  Lem- 


on, Hamilton  parish,  Fauquier  ;  the  Rev.  Will- 
iam Hawley,  St.  Stephen's  Church,  Culpepper  ; 
the  Rev.  Oliver  Norris,  Christ  Church,  Alexan- 
dria ;  the  Rev.  John  Dunn,  Shelbume  parish, 
Loudoun  ;  the  Rev.  Armistead  Smith,  Kingston 
parish,  Matthews ;  the  Rev.  William  King, 
Staunton  parish,  Augusta. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  Hugh  C.  Boggs,  the 
Rev.  William  H.  Wilmer,  the  Rev.  William 
Steel,  Mr.  John  S.  Ravenscroft,  Mr.  Richard 
Stuart,  and  Mr.  WiUiam  Mayo,  be  a  committee 
to  take  into  consideration  the  state  of  the  church 
in  the  diocess,  and  report  thereupon  to  the  Con- 
vention. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  John  Dunn,  the  Rev. 
George  Lemon,  and  Mr.  Hugh  Nelson,  be  a  com- 
mittee to  examine  the  parochial  reports. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  William  Hawley, 
Mr.  Robert  Randolph,  and  Mr.  Benjamin  Wat- 
kins  Leigh,  be  a  committee  to  examine  the 
treasurer's  accounts. 

Resolved,  unanimously,  That  the  thanks  of 
this  Convention  be  presented  to  the  Rev.  OHver 
Norris,  for  his  evangelical  and  eloquent  dis 
course  on  the  duties  of  the  ministry,  dehvered 
this  day  in  the  Monumental  Church. 

And  then  the  Convention  adjourned,  to  meet 
again  at  the  capitol,  in  the  Senate  Cheunber,  at 
9  o'clock  A.  M.  on  to-morrow. 

Wednesday,  May  22,  1816. 

The  Convention  met  according  to  adjourn- 
ment, and  was  opened  with  prayer  by  the  Rev. 
George  Lemon. 

The  following  lay  deputies  produced  certifi- 
cates of  their  appointments,  which,  being  read 
by  the  secretary,  were  found  conformable  to  the 
canons  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  of 
Virginia  ;  whereupon  they  took  their  seats  in  the 
Convention,  viz.  : — 

Wright  Southgate  and  William  Sharp,  for 
Christ  Church,  Norfolk ;  John  Thorn,  for  St. 
Mark's  parish,  Culpepper ;  and  Doctor  James 
McClurg,  for  the  Monumental  Church  in  the  city 
of  Richmond. 

For  reasons  appearing  to  the  Convention,  Mr. 
Benjamin  Blackford  was  also  admitted  to  a  seat 
as  lay  deputy  for  Beckford  parish.  Mr.  Elijah 
Fletcher,  a  lay  deputy  for  I..exington  parish,  Am- 
herst county,  also  appeared  and  took  his  seat. 


CONVENTION  OF  1816. 


105 


The  standing  rules  for  regulating  the  pro- 
ceedings of  the  Conventions  of  this  diocese 
were  then  read  by  the  secretary. 

The  canons  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  in  the  United  States  of  America,  estab- 
lished by  the  General  Convention,  were  also 
read,  in  obedience  to  the  11th  standing  rule  for 
regulating  the  proceedings  of  the  Conventions 
of  this  diocess. 

The  journal  of  the  proceedings  of  the  stand- 
ing committee  of  the  church  of  this  state  was 
laid  before  the  Convention  by  the  Rev.  William 
H.  Wilmer,  and  read  by  the  secretary. 

The  Rev.  Hugh  C.  Boggs,  from  the  commit- 
tee on  the  state  of  the  church,  presented  a  re- 
port in  part,  which  was  read,  as  follows  : — 

The  committee  on  the  state  of  the  church 
having  considered  the  various  subjects  which 
suggested  themselves,  beg  leave  to  recommend 
the  following  resolutions  : — 

Whereas  the  Uth  canon  limits  the  number 
of  vestrymen  to  the  number  of  eight,  and  as  it 
appears  desirable  to  some  parishes  that  they 
should  have  the  option  of  electing  twelve  ;  and 
whereas  it  is  further  deficient  in  the  manner  of 
providing  for  a  case  in  which  there  is  no  surviving 
member  of  the  vestry  to  give  notice  for  a  new 
election ;  and  whereas  it  is  further  so  con- 
structed as  to  make  it  necessary  that  a  man 
must  be  both  a  pew-holder  and  contributor,  in- 
stead of  a  pew-holder  or  a  contributor,  in  order 
to  be  entitled  to  a  vote  for  the  vestry  ; 

Therefore,  be  it  Resolved,  That  the  aforesaid 
canon  be  altered,  and  adapted  to  these  views, 
when  it  will  read  in  the  following  manner. 


CANON    XI. 


On  every  Easter-Monday,  each  parish  shall 
elect  eight  vestrymen  :  but,  where  it  is  deemed 
expedient,  the  number  may  be  increased  to  twelve. 
Two  weeks  notice  shall  be  given  of  the  meet- 
ing by  the  minister,  from  the  pulpit ;  or,  if  there 
be  no  minister,  by  the  vestry  ;  or,  if  there  be 
no  vestry,  by  any  two  members  who  last  pos- 
sessed the  power  of  vestrymen  ;  or,  if  there  be 
no  surviving  members  of  the  vestry,  by  three  re- 
spectable members  of  the  church;  who  shall 
cause  advertisements  of  the  meeting  to  be  put 
up  at  such  public  places  as  will  secure  due  no- 
tice of  the  meeting.  And  every  pew-holder  or 
contributor  to  the  support  of  the  church  shall  be 
entitled  to  vote.  Every  vestryman  shall,  upon 
taking  his  seat,  subscribe  the  following  form  : — 

"  I  do  believe  the  Holy  Scriptures  of  the  Old 
and  New  Testaments  to  be  the  word  of  God,  and 
to  contain  all  things  necessary  to  salvation : 
and  I  do  solemnly  engage  to  conform  to  the  doc- 
trines and  worship  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  in  these  United  States." 

The  vestrymen  thus  elected  shall  choose  two 
church-wardens  out  of  their  own  body,  to  dis- 
charge the  duties  appropriated  to  their  office. 

In  cases  where  unavoidable  circumstances 
prevent  the  election  on  Easter-Monday,  it  shall 
take  place  on  any  time  that  may  be  deemed  expe- 
dient by  persons  authorized  to  call  the  meeting, 
and  in  the  manner  aforesaid  :  and,  until  a  new 
election,  the  former  vestry  shall  continue  in  of- 


fice. The  minister  shall  be  a  member  ex-offido ; 
and  five  members  shall  be  required  to  constitute 
a  quorum. 

Resolved,  That  the  lOth  canon  be  amended, 
by  inserting  after  the  word  "annually,"  in  the 
second  hne,  the  following  words  :  "  or  such  sums 
as  the  deputies  can  procure."  j^. 

The  said  report  was  approved ;  and  the  said        ''^' 
resolutions,  on  questions  severally  put  thereupon, 
were  agreed  to  by  the  Convention. 

The  Rev.  Edward  C.  M'Guire  laid  before 
the  Convention  sundry  resolutions  of  the  vestry 
in  the  town  of  Fredericksburg,  disapproving  of 
the  6  th  and  7th  canons  adopted  by  the  last 
Convention ;  and,  the  same  being  read,  he 
made  a  motion  that  the  6th  and  7th  canons  be 
repealed  ;  whereupon,  on  a  motion  made  and 
seconded,  the  Convention  resolved  itself  into  a 
committee  of  the  whole  house  to  take  the  said 
motion  into  consideration,  Mr.  Hugh  Nelson  in 
the  chair  : — and,  after  some  time  spent  therein, 
the  president  resumed  the  chair,  and  Mr.  Nelson 
reported,  That  the  committee  of  the  whole  Con- 
vention had,  according  to  order,  had  under  con- 
sideration the  motion  for  repealing  the  6th  and 
7th  canons,  and  agreed  to  a  resolution  there- 
upon, which  he  delivered  in  at  the  secretary's 
table,  where  the  same  was  read,  as  follows  : — 

Resolved,  That  the  6th  and  7th  canons  for 
the  government  of  the  church  of  this  diocess, 
adopted  by  the  last  Convention,  be  repealed  ; 
and  that  the  following  canon,  which,  in  sub- 
stance, was  passed  in  May,  1805,  be  revived  and 
established  in  lieu  thereof,  viz. : — 

Whereas  the  present  state  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church  in  Virginia  has  experienced 
many  and  great  inconveniences  from  the  want  of 
such  regulations  and  provisions  as  the  good  and 
wholesome  government  of  the  said  church  re- 
quired, and  from  the  nonperformance  of  existing 
canons  :  Now,  in  order  that  such  inconveniences 
may  be  removed,  so  far  as  lieth  in  this  Conven- 
tion, and  that  the  rules  and  canons  of  the  said 
church,  and  also  those  of  the  General  Convention, 
may  be  strictly  observed  and  enforced  in  all  time 
to  come  ;  that  all  the  members  of  the  said  church, 
whether  clergymen  or  laymen,  may  be  excited 
to  the  most  zealous  and  commendable  exertions 
to  further,  by  all  justifiable  means,  the  future 
prosperity  of  the  church  ; — 

Be  it  ordained.  That  any  lay  member  of  the 
church,  being  a  communicant  thereof,  conduct- 
ing himself  in  a  manner  unworthy  of  a  Chris- 
tian, may  and  ought  to  be  admonished  by  the 
minister  and  vestry  of  the  parish  or  congrega- 
tion ;  and  if  such  member  persevere  in  such 
conduct,  he  shall  be  suspended  or  expelled  by 
the  ministry  and  vestry  ;  in  which  case  he  may 
appeal  to  the  ordinary,  who  shall  have  power  to 
confirm  or  reject  the  sentence. 

The  said  resolution  being  read  a  second 
time,  was,  on  the  question  put  thereupon,  unani- 
mously agreed  to  by  the  Convention. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Nelson,  Resolved,  That 
when  this  Convention  adjourns  to-day,  it  will 
adjourn  till  to-morrow  morning  10  o'clock  ; 

And  then  the  Convention  adjourned  accord- 
ingly. 


106 


CONVENTION  OF  J 81 6, 


Thursday,  May  23, 1816. 

The  Convention  met  according  to  adjourn- 
ment, and  was  opened  with  prayer  by  the  Rev. 
William  Meade. 

Mr.  William  Page,  a  lay  deputy  for  Nor- 
borne  parish,  Berkeley  county,  produced  a  cer- 
tificate of  appointment,  which  was  read  and  ap- 
proved ;  whereupon  he  took  his  seat  in  the 
Convention. 

Sundry  reports  of  the  state  of  the  several 
parishes  in  this  diocess  were  received,  and  or- 
dered to  be  referred  to  the  committee  appointed 
to  examine  the  parochial  reports. 

The  Rev.  Hugh  C.  Boggs,  from  the  commit- 
tee on  the  state  of  the  church,  presented  a  far- 
ther report,  which  was  read,  as  follows  : — 

The  committee  on  the  state  of  the  church 
beg  leave  farther  to  recommend  an  alteration  in 
the  12th  canon,  by  adding  to  it  the  words,  "  ex- 
cepting in  the  case  of  Christ  Church  in  the 
borough  of  Norfolk ;  which,  being  under  pe- 
culiar circumstances  in  relation  to  the  number 
of  trustees,  the  time  and  manner  of  electing 
them,  and  their  rector,  may  be  permitted  to  con- 
form to  their  own  regulations  in  these  par- 
ticulars." 

The  said  report  being  read  a  second  time, 
was,  on  the  question  put  thereupon,  approved, 
and  the  amendment  thereby  proposed  to  the 
12th  canon  was  agreed  to  by  the  Convention. 

On  motion.  Ordered,  That  the  committee  on 
the  subject  of  the  parochial  reports  have  leave 
to  sit  while  the  Convention  is  in  session. 

Mr.  Benj.  Watkins  Leigh,  from  the  committee 
appointed  to  examine  the  treasurer's  accounts, 
presented  a  report,  which  was  read,  as  follows : — 

The  committee  to  whom  the  accounts  of  the 
treasurer  were  referred  have,  according  to  order, 
performed  that  duty,  and  come  to  the  following 
report : — 

Your  committee  have  examined  the  accounts 
of  the  treasurer,  and  found  that  the  same  are  fair 
and  correct,  the  debits  being  all  supported  by 
proper  vouchers  ;  and  the  balance  in  his  liands, 
at  the  meeting  of  this  present  Convention,  was 
sixty  dollars  and  fifty-three  cents,  as  appears  by 
the  following  state  of  the  said  accounts : — 
Cash  received  by  William  Munford,  treasurer 

of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  of  Vir- 
ginia, since  his  appointment  to  that  office. 
Contributions  from  the  Parishes  in  May, 

1815,  viz.  :— 
From  Henrico  Parish,  by  Doctor  John 

Adams,  -        -         .         $15  00 

"      St.    Mark's — Culpepper,   by  Mr. 

Robert  Slaughter,  -         -  15  00 

"     St.  Paul's  Church,  Alexandria,  by 
Mr.  Charles  Page, 

"      Norborne  Parish,  Berkeley,  by  Mr. 
Wm.  Pendleton,     -         -         . 

"      Shelburne ,  Loudoun,  by  the 

Rev.  John  Dunn,    - 

"      St.  Stephen's  Church,  Culpepper, 

by  Mr.  Samuel  Slaughter,         -  15  00 

«*      St,  George's  Parish,  Fredericks- 
burg, by  Major  Benjamin  Day,  15  00 


-  15  00 


15  00 


-  15  00 


Amount  carried  forward, 


$105  00 


Amount  brought  forward,  $105  00 

From  Cumberland ,  Lunenburg,  by 

Mr.  John  Buford,   - 
Hamilton ,  Fauquier,  by  Doc 

tor  Thomas  Henderson, 
Manchester ,  Chesterfield,  by 

David  Patteson,     -        -         - 

Matthew  Cheatham, 
Bristol    Parish,    Petersburg,    by 

Rev.  Andrew  Syme, 
Brulon  Parish,  Williamsburg,  by 

Ferdinand  Campbell, 
St.  Andrew's  Parish,  Jefferson,  by 

Benjamin  Allen,  jr., 
Frederick  Parish,   Frederick,  by 

the  Rev   William  Meade, 
The  Vestry  of  the  Monumental 

Church   in    the    city   of  Rich- 
mond,   by    Doctor   James   Mc 

Clurg,  .... 

Antrim    Parish,    Halifax,  by  the 

Rev.  Alexander  Hay, 
St.  Paul's   Parish,  King  George, 

by  Cadwallader  J.  Dade, 
Frederick   Parish,   Frederick,  by 

the  Rev.  Alexander  Balmain,  - 


-  15  00 

15  00 

10  00 
5  00 

15  00 

-  15  00 
15  GO 
20  00 


15  00 


-  10  00 


10  00 


30  00 


Total  of  parochial  contributions,  $280  00 
Received  of  the  Rev.  WiUiam  Meade, 
cash  paid  him  by  the  former  treasurer, 
as  a  delegate  to  the  General  Conven- 
tion ;  which  he  returns,  in  conse- 
quence of  his  having  failed  to  attend 
that  Convention,  -  -  -  -  50  00 
Of  the  administratrix  of  Samuel  Green- 
how,  late  treasurer  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church,     -         -         .  172  93 

On  account  of  subscriptions  to  the  pub- 
lication of  Bishop  Moore's  sermon  in 
May,  1815, 72  00 

$574  93 

Cash  paid  by  William  Munford,  treasurer, 
since  his  appointment,  viz.  : — 

1815,  May.— To  the  Rev.  Hugh  C. 
Boggs,  his  expenses  as  a  delegate  to  the 
General  Convention  last  year,    -         -  70  00 

June  9th. — To  Messrs.  Ritchie  and  True- 
heart,  for  printing  Bishop  Moore's  ser- 
mon,         72  00 

To  do.  for  printing  the  Journal  of  the 

Convention, 42  00 

June  28th. — To  Bishop  Moore,  for  ex- 
penses of  episcopal  visitations,   60  00 

July  27th. — To  do.  on  the  same 
account,  -        -         -         100  00 

Oct.  30th. — To  do.  on  the  same 

account,  -        -        -         170  00 

*330  00 

$514  40 
Balance  due  May  21st,  1816,  60  53 

$574  93 


*  This  expenditure  has  principally  arisen  from 
the  circumstance  of  the  Right  Reverend  Bishop 
Moore's  being  compelled  to  hire  a  carriage. 


CONVENTION  OF  1816. 


107 


The  said  report  being  read  a  second  time, 
was,  on  the  question  put  thereupon,  approved  by 
the  Convention. 

Mr.  Hugh  Nelson,  from  the  committee  on 
the  subject  of  the  parochial  reports,  presented  a 
report,  which  was  read,  as  follows  : — 

The  committee  on  the  subject  of  the  parochial 
reports  beg  leave  to  report  the  foUowmg  con- 
densed statement  of  the  reports  that  have  been 
submitted  to  them : — 

The  report  from  the  parishes  of  St.  Andrew's 
and  Norborne  is  highly  favourable.  A  new  church 
has  been  finished  at  Shepherdstown.  Two 
others,  one  at  Bunker's  Hill,  and  one  at  Charles- 
town,  will,  it  is  expected,  be  finished  in  the  course 
of  a  few  months.  Another  at  Hedges  Chapel  is 
just  commenced,  and  is  expected  to  be  under  roof 
this  fall.  Well-grounded  hopes  are  entertained 
that  another  will  be  shortly  erected  on  Back 
Creek,  in  the  western  part  of  the  parish  of  Nor- 
borne. The  Rev.  Thomas  Howell,  of  Maryland, 
has  been  elected  to  the  parish  of  Norborne.  The 
number  of  catechumens  in  these  parishes  is  about 
three  hundred— baptisms  eighty-five. 

The  report  from  Dettingen  states,  that  a  vestry 
has  been  organized,  and  that  they  hope  to  build  a 
church  this  summer. 

The  report  from  Fredericksburg  is  highly  fa- 
vourable. A  large  neat  church  has  been  completed. 
Communicants  ninety— baptisms  thirty-four — mar- 
riages eight — deaths  ten — catechumens  forty-five. 

The  report  from  Hamilton  parish  is  highly 
favourable.  A  new  church,  it  is  hoped,  will  be 
built  this  summer  at  Warrenton,  and  another  cov- 
ered in  before  next  winter  in  the  neighbourhood 
of  Oak  Hill.  Communicants  thirty-nine — bap- 
tisms, between  twenty  and  thirty  infants,  and  one 
adult — marriages  eight — funerals  four. 

The  report  from  Manchester  parish  states,  that 
its  two  old  churches  are  now  undergoing  repairs. 

The  report  from  Staunton  parish  states,  that 
though  it  has  been  long  in  a  low  state,  it  now  be- 
g:ins  to  assume  a  more  encouraging  aspect.  Bap- 
tisms for  the  last  four  years,  forty  infants  and 
seven  adults — marriages  one. 

That  in  the  parish  of  St.  Mary's,  in  Caroline 
county,  the  spirit  of  religion  is  reviving,  and  dis- 
pelling the  gloomy  spectacle  of  the  temples  of  the 
Most  High  in  utter  ruins.  The  sum  of  3,000 
dollars  has  been  subscribed  to  erect  a  church  in 
Port  Royal,  which  building,  it  is  expected,  will  be 
commenced  in  the  approaching  summer. 

That  in  the  Monumental  Church  in  Richmond, 
such  has  been  the  success,  under  Heaven,  of  the 

Eious  and  venerable  bishop  of  this  diocess  in  his 
oly  labours,  as  to  excite  in  us  the  most  lively 
feelings  of  gratitude  to  the  Great  Author  of  our 
religion.  A  devout  attendance  on  their  religious 
duties,  and  a  spirit  of  harmony,  mark  the  conduct 
of  the  members  of  this  church.  Communicants 
to  the  number  of  one  hundred  and  twenty  sur- 
round the  altar  of  the  living  God. 

That  the  parish  of  St.  Paul's  exhibits  no  flat- 
tering prospect.  The  building  destined  for  the 
service  of  the  only  true  God  is,  by  an  act  of  the 
legislature,  converted  into  a  school-house,  which 
might  yet  be  used  as  a  place  of  public  worship. 
The  parishioners  appear  inclined  to  cultivate  the 
revival  of  religion. 

The  church  on  Richmond  Hill  exhibits  a  lively 
contrast  to  the  last  preceding — a  spirit  of  rehgion 
becoming  general ;  about  thirty  communicants, 
and  six  baptisms. 

The  church  in  Shelburne  parish  continues  in  a 
prosperous  state.  Twenty-five  baptisms,  and  com- 
municants increasing. 


The  parish  of  Washington,  in  Westmoreland 
county,  exhibits  dilapidated  churches,  and  an  ab- 
sence of  all  public  worship  after  the  manner  of  the 
Episcopal  Church.  It  is  expected  the  building 
may  soon  be  repaired,  when,  by  the  aid  of  some 
pious  divines,  the  spirit  of  religion  may  be  once 
again  revived. 

The  report  from  the  parish  of  St.  Martin's,  Han- 
over county,  is  favourable.  In  that  parish  the 
number  of  communicants  has  increased,  and  vital 
religion  appears  to  be  increasing.  One  marriage 
solemnized — fifteen  baptisms — two  funerals — thir- 
ty communicants. 

The  report  from  the  parish  of  Lexington  is  fa- 
vourable. Forty  baptisms  solemnized.  There 
are  three  churches  in  the  parish,  which  are  not  in 
good  repair;  but  the  vestry  seem  determined  to 
have  them  repaired. 

The  report  from  the  parish  of  Kingston  states, 
that  there  have  been  two  churches  formerly  in  this 
parish  ;  one  of  which  has  gone  nearly  to  decay, 
and  the  other  entirely  demolished.  A  subscrip- 
tion has  lately  been  opened  to  repair  the  church 
that  is  in  a  ruinous  state. 

The  report  from  the  parishes  of  St.  Marks  and 
St.  Stephens,  in  Culpepper,  is  favourable.  There 
are  thirty-five  communicants.  Twenty-two  bap- 
tisms have  been  solemnized  in  the  course  of  eigh- 
teen months.     Five  marriages. 

In  consequence  of  the  absence  of  the  Rev.  John 
Woodville,  the  number  of  baptisms  and  marriages 
in  St.  Marks  is  not  known. 

The  report  from  the  parishes  of  St.  Thomas,  in 
Orange,  is  favourable.  The  number  of  communi- 
cants there  has  increased. 

On  motion.  Ordered,  That  the  said  report  be 
inserted  in  the  journal. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Benjamin  Allen,  jr.. 

Resolved,  That  "  A  Common  Prayer-Book  and 
Tract  Society,  for  the  Diocess  of  Virginia,"  be 
formed  under  the  patronage  of  the  Convention, 
according  to  the  following  plan : 

Constitution  of  the  Common  Prayer-Book  and  Tract- 
Society  of  the  Diocess  of  Virginia. 

1.  Every  person  who  pays  not  less  than  three 
dollars  at  the  time  of  subscribing,  and  not  less 
than  two  dollars  annually,  shall  be  a  member  of 
this  society. 

2.  The  business  of  the  society  shall  be  con- 
ducted by  a  board  of  managers,  consisting  of  the 
bishop  and  standing  committee  of  the  diocess  for 
the  time  being.  A  majority  of  the  managers  shall 
constitute  a  quorum  to  do  business.  The  board 
of  managers  shall  make  all  laws  necessary  for  the 
government  of  the  society,  and  shall  cause  a  state- 
ment of  the  receipts  and  expenditures  of  money, 
with  other  such  matters  as  they  may  deem  proper, 
to  be  laid  before  the  Convention  of  this  diocess  at 
its  annual  meeting. 

3.  At  some  time  during  the  session  of  each  an- 
nual Convention,  a  suitable  sermon  shall  be 
preached  by  some  person  whom  the  bishop  shall 
appoint,  after  which  a  collection  shall  be  made,  to 
be  appropriated  to  the  funds  of  the  society. 

4.  The  constitution  of  the  society  shall  be  un- 
alterable, except  by  a  vote  of  the  Convention. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  Hon.  Bushrod 
Washington  be  added  to  the  delegates  hereto- 
fore elected  to  the  approaching  General  Con- 
vention of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church. 

In  conformity  with  the  10th  article  of  the 
constitution  for  the  government  of  this  diocess, 
the  Convention  proceeded  to  the  election  of  a 
standing  committee,  by  ballot ;  whereupon,  the 


108 


CONVENTION  OF  1816. 


Rev.  William  H.  Wilmer,  the  Rev.  Oliver  Nor- 
ris,  the  Rev.  John  Dunn,  the  Hon.  Bushrod 
Washington,  the  Hon.  William  Cranch,  and 
Edmund  J.  Lee,  Esq.,  were  duly  elected. 

A  motion  was  made  by  Mr.  Alexander  Keech, 
that  the  Convention  agree  to  the  following  pre- 
amble and  resolution  : — 

Whereas  the  extent  of  this  diocess  will  not  en- 
able our  venerable  bishop  to  visit  as  frequently 
the  several  parishes  as  might  be  desired,  and 
preparations  might  be  made  to  receive  him  ;  and 
as  it  is  truly  desirable,  in  the  present  state  of  the 
church,  that  there  should  be  a  regular  organ  of 
communication  between  the  several  parishes  of 
the  state  and  their  diocesan — Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  the  Convention  recommend  to 
the  members  in  the  several  parishes  throughout 
the  slate,  when  there  is  no  rector  or  vestry,  to 
elect  a  vestry  of  at  least  eight  of  the  most  pious 
members  of  the  church,  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to 
communicate  with  the  bishop  from  time  to  time, 
upon  the  prospects  in  their  several  parishes,  and 
to  endeavour,  by  every  possible  means,  to  obtain 
visits  from  the  ministers  of  the  adjoining  parishes, 
as  often  as  the  nature  of  their  charges  and  other 
circumstances  may  admit. 

The  said  preamble  and  resolution  being 
twice  read,  were,  on  the  question  put  there- 
upon, agreed  to  by  the  Convention. 

The  Rev.  Oliver  Norris,  from  the  standing 
committee  of  this  diocess,  submitted  to  the  con- 
sideration of  the  Convention  the  following  cir- 
cular letter  : — 

Alexandria,  March  1st,  1816. 

We  deem  it  our  duty  to  submit  to  the  friends 
of  the  church  in  Virginia  the  following  consider- 
ations : — 

The  Convention  of  1813  adopted  a  resolution, 
having  for  its  object  the  creation  of  a  fund,  by 
which  the  vacant  parishes  might  occasionally  en- 
joy the  benefits  of  public  worship.  But  an  inhe- 
rent difficulty  has  been  found  to  attach  to  the  plan 
proposed,  from  the  small  number  of  clergymen  in 
the  state,  and  the  consequent  impossibility  of  ob- 
taining their  services  as  missionaries.  This  cause, 
which  continues  to  operate,  must  defeat  the  be- 
nevolent scheme  of  the  Convention  ;  and,  until 
some  remedy  can  be  applied,  the  church  must 
continue  to  mourn  her  desolations,  and  many  of 
her  children  to  sigh,  that  the  harps  of  Zion  are 
unstrung,  and  no  voice  of  praise  is  heard  in  her 
courts. 

Our  venerable  bishop  has  done  all  in  his  power 
to  remedy  the  evil,  and  has  diffiised,  through  va- 
rious and  remote  parts,  a  portion  of  that  zeal 
which  animates  his  labours.  But  the  duties  of 
his  parochial  charge  necessarily  limit  this  sphere 
of  his  usefulness.  It  appears  to  us  therefore  ne- 
cessary, as  well  in  order  to  give  fiall  effect  to  his 
episcopal  ministrations,  as  to  derive  the  benefits 
contemplated  by  the  Convention,  that  some  mode 
be  devised  by  which  he  may  be  rendered  independ- 
ent of  any  parochial  charge.  By  this  means  ev- 
ery part  of  the  church  may  occasionally  enjoy  the 
benefits  of  the  public  ordinances,  and  of  the  epis- 
copal functions ;  and  thus,  being  enabled  to  per- 
vade every  part  of  the  diocess,  he  will  have  it  in 
his  power  to  encourage  the  desponding,  to  rouse 
the  thoughtless,  to  give  direction  to  the  zeal  and 
energy  of  the  pious,  and  to  impress  upon  the  whole 
system  a  s^alutary  impulse. 

It  IS  with  this  view  we  take  the  liberty  of  sub- 
mitting the  propriety  of  constituting  a  fund  for 


THE  SUPPORT  OP  THE  EPISCOPATE.  Contribu- 
tions may  be  obtained  for  it  either  by  annual  or 
life  subscriptions,  or  by  advancing  an  amount 
which  would  yield  an  interest  equal  to  the  annual 
subscription.  Should  the  annual  product  thus 
raised  be  more  than  necessary  for  the  support 
of  the  bishop',  the  surplus  may  be  invested  in 
bank-stock,  and  the  interest  and  dividend  there- 
of be  reinvested,  so  as  to  form,  by  its  accumula- 
tion, at  no  distant  period,  we  trust,  a  permanent 
fund,  when  the  further  annual  contributions  might 
cease. 

In  aid  of  this  fund,  it  does  not  appear  to  us  un- 
reasonable to  calculate  upon  the  donations  and 
bequests  of  pious  individuals,  who,  wishing  to  fa- 
vour this  particular  object,  will  find  the  means  of 
giving  their  bounty  its  proper  direction,  in  the 
fund  now  created  under  a  specific  appellation.  As 
soon  as  a  similar  fund  was  announced  in  one  of 
the  Northern  states,  the  committee  of  that  diocess 
received  an  anonymous  letter,  covering  three 
thousand  dollars  for  their  disposal. 

We  have  thought  it  not  improper  to  sketch 
these  general  outlines  of  a  plan,  that  they  may  be 
considered,  and  the  members  of  the  next  Conven- 
tion be  prepared  to  make  such  improvements  as 
their  better  judgments  may  suggest.  In  the  mean- 
time, we  beg  leave  to  recommend  that  measures 
be  taken  in  each  parish  towards  obtaining  contri 
butions,  and  that  the  sums  thus  raised  be  forward- 
ed to  the  Convention,  for  the  purpose  above  ex- 
pressed. 

The  Convention  of  1815  received  a  communica- 
tion from  the  President  of  William  and  Mary  Col- 
lege upon  the  expediency  of  establishing  a  theo- 
logical professorship  in  that  institution.  Whether 
this  important  object  will  ever  be  accomplished, 
will  depend  entirely,  under  the  blessing  of  God, 
upon  the  hberality  and  zeal  of  the  friends  of  the 
church  in  providing  for  it  a  suitable  fund.  For 
the  present,  we  submit  the  subject  for  considera- 
tion, and  ask  your  aid  and  advice  at  our  next  Con- 
vention, in  organizing  a  plan  which  may  embrace 
a  charity  so  extensive  and  useful. 

When  the  number  and  wealth  of  Episcopalians 
in  Virginia  are  considered,  we  cannot  but  believe 
that  these  several  objects  will  be  cherished,  and 
that  our  church,  which  is  behind  none  in  the 
purity  of  her  doctrines,  and  the  excellence  of  her 
forms,  will  be  behind  none  in  successful  efforts 
towards  carrying  into  effect  the  several  parts  of 
her  religious  and  hterary  institutions.  And  surely, 
in  the  long  list  of  distinguished  supporters,  a  pe- 
culiar honour  will  rest  on  those  who,  placed  in 
the  highest  rank  and  station,  have  associated  their 
greatness,  and  consecrated  some  portion  of  their 
wealth,  to  such  objects ;  and  who  will  perceive 
that,  in  rallying  round  the  standard  of  religion, 
they  are  upholding  that  which  is  not  only  the 
best  security  and  guard  of  social  order,  but  is 
also  the  promise  and  pledge  of  a  felicity  above 
the  warmest  conceptions  of  the  human  imagina- 
tion. 

To  conclude,  in  the  words  of  the  resolution  be- 
fore alluded  to ; — we  beg  leave  "  most  earnestly 
to  entreat  the  members  of  the  church  generally, 
to  consider  the  necessity  of  adopting  zealous 
measures  for  the  restoration  of  religion  among  us : 
that  they  endeavour  to  manifest  their  gratitude  to 
Almighty  God,  and  their  sense  of  the  awful  impor- 
tance of  his  blessed  revelation  :  that  they  consider 
the  unspeakable  rewards  they  will  receive  from 
that  gracious  Master  to  whom  they  belong  ;  whose 
goodness  demands  the  warmest  returns  of  love, 
duty,  and  obedience ;  and  that  they  will  contribute, 
to  the  utmost  in  their  power,  to  render  this  most 
acceptable  service  to  his  cause." 


CONVENTION  OF  1816. 


109 


We  are,  respectfully,  your  friends  and  obedient 
servants, 

Wm.H.  WiLMER,        ^^st^^i^g    Com- 
j  mittee  of  the  Prot- 
estant Episcopal 
Church   of  Vir- 


JoHN  Dunn, 


Oliver  Norris,  VZZVFriZn^ni 
Bush.  Washington,  frwA  Jf  X 
W.  Cranch,  2r     "f  ^''^ 

Edm.  1.  Lee,  J  ^'"'"• 

The  said  letter  being  read,  was,  on  motion, 
referred  to  the  consideration  of  a  committee, 
consisting  of  the  Rev.  William  H.  Wilmer,  the 
Rev.  Oliver  Norris,  the  Rev.  John  Dunn,  Mr. 
Hugh  Nelson,  Mr.  Benjamin  Watkins  Leigh, 
and  Doctor  James  McClurg. 

On  a  farther  motion.  Resolved,  That  the  said 
vote  be  reconsidered  ;  and. 

On  motion  of  Mr  Benjamin  Watkins  Leigh, 
the  Convention  agreed  to  the  following  pream- 
ble and  resolution : — 

A  circular  letter  of  the  standing  committee, 
addressed  to  the  friends  of  the  church  in  Vir- 
ginia, dated  Alexandria,  March  1st,  1816,  recom- 
mending the  constitution  of  a  fund  for  the  sup- 
port of  the  episcopate,  having  been  laid  before 
the  Convention — 

Resolved,  That  the  said  letter  be  recommit- 
ted to  the  said  standing  committee,  with  in- 
structions that  they  prepare  such  detailed 
scheme  for  effecting  the  object  recommended 
in  the  said  letter  as  to  them  shall  seem  most 
likely  to  ensure  the  same  ;  and  to  transmit  the 
plan,  as  soon  as  may  be,  to  the  ministers  and 
vestries  of  the  several  parishes,  to  be  by  them 
carried  into  execution  in  such  manner  as  they 
shall  judge  most  effectual. 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  William  Hawley,  Re- 
solved, That  the  next  meeting  of  the  Convention 
of  this  diocess  shall  be  at  Fredericksburg,  on 
the  first  Tuesday  in  May,  1817. 

The  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Moore  delivered  to 
the  Convention  his  address  on  the  state  of  the 
church  ;  which  being  heard. 

Resolved,  unanimously.  That  the  thanks  of 
this  Convention  be  presented  to  the  Right  Rev- 
erend Richard  Channing  Moore,  D.  D.,  for 
his  eloquent  and  appropriate  pastoral  address  ; 
and  that  he  be  requested  to  furnish  a  copy 
thereof  for  insertion  in  the  journal. 

The  address  is  in  the  following  words  : — 

Brethren, — It  is  with  the  most  sincere  hap- 
piness I  inform  you,  that  the  Protestant  Episco- 
pal Church  in  the  diocess  of  Virginia  presents 
to  the  view  of  her  friends  a  prospect  truly  en- 
couraging. The  clouds  of  adversity  which  for 
years  have  overspread  her  horizon  appear  to  be 
dispersing,  and  our  Zion,  animated  by  the  beams 
of  the  Sun  of  righteousness,  is  recovering  from 
her  desolations,  exhibiting  the  most  heart-cheer- 
ing evidences  of  returning  health  and  vigour.  In 
her  restoration  are  associated  the  most  affecting 
recollections.  It  is  the  church  of  our  fathers, 
the  sanctuary  in  which  they  worshipped  the  Sov- 
ereign of  Universal  Nature,  and  in  which  they 
expressed  their  grateful  acknowledgments  to 
the  Redeemer  of  the  world.  At  her  holy  al- 
tars we  were  offered  up  in  our  infancy  to  the 
God  of  our  salvation.  Hallowed  be  the  courts 
which  they  have  trodden,  and  blessed  be  iho 
altars  at  which  they  bowed  in  adoration ! 


Her  children,  to  their  honour  be  it  mentioned, 
have  not  deserted  the  church  of  their  fathers  in 
her  distress.  Though  they  have  noticed  with 
streaming  eyes  and  bleeding  hearts  the  desola- 
tion of  our  Zion ;  though  the  prospect  of  her 
restoration  at  one  period  appeared  almost  hope- 
less ;  still,  warmed  by  the  genial  influences  of 
filial  affection,  they  have  retained  their  allegi- 
ance to  her  interests,  and  preserved  their  attach- 
ment to  her  cause.  May  the  blessings,  the 
richest  blessings  of  heaven,  be  their  portion  ; 
may  the  arms  of  Jehovah  be  their  refuge,  and 
his  bosom  their  pillow  ! 

Conscious,  brethren,  that  the  concerns  of  the 
church  required  the  most  prompt  and  vigorous 
exertions,  I  have  endeavoured  to  discharge  the 
duties  which  devolve  upon  me  with  fidelity ; 
and  have  extended  my  labours  as  far  as  my 
parochial  engagements  and  bodily  strength 
would  admit.  My  first  excursion,  after  the  ri- 
sing of  the  last  Convention,  was  directed  towards 
the  eastern  part  of  the  diocess.  I  visited  the 
church  at  Williamsburg,  at  which  place  I 
preached  twice,  and  confirmed  eighteen.  I  vis- 
ited York,  and  preached  to  an  attentive  auditory 
twice.  I  visited  Norfolk,  and  preached  several 
times  in  that  church  to  a  very  numerous  audi- 
tory, confirmed  near  two  hundred,  and  adminis- 
tered the  Lord's  Supper  to  as  many.  I  crossed 
the  river  to  Portsmouth,  and  officiated  in  the 
church  in  that  place.  On  my  return  to  Rich- 
mond, I  visited  the  county  of  Gloucester, 
preached  in  Abingdon  church  in  the  morning, 
and  in  the  evening  lectured  at  the  house  of  the 
excellent  Mrs.  Page,  the  widow  of  the  late  gov- 
ernor of  this  state. 

My  next  excursion  was  in  company  with  Col- 
onel Patteson,  in  the  county  of  Chesterfield, 
in  which  district  I  preached  once  at  the  house 
of  Col.  Branch,  and  once  in  the  church  of  Fall- 
ing Creek.  A  subscription  was  at  that  period 
opened  for  the  repair  of  the  church,  and  money 
sufficient  was  subscribed  upon  the  spot  to  an- 
swer the  laudable  purpose. 

In  the  month  of  August  I  left  Richmond  in 
order  to  visit  the  churches  in  the  northern  sec- 
tion of  the  state.  I  preached  in  the  county  of 
Culpepper  in  four  different  places,  to  large  and 
respectable  congregations,  and  confirmed,  in 
addition  to  those  of  the  last  year,  eighteen. 
In  that  place  I  also  held  an  ordination,  and  ad- 
mitted to  the  holy  order  of  deacon  Mr.  Clark 
Brown.  In  Fauquier  I  also  preached  several 
times  to  attentive  auditories,  and  confirmed  sev- 
enteen. I  then  crossed  the  Blue  Ridge  into 
Frederick  county,  and  officiated  in  Mr.  Meade's 
chapel  twice,  to  a  numerous  and  attentive  con- 
gregation, and  confirmed  forty-eight.  I  then 
proceeded  to  the  county  of  Jefferson,  and 
preached  at  Harper's  Ferry.  The  next  object 
which  attracted  my  attention  was  Shepherds- 
town,  in  which  place  I  found  a  very  large  and 
respectable  assembly,  to  whom  I  preached,  and 
administered  the  rite  of  confirmation  to  up- 
wards of  fifty.  From  thence  I  proceeded  to 
Mr.  Colson's,  and  the  next  day  preached  to  an 
interesting  congregation  at  the  edge  of  the 
North  Mountain.     I  then  proceeded  to  Martina- 


.^..    ^ 


no 


CONVENTION  OF  1816. 


burg,  where  I  officiated,  and  confirmed  upwards  I 
of  fifty.  From  thence  I  bent  ray  course  to  Win- 
chester, where  I  also  preached,  and  confirmed  i 
twenty-eight.  Having  performed  my  episcopal 
duties  in  that  district,  I  again  crossed  the  Blue 
Ridge,  and  went  into  the  county  of  Loudoun, 
and  at  Leesburg  preached  to  a  congregation, 
confirmed  forty»  and  consecrated  a  handsome 
new  brick  church.  May  the  zeal  of  its  patrons, 
and  the  piety  of  its  worthy  rector,  Mr.  Dunn, 
meet  with  the  blessing  of  heaven  !  I  then  vis- 
ited the  county  of  Prince  William,  and  preached 
to  an  attentive  auditory  in  that  place.  I  also 
visited  and  preached  at  Dumfries,  to  a  people 
with  whose  orderly  deportment  I  was  much 
gratified,  confirmed  eighteen,  and  administered 
the  Lord's  Supper  to  a  goodly  number.  I 
preached  also  at  Aquia  church,  in  the  county  of 
Stafford,  and  confirmed  seventeen.  On  my  re- 
turn home  I  visited  and  preached  at  Fredericks- 
burg to  a  very  large  congregation,  confirmed 
upwards  of  sixty,  and  consecrated  a  handsome 
brick  edifice.  The  zeal  of  the  members  of  that 
church  entitles  them  to  the  love  and  veneration 
of  their  brethren,  and  the  pious  and  indefatigable 
exertions  of  their  minister,  Mr.  M'Guire,  merit 
my  warmest  commendation. 

In  addition  to  the  duties  which  I  have  enu- 
merated, I  have  preached  in  the  county  of  Han- 
over several  times,  and  have  administered  the 
Lord's  Supper  to  that  people.  I  have  also  vis- 
ited and  preached,  upon  a  funeral  occasion,  in 
the  county  of  Surry.  I  have  preached  twice  in 
Petersburg,  twice  in  Lunenburg,  and  confirmed 
seventeen.  I  have  also  preached  to  a  very 
large  assembly  in  Powhatan.  In  Richmond  I 
have  also  held  a  confirmation,  at  which  cere- 
mony about  one  hundred  received  that  holy  rite. 

It  is  my  intention,  brethren,  this  fall,  to  visit 
the  parishes  north  and  south  of  James  river. 
It  is  impossible  for  me  to  specify  the  precise 
time,  but  the  congregations  in  that  diocess  may 
expect  me  to  be  with  them. 

It  gives  me  great  pleasure  to  mention,  that  a 
spirit  of  gospel  industry  appears  to  pervade  the 
minds  of  all  the  clergy.  When  each  individual 
is  doing  his  duty,  it  would  be  ungenerous  to 
make  the  least  distinction.  They  possess  my 
entire  confidence,  and  they  deserve  it.  May 
that  Jesus  whose  cause  they  venerate,  and 
whose  empire  they  are  endeavouring  to  pro- 
mote, own  their  labours,  and  crown  their  exer- 
tions with  the  most  abundant  success  ! 

During  the  time,  brethren,  in  which  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ  has  conferred  upon  us  so  many  bles- 
sings, I  have  to  mention  one  instance  of  adver- 
sity with  which  our  Zion  has  been  visited  since 
I  last  addressed  you.  The  venerable  Dr.  Cam- 
eron, a  clergyman  to  whose  piety  was  added  a  dig- 
nity of  deportment  becoming  his  years  and  stand- 
ing, has  been  taken  from  our  embrace.  His  little 
flock  have  been  called  to  part  with  their  beloved 
pastor,  and  his  widow  and  children  have  to  lament 
the  loss  of  a  husband  and  parent,  endeared  to 
them  not  only  by  the  ties  of  nature,  but  by  the 
faithful  and  honourable  discharge  of  the  relative 
duties  of  life.  He  died  resigned  to  the  will  of 
heaven,  and  has  entered  into  the  joy  of  his  Lord 


My  owm  congregation,  brethren,  continue,  by 
their  benevolent  efforts,  to  render  my  residence 
in  this  place  agreeable  ;  it  has  pleased  God  in 
mercy  to  raise  me  up  friends  among  those  to 
whom,  until  lately,  I  was  an  entire  stranger. 
May  their  friendship  to  me  and  my  family  meet 
its  due  reward ;  may  the  blessings  of  divine 
love  be  their  present  and  eternal  portion  ! 

I  should  be  wanting  in  duty  were  I  to  pass 
over  in  silence  the  assistance  which  I  derive 
from  the  labours  of  my  friend  Dr.  Buchanan. 
Though  advanced  in  years,  when  nature  re- 
quires retirement  and  repose,  he  engages  every 
Sunday  in  the  discharge  of  the  public  duties  of 
the  ministry,  and,  without  any  reward  except 
that  which  arises  from  the  testimony  of  his  own 
conscience,  he  labours  in  the  gospel.  May  his 
remaining  days  be  crowned  with  happiness,  and 
his  last  end  be  the  end  of  the  righteous. 

Since  my  residence  in  Virginia,  three  churches 
in  St.  Martin's  parish,  Hanover  and  Louisa  coun- 
ties, have  been  furnished  with  regular  and  stated 
worship  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Philips  ;  one  in  Staf- 
ford, and  one  in  Prince  William,  by  Mr.  Thos. 
Allen  :  two  in  Prince  William,  by  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Steel :  three  in  Fauquier  by  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Lemon  :  three  in  Jefferson,  and  three  in  Berke- 
ley, by  Mr.  Benjamin  Allen.  Martinsburg  has 
called  a  clergyman,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Orrel.  Cul- 
pepper has  a  second  minister,  the  Rev.  Mr 
Hawley,  who  also  supplies  the  county  of 
Orange  ;  and  Lunenburg  and  Mecklenburg  are 
supplied  by  Mr.  John  Ravenscroft. 

I  have  admitted,  as  candidates  for  holy  orders, 
Mr.  John  L.  Bryan,  and  Mr.  John  Ravenscroft. 
I  have  admitted  to  the  holy  order  of  deacons 
Mr.  Clark  Brown,  Mr.  Low,  and  Mr.  Steel,  and 
to  the  order  of  the  priesthood,  Rev.  John 
Philips,  and  the  Rev.  Wm.  Hart.  I  have 
visited  Norfolk  a  second  time,  and  preached 
four  times  in  that  borough,  confirmed  fifty-two, 
and  baptized  thirteen  children.  I  have  also 
visited  Princess  Anne,  Orange,  and  Albemarle, 
and  preached  in  each  place  to  attentive  and 
respectable  congregations. 

The  prospect  before  us,  brethren,  is  certainly 
encouraging;  and  as  the  Almighty  works  through 
the  medium  and  agency  of  man,  it  is  to  the 
clergy  that  we  are  to  look  up,  under  heaven,  for 
the  revival  of  our  church.  "  The  harvest  truly 
is  great,  and  the  labourers  are  few  ;"  but  while 
we  can  rank  among  those  labourers  so  many  in- 
defatigable and  pious  men  as  those  who  form 
our  body,  we  have  every  thing  to  expect.  To 
exhort  them  to  industry  is  unnecessary  ;  their 
duty  prompts  them  to  be  watchful,  and  their 
zeal  impels  them  to  the  discharge  of  their  re- 
ligious obligations. 

Gentlemen  of  the  laity  ; — though  you  are  not 
called  to  labour  in  the  gospel  ministry,  still,  your 
situation  in  life  places  in  your  power  the  means 
of  being  useful.  When  I  look  around  me,  and 
see  so  many  individuals  of  distinguished  char- 
acter stepping  forth  in  support  of  the  church, 
my  heart  revives.  It  is  the  church  of  our 
fathers ;  I  therefore  commend  her  interests  to 
your  care.  The  countenance  which  you  afford 
to  me  and  my  brethren  convinces  me  of  your 


CONVENTION  OF  1816. 


Ill 


zeal,  and  your  presence  in  our  religious  council 
is  a  pledge  of  your  support.  Let  us  lay  our 
hands  upon  the  altar  of  our  church,  and  with  full 
purpose  of  heart  determine,  God  being  our 
helper,  to  raise  her  from  her  ruins,  and  to  re- 
store her  to  her  primitive  and  apostolical  purity. 
Brethren,  I  bid  you  an  affectionate  farewell. 
May  you  return  in  health  to  your  families  ;  and 
may  the  God  of  Jacob  be  your  protector. 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  Oliver  Norris,  Re- 
solved, That  the  constitution  and  canons  for 
the  government  of  the  church  in  this  diocess, 
as  amended  by  the  present  Convention,  be  pub- 
lished with  the  journal  of  its  proceedings  ;  and 
that  the  secretary  be  directed  to  send,  by  post 
or  otherwise,  twelve  copies  to  each  parish  in  the 
state. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Hugh  Nelson,  Resolved, 
unanimously,  That  the  thanks  of  this  Conven- 
tion be  presented  to  William  Munford,  Esq., 
for  his  disinterested  and  faithful  services  as 
secretary  to  this  Convention. 

No  farther  business  being  before  the  Conven- 
tion, on  motion,  the  Convention  adjourned,  to 
meet  again  at  Fredericksburg,  on  the  first  Tues- 
day in  May  next. 

Richard  Channing  Moore, 
Bishop  of  the  Prot.  Episcopal  Church 
of  Virginia. 

Attest,  Wm.  Munford,  Secretary. 


Constitution  and  Canons  for  the  Government 
of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  of  Vir- 
ginia, revised  and  estabiished  by  the  Conven- 
tion of  that  Church  which  met  in  the  City  of 
Richmond  on  Tuesday,  May  2od,  1815;  and 
amended  by  the  Convention  which  met  in  the 
same  city  on  Tuesday,  May  2ist,  1816. 

constitution. 

Article  I.  There  shall  be  a  Convention  of 
the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  this  state 
on  the  third  Tuesday  in  May  every  year :  but 
the  Convention  which  meets  in  the  year  pre- 
vious ta  the  meeting  of  the  General  Conven- 
tion, may  have  power  to  appoint  the  time  and 
place  of  meeting  for  the  next  annual  session. 

Art.  II.  The  Convention  shall  be  composed 
of  the  officiating  ministers  who  have  been 
regularly  and  canonically  elected  in  parishes  or 
churches  within  this  state,  and  within  that  part 
of  the  territory  of  Columbia  formerly  part  of  this 
state  ;  and  of  those  whom  age  or  infirmity  pre- 
vents from  exercising  their  clerical  functions, 
who  shall  be  considered  members  ex-officio. 
The  Convention  shall  also  be  composed  of  lay 
members,  consisting  of  one  delegate  from  each 
parish  (or  of  two  lay  deputies,  where  there 
shall  be  no  clergyman  in  the  parish),  chosen  by 
the  vestry  thereof,  or,  if  there  be  no  vestry,  by 
at  least  twelve  persons  who  may  with  propriety 
be  considered  as  members  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church,  duly  notified  :  and  the  elec- 
tion shall  be  certified  by  at  least  five  members 
of  this  church ;  provided,  that  every  parish 
having  more  than  one  officiating  minister  who 
hath  been   regularly  and   canonically  elected, 


shall  be  entitled  to  send  as  many  lay  delegates 
as  it  has  ministers. 

Art.  III.  Six  members  of  the  clerical,  and 
six  of  the  lay  order,  shall  constitute  a  quorum  for 
the  transaction  of  business  :  but  a  smaller  num- 
ber may  adjourn. 

Art.  IV.  In  all  matters  that  shall  come  be- 
fore the  Convention,  the  clergy  and  laity  shall 
deliberate  in  one  body  ;  and  the  concurrence  of 
a  majority  shall  give  validity  to  any  measure. 
But,  when  three  members  require  it,  there  shall 
be  a  vote  by  orders. 

Art.  V.  The  election  of  a  bishop  of  this 
church  shall  be  made  in  Convention,  in  the  fol- 
lowing manner.  The  order  of  the  clergy  shall 
nominate  and  appoint,  by  ballot,  some  fit  and 
qualified  clergyman  for  that  office ;  and  the 
votes  of  two  thirds  of  that  order  shall  be  requi- 
site to  constitute  a  choice.  And  thereupon 
such  appointment  shall  be  presented  to  the 
order  of  the  lay  delegates,  and  be  considered 
by  them;  and  if,  on  a  ballot,  it  shall  appear 
that  the  person  so  nominated  is  approved  of  by 
two  thirds  of  the  lay  order,  he  shall  be  then  de- 
clared to  be  duly  elected. 

Art.  VI.  In  this  diocess  there  shall  be  but 
one  bishop.  He  shall  be  president  of  the  Con- 
vention ;  in  which  character,  it  shall  be  his 
duty  to  give  to  the  Convention,  as  often  as  he 
may  deem  expedient,  a  general  view  of  the 
state  of  the  church  ;  to  call  special  Conven- 
tions, at  whatever  times  and  places  he  may 
think  necessary ;  to  preserve  order  during  the 
time  of  session  ;  to  put  the  question,  collect  the 
votes,  and  declare  the  decision.  He  may  make 
any  motion  which  he  shall  judge  conducive  to 
the  good  of  the  church,  but  shall  not  enter  into 
debate  ;  and  he  may  deliver  his  sentiments  on 
any  subject  after  it  has  been  discussed,  before  a 
vote  thereon. 

Art.  VII.  In  case  of  a  vacancy  in  the  epis- 
copal office,  the  Convention,  immediately  upon 
their  assembling,  shall  choose,  by  joint  ballot,  a 
president  from  among  the  order  of  priests,  who 
shall  remain  in  office  until  the  next  election  of 
a  president.  He  shall  perform  all  the  duties 
and  possess  all  the  privileges  above  specified  ; 
but  he  shall  not  call  special  meetings  of  the 
Convention,  unless  apphed  to  for  that  purpose 
by  a  majority  of  the  standing  committee.  And 
if,  while  there  is  a  bishop  in  this  church,  he 
shall  not  be  present  at  any  meeting  of  the  Con- 
vention, they  shall  elect,  in  the  manner  afore- 
said, a  president  pro  tempore. 

Art.  VIII.  A  secretary  shall  be  appointed 
by  the  Convention,  who  shall  continue  in  office 
during  good  behaviour.  His  duty  shall  be  to 
make  minutes  of  their  proceedings,  to  preserve 
their  journals  and  records,  to  attest  the  public 
acts  of  the  body,  and  faithfully  to  deliver  into 
the  hands  of  his  successor  all  books  and  papers, 
relative  to  the  concerns  of  the  Convention, 
which  may  be  in  his  possession.  It  shall  be  his 
duty  to  notify,  through  the  channel  of  the  public 
papers,  as  he  may  think  proper,  the  time  and 
place  appointed  for  the  meeting  of  the  succeed- 
ing Convention. 

Art-  IX.  A  treasurer  shall  be  appointed  by 


112 


CONVENTION  OF  1816. 


the  Convention,  who  shall  continue  in  office 
during  good  behaviour,  and  who  shall  discharge 
the  duties  usually  appertaining  to  that  office. 

Art.  X.  Before  the  adjournment  of  each 
annual  Convention,  a  standing  committee,  con- 
sisting of  six  members,  three  clerical  and  three 
of  the  lay  order,  shall  be  chosen  by  a  ballot  of 
the  clergy  and  laity. 

Art.  XI.  If  at  any  time  there  should  be  no 
bishop  in  this  church,  the  Convention  shall 
divide  the  state  or  diocess  into  districts,  and 
assign  to  such  clergymen  as  they  may  appoint 
the  superintendence  of  a  district,  which  it  shall 
be  their  duty  to  visit  at  least  once  a  year,  and 
to  report  the  ecclesiastical  and  secular  state 
thereof  to  the  Convention. 

Art.  XII.  Every  parish  within  this  diocess 
shall  be  entitled  to  the  entire  benefit  of  this  con- 
stitution, as  soon  as  it  shall  have  signified  its 
ratification  thereof,  either  in  writing  or  by  send- 
ing a  lay  delegate  to  the  Convention  ;  and  such 
parish  shall  thereafter  be  benefited  and  bound, 
equally  with  the  other  parishes  in  this  diocess, 
by  every  rule  and  canon  which  shall  be  framed, 
by  any  Convention  acting  under  this  constitu- 
tion, for  the  government  of  this  church  in  eccle- 
siastical concerns. 

Art.  XIII.  This  constitution  shall  be  un- 
alterable, except  in  the  following  manner : — a 
proposition  for  any  change  shall  be  introduced 
m  writing  and  considered  in  Convention ;  and, 
if  approved  of,  the  same  shall  be  transmitted  to 
the  several  vestries  of  the  parishes  which  shall 
have  ratified  this  constitution  ;  and  if  again  ap- 
proved of  in  the  next  ensuing  Convention  by  a 
majority,  the  change  shall  then  take  place  ;  and 
the  constitution,  so  altered,  shall  be  valid  and 
obligatory. 


The  minister  of  each  parish  shall  make  out 
and  continue  an  exact  register  of  all  the  com- 
municants within  his  congregation  ;  which  reg- 
ister shall  be  left,  upon  his  death  or  removal,  for 
the  use  of  his  successor. 

CANON    II. 

It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  ministers  of  our 
church  to  be  careful  in  observing  all  the  direc- 
tions of  the  rubric,  and  of  the  General  Conven- 
tion, which  relate  to  communicants  ;  to  main- 
tain the  most  affectionate  intercourse  with  all 
their  members  on  religious  subjects  ;  but,  espe- 
cially, -to  converse  with  those  who  offer  them- 
selves for  the  first  time  for  the  communion,  on 
those  qualifications  which  are  proper  for  the 
worthy  receiving  of  the  sacrament,  unless  they 
be  otherwise  satisfied  that  they  are  properly 
qualified. 

LAY  DISCIPLINE. 

CANON    III. 

Communicants  to  have  Family  Worship. 
It  shall  be  the  duty  of  every  communicant  of 
this  church,  who  is  the  head  of  a  family,  to  live 
iu  the  habitual  exercise  of  family  worship. 


The  Members  of  this  Church  to  instruct  their 
families  in  the  Principles  of  Religion. 
The  members  of  this  church  shall  instruct 
their  families,  as  far  as  they  are  able,  in  the 
principles  of  the  Christian  religion ;  and,  as 
soon  as  they  are  sufficiently  informed  and  im- 
pressed with  the  importance  and  sacredness  of 
their  baptismal  vow,  and  have  come  to  a  proper 
age  to  ratify  the  same  in  their  own  persons, 
they  shall  present  them  to  the  bishop  for  con- 
firmation, when  conveniently  in  their  power. 

CANON    V. 

The  members  of  this  Church  to  be  regular  in 
their  attendance  on  Public  Worship. 
The  members  of  this  church  shall  attend  the 
public  worship  of  God  as  regularly  and  con- 
stantly as,  from  their  age,  infirmities,  and  cir- 
cumstances in  life,  may  be  reasonably  expected  ; 
and  shall  admit  of  no  excuse  for  the  neglect  of 
this  important  duty,  but  such  as  they  may  plead 
at  the  bar  of  God  in  the  day  of  judgment. 

CANON    VI. 

Offences  for  which  a  Layman  may  be  presented 
and  tried. 

Whereas  the  present  state  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church  in  Virginia  has  experienced 
many  and  great  inconveniences  from  the  want 
of  such  regulations  and  provisions  as  the  good 
and  wholesome  government  of  the  said  church 
required,  and  from  the  nonperformance  of  ex- 
isting canons  :  Now,  in  order  that  such  incon- 
veniences may  be  removed,  so  far  as  lieth  in 
this  Convention,  and  that  the  rules  and  canons 
of  the  said  church,  and  also  those  of  the  General 
Convention,  may  be  strictly  observed  and  en- 
forced in  all  time  to  come  ;  that  all  the  mem- 
bers of  the  said  church,  whether  clergymen  or 
laymen,  may  be  excited  to  the  most  zealous  and 
commendable  exertions  to  further,  by  all  justifi- 
able means,  the  future  prosperity  of  the  church  ; 

Be  it  ordained.  That  any  lay  member  of  the 
church,  being  a  communicant  thereof,  conduct- 
ing himself  in  a  manner  unworthy  of  a  Chris- 
tian, may  and  ought  to  be  admonished  by  the 
minister  and  vestry  of  the  parish  or  congrega- 
tion ;  and  if  such  member  persevere  in  such 
conduct,  he  shall  be  suspended  or  expelled  by 
the  minister  and  vestry  ;  in  which  case  he  may 
appeal  to  the  ordinary,  who  shall  have  power  to 
confirm  or  reject  the  sentence. 

CLERICAL  DISCIPLINE. 

CANON    VII. 

Offences  for  which  a  Clergyman  may  be  brought 
to  trial. 
Whereas  it  is  essential  to  the  purity  and 
prosperity  of  all  religious  communities  that  the 
temper  and  deportment  of  their  ministers  be 
preserved  holy  and  unblameable ;  it  is  hereby 
declared  to  be  the  duty  of  the  bishop,  or,  if  there 
be  none,  of  the  standing  committee,  to  take  cog- 
nizance of  any  offence  against  decorum  and  re- 
ligion, of  which  a  priest  or  deacon  shall  be 
charged  upon  credible  testimony.  Disorderly, 
scandalous,  and   immoral   conduct,  neglect  of 


CONVENTION  OF  1816. 


118 


duty,  disregard  of  the  constitution  or  canons  of 
the  church,  disseminating  or  countenancing  of 
opinions  which  are  contrary  to  her  doctrines, 
gaming,  or  any  other  vicious  or  unseemly  diver- 
sions, are  offences  for  which  (as  well  as  for  a 
violation  of  the  26th  canon  of  the  General  Con- 
vention) a  minister  may  be  brought  to  trial. 
And  the  mode  of  proceeding  shall  be  as  fol- 
lows : — 

Whenever  satisfactory  information  shall  be 
given  in  writing,  by  any  two  credible  members 
of  the  church  in  this  diocess,  to  the  bishop  or 
standing  committee,  that  any  clergyman  is  guilty 
of  a  violation  of  the  canons,  or  conducts  him- 
self in  any  way  incompatible  with  the  character 
of  a  minister  of  Christ,  the  bishop  shall  summon 
a  meeting  of  the  standing  committee,  or,  if  there 
be  no  bishop,  the  president  of  the  standing  com- 
mittee shall  assemble  them,  for  the  purpose  of 
inquiry  and  trial.  Notice  of  the  time  and  place 
of  meeting  shall  be  given  to  the  accused  party, 
and  also  a  copy  of  the  charge  or  charges  laid 
against  such  clergyman,  at  least  two  months 
before  the  time  appointed  for  trial.  Witnesses 
shall  be  called,  and  no  charge  shall  be  deemed 
substantial  but  upon  the  testimony  of  two  credi- 
ble witnesses,  upon  oath,  either  delivered  viva 
voce,  or  by  depositions  taken  after  reasonable 
notice  given  of  the  time  and  place  of  taking  the 
same.  The  party  accused  may  call  in  any  per- 
son to  assist  him  in  his  defence,  and  also  such 
witnesses  as  he  may  think  proper,  and  have  the 
benefit  of  depositions  as  above  prescribed.  The 
bishop,  or,  if  there  be  no  bishop,  the  standing 
committee,  may  appoint  a  clergyman  to  conduct 
the  trial  on  the  part  of  the  church  ;  and  counsel 
may  be  employed  on  each  side.  If,  after  hear- 
ing the  evidence  and  the  defence  of  the  party 
accused,  two  thirds  of  the  quorum  of  the  stand- 
ing committee  shall  be  of  opinion  that  the  per- 
son is  guilty  of  the  charge  or  charges  brought 
against  him,  the  bishop  shall  proceed  to  reprove, 
suspend,  or  degrade  him,  as  the  offence  may  de- 
serve. If  there  be  no  bishop,  the  standing  com- 
mittee shall  take  record,  and  give  notice  of  the 
punishment  due  to  the  party  offending :  and, 
in  the  latter  case,  an  appeal  may  be  made  to  the 
State  Convention,  whose  decision  shall  be  final. 
Provided,  That  none  but  a  bishop  shall  pro- 
nounce sentence  of  deposition  or  degradation 
from  the  ministry  on  any  clergyman,  whether 
bishop,  or  presbyter,  or  deacon. 

CANON  vm. 
Manner  of  proceeding  against  a  Bishop. 
If  the  bishop  of  this  church  shall  voluntarily 
commit  any  act  or  acts  violating  the  constitu- 
tion or  canons,  presentment  shall  be  made  by 
the  Convention  to  two  or  more  bishops  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  United 
States.  Such  bishops  shall  have  authority  to 
institute  a  trial  within  the  diocess  of  the  ac- 
cused party ;  and  the  sentence  of  the  two 
bishops,  or  of  a  majority  of  a  greater  number, 
being  founded  on  the  canons  of  the  church, 
shall  be  final ;  except  the  sentence  of  degrada- 
tion, in  which  case  he  shall  be  allowed  the  priv- 
ilege of  an  appeal  to  the  House  of  Bishops,  pro- 

H 


vided  he  give  notice  of  such  appeal,  within  six 
months,  to  the  bishop  who  presided  in  the 
House  of  Bishops  at  their  session  immediately 
preceding. 

CANON    IX. 

It  shall  be  the  duty  of  every  parish  to  send 
to  the  Convention  the  sum  of  thirty  dollars  an- 
nually, or  such  sums  as  the  deputies  can  pro- 
cure, for  the  contingent  expenses  of  the  church  ; 
which  money  shall  be  lodged  with  the  treasurer 
of  the  Convention  of  this  church,  and  held  sub- 
ject to  their  order. 

CANON    X. 

The  manner  of  electing  Vestrymen. 

On  every  Easter-Monday,  each  parish  shall 
elect  eight  vestrymen ;  but,  where  it  is  deemed 
expedient,  the  number  may  be  increased  to 
twelve.  Two  weeks  notice  shall  be  given  of 
the  meeting  by  the  minister,  from  the  pulpit ; 
or,  if  there  be  no  minister,  by  the  vestry  ;  and 
if  there  be  no  vestry,  by  any  two  members  who 
last  possessed  the  power  of  vestrymen  ;  or,  if 
there  be  no  surviving  members  of  the  vestry,  by 
three  respectable  members  of  the  church,  who 
shaH  cause  advertisements  of  the  meeting  to  be 
put  up  at  such  public  places  as  will  secure  the 
notice  of  the  meeting.  And  every  pew-holder 
or  contributor  to  the  support  of  the  church  shall 
be  entitled  to  vote.  Every  vestryman  shall, 
upon  taking  his  seat,  subscribe  the  followuig 
form  : — 

"  I  do  believe  the  Holy  Scriptures  of  the  Old 
and  New  Testaments  to  be  the  word  of  God, 
and  to  contain  all  things  necessary  to  salvation  : 
and  I  do  solemnly  engage  to  conform  to  the 
doctrines  and  worship  of  the  Protestant  Episco- 
pal Church  in  these  United  States." 

The  vestrymen  thus  elected  shall  choose 
two  church-wardens  out  of  their  own  body, 
to  discharge  the  duties  appropriate  to  their 
office. 

In  cases  where  unavoidable  circumstances 
prevent  the  election  on  Easter-Monday,  it  shall 
take  place  on  any  time  that  may  be  deemed  ex- 
pedient by  persons  authorized  to  call  the  meet- 
ing, and  in  the  manner  aforesaid  :  and,  until  a 
new  election,  the  former  vestry  shall  continue 
in  office.  The  minister  shall  be  a  member  ex- 
ojfficio;  and  five  members  shall  be  required  to 
constitute  a  quorum. 


CANON    XI. 


Whereas  that  canon  of  the  Protestant  Epis- 
copal Church  in  Virginia  which  directs  the 
manner  of  choosing  vestrymen  in  the  several 
parishes  is  not  applicable  to  the  case  of  church- 
es built  and  supported  by  voluntary  associations 
of  individuals,  without  any  parochial  charge  ; 
and  it  is  proper  that  those  who  hold  the  sole 
property  of  a  particular  church  should  provide 
for  its  care  and  management ; — 

In  the  case  of  the  Monumental  Church  in  the 
city  of  Richmond,  and  in  all  similar  cases,  the 
choice  of  vestrymen  shall  be  made  by  the  pew- 
holders  of  the  respective  churches,  conforming, 
as  to  the  time  of  appointment  and  manner  of 
qualifying    the   vestrymen,  to  the    regulations 


114 


CONVENTION  OF  1817. 


prescribed  by  the  10th  canon  established  by  the 
present  Convention  ;  excepting  in  the  case  of 
Christ  Church  in  the  borough  of  Norfolk, 
which,  being  under  peculiar  circumstances  in 
relation  to  the  numoer  of  trustees,  the  time  and 
manner  of  electing  them,  and  their  rector,  may 


be  permittea  to  conform  to  their  own  regula- 
tions in  these  particulars. 

CANON   XII. 

The  canons  and  constitution  heretofore  adopt- 
ed by  the  former  Conventibns  of  this  state  shall 
be  and  are  hereby  repealed. 


Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of  a   Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  of  Virginia^ 
which  assembled  in  Fredericksburg,  on  Tuesday,  the  6th  of  May,  1817. 


A  suFFJCiENT  number  of  members  appearing 
to  form  a  Convention,  the  Right  Rev.  Richard 
Channing  Moore,  D.  D.,  bishop  of  this  diocess, 
took  the  chair  as  president  of  this  Convention. 

A  committee  was  appointed  to  examine  the 
certificates  of  appointments  of  the  lay  deputies  ; 
which  committee,  consisting  of  the  Rev.  John 
"Woodville,  Mr.  Philip  Nelson,  and  Mr.  Benja- 
min Day,  reported  forthwith  the  following  mem- 
bers, being  present,  to  be  duly  appointed,  con- 
formably with  the  canons  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church  of  Virginia,  viz. : — 

Francis  Nelson,  for  St.  Martin's  parish,  in 
Hanover  and  Louisa  counties  ;  Samuel  Slaugh- 
ter and  Isaac  W^inston,  jr.,  for  St.  Stephen's 
Church,  Culpepper  county  ;  Laurence  G.  Alex- 
ander, for  Dettingen  parish.  Prince  William ; 
Samuel  G.  Adams,  for  Henrico  parish  ;  George 
W.  Spottswood,  for  St.  Thomas's  Church, 
Orange  county ;  W^illiam  Broadus,  for  St. 
Mark's  parish,  Culpepper  ;  John  Nelson,  jr., 
for  St.  James's  parish,  Mecklenburg ;  Philip 
Nelson,  for  Frederick  parish  ;  Hugh  Mercer, 
for  Shelburne  parish,  Loudoun  county  ;  Edmund 
I.  Lee,  for  Christ  Church,  Alexandria  ;  James 
M.  Garnett,  for  St.  Anne's  parish,  Essex ; 
John  Ambler,  for  the  Monumental  Church,  in 
the  city  of  Richmond ;  Thomas  G.  Allen,  for 
Dumfries  parish.  Prince  William ;  Rovvzee 
Peyton,  for  Aquia  parish,  Stafford  ;,.  Abram 
Shepherd,  for  St.  Andrew's  parish,  Jefferson  ; 
Robert  Randolph,  for  Hamilton  parish,  Fau- 
quier ;  John  Daingerfield  and  Robert  Weir,  for 
South  Farnham  parish,  Essex ;  Benjamin  Day, 
for  St.  George's  parish,  Fredericksburg. 

The  following  clerical  deputies  appeared  and 
took  their  seats  in  this  Convention,  viz.  : — 

The  Rev.  Edward  C.  M'Guire,  St.  George's 
parish,  Fredericksburg  ;  the  Rev.  W^illiam  H. 
Wilmer,  St.  Paul's  Church,  Alexandria  ;  the 
Rev.  John  Philips,  St.  Martin's  parish,  in  Han- 
over and  Louisa ;  the  Rev.  William  Steel,  Det- 
tingen parish,  Prince  William  ;  the  Rev.  Hugh 
C.  Boggs,  Berkeley  parish,  Spotsylvania ;  the 
Rev.  George  Lemon,  Hamilton  parish,  Fau- 
quier ;  the  Rev.  Oliver  Norris,  Christ  Church, 
Fairfax  parish,  Alexandria ;  the  Rev.  John 
Dunn,  Shelburne  parish,  Loudoun  ;  the  Rev. 
Alexander  Balmain,  Frederick  parish  ;  the 
Rev.  John  Woodville,  St.  Mark's  parish,  Cul- 
pepper ;  the  Rev.  Benj%min  Allen,  St.  An- 
drew's parish,  Jefferson  county ;  the  Rev. 
Thomas  Orrill,  Norborne  parish,  Berkeley 
county ;  the  Rev.  John  S.  Ravenscroft,  St. 
James's  parish,  Mecklenburg  county ;  the  Rev. 


John  L.  Bryan,  Christ  Church,  Norborne  par- 
ish, Berkeley  county. 

On  motion.  Resolved,  That  the  Rev.  Will- 
iam Hawley,  of  the  city  of  Washington,  and 
the  Rev.  John  Bausman,  of  Calvert  county, 
Maryland,  be  admitted  to  seats  in  this  Conven- 
tion as  honorary  members. 

Resolved,  unanimously.  That  the  thanks  of 
this  Convention  be  presented  to  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Dunn,  for  his  evangelical  and  appropriate  dis- 
course on  the  duties  of  the  ministry,  delivered 
this  day  in  the  church  of  Fredericksburg. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  Alexander  Balmain, 
the  Rev.  George  Jjcmon,  the  Rev.  Hugh  C. 
Boggs,  Mr.  Samuel  G.  Adams,  Mr.  William 
Broadus,  and  Mr.  Benjamin  Day,  be  a  commit- 
tee to  take  into  consideration  the  state  of  the 
church  in  this  diocess,  and  report  thereupon  to 
this  Convention. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  John  Dunn,  the 
Rev.  John  Philips,  and  Mr.  Philip  Nelson,  be  a 
committee  to  examine  the  parochial  reports. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  Oliver  Noiris,  the 
Rev.  John  Woodville,  and  Mr.  Edmund  I.  Lee, 
be  a  committee  to  examine  the  treasurer's  ac- 
counts. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  Benjamin  Allen, 
Mr.  Abram  Shepherd,  and  Mr.  Robert  Ran- 
dolph, be  a  committee  to  examine  the  accounts 
of  the  treasurer  of  "  The  Common  Prayer- 
Book  and  Tract  Society  for  the  Diocess  of 
Virginia." 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  when  the  Con- 
vention adjourns  on  this  day,  it  will  adjourn  to 
meet  to-morrow  morning,  immediately  after  the 
conclusion  of  divine  service. 

And  then  the  Convention  adjourned  accord- 
ingly. 

Wednesday,  May  7,  1817. 

The  Convention  met,  according  to  adjourn- 
ment, after  divine  service  by  the  Rev.  John  S. 
Ravenscroft. 

The  following  lay  deputies  produced  certifi- 
cates of  their  appointments,  which,  being  read 
by  the  secretary,  were  found  conformable  to  the 
canons  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  of 
Virginia ;  whereupon  they  took  their  seats  in 
the  Convention,  viz.  ; — 

Mr.  Alexander  Keech,  for  St.  Mary's  parish, 
Caroline  county  ;  and  Mr.  John  Hoof,  for  St, 
Paul's  Church,  Alexandria. 

For  reasons  appearing  to  the  Convention, 
Mr.  Robert  S.  Garnett  was  also  admitted  to  a 
seat  as  lay  deputy  from  St.  Anne's  parish,  EsseJf. 


CONVENTION  OF  1817. 


115 


The  Rev.  Andrew  Syme,  from  Bristol  parish, 
Petersburg,  and  the  Rev.  WilHam  H.  Hart, 
from  Henrico  parish,  also  appeared  and  took 
their  seats  in  the  Convention. 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  James  Hunter,  from  St. 
Anne's  parish,  Essex,  be  admitted,  also,  as  an 
honorary  member  of  this  Convention. 

The  standing  rules  for  regulating  the  proceed- 
ings of  the  Conventions  of  this  diocess^and  the 
journal  of  the  proceedings  of  the  standmg  com- 
mittee of  the  church  during;,  the  last  year,  were 
read  by  the  secretary. 

The  Rev.  Benjamin  Allen,  from  the  commit- 
tee to  which  the  accounts  of  the  treasurer  of  the 
Common  Prayer-Book  and  Tract  Society  were 
referred,  presented  a  report,  which  was  read  and 
approved,  in  the  following  words  : — 

The  committee  to  whom  were  referred  the 
accounts  of  the  Common  Prayer-Book  and  Tract 
Society,  report  :^-That  they  have  duly  examin- 
ed the  same,  and  find  them  correct,  a  balance 
being  due  the  treasurer  of  $318  75. 

A  motion  was  made  by  the  Rev.  Benjamin 
Allen,  that  the  Convention  agree  to  the  follow- 
ing resolutions  : — • 

Resolved,  That  the  existing  Common  Prayer- 
Book  and  Tract  Society  be  extended  to  the  pro- 
motion of  Christian  knowledge  in  general ;  the 
funds  to  be  apportioned  among  the  respective 
means  made  use  of,  as  the  managers  may  deter- 
mine. 

Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  that  an 
auxiliary  society  be  established  in  each  parish, 
one  half  of  whose  funds  shall  be  thrown  into 
the  treasury  of  the  Diocesan  Society  ;  the  re- 
mainder to  be  applied  as  its  managers  may  de- 
termiiie. 

On  motion,  Ordered,  That  the  said  resolu- 
tions be  laid  upon  the  table. 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  William  H.  Wilmer, 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  on  the  state 
of  the  church  be  requested  to  inquire  and  re- 
port  to  the  Convention,  whether  it  be  proper  or 
not  to  give  an  expression  of  the  opinion  of  this 
house  in  relation  to  the  35th  canon  of  the  Gen- 
eral Convention. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Edmund  I.  Lee,  the  follow- 
ing preamble  and  resolutions  were  unanimously 
agreed  to  by  the  Convention  : — 

"Whereas  an  erroneous  impressiory  prevails 
among  the  members  of  the  Protestant  Church  of 
this  diocess,  that  the  Convention,  at  its  last  ses- 
sion in  May,  1816,  by  repealing  the  sixth  canon 
then  in  force,  intended  thereby  to  withdraw  from 
the  ministers  of  the  church  the  power  which  the 
rubric  gave  them  of  reproving,  censuring,  or  re- 
pelling from  the  communion,  any  member  who 
may  be  guilty  of  the  offences  in  the  said  sixth 
canon  described : — 

This  Convention,  for  the  purpose  of  removing 
such  impression,  feel  themselves  bound  to  de- 
clare, as  they  do  now  unanimously  declare,  that 
such  cannot  be  fairly  considered  as  the  effect  of 
the  repeal  of  the  sixth  canon  ;  and,  further,  that 
the  Convention  expects  each  minister  will  consci- 
entiously execute  the  duty  imposed  on  him  by  the 
rubric  of  the  church  as  it  relates  to  communicants. 

Resolved,  unanimously.  That  the  Convention 
do  seriously,  and  in  the  most  affectionate  manner, 
H  2 


call  on  the  members  of  this  church,  and  particu- 
larly heads  of  families,  to  comply  with  the  requisi- 
tions of  the  3d  and  5th  canons  of  the  church  of 
this  diocess. 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  William  H.  Wilmer, 
Resolved,  That  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the 
standmg  committee,  at  every  meeting  of  the 
Convention,  to  submit,  in  addition  to  the  report 
of  their  proceedings,  the  documents  also  which 
have  been  laid  before  them  during  the  year. 

In  conformity  with  the  10th  article  of  the 
constitution  for  the  government  of  this  diocess, 
the  Convention  proceeded  to  the  election  of  a 
standing  committee,  by  ballot ;  whereupon,  the 
Rev.  William  H.  Wilmer,  the  Rev.  Oliver  Nor- 
ris,  the  Rev.  John  Dunn,  the  Hon.  Bushrod 
Washington,  the  Hon.  William  Cranch,  and 
Mr.  Edmund  I.  Lee,  were  duly  elected. 
On  motion  of  Mr.  Edmund  I.  Lee, 
Resolved,  That  the  deputies  of  this  diocess 
in  the  General  Convention  be  directed  to  use 
their  mfluence  to  cause  the  next  General  Con- 
vention, succeeding  that  to  be  holden  in  this 
month,  to  hold  their  next  session  in  the  city  of 
Richmond,  or  at  some  place  convenient  to  them- 
selves, and  as  near  the  city  of  Richmond  as  that 
convenience  will  admit  of. 

A  motion  was  made  by  Mr.  Alexander  Keech, 
that  the  Convention  agree  to  the  following  pre- 
amble and  resolutions  ;-^ 

Whereas,  from  the  present  desolate  state  of  the 
church,  frequent  and  combined  exertion  is  neces- 
sary for  its  revival  throughout  the  diocess  ;  and 
whereas  the  duties  of  the  bishop  require  an  ex- 
emption from  regular  parochial  services,  it  be- 
comes the  sacred  duty  of  this  Convention  to  pro- 
vide the  most  ample  means  in  its  power  for  his 
support,  that  his  exertions  may  give  tone  and 
energy  to  subordinate  efforts  for  the  promotion  of 
Christian  knowledge  ;  therefore,  for  the  accom- 
plishment of  these  and  other  objects, 

Resolved,  That  the  diocess  of  Virginia  be  divi- 
ded into  as  many  convocational  districts  as,  in  the 
opinion  of  the  Convention,  may  be  most  expe- 
dient, and  that  semi-annual  convocations  be  hold- 
en  in  the  same,  at  sUch  times  and  places  as  the 
members  of  the  said  convocations  shall  determine. 

Resolved,  That  each  parish  shall  be  entitled  to 
a  representation  in  these  convocations  of  two  lay 
deputies,  besides  its  clergy. 

Resolved,  That  these  convocations  shall  su- 
perintend the  interest  of  the  church  in  their  re- 
spective districts,  devise  means  for  raising  finances 
for  the  support  of  the  episcopate,  and  the  promo- 
tion of  Christian  knowledge  in  general,  and  shall 
particularly  attend  to  the  providing  supplies  for 
vacant  churches. 

Resolved,  That  the  respective  convocations 
shall,  at  the  opening  of  each  meeting,  proceed  to 
the  election  of  a  president  and  secretary  :  the  for- 
mer in  all  cases  to  be  elected  from  the  clerical,  the 
latter  from  the  lay  order. 

Resolved,  That  these  meetings  shall  be  under 
the  immediate  control  of  the  bishop  of  the  diocess, 
and  that  a  report  of  all  proceedings  shall  be  pre- 
pared by  the  meeting,  signed  by  the  president  and 
secretary,  and  forwarded  to  the  bishop,  to  be  by 
him  laid  before  the  ensuing  Convention, 

Ordered,  That  the  said  preamble  and  resolu- 
tions be  referred  to  a  committee,  consisting  of 
Mr.  Alexander  Keech,  Mr.  Edm'md  I.  Lee,  the 


116 


CONVENTION  OF  1817. 


Rev.  Oliver  Norris,  the  Rev.  William  H.  Wil- 
mer,  and  Mr.  James  M.  Garnett. 

On  motion,  Ordered,  That  leave  of  absence 
from  the  service  of  this  house  for  the  remainder 
of  the  session  be  granted  to  Mr.  Samuel  G. 
Adams. 

And  then  the  Convention  adjourned  until  to- 
morrow morning  9  o'clock. 

Thuksday,  May  8,  1817. 

The  Convention  met  according  to  adjourn- 
ment, and  was  opened  with  divine  service  by 
the  Rev.  William  H.  Wilmer. 

Mr.  Edmund  I.  Lee,  from  the  committee  to 
whom  the  resolutions  submitted  by  Mr.  Alexan- 
der Keech  were  referred,  presented  a  report, 
with  several  re.solutions,  which  were  read,  and, 
on  motion,  referred  to  a  comnaittee  of  the  whole 
Convention. 

The  Convention,  accordingly,  resolved  itself 
into  a  committee  of  the  whole  house,  Mr., 
James  M.  Garnett  in  the  chair ;  and  after  some 
time  spent  therein,  the  president  resumed  the 
chair,  and  Mr.  Garnett  reported,  That  the  com- 
mittee of  the  whole  house  had,  according  to  or- 
der, had  under  consideration  the  said  report  and 
resolutions,  and  agreed  to  several  amendments 
thereto,  which  he  delivered  in  therewith  at  the 
secretary's  table ;  which  amendments,  being 
twice  read,  were,  on  questions  severally  put 
thereupon,  agreed  to  by  the  Convention. 

The  said  report  and  resolutions,  as  amended, 
together  with  the  address  thereby  proposed,  be- 
ing twice  read,  were  agreed  to  in  the  following 
words  : — 

The  committee  to  whom  were  referred  sundry 
resolutions  on  the  subject  of  dividing  the  diocess 
into  convocational  districts,  have,  according  to 
order,  had  the  same  under  consideration,  and 
have  agreed  to  the  following  resolutions,  which 
they  beg  leave  to  siibmit. 

Resolved,  That  for  the  purpose  of  raising  a  fund 
for  the  support  of  ministers  whomay  be  appointed 
according  to  the  rules  and  canons  of  the  church, 
to  preach  in  those  sections  of  the  diocess  which 
are  now  or  may  hereafter  be  without  a  minister, 
and  also  to  raise  money  for  the  support  of  the 
bishop,  without  being  attached  to  any  particular 
parish,  the  mmisters  of  this  church  do,  in  their 
respective  parishes,  at  such  time  as  they  shall 
deem  most  fit,  endeavour  to  collect,  by  a  collec- 
tion in  their  churches,  or  by  subscriptions,  such 
sums  of  money  as  the  friends  of  religion  shall  be 
disposed  to  contribute  towards  the  objects  ol  this 
resolution. 

Resolved,  That  all  money  which  may  be  col- 
lected as  aforesaid,  intended  by  the  contributor  to 
be  applied  to  the  support  of  the  bishop,  shall  be 
transmitted  to  the  treasurer  of  this  church,  to  be 
applied  in  such  way  as  the  standing  committee 
shall  direct.  And  so  much  of  the  money  as  shall 
be  raised  for  the  support  of  the  ministers  shall  be 
placed  in  the  hands  of  the  vestry  of  the  respective 
parishes  in  which  it  may  be  raised.- 

Resolved,  That  400  copies  of  the  following  ad- 
dress, and  of  these  resolutions,  be  printed,  and 
eight  copies  thereof  be  transmitted,  as  soon  as 

!)racticable,  by  the  secretary,  to  the  clerical  and 
ay  delegates  attending  the  present  Convention, 
and  to  such  of  the  ministers  of  this  church  who 
are  not  attending  the  Convention,  all  of  whom 
are  earnestly  sohcited  to  use  their  best  exertions 


to  eflfect,  as  speedily  as  they  can,  the  object  of  the 
first  and  second  resolutions. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  address  be  printed  in 
such  a  form  as  to  admit  subscribers'  names  to  the 
same. 

Resolved,  That  as  soon  as  the  delegates  of  any 
one  or  more  adjoining  parishes  have  funds,  sep- 
arately or  unitedly,  sufficient  to  maintain  for  one 
year,  at  a  reasonable  allowance,  a  mmister  or 
mmisters  in  the  same,  that  the  vestry,  if  any  there 
be,  or,  if*there  be  none,  then  the  delegates  from 
the  said  parish  or  parishes,  do  give  information 
of  the  same  to  the  bishop. 

To  Christians  of  the  Protestant  Episcopalian  De- 
nomination in  the  Diocess  of  Virginia. 

The  visitations  with  which  it  has  pleased 
Heaven,  for  a  period  (not  a  very  short  one),  to 
afflict  our  country,  are  sufficient  to  manifest  the 
powers  of  its  wrath,  and  are  well  calculated  to  ex- 
cite supplication  to  its  mercy.  War  has  afflicted 
us  with  much  of  its  desolation ;  sickness  has  raged 
with  little  less  than  pestilence  ;  and  want  ap- 
proaches (at  least  to  many)  with  almost  the  aspect 
of  famine.  Hunian  affliction  is  always  divine  cor- 
rection ;  the  pious  man  bows  to  its  weight  with 
submission ;  he  mitigates  its  severity  by  supplica- 
tion ;  and  thus,  at  least,  prepares  the  sublimest 
consolation  for  ills  which  come  not  from  mortal 
hands .  What  have  we  done  in  the  eyes  of  Heaven 
to  merit  its  bounties  or  to  avert  its  chastisement : 
or,  rather,  what  have  we  not  done,  in  the  total 
neglect  of  God,  the  abandonment  of  his  worship, 
the  ruin  and  destruction  of  his  temples,  the  profa- 
nation of  his  word,  the  contempt  of  his  revelation, 
the  pursuit  of  all  follies,  the  practice  of  all  im- 
pieties ?  What  have  we  not  done  to  kindle  the 
hottest  wrath  of  Heaven  upon  our  heads,  and  to 
exasperate  the  relenting  mercies  of  God  into  the 
just  severity  of  eternal  death?  No  pubUc  wor- 
ship excites  in  our  bosoms  the  contagious  sympa- 
thy of  social  devotion ;  no  public  prayer  prostrates 
a  people  at  the  altar  of  Goa,  to  claim  the  salvation 
which  he  condescends  to  offer  to  those  who  ear- 
nestly ask  it ;  no  public  thanks  are  presented  to 
the  source  of  all  bounties,  the  benevolent  Saviour 
of  man,  and  the  beneficent  Father  of  the  world. 
We  live,  as  it  were,  without  God  in  the  world ; 
the  young  rise  up  without  knowing  him,  and  the 
old  pass  away  without  acknowledging  him.  Su- 
perstition can  prostrate  herself  in  all  the  fervour 
of  devotion  before  its  idols  of  brass,  and  of  stone, 
and  of  wood  ;  befoce  "  images  made  like  to  cor- 
ruptible man,  and  to  birds,  and  to  four-footed 
beasts,  and  creeping  things,"  and  immure  its  abom- 
inations in  all  the  magnificence  of  costly  and 
massy  architecture ;  but  we,  who  profess  to  be- 
lieve in  the  uncorruptible,  the  living  God,  the  God 
of  grace  and  of  mercy,  whose  mysteries  are  reve- 
lation, whose  rites  are  love,  whose  worship  is 
peace,  whose  boon  is  heaven,  we  turn  with  frozen 
apathy  from  his  name  and  word,  feel  no  devotion 
to  infinite  goodness,  offer  no  prayer  for  salvation, 
breathe  no  thanks  for  redemption.  We  have 
turned  God  out  of  his  temples,  and  leave  their 
ruins  as  sepulchres  of  the  piety  which  erected, 
and  monuments  of  the  wickeaness  which  profanes 
them. 

These  considerations  are  awfully  affecting  to 
us  all,  but  touch  parents  and  the  heads  of  families 
with  a  vital  keenness.  The  patrimony  of  guilt 
and  irreligion  upon  which  we  are  rearing,  and 
which  we  are  preparing  to  bequeath  to  our  chil- 
dren, will  accumulate  in  rankness  m  the  inheri- 
tance. If  the  father  does  not  Uve  to  curse  him- 
self as  the  progenitor  of  his  family's  shame,  his 
children  will  live  long  enough  to  riot  in  the  un- 


CONVENTION  OF  1817. 


117 


bridled  corruption  of  their  hearts,  which  no  check 
but  Heaven  can  reclaim,  and  to  despise,  if  not  to 
curse,  the  author  of  their  existence,  who  neglected 
to  impose  religious  restraints  on  appetites  which 
no  earthly  influence  can  subdue.  Jf  our  own 
hearts  have  been  rendered  so  callous  by  our 
neglect  of  public  worship, -that  we  are  ourselves 
willing  to  forego  its  enjoyments  and  its  blessings, 
let  us  not,  however,  iling  them  away  from  our 
children.  * 

You  are  Christians.  The  divine  intercessor  for 
man  has  said,  "  When  tvvo  or  three  meet  together 
in  my  name,  there  am  I  in  the  midst  of  them ;" 
will  >ou  renounce  the  promised  intercourse  with 
God  ?  Are  you  parents  ?  Intercept  not  from  your 
children  the  light  which  Heaven  would  shed  to 
illumine  their  path  through  life  to  eternity.  As 
citizens,  you  love  your  neighbours  and  your  coun- 
trymen. Will  you  withhold  from  them  the  moral 
and  religious  instruction  of  the  hturgy  and  the  pul- 
pit, inspiring  "  on  earth  peace— goud-will  towards 
man  ;"  uniting  ihem  in  bonds  wrought  by  almighty 
hands ;  and  subliming  their  aflections,  from  the 
low  and  grovelling  objects  of  sensual  appetite,  into 
social  benevolence  and  Christian  chanty  ? 

Every  relation  in  which  we  stand  to  God,  to 
ourselves,  to  our  families,  and  to  society,  demands 
from  us  a  fervent  zeal,  and  an  active  effort  to  re- 
store the  church  which  we  profess,  purified,  by 
the  revolutions  she  has  undergone,  from  former 
abuses,  endowed  by  public  veneration  and  Chris- 
tian piety,  and  supported  by  the  purity  of  her  doc- 
trines, the  integrity  of  her  ministers,  and  the  be- 
nevolent toleration  of  all  religious  classes. 

With  these  views  the  annexed  subscription- 
paper  is  offered,  to  ascertain  the  willingness  and 
ability  of  individuals  to  aid  the  revival  of  the  Prot- 
estant Episcopal  Church  in  this  diocess,  and  to 
contribute  to  the  support  of  a  minister  for  the  en- 
suing year. 

The  Rev.  Alexander  Balmain,  from  the  com- 
mittee on  the  state  of  the  church,  presented  a 
report,  which  was  read,  and  being,  on  motion, 
amended,  approved  by  the  Convention  ;  and  the 
amendment  thereby  proposed  to  the  6th  canon 
was  agreed  to,  as  follows  : — 

The  committee  appointed  to  take  into  con- 
sideration the  state  of  the  church,  and  report 
thereon,  having  taken  the  same  into  considera- 
tion, and  examined  the  canons  of  the  church, 
report,  That  the  uniting  of  the  vestry  with  the 
minister  in  the  admonition  and  the  suspension 
of  a  lay  member,  being  a  communicant,  as  in 
the  sixth  canon,  is  inconsistent  with  the  rubric. 
The  committee  therefore  recommend  that  the 
said  canon  be  so  altered  as  to  give  to  the  min- 
ister alone  the  power  of  admonishing  and  sus- 
pending ;  then  the  canon  will  read  thus  :  "  Be 
it  ordained,  That  any  member  of  the  church, 
being  a  communicant  thereof,  conducting  him- 
self in  a  manner  unworthy  of  a  Christian,  may 
and  ought  to  be  admonished  or  suspended  by 
the  minister  of  the  parish  or  congregation,  ac- 
cording to  the  rubric." 

With  respect  to  the  advice  requested  by  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Philips  on  the  state  of  things  in  his 
parish,  St.  Martin's,  in  Hanover  county,  the 
committee  laments  that  such  a  state  should 
have  ever  occurred.  But  inasmuch  as  Mr. 
Philips  had  no  agency  in  producing  it,  and  has 
no  power  to  remedy  it,  no  censure  can  attach 
to  nim  for  its  continaance. 


The  Rev.  Oliver  Norris,  from  the  committee 
appointed  to  examine  the  treasurer's  accounts, 
reported,  That,  upon  examination,  the  same  were 
found  fair  and  correct ;  and  that  the  balance  in 
his  hands,  at'  the  meeting  of  the  present  Con- 
vention, was  two  hundred  and  thirty-five  dollars 
eighteen  cents,  as  appears  by  the  following 
statement  of  the  said  accounts  : — 

William  Munford,  Treasurer  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church  of  Virginia,  Dr. 

1816,  May  23. — To  balance  due  as  per 

settlement,  .         -         -         .   <^60  53 

To  cash   received  for  contributions 
from  the  parishes  for  the  year  1816, 
as  follows  : — ; 
Of  Manchester  Parish,  by  David  Patteson,  10  00 
St.  Martin's  Parish,  Hanover,  by  Dr. 

Berkeley, 30  00 

St.  Mary's  Parish,  Carohne,  by  Alex. 

Keech, 30  00 

Shelburne  Parish,   Loudoun,  by  the 

Rev.  John  Dunn,  -  -  -  15  00 
Cumberland  Parish,   Lunenburg,   by 

John  Buford,  -  -  -  -  20  00 
Bristol  Parish,  Prince  George,  by  the 

Rev.  Andrew  Syme,  -  -  -  30  00 
Henrico  Parish,  by  Dr.  Adams,  -  30  00 
St.  George's  Parish,  by  the  Rev.  E.  C. 

M'Guire, 30  00 

Hamilton  Parish,  hy  Robert  Randolph,  30  00 
St.  Andrew's   Parish,   Jefferson,    by 

Benj.  Allen,  jr.,  -         -         -     30  00 

Frederick  county,  by  the  Rev.  William 

Meade,  -  -  -  -  -  60  00 
St.  i^aul's  Church,  Alexandria,  by  the 

Rev.  William  H.  Wilmer,  -  -  30  00 
Lexington  Parish,  by  the  Rev.  Charles 

Crawford,            -         -         -         -     30  00 
Beckford  Parish,  by  Benjamin  Black- 
ford,   30  00 

St.  Stephen's  Church,  Culpepper,  by 

Samuel  Slaughter,  -  -  -  30  00 
St.  Mark's  Parish,  do.,  by  Major  Thorn,  30  00 
The  Monumental  Church  in  the  city  . 

of  Richmond,  by  Dr.  McClurg,  -  30  00 
St.  Paul's  Parish,  King  George  county, 

by  Richard  Stuart,  -  -  -  30  00 
Washington  Parish,  Westmoreland, 

by  Henry  Lee,  jr.,  -  -  -  30  00 
Christ  Church,  Alexandria,  by  Francis 

Adams, 30  00 

Fredericksville  Parish,  Albemarle,  by 

Hugh  Nelson,     -        -         -         -     30  00 
Oct.  23. — Of  Staunton  Parish,  by  Chap- 
man Johnson,      -         -         -         -     30  00 
From  Cumberland  county,  by  Willis 

Wilson,     -        -        -        -        .    30  00 


1816, 
May. 


$725  63 


Cr. 


-By  account  for  printing  paid  by 
the  Rev.  William  H.  Wilmer, 
and  deducted  by  him  from  the 
cash  entered  as  paid  by  him  to 
the  treasurer,  as  aforesaid,        15  50 


Amount  canied  forward, 


$15  50 


IJ8 


Amount  brought  forward,  $15  50 

Aug.  6. — By  cash  paid  Bishop  Moore  in 
advance  to  defray  expenses  of 
episcopal  visitations,  arising 
principally  from  the  hire  of  a 
carriage,  -         -         -        -  100  00 
"    22.— By  do.  paid    Ritchie,    True- 
heart,  and  Du-Val,  for  print- 
ing 1,200  copies  of  the  Jour- 
nals of  Convention,  -         -     99  84 
Oct.  23. — By  do.  paid  Bishop  Moore  to- 
wards defraying  expenses  of 
episcopal  visitations,  -         -     60  00 
"    24.— By  loss  in  exchange  of  S268 
of  Baltimore  and  Alexandria 
bank  notes  for  Virginia  notes, 
at  7  per  cent.,  -         -     18  76 

««  26. — By  cash  paid  Bishop  Moore 
on  account  of  expenses  of 
episcopal  visitations,  -  101  25 

Dec.  21. — By  cash  paid  do.  on  the  same 

account,  -        -        -     95  00 

Balance  due,        -        -         -  235  18 


CONVENTION  OF  1817. 


$725  53 


1817,  May  6.  

By  balance  due  from  the  treasurer,  $235  18 


Resolved,  That  the  report  of  the  said  com- 
mittee be  approved. 

Mr.  Philip  Nelson,  from  the  committee  on  the 
subject  of  the  parochial  reports,  presented  a  re- 
port, which  was  read  and  approved,  as  follows : — 

The  committee  on  the  subject  of  the  parochial 
reports,  beg  leave  to  report  the  following  conden- 
sed statement  of  the  reports  that  have  been  sub- 
mitted to  them : — 

The  report  from  the  parish  of  Hampton  is  fa- 
vourable. A  new  church  has  been  erected  in 
Warrenton,  in  Hampton  parish. 

The  report  from  Bristol  parish  states  the  num- 
ber of  communicants  to  be  increasing,  and  that 
the  state  of  the  church  is  now  more  prosperous 
than  it  was  when  the  last  report  was  made. 

The  report  from  the  parish  of  St  Stephen  states, 
that  there  are  about  twenty-five  communicants 
there — forty  baptisms. 

The  report  from  the  pansh  of  Henrico  states, 
that  the  church  there  is  in  a  prosperous  state. 
The  number  of  communicants  has  increased  since 
the  last  report. 

The  report  from  the  parish  of  St.  Mark's,  Cul- 
pepper county,  represents  the  church  to  be  in  a 
more  prosperous  state  than  formerly.  Communi- 
cants forty — baptisms  twenty — marriages  seven. 

The  report  from  the  parish  of  Norbome  states, 
that  there  are  two  churches  in  that  parish,  one  in 
the  town  of  Martinsburg,  the  other  in  the  gap  of 
the  mountain  eight  miles  from  Martinsburg.  The 
number  of  communicants  is  small  in  the  church 
in  town.  The  congregation  belonging  to  the 
mountain  church  is  numerous — communicants 
from  thirty  to  forty.  The  foundation  of  a  church 
has  lately  been  laid  near  the  site  of  the  old  one — 
baptisms  twenty-nine— marriages  one— commu- 
nicants in  the  parish  at  large  seventy-eight. 

The  report  from  the  church  in  Winchester 
states,  that  there  are  between  thirty  and  forty 
communicants  there,  and  about  fifteen  or  twenty 
catechumens.  The  church  in  the  lower  part  of 
the  parish  flourishing— from  fifty  to  sixty  com- 


municants— eleven  baptisms,  marriages  six,  and 
funerals  five. 

The  report  from  Christ  Church,  Berkeley  county, 
as  followeth  : — thirty-one  communicants — bap-' 
tisms  forty-three — catechumens  thirty-five.  A 
neat  and  commodious  church  has  just  been 
erected. 

The  report  from  St.  George's  parish,  Fredericks- 
burg, states,  that  there  are  ninety  communicants 
in  the  Fredericksburg  church — marriages  eleven 
— baptisms  forty-five — deaths  sixteen. 

The  report  from  St.  Mary's  parish,  Caroline, 
states,  that  a  Christian  spirit  is  mcreasing  in  that 
parish,  and  that  there  is  a  probability  of  a  church 
being  commenced  in  Port  Royal  in  the  course  of 
June  next.     Communicants  thirty. 

The  report  from  the  parish  of  St.  James,  Meck- 
lenburg, states,  that  the  spirit  of  religion  is  re- 
viving there.  A  new  building  for  the  purpose  of 
public  worship  is  begun,  and  will  be  finished  before 
the  month  of  October.  One  of  the  old  churches 
has  been  partially  repaired,  and  will  be  completely 
so  in  a  short  lime. 

The  report  from  the  parish  of  Dumfries  states, 
that  a  vestry  has  been  elected  for  that  parish. 
Communicants  thirty-two-— baptisms  sixteen— cat- 
echumens twenty— deaths  seven. 

The  report  from  the  parish  of  Aquia  states,  the 
members  of  the  church  in  that  parish  are  evincing 
their  attachment  to  the  church,  by  repairing  their 
ancient  edifice,  which  has  been  dilapidated.  Com- 
municants sixteen — baptisms  twenty-five — deaths 
five — catechumens  twelve. 

The  report  from  St.  Anne's  parish,  Essex,  states, 
that  there  exists  a  general  disposition  among  the 
people  to  attend  public  worship,  and  a  willingness 
to  support  a  resident  clergyman.  Communicants 
thirty. 

The  report  from  the  parish  of  Shelbume  states, 
that  there  are  -thirty-five  communicants  now  in 
that  parish— baptisms  twenty — marriages  six — 
funerals  two — psalmody  in  a  prosperous  state. 

The  report  from  the  parish  of  St.  Andrew's 
states,  that  there  are  one  hundred  communicants 
in  that  parish — baptisms  eighty-seven.  The  new 
church  in  Charlestown  is  nearly  finished.  The 
church  in  a  progressive  state. 

The  report  from  the  parish  of  South  Farnham 
states,  that  the  church  in  that  parish  is  about  to 
revive.     A  new  church  is  about  to  be  built. 

The  Monumental  Church  is  represented  to  be 
in  a  quiet  state — communicants  increasing  : — the 
church  in  Alexandria  continues  to  improve — 200 
communicants  in  the  two  churches.  It  is  stated 
to  the  committee  that  the  church  in  the  Northern 
Neck  is  reviving. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  James  M.  Gamett,  the  5th 
canon  for  the  government  of  the  church  of  this 
diocess  was  amended,  by  striking  therefrom  the 
words,  "  and  shall  admit  of  no  excuse  for  the 
neglect  of  this  important  duty,  but  such  as  they 
may,"  and  inserting,  in  lieu  of  the  words  so 
stricken  out,  the  following,  viz.  :  "  and  shall  neg- 
lect the  performance  of  this  important  duty  fot 
no  cause  whatever,  but  such  as  they  might." 

The  said  canon,  as  amended,  was,  on  the 
question  put  thereupon,  agreed  to  by  the  Con- 
vention, being  in  the  following  words  : — 

The  members  of  this  church  shall  attend  the 
public  worship  of  God  as  regularly  and  con- 
stantly as,  from  their  age,  infirmities,  and  circum- 
stances in  life,  may  be  reasonably  expected  ;  and 
shall  neglect  the  performance  of  this  important 
duty  for  no  cause  whatever,  but  such  as  they 


CONVENTION  OF  1817. 


119 


might  plead  at  the  bar  of  God  in  the  day  of 
judgment. 

I'he  Rev.  William  H.  Wilmer  presented  a 
report  of  the  managers  of  the  Common  Prayer- 
Book  and  Tract  Society  of  the  diocess  of  Vir- 
ginia, which  was  read  and  approved,  being  in  the 
following  words  : — 

Early  after  the  rising  of  the  last  Convention, 
the  managers  of  the  Prayer- Book  and  Tract  So- 
ciety made  arrangements  for  carrying  into  effect 
the  objects  of  the  society.  With  this  view  they 
procured  from  Philadelphia  twenty-five  reams  of 
paper,  and  proceeded  to  print  5,500  Tracts,  No.  1, 
which  have  been  forwarded  to  the  different  parts 
of  the  $tate.  They  also  ordered  100  prayer-books 
of  the  stereotype  edition,  and  100  of  a  larger  size. 
These  have  been  distributed  to  different  parishes, 
in  such  manner  as  the  exigences  of  each  and  the 
smallness  of  the  number  seem  to  require.  Since 
the  contributions  received  at  the  last  Convention, 
there  have  been  received  the  sum  of  sixteen  dol- 
lars twelve  and  a  half  cents,  and  1,000  copies  of 
Bishop  Beveridge's  sermons,  from  the  benevolent 
Society  of  St.  Andrew's.  There  are  now  on  hand 
nineteen  reams  of  paper ;  and  the  treasurer  is  in 
advance  ,^318  67j^  cents,  as  per  his  account  now 
rendered. 

To  remunerate  these  responsibiUties,  and  to 
provide  the  means  for  the  furthei-  operations  of 
this  society,  the  exertions  of  the  ministers  and 
vestries  will  be  necessary  :  without  their  e3rnest 
co-operation  we  shall  be  unable  to  proceed  further. 
But  we  trust  that  the  importance  of  the  object 
will  plead  its  own  cause,  and  create  an  adequate 
zeal  in  the  friends  of  the  church  and  of  religion. 
Who  can  tell  how  much  light  may  be  diffused ; 
hovv  much  evil  prevented  ;  how  much  misery 
banished  from  the  earth ;  how  many  souls  may 
be  delivered  from  eternal  death,  and  made  heirs 
of  everlasting  hfe,  by  the  blessing  of  God  upon  so 
inconsiderable  an  expense  as  is  required  by  the 
contributions  to  this  society  ? 

On  motion,  the  resolutions  proposed  yesterday 
by  the  Rev.  Benjarnin  Allen  were  taken  up,  and 
referred  to  a  committee  of  the  whole  Convention. 
The  Convention,  accordingly,  resolved  itself 
into  a  committee  of  the  whole  house,  Mr.  James 
M.  Garnett  in  the  chair ;  and  after  some  time 
spent  therein,  the  president  resumed  the  chair, 
and  Air.  Garnett  reported,  That  the  committee  of 
the  whole  house  had,  according  to  order,  had  un- 
der consideration  the  said  resolutions,  and  agreed 
to  several  amendments  thereto,  which  he  delivered 
in  therewith  at  the  secretary's  table. 

The  said  amendments  being  twice  read, 
were,  on  questions  severally  put  thereupon, 
agreed  to  by  the  Convention ;  as  were  also  the 
said  resolutions  as  amended,  being  in  the  fol- 
lowing words  : — 

Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  that  an 
Auxiliary  Common  Prayer-Book  and  Tract  So- 
ciety be  established  in  each  parish,  one  half  of 
whose  funds  shall  be  thrown  into  the  treasury 
of  the  Diocesan  Society,  the  remainder  to  be 
applied  as  its  managers  may  determine. 

Resolved,  That  in  those  parishes  where  there 
are  a  minister  and  vestry,  the  minister  and 
church-wardens  be  the  managers  of  the  auxilia- 
ry society  ;  in  those  parishes  wnere  there  is  no 
minister  or  vestry,  the  subscribers  shall  elect 
their  own  managers,  not  exceeding  three  in 
number. 

On  motion,  the  following  proposition  of  an 


amendment  to  the  constitution  for  the  govern- 
ment of  the  church  o(  this  diocess  was  consid- 
ered and  approved  by  the  Convention,  and  or- 
dered to  be  transmitted  to  the  several  vestries 
of  the  parishes  which  have  ratified  the  said  con- 
stitution, viz.  : — 

It  is  proposed,  by  way  of  amendment  to  the 
first  article  of  the  constitution  for  the  govern- 
ment of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  of  Vir- 
ginia, that  there  shall  be  a  Convention  of  the 
said  church  on  the  third  Thursday  in  May  in 
each  year;*  but  the  Convention  which  meets 
in  the  year  previous  to  the  meeting  of  the  Gen- 
eral Convention,  may  have  power  to  appoint  the 
time  and  place  of  meeting  for  the  next  annual 
session. 

On  motion.  Resolved,  That  the  meeting  of  the 
next  Convention  of  the  church  of  this  diocess 
shall  be  at  Winchester. 

The  Rev.  Wm.  H.  Wilmer,  from  the  stand- 
ing committee,  presented  a  report,  which  was 
read,  as  follows  : — 

The  standing  committee  beg  leave  to  report. 
That,  in  obedience  to  the  resolution  of  the  last 
Convention,  that  they  should  prepare  a  detailed 
scheme  for  effecting  the  object  of  a  former  let- 
ter published  by  the  standing  committee,  they 
have  published  and  sent  circular  letters,  a  copy 
of  which  is  herewith  presented  to  the  different 
parishes ;  that  they  have  received  assurances 
from  St.  James's  parish,  in  Mecklenburg  county, 
that  the  sum  of  fifty-seven  dollars  will  annually 
be  paid  by  certain  persons  in  that  parish  to  the 
support  of  the  episcopate ;  from  St.  Andrew's 
parish,  in  Jefferson  county,  that  fifty  dollars,  and 
from  Christ  Church,  Alexandria,  that  one  hun- 
dred dollars,  will  in  like  manner  be  paid  to  the 
same  object ;  and  promises  have  been  received 
from  several  other  parishes  that  they  will  con- 
tribute, at  the  next  Convention,  what  is  in  their 
power. 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  John  S.  Ravenscroft, 
Resolved,  That  the  standing  committee  be 
requested  to  send  to  each  parish  in  this  diocess 
a  copy  of  their  circular  letter  on  the  subject  of 
the  fund  for  the  support  of  the  episcopate  ;  that 
another  opportunity  may  be  afforded  to  such  as 
have  been  disappointed  in  contributing  to  this 
very  essential  object. 

The  Convention  proceeded  to  the  election, 
by  ballot,  of  six  delegates,  to  represent  the 
church  of  this  diocess  in  the  approaching  Gen- 
eral Convention  ;  whereupon  the  Rev.  Wm.  H, 
Wilmer,  the  Rev.  Oliver  Norris,  the  Rev.  John 
Dunn,  Mr.  ChaHes  F.  Mercer,  Mr.  Hugh  Nel- 
son, and  Mr.  Hugh  Mercer,  were  duly  elected. 
On  motion  of  Mr.  Edmund  I.  Lee, 
Ordered,  That  eighty  dollars  each  be  appro- 
priated to  defray  the  expenses  of  the  bishop, 
and  of  the  clerical  and  lay  deputies  from  this 
diocess  to  the  General  Convention. 

Resolved,  unanimously.  That  the  expenses 
of  the  secretary,  in  attending  this  Convention, 

*  The  meeting  of  the  next  Convention  will  be 
on  the  third  Tuesday  in  May,  1818  ;  for,  according 
to  the  13th  article  of  the  constitution,  the  above 
proposition  will  not  be  valid  and  obligatory  until 
approved  by  that  body. 


120 


CONVENTION  OF  1817. 


be  refunded  to  him  out  of  the  funds   of  the 
church. 

Resolved,  unanimously,  That  the  thanks  of 
this  Convention  be  tendered  to  Mr.  Munford,  for 
his  zealous  services  as  secretary. 

The  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Moore  delivered  to 
the  Convention  his  address  on  the  state  of  the 
church,  which  being  heard, 

Resolved,  unanimously,  That  the  thanks  of 
this  Convention  be  presented  to  the  Right  Rev. 
Richard  Channing  Moore,  D.D.,  for  his  appro- 
priate and  affectionate  pastoral  address',  and 
that  he  be  requested  to  furnish  a  copy  thereof 
for  insertion  on  the  Journal. 

The  said  address  is  in  the  following  words  : — 
The  peculiar  duties,  brethren,  which  are  at- 
tached to  the  episcopal  office,  I  have  endeav- 
oured faithfully  to  discharge.  Nearly  three 
months  of  the  last  year  have  been  devoted  to 
episcopal  visitations,  during  which  time  I  have 
traversed  an  extensive  district  of  country,  and 
have  attended  to  the  concerns  of  as  many 
parishes  as  the  duties  due  my  own  parochial 
charge  would  admit  of. 

My    labours    commenced   in   the  county  of 
Orange,  at  which  place  I  preached  to  a  large 
and  attentive   auditory,  celebrated  the    Lord's 
Supper,  and  administered  the  rite  of  confirma- 
tion to  a  goodly  number.     From  thence  I  pro- 
ceeded  to    Albemarle,    and    officiated   in    two 
churches,  and  also  in  the  courthouse  in  Char- 
lottesville.    Crossing  the  Blue  Ridge,  I  passed 
a  Sabbath  in  Staunton,  and  preached  twice  to  a 
multitude  of  respectable  and  attentive  hearers. 
Returning  from  thence,  I  visited  the  county  of 
Nelson,  and  preached  in  two  different  places. 
I  then  passed  into  Amherst,  and    officiated  in 
New  Glasgow   and  Gaines's   church.     I  then 
visited  Lynchburg,  at  which  place  I  preached 
twice    on  the   Sabbath  to    very  large    congre- 
gations, and  lectured  the  day  following  at  the 
house    of  Mr.    Ward,   a    zealous   and    worthy 
member  of  the  church.     The  county  of  Buck- 
ingham then  became  the  object  of  my  attention, 
in  which  part  of  the  diocess  I  preached  at  the 
courthouse.     Passing  from  thence  to  Cumber- 
land, I  officiated  in  one  church  on  the  Sabbath, 
and   in    another    on    the    Tuesday    following. 
Leaving  Cumberland,  I  passed  into  Lunenburg, 
and  preached  in  two  churches  to  a  multitude  of 
religious  worshippers,  some  of  whom  had  trav- 
elled between  thirty  and  forty  miles  to  receive 
the   Holy   Eucharist.     Having   performed   my 
duties  in  that  county,  I  visited  Mecklenburg, 
and  preached  three  times  to  very  large  audito- 
ries.    In  these  two  last  places  it  is  my  duty  to 
observe,  that  the  efficiency  of  the  labours  of  the 
Rev.  Mr.   Ravenscroft  was   evidenced  by  the 
crowds  who  attended  upon  my  services,  and  the 
deep  sensation  which  they  exhibited  during  the 
time  of  our  devotional  exercises.     The  Supe- 
rior Court,  which  was  sitting,  adjourned;  and 
the.  worthy  judge,  and  the  gentlemen  of  the  bar, 
with  but  one  exception,  attended  the  services  of 
the  sanctuary. 

Having  discharged  my  duties  in  those  coun- 
ties, I  visited  Halifax,  and  preached  at  the 
courthouse  to  a  very  numerous  and  attentive 


assembly.     I    then   crossed  the  Roanoke,  and 
passed  one  Sabbath  in  N.  C,  and  preached  to  a 
small  but  devout  congregation.     Upon  my  re- 
turn to  Richmond  I  stopped  in  Charlotte  coun- 
ty, and  preached  to  a  respectable  congregation. 
After    remaining   in  my  own   parish   a   few 
weeks,  I  visited  this  city  (Fredericksburg),  in 
which  place  I  officiated  as  usual  to  a  numerous 
and  devout  people.     (Here  I  think  it  my  duty 
to  ;emark,  that  from  all  the  observations  I  have 
made,  the  labours  of  Mr.  M'Guire  have  received 
the  sanction  of  his  God.  He  lives  in  the  hearts  of 
the  pious  people  of  his  charge,  and  merits  this 
expression  of  my  pastoral  approbation.)     Here 
I  was  joined  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Hawley  and  Mr. 
M'Guire,  who  attended  me  to  Port  Royal,  and 
on  my  route  through  the  Northern  Neck  of  Vir- 
ginia.     At   Port   Royal  Mr.    H.    and   myself 
preached  to  a  large  assembly,  whose  attachment 
to  the  church  of  their  fathers  was  evinced,  not 
only   by  their    devout  behaviour,  but   also    by 
their   perfect    acquaintance    with    the    liturgy. 
The  responses  were  audibly  made,  and  excited 
in  my  mind  the  most  pleasing    sensations.     I 
then  crossed  the  Rappahannock,  and  preached 
in  the  courthouse  in   King  George  to  a  large 
and    respectable    congregation.     Leaving   that 
place,  I  visited  and  preached  at  Mattox  church. 
The    next   day  Mr,  M'Guire  officiated  at    the 
courthouse    in    Westmoreland    county.      We 
then  passed  on  to  Northumberland  ;  but,  as  the 
notice    of   our  intentions  had  not  reached  the 
neighbourhood  of  the  church,  the  congregation 
was  small.     I  however  lectured  for  them      We 
then  visited  Richmond  county,  at  which  place 
I  preached  to  an  assembly  much  alive  to  the 
subject  to  which  I  called  their  attention,  and 
delighted  with  the  prospect  of  a  revival  of  the 
church  among  them.      From  thence  we  went 
to  Lancaster,  and  I  preached  upon  a  week-day 
in  the  church  in  that  county.     The  congregation 
hstened  to  the  tidings  of  salvation  with  great 
attention,  and  the    sensibility  they  manifested 
gave  me  reason  to  hope  that  my  labour  in  the 
Lord  was  not  in  vain. 

Having  thus  performed  the  duties  I  had 
marked  out  in  that  district,  I  returned  to  Port 
Royal,  preached  again  in  that  place,  and  admin- 
istered the  rite  of  confirmation  to  a  large  num- 
ber of  persons.  The  sensation  which  they  had 
evinced  during  my  first  visit  again  manifested 
itself,  and  deeply  affected  my  heart. 

In  the  course  of  the  winter,  I  have  preached 
in  Fluvanna,  Buckingham,  Cumberland,  and 
Chesterfield  counties. 

In  etery  section  of  the  state  which  I  have  visit- 
ed (and  these  visits  have  been  very  general),  I 
have  observed  the  most  sincere  and  ardent  attach- 
ment to  the  church.  From  the  temper  of  the  peo- 
ple I  draw  the  most  pleasing  conclusions  :  and  my 
mind  is  perfectly  convinced,  that,  were  it  possi- 
ble to  procure  a  greater  number  of  faithful  min- 
isters, those  ministers  would  be  received  with 
joy  by  the  vacant  parishes,  and  provision  made 
for  their  support.  Brethren,  we  have  much  to 
do  ;  and  while  any  thing  remains  to  be  done,  I 
trust  that  no  languor  will  be  exhibited  by  either 
ministers  or  people,  but  that  every  nerve  will 


CONVENTION  OF  1818. 


121 


be  exerted  to  carry  into  effect  the  hallowed 
cause  in  which  we  have  engaged. 

Brethren,  it  is  the  church  of  God,  and  of  our 
fathers  !  It  is  true  she  has  been  prostrate  in 
the  dust ;  but  from  her  ruins  she  implores  our 
united  aid,  and  supplicates  our  assistance. 
The  progress  we  have  already  made  revives  our 
hopes.  The  blessings  we  have  already  re- 
ceived encourage  us  to  look  for  greater  mer- 
cies. Our  exertions,  I  firmly  believe,  will  be 
crowned  with  success  ;  our  Zion  will  raise  her 
dejected  head — be  disrobed  by  an  omnipotent 
arm  of  her  weeds,  and  clothed  in  the  attire  of 
joy.  Her  harp  will  be  taken  from  the  willows, 
and  the  voice  of  joy  and  salvation  fill  her  happy 
courts. 

Brethren  of  the  clergy — We  have  sworn 
fidelity  to  her  interest  at  the  altar  of  the  living 
God.  Aided  by  you,  I  will  proceed  in  the  glo- 
rious work  with  all  the  ardour  with  which  heaven 
in  mercy  shall  inspire  my  mind.  In  your  zeal 
I  have  a  perfect  confiderice.  Our  number,  it  is 
true,  is  yet  but  small  ;  but,  with  Jehovah  on  our 
side,  we  may  be  confident  of  success.  Unborn 
generations  will  enjoy  the  benefit  of  our  labours, 
and  embalm  our  memory  with  the  tear  of  grati- 
tude and  affection. 

Since  the  last  Convention,  I  have  admitted 
to  the  order  of  deacon  the  Rev.  Mr.  Low,  Mr. 
Steel,  Mr.  Allen,  Mr.  Ravenscroft,  and  Mr. 
Bryan  ;  and  to  the  order  of  the  priesthood,  the 
Rev.  Samuel  Low  and  John  S.  Ravenscroft. 
The  Rev.  Mr.  Orrill  has  settled  in  this  diocess. 
The  Rev.  Mr.  Hawley  has  removed  into  the 
diocess  of  Maryland. 


Accept,  brethren,  my  sincere  wishes  for  your 
present  and  eternal  happiness. 

R.  C.  MOORB. 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  George  Lemon, 
Resolved,  That  seven  huridred  and  fifty  copies 
of  the  Journal  of  this  Convention  be  printed  ; 
and  that  twenty  be  sent  to  each  parish. 

No  further  business  being  before  the  Con- 
vention, on  motion,  the  Convention  adjourned, 
to  meet  at  Winchester,  on  the  third  Tuesday  in 
May  next. 

Richard  Channtng  Moore, 
Bishop  of  the  P.  E.  Church  of  Virginia. 
Attest,  Wm.  Munford,  Secretary," 

The  5th  and  6th  canons  of  the  church  of  this 
diocess,  as  amended  by  this  Convention,  are  in 
the  following  words  : — 

CANON  V. 

The  members  of  this  church  shall  attend  the 
public  worship  of  God  as  regularly  and  con- 
stantly as,  from  their  age,  infirmities,  and  circum- 
stances in  hfe»  may  be  reasonably  expected  ; 
and  shall  neglect  the  performance  of  this  impor- 
tant duty  for  no  cause  whatever,  but  such  as 
they  might  plead  at  the  bar  of  God  in  the  day  of 
judgment. 

CANON  VI. 

Be  it  ordained,  That  any  member  of  the 
church,  being  a  communicant  thereof,  conduct- 
ing himself  in  a  manner  unworthy  of  a  Christian, 
may  and  ought  to  be  admonished  or  suspended 
by  the  minister  of  the  parish  or  congregation, 
according  to  the  rubric. 


Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of  a  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  of  Virginia, 
which  assembled  at  Winchester,  on   Tuesday,  the  19th  of  May,    1818. 


The  Convention  met;  but  the  bishop  and 
many  of  the  clergy  not  having  arrived,  it  was 
proposed  and  agreed  to,  that  the  Convention 
adjourn  until  to-morrow  morning  9  o'clock. 

Whereupon,  the  Convention  adjourned  ac- 
cordingly. 

Wednesday,  May  20,  1818. 

The  Convention  met  according  to  adjourn- 
ment, and  was  opened  with  prayer  by  the  Rev. 
Alexander  Balmain. 

The  bishop  being  still  absent,  Mr.  Wilmer 
took  the  chair  as  president  pro  tempore. 

A  committee  was  appointed  to  examine  the 
certificates  of  appointments  of  the  lay  deputies ; 
which  committee,  consisting  of  the  Rev.  John 
Dunn,  the  Rev.  Samuel  Low,  and  Mf-  Edmund 
J.  Lee,  reported  the  following  members,  being 
present,  to  have  been  duly  appointed,  conform- 
ably with  the  canons  of  the  Protestant  Episco- 
pal Church  of  Virginia,  viz.  : — 

Edmund  J.  Lee,  for  Christ  Church,  Alexan- 
dria ;  Abraham  Shepherd,  for  St.  Andrew's 
parish  ;  Charles  F.  Mercer,  for  Shelburne  par- 
ish ;  William  H.  Fitzhugh  and  John  Moncure, 
for  Aquia  Church ;  Philip  Nelson  and  Obed 
Waite,  for  Frederick  parish ;  Hugh  Nelson,  for 


Fredericksville  parish,  Albemarle ;  Edward 
Digges,  for  Hamilton  parish  ;  Samuel  Slaugh- 
ter and  Isaac  Winston,  for  St.  Stephen's 
Church,  Culpepper ;  Joel  Ward,  for  Christ 
Church,  Norborne  parish ;  Carter  Berkeley 
and  Francis  Nelson,  for  St.  Martin's  parish ; 
Robert  Lewis,  for  St.  George's  parish,  Freder- 
icksburg ;  John  Nelson,  jr.,  for  St.  James's 
parish,  Mecklenburg ;  Lewis  Berkeley,  for 
Dettingen  parish  ;  Needham  L.  Washington, 
for  St.  Paul's  parish  ;  Thomas  Ambler  and  Al- 
fred H.  Powell,  for  Henrico  parish ;  James 
Walker,  for  Norborne  parish ;  Francis  J.  Wi- 
att,  for  Christ  Church,  Norfolk. 

The  following  clerical  deputies  appeared  and 
look  their  seats  in  this  Convention,  viz.  : — 

The  Rev.  Alexander  Balmain,  Frederick 
parish ;  the  Rev.  William  H.  Wilmer,  St. 
Paul's  Church,  Alexandria ;  the  Rev.  Oliver 
Norris,  Christ  Church,  Fairfax  parish,  Alexan- 
dria ;  the  Rev.  John  S.  Ravenscroft,  St.  James's 
parish,  Mecklenburg ;  the  Rev.  John  Dunn, 
Shelburne  parish,  Loudoun  ;  the  Rev.  Samuel 
Low,  Norfolk ;  the  Rev.  George  Lemon,  Ham- 
ilton parish,  Fauquier ;  the  Rev.  William 
Meade,  the  chapel  in  Frederick  parish ;  the 
Rev.  Thomas  Horrell,  Norborne  parish,  Berke- 


122 


CONVENTION  OF  1818. 


ley  county ;  the  Rev.  John  L.  Bryan,  Christ 
Church,  Norborne  parish,  Berkeley  county  ;  the 
Rev.  John  P.  Bausinan,  Fredericksville,  Albe- 
marle ;  the  Rev.  Benjamin  Allen,  St.  Andrew's 
parish,  Jefferson  county  ;  the  Rev.  William 
King,  Augusta  parish,  Staunton  ;  the  Rev.  Jo- 
seph R.  Andrus,  St.  Paul's  parish,  King  George 
county ;  the  Rev.  Edward  C.  M'Guire,  St. 
George's  parish,  Fredericksburg. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  Alexander  Balmain, 
the  Rev.  William  H.  Wihner,  the  Rev.  John 
S.  Ravenscroft,  Mr.  Charles  F.  Mercej,  Mr. 
Edmund  J.  Lee^  and  Mr.  Philip  Nelson,  be  a 
committee  to  take  into  consideration  the  state 
of  the  church  in  this  diocess,  and  report  there- 
upon to  this  Convention. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  George  Lemon,  the 
Rev  Thomas  Horrell,  Dr.  Carter  Berkeley,  and 
Dr.  Isaac  Winston,  jr.,  be  a  committee  to  ex- 
amine the  parochial  reports. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Alfred  H.  Powell,  Mr. 
Obed  Waite,  and  Mr.  John  Moncure,  be  a  com- 
mittee to  examine  the  treasurer's  accounts. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Abraham  Shepherd,  Mr. 
Thomas  Ambler,  and  Mr.  Francis  J.  Wiatt,  be 
a  committee  to  examine  the  accounts  of  the 
treasurer  of  "  the  Common  Prayer-Book  and 
Tract  Society  for  the  Dioce«s  of  Virginia." 

On  motion.  Resolved,  That  the  reading  of 
the  canons  and  journals  of  the  General  Con- 
vention be  dispensed  with. 

The  journal  of  the  proceedings  of  the  stand- 
ing conimittee  of  the  church,  during  the  last 
year,  was  read  by  the  secretary,  together  with  the 
rules  for  regulating  the  proceedings  of  the  Con- 
ventions of  this  diocess. 

The  Convention  then  adjourned,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  attending  divine  service  by  the  Rev. 
John  Dunn,  and  a  sermon  by  the  Rev.  William 
Meade  ;  after  which  the  sitting  was  resumed, 
and  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Moore  having  ar- 
rived, took  the  chair  as  president  of  this  Con- 
vention. 

Mr.  James  B.  NichoUs,  a  lay  deputy  for  St. 
Paul's  Church,  Alexandria,  also  appeared  and 
took  his  seat. 

On  motion.  Resolved,  unanimously.  That  the 
thanks  of  this  Convention  be  presented  to  the 
Rev.  William  Meade,  for  his  evangelical  and 
appropriate  discourse  delivered  in  the  church  at 
Winchester  on  this  day. 

A  motioti  was  made  by  Mr.  Edmund  J.  Lee, 
that  the  Convention  come  to  the  foHowing  res- 
olution : — 

Resolved,  That  the  annual  contributions  from 
Christ  Church,  in  Alexandria,  of  One  hundred 
dollars,  for  raising  a  fund  for  the  support  of  the 
bishop,  which  have  now  been  paid,  or  which  may 
hereafter  be  received,  be  vested  in  bank-stock, 
under  the  direction  of  the  standing  committee 
of  this  diocess,  in  the  names  of  George  Deneale 
and  John  Muncaster,  church- wardens  of  Christ 
Church,  Fairfax  parish,  Alexandria,  and  their 
successors,  for  the  purpose  aforesaid. 

On  motion.  Ordered,  That  the  resolution  pro- 
posed be  laid  upon  the  table. 

And  then  the  Convention  adjourned  until  to- 
morrow morning  9  o'clock. 


Thursday,  May  21,  1818. 

The  Convention  met  according  to  adjourn- 
ment, and  was  opened  with  prayer  by  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Norris. 

The  following  lay  deputies  produced  certifi- 
cates of  their  appointment,  m  conformity  with 
the  canons  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church 
of  Virginia,  and  took  their  seats  in  the  Conven- 
tion, viz.  : — 

VVilliam  Broad»s,  for  St.  Mark's  parish,  Cul- 
pepper ;  Benjamin  Blackford  and  Philip  Will- 
iams, Beckford  parish. 

The  Rev.  Thomas  G.  Allen,  Dumfries 
Church,  Dettingen  parish,  Prince  William,  also 
took  his  seat. 

The  bishop  informed  the  Convention,  that,  in 
the  absence  of  John  Brockenbrough,  a  lay  dep- 
uty appointed  by  the  vestry  of  the  Monumental 
Church  in  the  city  of  Richmond,  he,  in  pursu- 
ance of  a  vote  of  said  vestry,  certified  the  ap- 
pointment of  William  Munfoixi  to  act  as  lay 
deputy  for  that  church. 

On  motion.  Ordered,  That  the  resolution  pro- 
posed on  yesterday  by  Mr.  Edmund  J.  Lee,  be 
referred  to  the  committee  on  the  state  of  the 
church,  to  consider  the  same,  and  report  their 
opinion  thereupon. 

Mr.  Powell,  from  the  committee  appointed  to 
examine  the  treasurer's  accounts,  presented  a 
report,  which  was  read,  as  follows  : — 

The  committee  appointed  to  examine  the 
treasurer's  accounts  report.  That  they  have  dis- 
charged that  duty,  and  find  the  accounts  fair  and 
correct ;  and  that  the  balance  in  the  hands  of 
the  treasurer  at  the  meeting  of  the  present  Con- 
vention was  eighty-eight  dollars  and  eighty- 
seven  cents  ;  all  which  will  appear  by  the  ac- 
companying accounts  and  documents,  which  are 
respectfully  submitted  : —  - 
William  Munford,  Treasurer  of  the  Protestant 

Episcopal  Church  of  Virginia,  Dr. 

May  6,  1817.        . 
To  balance  due  as  per  settle- 
ment,   -        -         -         -    ^  $236  18 
To  cash  received  for  contri- 
butions from  the  parishes 
for  the  year  1817,  as  fol- 
lows : — 
Of  St.  Martin's  Parish,   by 

Francis  Nelson,       -        -  $25  00 
St.    Stephen's    Church,    by 

Isaac  Winston,  jr.,  -     30  00 

Dettingen  Parish,  by  Law- 
rence G.  Alexander,        -     30  00 
Henrico  Parish,  by  Samuel 

G  Adams,     -        -        -     30  00 
St.    Thomas's    Church,  by 

George  W.  Spottswood,       30  00 
St.  Mark's  Parish,  by  Will- 
iam Broadus,         -         -     30  00 
St.  James's  Parish,  by  John 

Nelson,  jr.,    -         -         -     15  00 
St.  John's   Church,  Freder- 
ick, by  the  Rev.  Alexan- 
der Balmain,  -         -     30  00 

.  Amount  carried  forward,  $220  00    $235  18 


CONVENTION  OF  1818. 


123 


Amount  bfought  forward,   $220  00  $235  18 

Of   Frederick  Parish,   by  Philip 
Nelson,  -         -        -   ^    30  00 

Shelburne  Parish,  by  the  Rev. 

John  Dunn,   -         -         -       15  00 

Christ  Church,  Alexandria, 

by  Edmund  J.  Lee,         -       30  00 

St.  Anne's  Parish,  by  James 

M.  Garnett,   -         -         -       19  00 

The  Monumental  Church  in 
the  city  of  Richmond, 
by  John  Ambler,     -         -       30  00 

St.  Andrew's  Parish,  by 
Abram  Shepherd,    -         -       30  00 

Hamilton  Parish,  by  Robert 

Randolph,      -         -         -       30  00 

South   Farnham  Parish,  by 

Robert  Weir,  -         -       20  00 

St.  George's  Parish,  Fred- 
ericksburg, by  Benjamin 
Day,      -        -         -        -       30  00 

St.  Paul's  Church,  Alexan- 
dria, by  John  Hoof,          -       30  00 

Norborne     Parish,    by    the 

Rev.  Thomas  Horrell,     -       30  00 

Bristol  Parish,  by  the  Rev. 

Andrew  Syme,        -         -       30  00 

Norfolk  Parish,  by  the  Rev. 

WiUiam  H.  Wilmer,        -       30  00 


Decuct  account  for  print- 
ing paid  by  the  Rev.  Will- 
iam H.  Wilmer, 

Total  received, 


574  00 


16  50 


1817,  May.  Gr. 
To  the  secretary's  expenses 

going  to  and  attending  the 

Convention  in  Fredericks- 
burg,   and    returning    to 

Richmond,     -         -         _     $21  00 
**  Stationary  for  the  use  of 

the  Convention,      -         -         0  81 
"  cash  paid  Bishop  Moore, 

Mr.   Wilmer,   Mr.  Dunn, 

Mr.  Norris,  and  Mr.  Hugh 

Mercer,  delegates  to  the 

General  Convention,    $80 

each,      -        -         -         -    400  00 
July  31. 
To    printing    account    paid 

Du-Val,trueheart&Co.,       71  50 
Nov.  24. 
To  cash  paid  Bishop  Moore, 

on  account  of  expenses  of 

episcopal  visitations,        -     185  50 

1818,  April  10. 

To  do.  paid  do.  on  same  ac- 
count,   -         -         -        -      25  00 
Balance  due,  88  87 


557  50 

$792  68 


$792  68 


On  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  report  of  the 
committee  on  the  treasurer's  accounts  be  ap- 
proved. 

Mr.  Abraham  Shepherd,  from  the  committee 
appointed  to  examine  the  accountjs  of  the  treas- 
urer of  the  Common  Prayer-Book  and  Tract 
Society  of  the  Diocess  of  Virginia,  presented 
the  following  statement  and  report : — 

Prayer-Book  and  Tract  Society  of  Virgima,  in 
account  with  William  H.  Wilmer,  Dr. 

1817,  May  5th. 

To  balance  as  rendered  to  the  Con- 
vention of    1817,         -         -        -  $318  18i 

"  cash    paid  discount  on  $146  89, 
paid  to  T.  &  J.  Swords,       -        -         2  19 

"  loss   of  bad    notes    collected    in 

church,       -         -         -         -         -         1  00 

"  cash  refunded  widow  of  Rev.  Mr. 
Brown,  his  subscription,       -         -         3  00 

Aug.  14. 

To  T.  &  J  Swords,  for  their  bill,  as 

per  No.  1,  herewith  presented,  38  75 

"  cash  paid  freight  and  porterage,  &c.        1  62^ 

April  20. 

To  T.  &  J.  Swords  for  their  bill,  as 

per  No.  2, 30  80 

"  cash  paid  freight  and  porterage,    -         1  00 


May  19. 

By  balance  dae  from  the  treasurer,         $88  87 


May  8.  Cr. 

By  amount  annual  subscrip- 
tion,    -         -         -         -  $127  00 

"  do.  collected  in  church  at 

Fredericksburg,      -         -     110  00 

"  T.  &  J.,  Swords  for  error 

in  their  bill,    -         -        -         5  00 

"  one    Prayer-Book,    extra 

bound,    for  myself,  -         3  50 

"  cash  received  for  .sale  of 
Prayer-Books  at  Freder- 
icksburg,       -         -         -       47  80 

•'  mv  own   subscription  for 

1816,     -         -         -         -         2  00 

"  the  Rev,  John  Dunn,  for. 

money  paid  by  him,         -       17  00 

June  19. 

By  cash  of  Rev.  Mr.  Hawley 

for  Prayer-Books,   -         -  1  5Q 

June  23. 

By  cash   of  Mr.   Curtis  for 

4  do.  do.,        -         -         -         2  00 

"  do.  six  quires  paper  sold,  1  50 

July  1. 

By  do.  received  of  Mr.   T 

G.  Allen  for  Prayer-Books,      10  00 

"  do.  do.  of  Rev.  Mr.  Lemon,      10  00 

"  cash  received  of  Mr. 
George  Taylor  for  sun- 
dries,    -         -         -        -         5  85 

"  do.  do.  Rev.  Mr.  Norris, 
for  sundries,  viz.  :  on  ac- 
count Mrs.  Custis,  $4, 
Mrs.  Debutts,  $2,  Mr. 
Norton,  $2,  catechisms, 
62  cents,        -         -         -         8  62 


$396  55 


Amount  canied  forward,    $351  17  $396  55 


124 


CONVENTION  OF  1818. 


Amount  brought  forward,  $351  17  $396  55 
Oct.  22. 
By  cash  of  Rev.  Mr.  Norris 

for  1  Prayer-Book,  -        1  00 

1818,  Jan.  12. 
By  do.  of  Rev.  Mr.  Balmain 

for  28  Prayer- Books,        -         9  00 
**  do.  of  Rev.  Mr.  Norris, 

for  2  Prayer-Books,  -        1  00 

Jan.  28. 
By  do.  of  Mr.  Allen  for  20  do.       10  OO 

372  17 

May  1. — To  balance  due  treasurer,        $24  38 


We,  the  committee  appointed  to  examine  the 
above  account,  find  the  balance  due  the  treasurer 
to  be  twenty-four  dollars  and  thirty-eight  cents, 
as  stated.  Abraham  Shepherd, 

Francis  J.  Wiatt, 
Th.  M.  Ambler. 

On  nlotion,  Resolved,  That  the  said  statement 
and  report  be  approved. 

Mr.  Wilmer,  from  the  committee  on  the  state 
of  the  church,  presented  the  following  report  : — 

Whereas  it  is  all-important  to  have  the  bene- 
fit of  episcopal  visitations  throughout  the  dio- 
cess  at  an  earlier  date  than  the  fund  appro- 
priated to  that  purpose  gives  any  promise  of  ef- 
fecting :  to  that  end,  Be  it  resolved  by  this 
Convention,  That  whenever  it  shall  be  neces- 
sary for  the  bishop  to  visit  any  part  of  this  dio- 
cess,  he  shall  be  authorized  to  call  a  clergyman 
from  any  part  of  the  diocess  to  supply  his  place 
in  the  duties  of  his  parochial  charge  for  not  more 
than  two  Sundays. 

And  be  it  further  resolved.  That  for  the  pay- 
ment of  the  travelling  expenses  of  such  clergy- 
man, the  sum-'of  five  dollars  shall  be  required 
from  each  parish,  in  addition  to  the  thirty  dollars 
now  payable  to  the  general  fund  of  the  church. 

Whereas  the  assistance  of  missionaries  to 
visit  the  destitute  parishes  is  most  desirable, 
but  cannot  be  obtained,  owing  to  the  poverty  of 
the  church  ;  and  whereas  various  proposals  have 
heretofore  been  made  for  the  purpose  of  raising 
funds  to  educate  young  men  desirous  of  entering 
into  the  ministry,  which  have  failed  of  success, 
and  are  yet  hkely  to  fail :  It  is  therefore  recom- 
mended and  enjoined  upon  such  of  the  clergy 
as  are  settled,  to  receive  young -men  into  their 
families,  for  the  purpo.se  of  assisting  them  in 
their  studies  ;  which  young  persons,  when  prop- 
erly quahfied,  may  be  licensed  by  the  bishop  as 
lay  readers,  by  which  means  the  clergy  would 
be  occasionally  enabled  to  make  excursions  into 
distant  and  vacant  parishes  without  leaving  their 
own  charge  entirely  unprovided  for — and  would 
have  this  further  advantage,  that  these  students 
would  join  practice  with  theory. 

On  motion.  Ordered,  That  the  said  report  be 
referred  to  a  committee  of  the  whole  Conven- 
tion, and  be  the  order  of  the  day  for  to-morrow. 

A  motion  was  made  by  Mr.  Edmund  J.  Lee, 
that  the  Convention  do  come  to  the  following 
resolutions  : — 

Whereas  differences  of  opinion  prevail  among 
•(Hne  of  the  members  of  our  church  as  to  cer- 


tain fashionable  amusements,  and  it  appears  de- 
sirable to  many  that  the  sense  of  the  Convention 
should  be  expressed  concerning  them — the  Con- 
vention does  hereby  declare  its  opinion  that 
gaming,  attending  on  theatres,  public  balls,  and 
horse-racing,  should  be  relinquished  by  all  com- 
municants, as  being  unworthy  of  the  Christian 
character  ;  and  it  cherishes  the  hope  that  this 
expression  of  its  opinion  will  be  suflScient  to 
produce  conformity  of  conduct  and  unanimity 
of  opinion  among  all  the  members  of  our  com- 
munion. 

On  motion,  Ordered,  That  the  said  resolution 
be  laid  upon  the  table. 

The  Rev.  George  Lemon,  from  the  commit- 
tee to  whom  the  parochial  reports  were  referred, 
presented  a  condensed  report  thereupon,  which 
was  received  and  laid  upon  the  table. 

The  Convention  then  adjourned,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  attending  divine  service  by  the  Rev. 
John  S.  Ravenscroft,  with  a  sermon  by  the 
Right  Rev.  Bishop  Moore,  who  also  administer- 
ed the  sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper,  and  or- 
dained three  priests  and  one  deacon,  after  which 
the  sitting  vfas  resumed. 

The  Rev.  Alexander  Balmain,  from  the  com- 
mittee on  the  state  of  the  church,  to  whom  was 
referred  the  resolution  proposed  on  yesterday  by 
Mr.  Edmund  J.  Lee,  presented  a  report  there- 
upon, which  was  read,  as  follows  : — 

The  committee  on  the  state  of  the  church,  to 
whom  was  referred  the  resolution  providing  a  se- 
cure and  permanent  depository  of  the  episcopal 
fund,  have,  according  to  order,  had  the  same  un- 
der consideration,  and  beg  leave  to  report : — 

That,  from  the  great  extent  of  this  diocess,  it 
has  been  deemed  by  preceding  Conventions  high- 
ly expedient,  if  not  indispensably  necessary  to  the 
welfare  of  the  Church  of  Virginia,  that  the  bishop 
should  be  relieved  from  the  confinement  of  paro- 
chial duties,  in  order  that  the  benefits  of  the  epis- 
copal ordinances  may  be  thereby  more  promptly 
and  widely  ditfused ;  that  the  desolate  temples  of 
religion  may  again  hear  the  voice  of  our  chief  pas- 
tor within  their  own  forsaken  courts ;  and  that  his 
venerated  authority  and  influence  may  be  extend- 
ed over  the  whole  flock  which  it  has  pleased  God 
to  commit  to  his  pious  charge. 

For  this  salutary  and  holy  purpose,  the  standing 
committee  of  the  diocess  early  recommended  the 
establishment  of  a  fund  for  the  support  of  the  epis- 
copate, and  the  Convention  seconded  their  recom- 
mendation by  various  resolutions,  which  have 
been  hitherto  followed  with  imperfect  success. 
Particular  parishes  have  contributed  their  sub- 
scriptions towards  the  fund,  with  a  zeal  becoming 
Its  importance  to  the  prosperity  of  the  church, 
while  others  have  totally  disregarded  the  appeal 
which  has  been  made  to  their  piety  and  liber- 
ality. 

Your  committee  cannot  recommend  the  aban- 
donment of  a  measure,  so  fraught  with  common 
benefit,  until  every  practicable  eflFort  for  its  accom- 
plishment shall  have  failed.  It  is  confidently  be- 
lieved, that  the  obstructions  which  have  hitherto 
opposed  its  success  have  arisen  from  a  want  of 
confidence  in  the  means  which  had  been  devised 
for  its  attainment,  rather  than  from  an  insensibility 
to  its  importance. 

The  resolution  referred  to  the  committee,  if 
adopted,  will  effectually  secure  to  the  fund  that 
permanent  character  which  should  remove  among 
the  parishes  the  fear  that  the  fruits  of  their  Uber- 


CONVENTION  OF  1818. 


125 


ality  will  be  hereafter  misapplied ;  among  the  first 
subscribers,  tlie  apprehension  that  their  pious  con- 
tributions will  not  be  seconded  in  time  by  all  their 
brethren ;  and  in  the  church,  the  belief  that  any 
delay,  however  protracted,  can  ultimately  defeat 
the  object  of  its  piety. 

A  decision  of  the  Supreme  Court  of  the  United 
States  has  recognised  the  legal  existence,  and  its 
authority  will  protect  the  rights  of,  the  corpora- 
tion in  which  the  resolution  proposes  to  vest  the 
episcopal  fund  of  this  diocess.  The  committee 
would  have  recommended  a  more  central  deposi- 
tory, could  one  have  been  obtained  under  the  sanc- 
tion of  law. 

The  resolutions  of  preceding  Conventions  have 
too  sanguinely  contemplated  an  immediate  resort 
to  the  fund  for  the  object  which  it  is  designed  to 
accomplish.  Your  committee  are  of  opinion  that 
this  should  be  deferred  until  the  fund  shall  have 
been  so  enlarged  as  to  provide  for  that  object  by 
its  annual  revenue.  They  beg  leave,  therefore,  to 
recommend  to  the  Convention  the  adoption  of  the 
following  resolutions : — 

1.  Resolved,  That  the  annual  contributions  from 
Christ  Church,  in  Alexandria,  of  one  hundred  dol- 
lars, for  raising  a  fund  for  the  support  of  the 
bishop,  which  have  now  been  paid,  or  which  may 
hereafter  be  received,  together  with  all  other  sums 
which  may  be  anywhere  subscribed  and  collected 
for  the  same  object,  be  vested  in  bank-stock  under 
the  direction  of  the  standing  committee  of  this 
diocess,  in  the  names  of  George  Deneale  and  John 
Muncaster,  church-wardens  of  Christ  Church, 
Fairfax  parish,  Alexandria,  and  their  successors, 
for  the  purpose  aforesaid. 

2.  'I'hat,  in  aid  of  the  episcopal  fund,  the  several 
ministers  of  this  church  do,  in  their  respective 
congregations,  at  some  fit  season  in  each  year,  de- 
liver an  appropriate  discourse,  recommending  the 
pious  object  of  the  fund,  and  thereafter  make  a 
collection  the  amount  of  which  they  shall  special- 
ly mention  in  their  respective  parochial  reports. 

3.  That  each  minister  do,  at  some  convenient 
season  of  every  year,  visit  one  or  more  of  the  va- 
cant parishes  of  this  diocess,  or  of  the  counties  of 
this  commonwealth  wherein  there  is  no  parish, 
for  the  purpose  of  delivering  a  similar  discourse, 
and  of  collecting,  by  personal  applications  or  other- 
wise, farther  sums  for  the  enlargement  of  the 
episcopal  fund,  of  which  visit  and  collections 
they  shall  respectively  make  a  report  at  the  suc- 
ceeding Convention. 

4.  That  no  part  of  the  episcopal  fund  shall  be 
withdrawn  for  any  purpose,  until  its  annual  inter- 
est shall  suflRce  for  the  attainment  of  its  object : 
and  that,  in  the  interim,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the 
standing  committee  to  see  that  its  enlargement  is 
hastened  by  the  prompt  conversion  of  its  revenue 
into  principal. 

The  said  preamble  and  resolutions  being 
twice  read,  were,  on  questions  severally  put 
thereupon,  agreed  to  by  the  Convention. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Powell,  the  committee  of 
the  whole  Convention  was  discharged  from  the 
consideration  of  the  resolutions  thereto  referred  : 
And  the  said  resolutions  were  then  read  a  sec- 
ond time,  and,  on  questions  severally  put,  were 
agreed  to  by  the  Convention. 

Mr.  Mercer,  from  the  committee  on  the  state 
of  the  church,  presented  a  farther  report,  which 
was  read,  as  follows  : — 

The  committee  on  the  state  of  the  church  rec- 
ommend to  the  Convention  the  adoption  of  the 
following  resolution  : — 

Resolved,  That  the  secretary  do  annex  ta  the 


I  journals  of  the  Convention  the  foUowing  list  of 

the  clergy  of  the  diocess  of  Virginia,  viz.  : — 
I  The  Kiuht  Rev.  Richard  Cnanning  Moore, 
D.  D.,  Bishop  and  Rector  of  the  Monumental 
Church,  Richmond  ;  the  Rev.  Benjamin  Allen, 
Jefferson  county  ;  the  Rev.  Thomas  G.  Allen, 
Dumfries  Church,  Dettingen  parish,  Prince  Will- 
iam ;  the  Rev.  Alexander  Balmain,  D.  D.,  Fred- 
erick parish,  Winchester ;  the  Rev.  Hugh  C. 
Boggs,  Berkeley  parish,  Spotsylvania  ;  the  Rev. 
John  Bracken,  D.  D.,  Williamsburg  ;  ihe  Rev. 
John  li.  Bryan,  Berkeley  county  ;  the  Rev. 
John  Buchanan,  D.  D.,  Rector  of  Henrico  par- 
ish ;  the  Rev.  Alfred  Dashiell,  deacon,  New- 
London  ;  the  Rev,  John  Dunn,  Shelburne  parish, 
Loudoun  county  ;  the  Rev.  George  Halson,  re- 
siding near  Norfolk ;  ,  the  Rev.  William  H. 
Hart,  assistant  minister  of  Henrico  parish  ;  the 
Rev.  Alexander  Hay,  Antrim  parish,  Halifax  ; 
the  Rev.  Thomas  Horrell,  Berkeley  county ;  the 
Rev.  William  King,  Augusta  parish,  Staunton  ; 
the  Rev.  George  Lemon,  Hamilton  and  Leeds 
parishes,  Fauquier ;  the  Rev.  Samuel  Low, 
Christ  Church,  Norfolk  borough ;  the  Rev. 
Edward  C.  M'Guire,  St.  George's  parish,  Fred- 
ericksburg ;  the  Rev.  William  Meade,  Frederick 
parish,  Frederick  county  ;  the  Rev.  John  Mickle- 
john,  Mecklenburg ;  the  Rev.  Oliver  Norris, 
Christ  Church,  Alexandria ;  the  Rev.  John  S. 
Ravenscroft,  St.  James's  parish,  Mecklenburg ; 
the  Rev.  William  Steele,  Prince  William  ;  the 
Rev.  Andrew  Syme,  Bristol  parish^  Dinwiddle  ; 
the  Rev.  William  H.  Wilmer,  St.  Paul's  Church, 
Alexandria ;  the  Rev.  John  Woodville,  St. 
Mark's  parish,  Culpepper ;  the  Rev.  John  P. 
Bausman,  Fredericksville  parish,  Albemarle; 
the  Rev.  Joseph  R.  Andrus,  St.  Paul's  Church, 
King  George  county. 

And  that  the  secretary  annex  to  the  journals 
of  every  succeeding  Convention  a  list  of  the 
clergy,  with  all  alterations  therein  produced  in 
the  preceding  year  by  ordinations,  deaths,  re- 
movals, suspensions,  and  degradations. 

The  said  resolution  being  twice  read,  was,  on 
the  question  put  thereupon,  agreed  to  by  the 
Convention. 

On  motion,  Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  Mr. 
King  have  leave  of  absence  from  the  service  of 
this  Convention  for  the  remainder  of  the  session. 

In  conformity  with  the  lOth  article  of  the  con- 
stitution for  the  government  of  this  diocess,  the 
Convention  proceeded  to  the  election  of  a  stand- 
ing committee,  by  ballot ;  whereupon  the  Rev. 
William  H.  Wilmer,  Oliver  Norris,  John  Dunn, 
the  Hon.  Bushrod  Washington,  Mr.  Edmund  J. 
Lee,  and  Mr.  George  Taylor,  of  Alexandria, 
were  duly  elected. 

And  then  the  Convention  adjourned,  to  meet 
again  to-morrow  morning,  immediately  after  di- 
vine service. 

Friday,  May  22,  1818, 

The  Convention  met,  after  attending  divine 
service  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  M'Guire^  and  a  sermon 
by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Wilmer. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Low,  seconded  by  Mr.  Hugh 
Nelson,  the  preamble  and  resolutions  agreed  to 
by  this  Convention  yesterday,  on  the  subject  of 


126 


CONVENTION  OF  1818. 


providing  a  permanent  fund  for  support  of  the 
bishop,  were  reconsidered,  and  amended  by 
striding  therefrotn  the  words,  **  others  have  to- 
tally disregarded,"  and  inserting  in  lieu  thereof 
the  following  words,  viz. :  "  it  is  confidently 
hoped,  that  in  imitation  of  the  example  which 
has  been  thus  afforded  them,  the  other  parishes 
will  second." — And  the  said  preamble  and  res- 
olutions, as  amended,  were,  on  the  question  put 
thereupon,  agreed  to  by  the  Convention. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Edmund  J.  liee,  the  res- 
olution offered  by  him  on  the  subject  of  certain 
fashionable  amusements  was  taken  up,  and 
amended,  as  follows  :- — 

Whereas  differences  of  opinion  prevail  as  to  cer- 
tain fashionable  amusements ;  and  it  appears  de- 
sirable to  many  that  the  sense  of  the  Convention 
should  be  expressed  concerning  them ;  the  Con- 
vention does  hereby  declare  its  opinion,  that  ga- 
ming, attending  on  theatres,  public  balls,  and 
horse- racing,  should  be  relinquished  by  all  com- 
municants of  this  church,  as  having  the  bad  effects 
of  staining  the  purity  of  the  Christian  character,  of 
giving  offence  to  their  pious  brethren,  and  of  en- 
dangering their  own  salvation  by  their  rushing 
voluntarily  into  those  temptations  against  which 
they  implore  the  protection  of  their  heavenly  Fa- 
ther;  and  this  Convention  cherishes  the  hope  that 
this  expression  of  its  opinion  will  be  sufficient  to 
produce  conformity  of  conduct  and  unanimity  of 
opinion  among  all  the  members  of  our  commu- 
nion. 

A  motion  was  made  by  Mr,  Powell,  that  the 
farther  consideration  of  the  said  resolution  be 
postponed  until  the  second  day  of  the  session  of 
the  next  Convention  for  ihfe  diocess. 

And  the  question  being  put  thereupon,  was 
determined  in  the  negative.    Ayes  12,  Noes  28. 

A  motion  was  then  made  by  Mr.  Powell,  that 
a  resolution  of  the  House  of  Bishops,  in  the  last 
General  Convention  holden  at  New-York,  be 
adopted  in  lieu  of  the  said  proposed  resolution  ; 
which  resolution  of  the  House  of  Bishops  was 
read,  as  follows  : — 

The  House  of  Bishops,  solicitous  for  the  preser- 
vation of  the  purity  of  the  church  ami  the  piety  of 
its  members,  are  induced  to  impress  upon  the  cler- 
gy the  important  duty,  with  a  discreet  but  earnest 
zeal,  of  warning  the  people  of  their  respective 
cures  of  the  danger  of  an  indulgence  in  those 
worldly  pleasures  which  may  tend  to  withdraw 
the  affections  from  spiritual  things.  And  especial- 
ly, on  the  subject  of  gaming,  of  amusements  involv- 
ing cruelty  to  the  brute  creation,  and  of  theatrical 
representations,  to  which  some  pecuUar  circum- 
stances have  called  their  attention— they  do  not 
hesitate  to  express  their  unanimous  opinion,  that 
these  amusements,  as  well  from  their  licentious 
tendency  as  from  the  strong  temptations  to  vice 
wliich  they  afford,  ought  not  to  be  frequented. 
And  the  bishops  cannot  refrain  from  expressing 
their  deep  regret  at  the  information,  that  in  some 
of  our  large  cities  so  little  respect  is  paid  to  the 
feelings  of  the  members  of  the  church,  that  theat- 
rical representations  are  fixed  for  the  evenings  of 
her  most  solemn  festivals. 

The  question  being  put  upon  agreeing  thereto 
as  a  substitute  for  Mr.  Lee's  resolution,  was 
determined  in  the  negative. 

A  motion  was  made  by  Mr.  Mercer,  that  a 
preamble  and  resolutions,  which  he  read  in  his 
place,  and  delivered  in  at  the  secretary's  table, 


be  agreed  to  by  the  Convention,  in  lieu  of  the 
said  proposed  resolution  ;  which  preamble  and 
resolutions  were  in  the  following  words  :— 

Whereas  differences  of  opinion  have  at  all  times 
existed  in  Christian  communities  as  to  the  criminal 
tendency  of  certain  customs  or  amusements,  spring- 
ing from  affections  of  the  heart,  which,  innocent  in 
themselves,  lose  that  character  through  excessive 
indulgence ;  and  legislatures,  civil  as  well  as  ec- 
clesiastical, have,  by  abstaining  from  the  enaction  of 
positive  laws  to  regulate  or  punish  them,  admitted 
the  difficulty  of  distinguishing  between  their  use 
and  abuse,  except  where  the  consequences  of  such 
abuse  left  no  doubt  of  their  guilt  or  impropriety : — 

To  prescribe,  by  practicable  legal  rules,  the 
proper  boundary  o(  expense  in  dress,  furniture,  or 
equipage,  or  of  any  other  indulgence  of  taste  ;  to 
mark  the  exact  limit  beyond  which  the  desire  of 
wealth  becomes  avarice  or  extortion,  would  be  as 
difficult  as  to  regulate  and  enforce  the  rights  and 
obligations  of  hospitality  or  friendship.  It  is  for 
God  to  judge  the  heart  of  man. 

It  is  the  province  of  this  Convention  to  legislate 
for  the  government  of  the  church  of  this  diocess, 
sirt)ject  to  the  ordinances  or  canons  of  the  Ameri- 
can Protestant  Episcopal  Church. 

Its  legislation  is  not  by  recommendations,  but 
laws.  It  is  the  province  and  duty  of  the  clergy, 
not  only  to  enforce  the  sanction  of  those  laws,  but 
to  add  to  recommendations,  persuasions  and  en- 
treaties :  to  discountenance  vice  and  irreligion  by 
the  denunciations  and  threats, — to  encourage  vir- 
tue and  piety  by  the  invitations,  the  hopes,  and 
the  rewards,  of  that  gospel  which  they  are  com- 
rnissioned  to  preach. 

The  great  rule  of  moral  action  is  prescribed  to 
both  clergy  and  laity,  by  the  unchangeable  word 
of  God. 

But,  although  this  Convention  deems  any  ex- 
pression of  its  mere  opinion  upon  any  subject  as 
a  departure  from  Its  peculiar  and  appropriate  du- 
ties, a  necessity  is  at  present  urged  upon  it,  by  a 
regard  to  its  own  character,  tocounteract  the  ten- 
dency of  misrepresentation  to  pervert  its  real  mo- 
tives in  relation  to  certain  decisions  of  its  late  ses- 
sions, on  a  subject  which  has  interested  the  church 
of  this  diocess. 

It  has  been  again  called  upon,  by  some  of  its 
members,  to  discountenance  certain  fashionable 
amusements  ;  and  it  has  been  said  that  its  reluc- 
tance on  a  former  occasion  to  depart  from  its 
proper  province,  amounted  to  a  tacit  recognition 
of  their  innocence. 

With  respect  to  gaming,  by  which  is  understood 
play  for  money  or  other  valuable  thing,  whatever  form 
It  may  assume,  it  is  undoubtedly  a  practice  re- 
pugnant ahke  to  divine  and  to  human  law. 

No  canon  of  this  church  ought  to.  be  regarded 
as  necessary,  nor  any  expression  required  of  the 
opinion  of  this  Convention,  to  discountenance  a 
practice  so  iniquitous,  both  in  its  immediate  ef- 
fects and  its  remote  consequences,  if  indeed  it  ex- 
ists among  the  members  of  this  church. 

That  the  theatre  has,  in  every  country  in  which 
it  has  existed,  led  to  the  corruption  of  morals, 
might  be  inferred  from  the  general  character  of  the 
dramas  which  it  exhibits,  if  the  dangerous  circum 
stances  attending  the  exhibition  itself,  the  numer 
ous  temptations  to  extravagance  and  vice  to  which 
it  exposes  its  actors  and  its  audience,  left  any  room 
to  doubt  its  pernicious  tendency. 

It  will  be  the  proper  time  to  distinguish  between 
the  use  and  the  abuse  of  this  fascinating  amuse- 
mept,  when  the  stage  shall  have  been  so  regulated 
as  to  realize  the  hopes  of  those  who  would  regayd 
it  as  a  school  of  Cluistian  morality. 


CONVENTION  OF  1818. 


127 


That  dancing,  a  natural  exercise  among  all  na- 
tions, civilized  or  savage,  blended  sometimes  (as 
its  sister  art,  music,  has  often  been)  in  their  re- 
ligious ceremonies,  has  been,  frequently  is,  and 
always  may,  be  innocently  and  usefully  conducted, 
those  only  will  question  whose  entire  inexpe- 
rience of  the  world  has  left  them  in  ignorance  of 
its  effects  on  the  heart  and  manners. 

That  crowded  and  promiscuous  public  assem- 
blies, where  no  security  exists  for  the  moral  char- 
acter of  those  who  compose  them  except  what 
arises  from  the  possession  of  the  means  of  pur- 
chasing admission ;  where  both  gaming  and  drunk- 
enness are  either  licensed  or  tolerated  ;  where 
amusement  reels  into  debauchery,  and  time,  and 
fortune,  and  health  pay  the  price  of  a  fleeting  and 
feverish  gratification  of  the  love  of  pleasure — that 
all  such  assemblies  are  hostile  to  the  spirit  of 
Christianity,  those  who  have  most  frequently 
witnessed  their  contagious  influence  must  be  ever 
ready  to  acknowledge. 

Yet,  this  Convention  will  not  undertake  to  say 
that  individuals  have  not  entered  innocently  these 
dangerous  scenes  of  pleasure,  or  passed  through 
them  unhurt. 

Still  less  is  it  about  to  denounce  and  repel  by 
its  canons,  from  the  bosom  of  the  church,  those 
who,  to  its  regret,  may  sometimes  appear  to  coun- 
tenance them. 

The  church  warns  its  members  of  impending 
danger  :  but,  in  cases  of  doubt,  leaves  their  inno- 
cence or  guilt  to  the  judgment  of  an  all-seeing  God, 
to  the  conscience  of  man,  his  vicegerent  on  earth. 

Having  said  so  much  to  the  laity,  this  Conven- 
tion would  conclude  the  expression  which  it  has 
reluctantly  made  of  these  opinions,  with  affec- 
tionately urging  upon  the  ministers  of  religion, 
■while  they  enforce  the  necessary  discipline  of 
their  respective  churches  in  conformity  with  the 
rubric  and  canons,  to  unite  tenderness  with  au- 
thority. 

In  the  pastoral  language  of  an  earlier  age  of  the 
church,  "  it  is  not  enough  that  ye  are  the  fathers, 
be  ye  also  the  mothers  of  your  flock." 

The  question  being  put  upon  the  said  mo- 
tion, was  determined  in  the  negative. 

The  question  recurring  on  Mr.  Lee's  resolution, 
on  motion  of  Mr.  Powell,  supported  by  three  other 
members,  the  sense  of  the  Convention  thereupon 
was  taken  by  orders ;  and,  the  votes  being  counted, 
it  appeared  that  the  clergy  present  were  unani- 
mously in  favour  of  the  said  resolution.  Seven- 
teen of  the  lay  members  voted  in  the  aflSrmative, 
and  nine  in  the  negative. 

The  bishop  therefore  announced  that  the  said 
resolution  was  agreed  to  by  the  Convention. 

And  then  the  Convention  adjourned  until  to- 
morrow morning,  8  o'clock.  « 

Saturday,  May  23,  1818. 

The  Convention  met  according  to  adjourn- 
ment, and  was  opened  with  prayer  by  Bishop 
Moore  :  after  which  he  delivered  his  address  on 
the  state  of  the  church  ;  which  being  heard, 

Resolved,  unanimously.  That  the  thanks  of 
this  Convention  be  presented  to  the  Right  Rev. 
Richard  Channing  Moore,  D.  D.,  for  his  pious 
and  affectionate  address  on  the  state  of  the 
church  this  day  delivered  ;  and  that  he  be  re- 
<iuested  to  furnish  a  copy  thereof  for  insertion 
in  the  journal. 

The  said  address  is  in  the  following  words  : 

Brethren, — The  narrative  of  my  episcopal 


tour,  in  consequence  of  its  recurrence  every 
year,  would  cease  to  enlist  your  feelings  or  to 
command  your  attention,  were  it  not  for  that 
view  of  the  church  which  it  affords  you.  Every 
circumstance  which  has  the  least  bearing  upon 
her  interest,  I  am  convinced,  must  be  important 
in  your  estimation ;  and  as  I  perceive  in  the 
laity  of  our  communion  such  a  devotion  to  her 
cause,  as  I  perceive  in  them  a  disposition  to 
rescue  her  from  oblivion,  and  to  raise  her  from 
the  dust,  my  bosom  is  inspired  with  confidence, 
and  I  am  encouraged  to  proceed  in  the  history 
of  my  official  proceedings. 

Immediately  upon  the  adjournment  of  the 
last  Convention  I  visited  Alexandria,  preached 
in  both  the  churches  in  that  city,  admitted  to 
the  order  of  deacon  Mr.  John  Bryan  and  Mr. 
Keith,  and  to  the  priesthood  the  Rev.  William 
Steel,  of  the  county  of  Prince  William.  After 
my  return,  in  July,  from  the  General  Conven- 
tion, I  visited  the  county  of  Chesterfield,  and 
preached  to  an  attentive  auditory  in  Falling 
Creek  church.  Hanover  formed  the  next  ob- 
ject of  my  attention,  in  which  county  I  preached 
in  three  of  the  churches  belonging  to  our  com- 
munion, and  in  one  meeting-house  erected  upon 
a  general  plan.  I  administered  the  rite  of  con- 
firmation in  that  district  of  the  diocess  to  a 
small  number  of  our  members,  and  witnessed, 
with  infinite  pleasure,  that  devotion  to  the  in- 
terest of  our,  communion  for  which  that  section 
of  the  church  is  so  peculiarly,  so  highly  distin- 
guished. When  I  mention  the  warm  devotion 
of  that  congregation  to  the  church,  I  would  not 
be  understood  to  embrace  in  the  expression  the 
most  distant  idea  of  religious  bigotry.  They 
entertain  and  express  a  tenderness  for  all  the 
sincere  worshippers  of  God  ;  but,  bred  in  our 
bosom,  instructed  in  our  principles,  and  well- 
informed  upon  every  point  connected  with  vital 
piety,  they  have  united  in  a  determination  to 
rally  around  the  altar  of  their  fathers ;  and,  by 
such  exertions  as  will  reflect  honour  upon  their 
venerable  families  and  names  to  the  latest  pos- 
terity, they  have  justified  their  claim  to  my 
gratitude  and  respect. 

In  the  month  of  September,  I  embarked  in  a 
journey  to  some  of  the  more  distant  counties. 
In  Nelson  I  preached  a  funeral  sermon  to  a 
large  and  deeply  impressed  auditory,  on  the 
occasion  of  the  death  of  the  venerable  mother 
of  Judge  Cabell.  She  died  as  she  had  lived, 
an  ornament  to  the  Episcopal  Church  of  Vir- 
ginia :  her  memory  is  embalmed  by  the  tears, 
not  only  of  her  children  and  descendants,  but 
of  all  who  were  favoured  with  her  acquaintance. 
I  then  crossed  James  river,  into  the  county  of 
Campbell,  and  preached  twice  on  Sunday  in  the 
Methodist  Church,  and  on  Monday  evening  in 
the  Presbyterian  Church,  in  Lynchburg.  The 
weather  being  very  rainy,  congregations  were 
comparatively  small,  but  serious  and  devout.  I 
then  visited  New-London,  and  officiated  in  the 
church  near  that  place  to  a  numerous  assembly, 
whose  sensibiUty  to  the  truths  of  religion 
warmed  my  heart,  and  convinced  me  of  their 
piety  and  zeal.  From  New- London  I  proceeded 
to  Mecklenburg,  and  consecrated  a  new  church 


128 


CONVENTION  OF  1818. 


erected  by  the  parishioners  of  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Ravenscroft.  In  that  place,  brethren,  in  which 
the  church  was  thought  to  be  extinct,  the  friends 
of  our  communion  have  awakened  from  their 
slumbers  :  aided  by  the  exertions  of  their  faith- 
ful and  laborious  minister,  they  have  raised  a 
temple  sacred  to  the  living  God.  May  that 
Saviour  whom  they  worship  with  so  much  ar- 
dour and  sincerity  of  heart,  accept  their  sacri- 
fice and  remember  them  for  good. 

From  MecklenbuYg  I  proceeded  to  the  county 
of  Brunswick,  and  preached  to  a  very  large  as- 
sembly. From  thence  I  went  to  Dinwiddie, 
and  officiated  in  the  church  formerly  occupied 
by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Jarratt.  As  I  approached  the 
sacred  edifice,  I  viewed  it  with  sensations  of  no 
common  description.  When  I  entered  its  walls, 
I  felt  that  I  was  treading  on  holy  ground ;  and 
such  was  my  impression  of  mind,  that  I  could 
not  forbear  from  supplicating  Heaven  for  the 
mantle  of  that  estimable,  that  holy  man  of  God. 
May  Jehovah  in  mercy  grant,  that  my  brethren 
of  the  clergy  who  now  hear  me  may  imitate 
his  bright  example  ;  unawed  by  the  world,  may 
they  Uve  as  he  did,  and  leave  the  minds  of  their 
people  as  deeply  impressed  with  their  piety  as 
the  minds  of  Mr.  Jarratt's  parishioners  are  with 
his.  I  next  visited  Petersburg,  and  preached 
in  that  place  to  a  small  but  respectable  auditory. 

Having  remained  in  my  own  parish  a  few 
weeks,  I  made  an  excursion  into » the  eastern 
part  of  the  diocess.  I  commenced  my  labours  in 
Gloucester  county  to  a  small  and  attentive  au- 
dience. I  then  visited  Matthews  county,  and 
performed  the  last  funeral  solemnities  for  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Smith.  That  gentleman  continued 
his  labours  until  he  w^as  arrested  by  the  disease 
which  terminated  his  life  ;  and  it  is  with  pleas- 
ure I  mention,  that  his  parishioners  spoke  of  him 
with  the  greatest  tenderness  and  respect.  He 
has  left  a  widow  and  children  behind  him,  who 
are  settled  in  great  comfort,  and  deservedly 
enjoy  the  confidence  and  regard  of  all  who 
know  them. 

From  Matthews  I  went  to  Urbanna,  and 
preached  upon  a  Sabbath  to  a  very  large  and 
deeply  impressed  auditory.  I  then  repaired  to 
Rappahannock,  and  officiated  in  that  place  with 
great  satisfaction  to  my  own  mind,  and,  I  trust, 
some  benefit  to  those  who  heard  me.  The  con- 
gregation was  very  respectable,  and  many  of 
them  appeared  to  be  deeply  pious.  From 
thence  I  went  to  the  church  in  the  county  of 
Essex,  and  was  amply  repaid  for  my  labours  by 
the  devout  attention  of  a  worshipping  people. 
I  then  bent  my  course  to  Port  Royal,  where  I 
officiated  to  a  large  and  attentive  congregation. 
In  that  place  I  have  always  been  delighted  with 
the  behaviour  of  the  inhabitants  during  divine 
worship  ;  and  from  the  representations  made  to 
me,  I  indulge  a  hope  that  it  will  not  be  long 
before  they  will  unite  in  support  of  a  clergyman. 
From  Port  Royal  I  repaired  to  King  George 
county  ;  and,  although  the  court  was  sitting  at 
the  time,  the  judges  benevolently  accommodated 
me  with  an  opportunity  of  preaching  to  the  people. 

I  then  went  to  Fredericksburg,  in  order  to 
admit  the  Rev.  Mr.  M'Guire  to  the  priesthood. 


In  that  place  I  preached,  as  usual,  to  a  very 
large  congregation — a  congregation  who  know 
and  who  love  the  truth. 

In  the  month  of  March  I  visited  the  church 
of  Norfolk,  preached  twice  to  large  arid  respect- 
able congregations,  and  administered  the  rite 
of  confirmation  to  a  considerable  number.  The 
church  of  Norfolk  is  in  a  very  flourishing,  con- 
dition :  their  worthy  pastor,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Low, 
stands  high  in  the  estimation  of  his  parishioners, 
and  labours  in  the  gospel  with  great  fidelity. 

On  my  way  to  this  Convention  I  passed  a  few 
days  in  Alexandria,  in  which  city  I  preached 
three  times  ;  twice  in  Christ  Church,  and  once 
in  St.  Paul's.  St.  Paul's,  brethren,  is  a  new 
building,  and  was  consecrated  to  the  service  of 
God  the  last  Sabbath.  It  is  an  edifice  honoura- 
ble to  the  congregation,  an  ornament  to  the 
town,  and  reflects  the  greatest  credit  upon  the 
labours  of  its  worthy  pastor,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Wil- 
mer.  After  the  consecration  service  was  con- 
cluded, I  held  a  confirmation  at  the  church,  and 
imposed  my  hands  and  invoked  the  blessings  of 
God  upon  eighty-eight  persons,  belonging  to  the 
two  churches  in  that  city.  In  Alexandria  the 
church  is  rapidly  advancing  in  numbers  and  in 
piety.  The  congregations  are  overflowing,  and 
listen  with  tlje  greatest  avidity  to  the  truths  of 
the  gospel. 

In  my  own  parish,  brethren,  it  is  my  duty  to 
mention,  that  my  people  continue  to  me  their 
affectionate  regard — the  number  of  the  commu- 
nicants increase,  and  the  congregation  is  very 
respectable.  I  endeavour  to  secure  the  affec- 
tions of  my  parishioners  by  a  faithful  attention 
to  my  parochial  duties  ;  and,  in  order  to  pro- 
mote the  interests  of  the  church,  I  sometimes 
lecture  from  one  to  three  times  in  the  week, 
independent  of  my  Sabbath  exercises.  If  fidel- 
ity to  God,  and  to  their  eternal  interests,  will 
secure  me  the  bles.sing  of  Heaven,  that  blessing, 
I  trust,  will  be  obtained. 

Brethren,  we  have  much  to  encourage  us  in 
the  prosecution  of  the  important  object  in  which 
we  are  jointly  engaged.  Many  of  the  laity  of 
this  diocess  discover  an  ardour  in  the  cause  of 
religion  and  the  church  which  is  calculated  to 
inspire  the  minds  of  the  clergy  with  the  greatest 
energy  and  hope.  While  we  perceive  in  them 
an  animation  so  laudable,  the  clergy  cannot  de- 
spair of  success.  United  in  love,  we  will  ad- 
vance in  a  solid  column,  fighting  under  the  ban- 
ner of*  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ — the  powers  of 
sin  and  darkness,  I  trust,  will  be  vanquished, 
the  glory  of  God  be  promoted,  our  dilapidated 
churches  be  rebuilt,  and  Zion  rear  her  drooping 
head. 

To  promote  the  cause  of  genuine  religion  is 
our  only  object ;  and  as  that  object  is  legiti- 
mate, it  must  succeed.  We  know  of  no  ene- 
mies but  the  enemies  of  our  exalted  Redeemer; 
we  stretch  forth  the  right  hand  of  fellowship  to 
all  who  in  sincerity  call  upon  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ ;  we  expect  to  meet  in  Heaven  with 
Christians  of  all  denominations  ;  and,  while  we 
labour  in  our  department,  we  wish  prosperity  to 
all  the  Saviour's  friends.  Yes,  brethren,  in 
Heaven,  distinctions  will  be  done  away— we 


CONVENTION  OF  1818. 


129 


shall  then  be  imbodied  under  one  name — "  the 
spirits  of  the  just  made  perfect" — and  in  joyful 
union  we  will  unite  with  them  and  angels  in 
singing  unto  Him  who  loved  us,  and  washed 
us  from  our  sins  in  his  own  blood  ;  unto  Jesus, 
the  exalted,  precious  Jesus,  be  all  honour  and 
glory  ascribed  for  ever  and  ever.     Amen. 

A  motion  was  made  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Low, 
That  the  Convention  do  come  to  the  following 
resolution : — 

Resolved,  That  the  meeting  of  the  next  Con- 
vention shall  be  in  the  borough  of  Norfolk. 

On  motion  of  the  Hon.  Hugh  Nelson,  the 
resolution  proposed  was  amended,  by  striking 
out  the  words,  "  borough  of  Norfolk,"  and  in- 
serting in  lieu  thereof  the  words,  "  town  of 
Charlottesville." 

And  the  said  resolution,  as  amended,  was,  on 
the  question  put  thereupon,  agreed  to  by  the 
Convention. 

On  motion,  the  amendment  proposed  by  the 
last  Convention  to  the  constitution  for  the  gov- 
ernment of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  of 
Virginia,  was  taken  up  and  considered— where- 
upon, it  was  Resolved,  That  the  said  amend- 
ment be  agreed  to,  so  that  the  meeting  of  the 
next  Convention  of  the  church  of  this  diocess 
shall  be  holdcn  on  the  third  Thursday  in  May 
next.  But  it  was  farther  proposed  and  agreed 
to  by  the  Convention,  that  a  proposition  be 
made,  to  be  ratified  by  the  said  next  Convention, 
and  (prior  to  the  meeting  thereof)  to  be  trans- 
mitted by  the  secretary  to  the  vestries  of  the 
several  parishes  which  have  ratified  the  said 
constitution,  viz.  :  that  the  said  first  article  be 
so  amended,  that  the  time  of  the  Convention's 
annual  meeting  shall  thereafter  be  on  the  first 
Thursday  in  June  in  each  year. 

The  Convention  proceeded  to  the  election, 
by  ballot,  of  eight  delegates,  to  represent  the 
church  of  this  diocess  in  the  next  General  Con- 
vention, to  be  holden  at  Philadelphia  ;  where- 
upon the  Rev.  William  H.  "Wilmer,  John  S. 
Ravenscroft,  William  Meade,  George  Lemon, 
Mr.  Hugh  Nelson,  Mr.  Edmund  J.  Lee,  Mr. 
Philip  Nelson,  and  Mr.  Charles  F.  Mercer, 
were  duly  elected. 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  William  Meade,  Re- 
solved, unanimously.  That  the  thanks  of  this 
Convention  be  presented  to  the  secretary  for 
his  zealous  and  disinterested  services. 

The  bishop  retired,  being  compelled  to  leave 
the  Convention  by  urgent  pastoral  duties ; 
whereupon  Mr.  Charles  F.  Mercer  was  re- 
quested to  take  the  chair  as  president  pro 
tempore. 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  George  Lemon,  the 
report  of  the  committee  to  whom  the  parochial 
reports  were  referred  was  taken  up,  and  ordered 
to  be  inserted  in  the  journal,  as  follows  : — 

The  committee  on  the  subject  of  the  parochial 
reports  beg  leave  to  present  the  following  con- 
densed statement  of  the  reports  that  have  been 
submitted  to  them. 

In  the  congregation  at  the  church  in  Winches- 
ter, Frederick  parish,  divine  service  is  tolerably 
well  attended,  and  generally  performed  with  de- 
votloa  and  decency.    Number  of  communicants 


between  30  and  40 — of  baptisms  21— of  marriages 
3— and  of  funerals  6. 

The  church  of  St.  Stephen's,  Culpepper,  is  still 
without  a  minister,  though  every  exertion  has 
been  made  by  the  vestry  to  obtain  one,  but  hitherto 
without  success. 

Since  the  meeting  of  the  last  Convention,  a 
neat  and  commodious  church  has  been  erected  on 
the  North  Mountain,  in  Norborne  parish— the 
congregation  and  communicants  have  increased. 
Communicants  90— baptisms  10 — funerals  5— mar- 
riages 3. 

In  St.  James's  Church,  Shelburne  parish,  Lees, 
burg — baptisms  22 — communicants  42 — funerals 
2 — marriages  3. 

An  Episcopal  Female  Society  for  the  promo- 
tion of  Christian  Knowledge  has  been  here  estab- 
lished. 

The  report  from  Fredericksville  parish,  Albe- 
marle, is  favourable.  The  sacrament  has  not  been 
administered  since  the  settlement  there  of  a  min- 
ister ;  who,  as  yet,  has  only  received  deacon's 
orders.     Baptisms  5 — funerals  3. 

The  congregations  of  Hamilton  parish,  Fau- 
quier, continue  numerous  and  attentive,  and,  it  is 
hoped,  the  spirit  of  true  religion  is  increasing 
among  them.  The  church  is  not  yet  finished,  but 
some  measures  have  been  lately  taken  to  forward 
that  purpose. 

The  report  from  St.  Paul's  parish.  King  George 
county,  states,  that  religion  is  in  a  more  pros- 
perous state  than  it  has  been  for  several  years, 
and  that  the  congregations  are  as  large  as  the 
house  at  present  used  for  divine  service  will  admit 
of. 

Since  October  last,  baptisms  32 — marriages  3— 
deaths  4. 

In  Staunton,  the  members  of  the  church  are 
few ;  at  Jennings's  Branch,  the  congregations  are 
respectable ;  and  in  Nelson  the  prospect  is  flatter- 
ing ;  marriages  39 — baptisms  39. 

In  Dumfries  Church,  Dettingen  parish,  Prince 
William  county,  communicants  30— baptisms  13 
— deaths  8. 

Aquia  Church,  Overwharton  parish,  Stafford, 
conununicants  16 — baptisms  4 — 1  death. 

In  St.  Martin's  parish,  in  the  counties  of  Han- 
over and  Louisa— the  connexion  between  the  ves- 
try  and  their  late  rector,  the  Rev.  John  Philips, 
has  lately  ceased. 

The  vestry  are  zealous  and  anxious  for  the  in- 
troduction of  another  minister,  beUeving  that  a 
pious  and  diUgent  labourer  in  our  Lord's  vineyard 
would  there  meet  with  a  cordial  reception  and  a 
comfortable  support.    Communicants  about  30, 

The  report  from  St.  James's  parish,  Mecklen- 
burg county,  states,  that  the  expectation  held  out 
in  the  last  year's  report  has  been  realized.  The 
church  there  begun  has  been  finished,  and  conse- 
crated by  the  Right  Rev.  Richard  C.  Moore,  and 
regularly  occupied  on  alternate  Sundays  since. 
The  service  is  well  attended,  and  an  increasing 
interest  therein  is  felt  and  manifested,  and  the 
number  of  members  and  communicants  has  in- 
creased. Communicants  18.  In  the  lower  part 
of  the  parish,  little  or  no  interest  is  taken  in  the 
cause,  except  by  a  few  who  are  members  and  com- 
municants—10  in  all.  No  increase  m  the  past 
year. 

Baptisms  56 — 44  of  them  black,  eleven  white 
children,  and  1  adult,  white— 4  marriages  and  6 
funerals.  Whole  number  of  communicants  in  the 
parish  28. 

Church  on  Richmond  Hill.  The  congregation 
is  in  a  flourishing  state.  The  old  church  being 
inadequate  to  the  accommodation  of  all  its  mem- 
bers, they  have,  within  the  past  year,  determined 


130 


CONVfiNTIOM  OF  1819. 


upon  the  erection  of  a  spacious  and  handsome 
brick  church,  which  has  been  commenced,  and  is 
going  on  with  every  prospect  of  complete  success. 
Communicants  about  30. 

In  Christ  Church,  Berkeley  county,  no  change 
has  taken  place  indicative  of  a  revival  since  the  last 
year's  report.  The  regular  attendance,  however, 
of  the  members  on  the  public  worship  of  God, 
and  their  orderly  deportment  while  there,  encour- 
age the  hope  that  the  dihgent  use  of  those  means 
which  God,  in  his  word,  has  promised  to  bless  and 
make  effectual  in  bringing  the  people  out  of  dark- 
ness into  light,  and  from  the  bondage  of  sin  and 
Satan  into  the  glorious  liberty  of  the  ctiildren  of 
God,  will  be  at  last  successful. 

Two  members  added  at  ^  last  communion  :— 
whole  number  of  comn\unicants  33 — baptisms  50 
— catechumens  35—1  marriage — 1  death. 

Parish  of  St.  Andrews.  Communicants  150 — 
baptisms  153— funerals  (not  before  reported)  27— 
marriages  (not  before  reported)  13. 

A  religious  library  has  been  established  in  each 
of  the  principal  congregations  of  the  parish,  the 
benefits  of  which  are  extended  to  the  catechumens 
and  the  poor.  Baptisms,  1  adult,  10  children,  by 
the  minister  of  this  parish,  in  vacant  parishes 
where  no  register  is  kept. 

The  church  in  Fredericksburg  is  still  in  a 
flourishing  state,  increasing  in  numbers  and  piety. 

In  the  parish  of  St.  Mark,  Culpepper  county, 
there  are  42  communicants;  and,  since  the  last 
Convention,  39  baptisms,  5  marriages,  and  8  fu- 
nerals. 

In  Norfolk,  the  church  is  in  a  flourishing  con- 
dition. The  number  of  those  who  attend  on  its 
public  services  is  very  large,  and  the  body  of  its 
members  characterized  by  very  encouraging  ap- 
pearances of  religious  life.  Communicants  about 
130 — baptisms  67 — marriages  27. 

The  Monumental  Church  is  in  the  same  state 
as  formerly, — communicants  increasing.  The 
chapel  in  the  county  of  Frederick  is  in  the  same 


state  as  formerly,  and  another  church  in  that 
county  nearly  completed. 

The  churches  in  Alexandria  continue  in  a  flour- 
ishing condition ;  since  the  last  Convention,  a  large 
and  commodious  edifice  has  been  erected  and 
consecrated  to  the  public  service  of  God,  in  place 
of  the  old  St.  Paul's  Church,  which  had  been 
sold.  The  number  of  communicants  is  increasing, 
and  it  is  hoped  that  there  is  a  correspondent  im- 
provement in  the  piety  of  its  members,  and  in  their 
attachment  to  the  principles  of  the  church. 

Beckford  parish,  Shenandoah  county.  The 
church  in  this  parish  has  many  sincere  lovers, 
who  are  not  only  able,  but  willing,  to  aid  in  reviving 
the  celebration  of  its  ordinances  among  them.  At 
present,  they  are  destitute  of  a  pastor.  Could  one 
be  procured,  they  would  most  cheerfully  support 
him.  In  one  part  of  the  parish  it  has  lately  been 
proposed  to  erect  a  brick  church,  and  there  is  no 
doubt  of  its  being  erected  in  the  course  of  a  short 
time.  This  parish  earnestly  requests  the  Rev. 
clergy  to  a.ssist  them  as  frequently  as  convenient, 
and  entreats  the  bishop  to  send  them  a  pastor  as 
speedily  as  possible,  pliedging  themselves  to  pro- 
vide for  his  comfortable  support. 

George  Lemon, 
Chairman  of  the  Committee. 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  Benjamin  Allen, 

Resolved,  That  one  thousand  copies  of  the 
Journal  of  this  Convention  be  printed ;  and 
that  the  same  be  distributed  by  the  secretary, 
under  the  superintendence  of  the  bishop. 

No  farther  business  being  before  it,  on  mo- 
tion, the  Convention  adjourned,  to  meet  at  Char- 
lottesville, in  the  county  of  Albemarle,  on  the 
third  Thursday  in  May  next. 

Richard  Channing  Moore, 

Bishop  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 

Church  of  Virginia. 

Attest,       William  Munford,  Secretjuy, 


Journal  of  the   Proceedings  of  a  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  of  Virginiaf 
which  assembled  at  Petersburg,  on  Thursday y  the  i2th  of  May,  1819. 

Thb  Convention  met,  and  was  opened  with 
divine  service,  and  a  sermon  by  the  Rev.  Enoch 
M.  Lowe. 

The  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Moore  took  the  chair 


as  president  of  the  Convention 

A  committee,  consisting  of  the  Rev.  John  S. 
Ravenscroft,  Mr.  Philip  Nelson,  and  Mr.  Will- 
iam Mayo,  were  appointed  to  examine  the  cer- 
tificates of  appointments  of  the  lay  deputies  ; 
whereupon  the  following  gentlemen,  being  pres- 
ent, were  reported  to  have  been  duly  chosen, 
conformably  with  the  canons  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church  of  Virginia,  viz.  : — 

Robert  Page,  for  the  church  in  Winchester ; 
Philip  Nelson,  for  Frederick  parish ;  John 
Thom,  for  St.  Mark's  Church,  Culpepper ; 
John  Nelson,  jr.,  for  St.  James's  parish,  Meck- 
lenburg; William  Mayo,  for  the  Monumental 
Church  in  the  city  of  Richmond  ;  Nathaniel 
Craighill,  for  St.  Andrew's  parish,  Jeflferson 
county  ;  Carter  Berkeley,  for  St.  Martin's  par- 
ish, Hanover ;  Robert  Randolph,  for  Hamilton 
parish,  Fauquier ;  Sylvester  Nash,  for  Christ 
Church,  Norbome  parish  ;  Josias  Clapham,  for 
Shelburne  parish,  Loudoun  county  ;  John  Gram 


Washington,  for  St.  Paul's  Church,  Alexan- 
dria ;  Grandison  Aisquith,  for  Christ  Churchy 
Alexandria  ;  Strother  M.  Helm,  for  Norbome 
parish,  Berkeley ;  Norman  Nash,  for  Hampshire 
county ;  George  M.  Carrington,  for  Richmond 
Hill  Church,  Henrico  parish ;  Needham  L. 
Washington,  for  St.  Paul's  parish,  King  George  ; 
John  Gray,  for  St.  George's  parish,  Fredericks- 
burg. 

The  following  clericaJ  deputies  appeared  and 
took  their  seats  in  thi«  Convention,  viz.  : — 

The  Rev.  W.  H.  Wilmer,  St.  Paul's  Church, 
Alexandria ;  the  Rev.  Andrew  Syme,  Bristol 
parish,  Petersburg ;  the  Rev.  Oliver  Norris, 
Christ  Church,  Alexandria  ;  the  Rev.  J.  S.  Ra- 
venscroft, St.  James's  parish,  Mecklenburg ; 
the  Rev.  John  Dunn,  Shelburne  parish,  Loudoun ; 
the  Rev.  John  L.  Bryan,  Christ  Church,  Nor- 
bome parish,  Berkeley  county  ;  the  Rev.  Ben- 
jamin Allen,  St.  Andrew's  parish,  Jefferson ; 
the  Rev.  Edward  C.  M'Guire,  St.  George's 
parish,  Fredericksburg;  the  Rev.  Thomas  G. 
Allen,  Dettingen  parish,  Dumfries  ;  the  Rev. 
William  H.  Hart,  church  on  Richmond  Hill, 
Henrico  parish;    the  Rev.    Enoch  M.    Lowe, 


»er,  for  Bristol  parish,  Petersburg  ;  George  F.  1  Norbome  parish,  Berkeley  ;  the  Rev.  William 


CONVENTION  OF  1819. 


131 


Steel,  Dettingen  and  Leeds  parishes,  Prince 
William  county ;  the  Rev.  S.  Wydown,  St. 
Martin's  parish,  Hanover  county. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  William  H.  Wilmer, 
the  Rev.  John  Dunn,  the  Rev.  John  S.  Ravens- 
croft,  Mr.  Robert  Randolph,  Dr.  Carter  Berke- 
ley, and  Mr.  WiUiam  Mayo,  be  a  conamittee  to 
take  into  consideration  the  state  of  the  church  in 
this  diocess,  and  report  thereupon  to  this  Con- 
vention. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  Oliver  Norris,  the 
Rev.  William  H.  Hart,  the  Rev.  Edward  C. 
M'Guire,  Mr.  Needham  L.  Washington,  and 
Mr.  John  Nelson,  jr.,  be  a  committee  to  examine 
the  parochial  reports. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Robert  Page,  Mr.  George 
F.  Washington,  and  Mr.  John  Thorn,  be  a 
committee  to  examine  the  treasurer's  accounts. 

Ordered,  That  Mr,  Philip  Nelson,  Mr.  John 
Grammer,  and  Mr.  John  Gray,  be  a  committee 
to  examine  the  accounts  of  the  treasurer  of  *'  the 
Common  Prayer-Book  and  Tract  Society  for 
the  Diocess  of  Virginia." 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Philip  Nelson, 

Resolved,  unanimously.  That  the  Rev.  Enoch 
M.  Lowe  be  requested  to  accept  the  thanks  of 
this  Convention,  for  his  evangelical  and  appro- 
priate sermon  delivered  this  morning. 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  John  S.  Ravenscroft, 

Resolved,  That  the  reading  of  the  canons  of 
this  church  at  present  be  dispensed  with. 

The  journal  of  the  proceedings  of  the  standing 
committee  during  the  last  year  was  read  by 
the  secretary,  together  with  the  rules  for  regu- 
lating the  proceedings  of  the  Conventions  of 
this  diocess. 

A  report  from  the  managers  of  "  the  Prayer- 
Book  and  Tract  Society  of  the  Diocess  of  Vir- 
ginia" was  presented  by  Mr.  Wilmer,  and  read, 
as  follows  : — 

The  managers  of  <*the  Prayer-Book  and  Tract 
Society  of  the  Diocess  of  Virginia,"  in  obedience 
to  the  rule  of  the  Convention,  beg  leave  to  make  a 
report  of  their  proceedings. 

Since  the  formation  of  the  society,  it  appears, 
that  about  six  hundred  prayer-books,  five  hundred 
Expositions  of  the  Catechisni  by  Lewis,  and  fif- 
teen thousand  tracts,  have  been  distributed.  Some 
of  the  prayer-books  and  catechisms  have  been  sold 
on  a  profit,  and  the  proceeds  thereof  have  been  ap- 
plied to  the  credit  of  the  society.  There  are  now 
on  hand  120  prayer-books  of  the  smaller  size,  18 
of  the  larger,  500  of  the  Expositions  of  the  Cate- 
chism, and  one  thousand  of  the  catechism  with- 
out comment.  There  remains  in  the  hands  of  the 
treasurer  the  sum  of  seventy-one  dollars  and  nine 
cents,  as  per  account  herewith  rendered  to  the 
Convention.  For  this  balance  responsibilities 
have  been  incurred,  on  account  of  tracts  now  in 
the  press.  Arrangements  have  been  made  for 
printing,  which  promise  hereafter  a  more  regular 
and  uninterrupted  supply  of  tracts  than  we  have 
hitherto  been  able  to  obtain;  and  the  difl!iculty 
which  has  presented  itself  in  regard  to  the  means 
of  transmitting  the  tracts  to  the  various  parts  of 
the  state,  we  hope  to  remove,  by  forming  a  depot 
at  each  of  the  places,  Norfolk,  Richmond,  Fred- 
ericksburg, and  Winchester ;  at  each  of  v^hich  it 
is  proposed  to  appoint  an  agent  for  receiving  and 
distributing  them. 

The  managers  felicitate  themselves,  that  al- 
I 


though  the  operations  of  the  society  have  been  re- 
tarded more  than  perhaps  might  reasonably  have 
been  expected,  yet,  that  some  good  has  already 
been  done,  and  they  hope  and  believe  that  the  ar- 
rangements which  they  have  now  succeeded  in 
making,  will  hereafter  give  more  promptitude  and 
efficacy  to  their  exertions.  They  therefore  feel 
encouraged  to  call  upon  the  friends  of  religion  and 
the  church  to  aid  them  in  carrying  into  effect  the 
important  and  benevolent  objects  of  the  institu- 
tion. 

W.  H.  Wilmer,  Chairman. 
And  then  the  Convention  adjourned  until  to- 
morrow morning,  9  o'clock, 

Friday,  May  14,  1819. 

The  Convention  met  according  to  adjourn- 
ment, and  was  opened  with  prayer  by  the  bishop. 

Mr.  Robert  Page,  from  the  committee  for  ex- 
amining the  treasurer's  accounts,  presented  a 
report,  which  was  read,  as  follows : — 

We,  the  undersigned  committee  appointed  to 
examine  the  treasurer's  accounts,  report.  That 
we  have  discharged  that  duty,  and  find  the  ac- 
counts fair  and  correct ;  and  that  the  balance  in 
the  hands  of  the  treasurer  at  the  meeting  of  the 
present  Convention,  was  four  hundred  and  eigh- 
teen dollars  and  sixty-eight  cents  ;    all  which 
will  appear  by  the  accompanying  accounts  and 
documents,  which  are  respectfully  submitted, 
Robert  Page, 
Geo.  F.  WASHiNGTOif, 
John  Thom, 

William  Munford,  Treasurer  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church  of  Virginia,  in  account  with 
said  Church,  Dr, 

1818,  May  20, 

To  balance  due  by  settlement,,       * 
To  cash  received  for  contrit)utions  from 
the  parishes  for  the  year  1818,  as 
follows  ;— 
Of  Christ  Church,  Alexandria,  by  Ed' 

mund  I.  Lee,  -  -  -  - 
St.  Andrew's  Parish,  by  Abraham 

Shepherd,  -        -         .        - 

Shelburne  Parish,  by  the  Rev.  John 

Dunn, 

Aquia  Church,  by  William  H.  Fitz- 

hugh, 

Frederick  Parish,  by  Philip  Nelson, 

do.  by  the  Rev.  Alexander  Balmain, 
Fredericksville  Parish,  Albemarle,  by 

Hugh  Nelson,  -  ^  .  ^ 
Hamilton  Parish,  by  Edward  Digges, 
St.  Stephen's  Church,  Culpepper,  by 

Isaac  Winston,  jr.,     - 
Christ  Church,  Norbome  Parish,  by 

Joel  Ward,         -         -         -         - 
St.  Martin's  Parish,  Hanover,  by  Car- 
ter Berkeley,      -         .         ,         , 
St.  James's  Parish,  Mecklenburg,  by 

John  Nelson,  jr., 
Dettingen  Parish,  by  Lewis  Berkeley, 
St.     Paul's    Parish,    King    George 

County,  by   Needham  L.  Wash-. 

ington,       ,         -         -         _         . 


$88  87 


30  00 

30  00 

30  00 

3Q  00 
30  00 
30  00 

30  00 
30  00 

80  00 

15  00 

20  00 

30  00 
20  00 

30  00 

Amount  earned  forward. 


$473  87 


]32 


CONVENTION  OF  1819. 


Amount  brought  forward,  $473  87 

Of  Henrico  Parish,  sent  by  the  Rev. 

Mr.  Hart, 30  00 

Norborne  Parish,  Berkeley,  by  James 

Walker, 80  00 

Christ  Church,  Norfolk,  by  Francis 

I.  Wiatt, 30  00 

St.  George's  Parish,  Fredericksburg, 

by  Robert  Lewis,         -         -         -     30  00 
St.   Paul's  Church,   Alexandria,  by 

the  Rev.  William  H.  Wilmer,  $30  i 

Deducting  S.  Snowden's    ac-        >  24  00 

count  for  printing,  &c.,       -         6  ) 
Bristol   Parish,    Petersburg,  by  the 

Rev.  John  S.  Ravenscroft,  -         -     30  00 
Dumfries  Church,  Dettingen  Parish, 

by  Thomas  G.  Allen,  -         -     14  00 

St.  Anne's  Parish,  Essex,  by  Robert 

Lewis, 30  00 

St.  Mark's  Parish,  Culpepper,  by  Will- 
iam Broadus,      -         -         -         -     30  00 
Monumental  Church  in  the  city  of 

Richmond,  by  Bishop  Moore,        -     30  00 
Beckford    Parish,    Shenandoah,   by 

Benjamin  Blackford,    -        -        -     30  00 
1818,  August  16. 
Of  Dettingen  Parish,  by  hands   of 

Bishop  Moore,  -        -        -         -     30  00 
Accomack  County,  by  do.,      -        -    30  00 


$841  87 


May  13,  1819.— To  balance  due,         $418  68 


1818,  May.  Cr. 

By  cash  paid  for  Bishop  Moore,  at  Oc- 

coquan,  -         -         -         -         -     $1  00 

"  do.  paid  the  Rev.  William  H.  Wil- 
mer, stage-hire  for  do.  on  way  to 
Winchester,^ 7  00 

June  11. 

By  printing  account  paid  Thomas 
Ritchie,  editor  of  the  Richmond  En- 
quirer, -         -         -         -         -         -2  25 

June  13. 

By  cash  paid  Lewis  Armistead,  hack- 
driver,  on  account  of  Bishop  Moore's 
episcopal  visitations,       -        -         -  124  00 

June  16. 

By  printing  account,  paid  Ritchie,  True- 
heart  and  Du-Val,  -         -         -         -     77  94 

July  11. 

By  hack-hire  paid  Lewis  Armistead,  on 
account  of  Bishop  Moore's  episco- 
pal visitations,         -        -        -         -     36  00 

August  16. 

By  cash  paid  Bishop  Moore  on  same 

account,         -        -        -        -         -     10  00 

October  13. 

By  hack-hire  paid  Lewis  Armistead,  on 

same  account,         -         -        -         -    88  00 

October  26. 

By  cash  paid  Bishop  Moore  on  same 

account, 40  00 

"  cash  paid  Bishop  Moore  on  same 
account,        -  -        -        -    37  00 


Amount  brought  forward. 
Balance  due  from  the  treasurer. 


Errors  excepted, 


$423  19 
418  68 

$841  87 


WiLLUM  MuNFORD,  Treasurer. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Page, 

Resolved,  That  the  said  report  and  statement 
of  the  treasurer's  account  be  approved. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Needham  L.  Washington, 

Resolved,  unanimously,  That  this  Convention 
express  their  approbation  of  the  object  of  the 
Colonization  Society,  and  offer  up  their  hearty 
prayers  for  its  success. 

The  Convention  then  attended  divine  ser- 
vice by  the  Rev.  Thomas  G.  Allen,  and  a  ser- 
mon by  the  Rev.  John  Dunn  •,  after  which,  the 
session  was  resumed. 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  William  H.  Wilmer, 

Resolved,  That  a  committee  be  appointed  to 
address  the  board  of  managers  of  the  Coloniza- 
tion Society,  and  to  express  the  approbation  and 
good  wishes  of  this  house. 

And  a  committee  was  appointed  of  Mr.  Wil- 
mer, Mr.  Needham  L.  Washington,  and  Mr. 
Robert  Page. 

Mr.  Wilmer,  from  the  standing  committee, 
presented  a  report  of  the  money  collected  in  the 
different  parishes  on  account  of  the  fund  for 
the  support  of  the  episcopate,  and  of  the  invest- 
ment of  part  thereof  in  stock  ;  which  was  read, 
as  follows  : — 

Received  on  account  of  the  Fund  for  the  Sup" 
port  of  the  Episcopate. 

1818,  Dec.  3. 

By  the  Rev.  William  H.  Wilmer,        $169  00 

1819,  January  11th. 

By  the  Rev.  John  Dunn,  amount  of 
collection  in  Shelbume  Parish,  Lou- 
doun,     67  68 

"  the  Rev.  Oliver  Norris,  amount  of 
annual  contribution  from  Christ 
Church,  Alexandria,        -        -        -  100  00 

"  George  Taylor,  Esq.,  from  a  sub- 
scriber for  life,        -         -        -        -     50  00 

"  contribution  from  St.  Andrew's  Par- 
ish, Jefferson  County,     -        -        -  100  00 

"  the  Rev.  Edward  C.  M'Guire,  col- 
lected in  St.  Stephen's  Church,  Cul- 
pepper,   21  50 

•*  Robert  Randolph,  Esq.,  collected  in 

Hamilton  Parish,  Fauquier,     -         -     71  25 

"  the  Rev.  J.  S.  Ravenscroft,  annual 
subscription,  from  St.  James's  Par- 
ish, Mecklenburg,  -        -        -        -     65  00 

Collection  in  the  same  parish,     -         -     33  75 

Collection  in  Brunswick  County,  -     24  67 

By  William  Mayo,  Esq.,  collection  in 

the  Monumental  Church,  Richmond,   200  66 

"  the  Rev.  William  H.  Hart,  collection 

in  the  church  on  Richmond  Hill,     -     33  00 

*<  the  Rev.  Thomas  G.  Allen,  collec- 
tion in  Dumfries  Church,         -        -     17  34 

"  in  Aquia  Church,  -        -         -        -       6  00 

Stock  purchased  by  the  standing  corn- 


Amount  carried  forward, 


$423  19 


Amount  carried  forward, 


$959  85 


CONVENTION  OF  1819. 


133 


Amount  brought  forward,  $959  85 

tnittee  in  the  Farmers'  Bank  of  Al- 
exandria : — 


1818,  Dec.  7. 

3  Shares,  at  $52, 

1819,  Feb.  17. 

1  Share,  at    do., 
April  8. 

4  Shares,  at  $50, 


Balance  in  hand. 


•  $156  00 


52  00 


200  00 


408  00 


$551  85 


I  have  about  three  hundred  dollars  yet  to  col- 
lect from  subscribers  for  the  above  purpose,  and 
which  I  would  have  collected  before  this,  but  for 
my  being  unable  for  a  long  time  to  attend  to 
any  business.  Edmund  J.  Lee. 

May  lOth,  1819. 

A  donation  of  one  hundred  dollars  to  the  said 
fund  was  this  day  presented  by  Mrs.  Jarratt, 
widow  of  the  Rev.  Devereaui  Jarratt,  deceased  ; 
whereupon, 

Resolved,  unanimously,  That  the  thanks  of 
this  Convention  be  given  lo  Mrs.  Jarratt,  the 
relict  of  the  late  Rev.  Devereaux  Jarratt,  for 
the  very  liberal  donation  of  one  hundred  dollars, 
which  she  has  made  to  the  episcopal  fund  ;  and 
that  the  secretary  of  the  Convention  be  request- 
ed to  transmit  to  Mrs.  Jarratt  a  copy  of  this  reso- 
lution, and  to  assure  her  of  the  high  sense  en- 
tertained by  the  Convention  of  this  obligation, 
endeared  as  it  is  by  the  munificence  of  the 
^onor,  and  by  the  recollection  of  the  virtues  of 
her  late  husband. 

Mr.  Philip  Nelson,  from  the  committee  for 
examining  the  accounts  of  the  treasurer  of  the 
Common  Prayer-Book  and  Tract  Society,  pre- 
sented a  report  and  statement,  which  were  read, 
as  follows : — 

We,  the  committee  appointed  to  examine  the 
accounts  of  the  treasurer  of  the  Prayer-Book 
and  Tract  Society  of  the  Diocess  of  Virginia, 
have  examined  the  account,  and  find  the  balance 
due  by  the  treasurer  seventy-one  dollars  and 
nine  cents.  Philip  Nelson, 

J.  Grammer, 

May  Hth,  1819.  John  Gray. 

A  motion  was  made  by  the  Rev.  Benjamin 
Allen,  that  the  Convention  agree  to  the  follow- 
ing resolution  : — 

Resolved,  That  the  managers  of  the  Com- 
mon Prayer-Book  and  Tract  Society  be  autho- 
rized to  receive  and  apply  any  funds  committed 
to  them  for  the  promotion  of  Christian  knowl- 
edge generally. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  William  Mayo, 

Ordered,  That  the  said  proposed  resolution 
be  referred  to  a  select  committee. 

And  a  committee  was  appointed  of  the  Rev. 
Samuel  Wydown,  the  Rev.  William  Steel,  the 
Rev.  Benjamin  Allen,  and  Mr.  Philip  Nelson. 

In  conformity  with  the  10th  article  of  the 
constitution  for  the  government  of  this  diocess, 
the  Convention  proceeded  to  the  ejection  of  a 
standing  committee,  by  ballot ;  whereupon  the 
Rev.    William  H.   Wilmer,   the  Rev.  Oliver 


Norris,  the  Rev.  John  Dunn,  the  Hon.  Bushrod 
Washington,  Edmund  J.  Lee,  and  George  Tay- 
lor, Esqrs.,  were  duly  elected. 

On  motion,  the  Convention  also  proceeded  to 
the  election,  by  ballot,  of  eight  delegates  to  rep- 
resent this  diocess  in  the  next  General  Conven- 
tion ;  whereupon  the  Rev.  WiUiam  H.  Wil- 
mer, the  Rev.  John  S.  Ravenscroft,  the  Rev. 
William  Meade,  the  Rev.  George  Lemon,  the 
Hon.  Bushrod  Washington,  Edmund  J.  Lee, 
Charles  F.  Mercer,  and  Philip  Nelson,  Esqrs., 
were  duly  elected. 

And  then  the  Convention  adjourned  until  to- 
morrow morning,  9  o'clock. 

Saturday,  May  15,  1819. 
The  Convention  met  according  to  adjourn- 
ment, and  was  opened  with  prayer  by  the  bishop. 
Mr.  John  Moncure,  a  lay  deputy  for  Aquia 
Church,  in  Overwharton  parish,  Stafford  county, 
produced  a  certificate  of  his  appointment  in  con- 
formity with  the  canons,  and  took  his  seat  in 
the  Convention. 

The  Rev.  Benjamin  Allen,  from  the  commit- 
tee to  which  the  resolution  offered  by  him  for 
the  promotion  of  Christian  knowledge  was 
referred,  presented  the  following  resolutions  in 
lieu  thereof;  which,  being  twice  read,  were,  on 
questions  severally  put  thereupon,  agreed  to  by 
the  Convention,  viz.  : — 

Resolved,  That  it  is  inexpedient  to  connect  a 
missionary  fund  with  any  other. 

Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the 
friends  of  the  church  immediately  to  organize 
themselves  into  a  missionary  society  for  the 
benefit  of  vacant  parishes  ;  of  which  society  the 
bishop  of  the  diocess  shall  be  cx-o^cio  president. 
The  Rev.  John  S.  Ravenscroft,  from  the 
committee  on  the  state  of  the  church,  presented 
a  report,  which  was  read,  as  follows  : — 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  state 
of  the  church,  have,  according  to  order,  had  the 
same  under  their  consideration,  and  beg  leave  to 
submit  the  following  resolutions  : — 

Whereas  it  was  recommended  at  the  last  Gen- 
eral Convention,  that  the  sense  of  the  different 
State  Conventions  should  be  taken,  and  reported 
to  the  ensuing  General  Convention,  on  certain 
amendments  to  the  constitution  of  the  church  in 
these  United  States — one  of  which  relates  to  the 
second  article  of  the  constitution  as  now  estab- 
Ushed,  and  is  in  the  following  words,  viz. : — 

"  To  strike  out  from  the  beginning  of  the  second 
article  to  the  end  of  the  first  period,  which  termi- 
nates with  the  word  '  Convention,'  and  to  insert, 
in  lieu  thereof,  the  following  provisions  : — Every 
state  or  territory  of  the  United  States  may  be 
made  to  constitute,  of  itself,  or  in  union  with  the 
whole  or  certain  portions  of  any  other  state  or 
territory,  one  diocess,  or  be  divided  into  two  or 
more  diocesses  by  the  General  Convention,  with 
the  consent  of  the  local  ecclesiastical  authority  or 
authorities  affected  thereby.  Each  diocess  shall 
be  entitled  to  a  representation  of  the  clergy  and 
laity,  to  consist  of  deputies  chosen  in  such  man- 
ner as  the  Convention  of  the  diocess  may  pre- 
scribe ;  the  number  of  clerical  deputies  of  each 
diocess  to  be  in  the  proportion  of  one  deputy  for 
every  five  ministers  resident,  and  the  number  of 
lay  deputies,  of  one  for  every  ten  congregations 
organized  therein ;  provided  that  every  diocess 
shall  be  entitled  to  at  least  two  clerical  and  two 


134 


CONVENTION  OP  18ig. 


lay  deputies,  and  that  no  diocess  shall  be  entitled 
to  more  than  twelve  clerical  and  eight  lay  depu- 
ties in  the  General  Convention.  In  all  questions 
submitted  to  the  house  of  clerical  and  lay  depu- 
ties, the  decision  thereupon,  if  required  by  the 
representation  of  any  diocess,  shall  be  by  orders ; 
each  order  having  one  vote  expressed  by  a  majori- 
ty of  the  voices  therein,  and  the  concurrence  of 
both  orders  shall  be  necessary  in  such  case  to 
constitute  the  vote  of  the  house." 

And  ypur  committee  being  of  opinion  that  no 
beneficial  result  would  be  obtained  either  to  the 
general  or  particular  interests  of  the  church  by 
agreeing  to  the  said  proposed  amendment,  but, 
on  the  contrary,  that  much  injury  would  be  sus- 
tained in  various  ways,  particularly  by  the  ten- 
dency which  the  proposed  amendment  has  to  ex- 
cite jealousy  among  the  different  diocesses  and 
branches  of  the  church  ; — 

Thefefore,  be  it  Resolved  by  the  Convention  of  this 
diocess,  That  it  is  inexpedient  to  agree  to  the 
said  amendment  of  the  second  article  of  the  con- 
stitution of  the  church  as  now  estabUshed. 

And  whereas  it  was  also  recopimended  by  the 
last  General  Convention  that  an  alteration  should 
be  made  in  the  first  article  of  the  constitution  of 
the  general  church,  which  amendment  is  in  the  fol- 
lowing words,  viz. : — 

"  Resolved,  That  it  is  expedient  to  alter  the 
first  article  of  the  constitution  of  this  church,  so 
fiEir  as  it  fixes  the  time  of  the  meeting  of  the  Gen- 
eral Cpnyention  thereof,  by  striking  out  the  vvords 
— 'third  Tuesday  in  May,  in  the  year  of  our 
Lord  1808,  and  on  tlie  third  Tuesday  in  May ;' 
and  inserting,  instead  thereof,  the  words,  'first 
Tiiesday  in  October,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  1823, 
and  on  the  first  Tuesday  in  October.^  " 

And  your  committee  being  of  opinion  that  it 
will  be  advantageous  to  the  interests  of  the 
church  that  the  san^e  be  adopted :  therefore, 

Be  it  Resolved  by  the  Convention  of  this  diocess, 
That  the  proposed  amendment  of  the  first  article 
of  the  constitution  of  the  general  church  be  con- 
curred in. 

Your  committee  have  also  had  under  their  con- 
sideration an  amendment,  proposed  at  the  last 
Convention  of  this  diocess,  in  the  constitution  of 
the  church  in  this  state,  by  which  the  time  of 
jneeting  of  the  Conventions  shall  hereafter  be  on 
the  first  Thursday  in  June  of  each  year,  instead 
of  the  third  Thursday  in  May. — And,  being  of 
opinion  that  the  proposed  change  would  very  con- 
siderably increase  the  inconvenience  which  the 
lay  delegates  already  have  to  encounter  in  leav- 
ing their  homes  at  a  busy  season  of  the  year, 
therefore, 

Be  it  Resolved  by  this  Convention,  That  it  is  in- 
expedient to  agree  to  the  said  proposed  amend- 
ment or  alteration  o£  the  conAtJiution  of  the 
church  in  this  diocess. 

All  which  is  respectfully  submitted. 

The  said  resolutions  being  twice  read,  were, 
on  questions  severally  put  thereupon,  agireejd  to 
by  the  house. 

The  Conyeation  then  attended  divine  service 
by  the  Rev.  Samudi  Wydown,  and  a  sermon  by 
the  Rev.  William  H.  Hart ;  after  which  the 
session  was  resumed. 

The  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Moore  delivered  to 
tjie  Convention  his  address  on  the  state  of  the 
church  ;  which  being  heard, 

Res.oJ,ved,  unanimously,  That  the  thanks  of 
this  Convieation  be  presented  to  the  Right  Rev. 
Richard  Channing  Moore,  D.  D.,  for  his  af- 
fectionate and  appropriate  pastoral  address,  and 


that  he  be  requested  to  furnish  a  copy  thereof 
for  insertion  in  the  Journal. 

The  said  address  is  in  the  following  words  : — 

Brethren, — To  effect  great  and  important 
objects,  great  and  continued  exertion  is  required. 
Difficulties  must  not  be  permitted  to  paralyza 
our  efforts,  nor  to  unnerve  our  arm.  The  mind, 
fixed  upon  a  legitimate  point,  must  put  forth  all 
its  energies  in  the  attainment  of  the  contempla- 
ted design.  To  press  forward  towards  the 
mark,  and  to  persevere  with  firmness,  can  alone 
secure  to  us  success,  and  effect  the  completion 
of  that  hallowed  object  in  which  we  have  enga- 
ged,-r-the  resuscit^tipn  of  thp  phurch  of  ©or 
fathers. 

When  travelling  through  this  extensive  dio» 
cess,  fatigued  with  labours  peculiar  to  the 
station  which  I  occupy,  my  spirits  are  always 
revived  by  recurring  to  that  noble  principle 
which  forms  the  soul  of  this  Convention,  and 
which  animates  the  bosom  of  each  individual 
member.  It  is  to  raise  our  Zion  from  the  dust, 
to  build  up  her  prostrated  altars,  and  to  furnish 
the  people  of  our  communion  with  the  bread  pf 
life,  that  we  are  labouring.  Jehovah  from  his 
throne  of  mercy  looks  down  with  approbation, 
and  whispers  to  our  hearts,  "  Well  done,  good 
and  faithful  servants." 

When  the  ruins  of  our  desolated  temples 
meet  my  eye,  and  the  religious  privations  of  the 
people  are  presented  to  my  view,  my  soul  ist 
overwhelmed  with  those  reflections  peculiar  to 
the  case.  Considering  the  enemy  of  mankind 
as  the  origin  of  the  desolation  and  distress  which 
I  behold,  a  new  impetus  is  communicated 
to  my  mind !  The  cross  of  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ  is  presented  to  my  view,  and  "  lo  !  I  am 
with  you  always,"  revives  my  heart,  and  impels 
n>e  to  renewed  exertion.  To  labour  in  the 
vineyard  of  the  crucified  Saviour,  has  formed 
my  chief  delight  for  the  last  thirty-two  years  of 
my  life  ;  and  though  the  power  of  doing  good 
is  in  a  degree  abridged  by  an  increase  of  years, 
still  my  inclination  is  as  great  as  it  has  ever 
been  ;  and  if  I  can  add  one  stone  to  the  sacred 
edifice,  and  see  the  church  of  my  fathers  placed 
upon  that  height  to  which  the  apostolic  purity 
of  her  doctrines  entitles  her,  I  shall  commit  my 
head  to  the  pillow  of  death  with  satisfaction, 
and  leave  my  best  blessings  to  those  who  shall 
survive  me. 

Were  I  to  say,  brethren,  that  I  entertain  the 
least  doubt  of  our  ulthnate  success,  I  should 
speak  a  language  foreign  to  my  heart.  We  are 
not,  it  is  to  be  remembered,  entering  within  the 
enclosures  of  other  denominations,  and  interfe- 
ring with  them.  We  are  absolutely  seeking  the 
lost  sheep  of  our  own  fold.  We  are  in  pursuit 
of  those  who  have  been  baptized  at  the  altars 
we  are  appointed  to  guard,  and  who  are  desti-; 
tute  Jof  spiritual  food. 

When  I  look  around  me,  and  with  an  anxious 
solicitude  yiew  those  labourers  engaged  with 
me  in  the  work ;  when  I  witness  their  zeal, 
and  listen  to  the  sacred  truths  they  deliver  ; 
when  I  hear  the  name  of  Jesus  and  the 
triumphs  of  redeeming  grace  proclaimed  by 
yputhful  lips  ;  >yhen  I  see  the  standard  of  tho 


CONVENTION  OF  1819. 


195 


cross  erected  in  every  pulpit ;  when  I  hear  the 
Redeemer  proclaimed  as  the  Lord  our  righte- 
ousness, the  only  hope  of  the  believer ;  when  I 
see  the  ministers  of  the  church  leading  their 
flocks  to  the  Saviour,  as  "  the  way,  and  the 
truth,  and  the  life;"  when  I  behold  those  who 
have  been  set  apart  to  the  sacred  ministry  by 
the  imposition  of  my  hands,  treading  in  the 
steps  of  Hall,  Davenant,  and  Hooker ;  conduct- 
ing their  fellow-mortals,  not  to  Socrates  and 
Seneca  for  relief,  but  to  that  fountain  which 
was  opened  on  Calvary  for  the  salvation  of  a 
ruined  world ; — the  wilderness  and  solitary 
places  of  the  church  appear  stripped  of  their 
v/eeds,  and  are  presented  to  my  enraptured 
view  in  all  the  verdure  of  primitive  times. 

Brethren,  we  have  much  cause  of  gratitude 
to  God  for  the  mercies  conferred  upon  us  ;  and 
though  all  has  not  been  done  that  we  could 
have  wished,  still,  enough  has  been  effected  to 
convince  us  that  the  Lord  is  with  us,  and  that 
Jehovah  smiles  upon  our  efforts. 

After  leaving  the  Convention  in  Winchester 
last  May,  in  which  place  I  confirmed  a  goodly 
number,  and  ordained  two  priests  and  one  dea- 
con, I  repaired  to  the  congregation  at  Bunker's 
Hill,  at  which  place  I  consecrated  a  neio  stone 
church  to  the  service  of  Almighty  God,  preach- 
ed to  a  devout  and  pious  people,  and  confirmed 
thirty-five  persons.  I  then  visited  Martinsburg, 
at  which  place  I  preached  twice  on  the  Sab- 
bath, to  a  respectable  and  attentive  auditory, 
and  confirmed  fourteen.  After  discharging  my 
duties  in  Martinsburg,  J  visited  the  North 
Mountain,  where  I  proclaimed  the  truths  of  the 
gospel  to  a  large  and  attentive  assembly,  conse- 
crated a  new  and  beautiful  church,  and  confirm- 
ed fifteen. 

From  the  North  Mountain  I  went  to  Shep- 
iherdstown,  at  which  place  I  preached  to  a  large 
•fiuditory,  and  confirmed  fifty.  From  thence  I 
\vent  to  Charlestown,  in  Jefferson  county,  open- 
ed a  new  and  elegant  church,  and  confirmed 
twenty-five.  From  Charlestown  I  repaired  to 
the  chapel  in  Frederick  county,  and  preached  to 
a  pious  and  devout  assembly.  After  completing 
the  object  of  my  visit  beyond  the  Blue  Ridge,  I 
crossed  into  the  county  of  Loudoun,  and  visited 
the  parish  under  the  care  of  Mr.  Dunn,  preach- 
ed twice  on  the  Sabbath,  and  once  on  Monday, 
to  large  and  attentive  congregations,  ^.nd  con- 
firmed twelve.  From  Loudoun  I  repaired  to 
Prince  William,  and  preached  at  Haymarket. 
From  thence  I  went  to  Fauqui-er,  consecrated  a 
new  church,  delivered  a  discourse  adapted  to  the 
occasion,  arid  assisted  in  the  administration  of 
the  Lord's  Supper.  From  Fauquier  I  passed 
into  Culpepper,  and  preached  to  a  large  con- 
gregation. Frooi  Culpepper  I  went  to  Orange, 
and  preached  on  the  Sabbath  to  a  large  and  at- 
tentive assembly.  From  Orange  I  went  to  Al- 
bemarle, but,  as  some  mistake  had  taken  place 
relative  to  my  appointment,  I  was  not  presented 
with  an  opportunity  of  officiating.  Having  thus 
finished  my  spring  tour,  I  returned  to  Richmond. 

Remaining  at  home  a  fortnight,  I  again  left 
my  parish  the  last  of  June,  on  a  visit  to  some 
of  the  lower  counties.     In  Ne^y  J^ent  I  prea^ch- 


ed  to  an  attentive  congregation,  in  the  old  parish 
church  of  St.  Peter's.  I  then  repaired  to  York- 
town,  and  officiated  in  the  courthouse,  and  on 
the  subsequent  Sabbath  preached  in  the  church 
in  Williamsburg,  administered  the  Lord's  Sup- 
per to  the  people,  and  then  returned  home. 

The  claims  of  Hanover  to  my  pastoral  atten- 
tion summoned  me  into  that  county,  in  which 
district  I  preached,  in  the  course  of  the  week, 
in  four  places  of  public  worship,  and  lectured  a* 
Doctor  Carter  Berkeley's.  My  visit  to  that 
parish  was  again  repeated  after  a  little  time, 
when  I  administered  the  Lord''s  Supper,  and 
preached,  as  usual,  to  a  pious  and  attentive  con- 
gregation at  the  Fork  Church.  The  state  of 
that  parish,  composed  of  individuals  endeared  to 
me  by  a  thousand  tender  considerations,  in- 
duced me  to  visit  it  a  third  time,  when  I  preach- 
ed in  two  of  the  churches,  administered  the 
Lord's  Supper,  and  lectured  at  Mr.  Francis 
Nelson's. 

The  last  autumn,  I  left  Richmond  on  a  tour 
to  the  northern  section  of  the  diocess,  preached 
in  Fredericksburg  in  the  evening,  and  continued 
my  journey  as  far  as  Alexandria.  In  that  city 
I  preached  five  times  in  three  days,  to  over- 
flowing, pious  congregations.  From  Alexandria 
I  passed  into  Prince  William,  consecrated  a  new 
church,  preached  to  a  pious  people,  and  admin- 
istered the  Lord's  Supper.  From  Prince  V/itlr 
iam  I  again  repaired  to  Fredericksburg,  at 
which  place  I  preached  twice,  and  assisted  Mr. 
M'Guire  in  the  administration  of  the  Lord's 
Supper.  From  thence  I  went  to  Port  Royal, 
where  I  also  officiated,  and  then  returned  to 
Richmond.  In  addition  to  the  duties  above 
specified,  I  have  visited  C^iesterfield  several 
times — preached  once  in  the  church  of  Falling 
Creek,  and  also  upon  two  funeral  occasions. 

In  the  month  of  November  I  visited  Norfolk, 
in  which  place  I  delivered  an  ordination  sermon, 
and  admitted  to  the  holy  order  of  priest  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Avery,  of  Edenton,  North  Carolina. 
From  Norfolk  I  went  to  the  eastern  shore  of 
Virginia,  preached  in  three  different  places  in 
the  county  of  Accomack,  and  administered  the 
Lord's  Supper  to  a  deeply  impressed  congrega- 
tion. From  Accomack  I  proceeded  to  North- 
ampton, in  which  county  I  preached  to  a  large 
and  attentive  assembly.  The  congregation  in 
Accomack  have  procured  the  services  of  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Eastbum,  and  it  is  my  duty  to  state, 
that,  from  the  devotional  disposition  of  the  peo- 
ple, I  have  every  reason  to  believe  that  the  sit- 
uation will  secure  to  him  the  greatest  comfort. 

It  will  not  be  thought  irrelevant,  brethren,  to 
notice  at  this  time  my  late  excursion  through 
the  diocess  of  North  Carolina.  The  church  in 
that  state  is  rising  in  all  the  vigour  of  youth.  A 
new  edifice  has  been  lately  erected  in  Fayette- 
ville,  an  ornament  to  the  town,  and  a  credit  to 
the  exertion  of  its  founders,  which  I  consecrated 
to  the  service  of  Almighty  God.  I  confirmed 
in  that  place  sixty  persons,  and  admitted  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Shaw  to  the  order  of  deacons.  Among 
the  Jist  .of  worthies  who  have  exerted  them- 
selves in  the  building  of  the  church  in  Fayette-, 
ville,  I  find  the  names  of  Cameron  ftn4  Wins- 


1S6 


CONVENTION  OF*  l6ld. 


low,  the  sons  of  two  of  our  deceased  clergy. 
May  the  spirit  of  their  fathers  continue  to  ani- 
mate their  bosoms,  and  may  the  children  of 
other  ministers  imitate  their  noble,  their  lauda- 
ble example.  The  church  in  Wilmington  is 
also  in  a  prosperous  condition.  I  preached  in 
that  place  to  pious,  crowded  auditories,  and  con- 
firmed one  hundred  and  thirty-three  persons. 
Newbern  is  also  rising  in  importance.  The 
congregation  have  determined  to  erect  a  new 
church,  upon  the  plan  of  that  in  Fayetteville.  I 
preached  in  Newbern  five  times  in  three  days, 
confirmed  fifty-two  persons,  and  administered 
the  Lord's  Supper  to  a  large  body  of  pious 
communicants.  I  visited  Washington,  Green- 
ville, and  Tarborough,  and  preached  several 
times  in  each  place. 

Brethren,  animated  with  the  disposition  of 
doing  good,  let  us  renew  this  day,  to  God  and 
his  church,  our  vows  of  fidelity.  We  have 
pledged  ourselves  to  exert  every  nerve  in  the 
prosecution  of  the  cause  ih  which  we  have  em- 
barked, and  let  us  redeem  that  pledge  by  an  in- 
defatigable attention  to  our  duty.  Let  us  con- 
tinue to  love  one  another.  Let  us  pray  for  our 
mutual  success.  Let  us  speak  the  same  things, 
and  proclaim  the  same  truths.  Peace  will  then 
be  within  our  walls,  and  the  blessing  of  the  Al- 
mighty will  rest  upon  our  labours.  Going  forth 
in  the  strength  of  the  Lord  God,  and  making 
mention  of  his  righteousness,  and  his  only,  the 
powers  of  darkness  must  yield  to  the  force  of 
divine  truth.  The  gospel  will  triumph  over  all 
its  enemies.  The  kingdom  of  the  Messiah 
must  and  will  prevail,  until  the  earth  shall  be 
filled  with  the  knowledge  of  God,  as  the  waters 
cover  the  sea.  To  assist  in  the  accomplish- 
ment of  the  divine  promises,  we  have  been 
called  to  labour.  Attired  in  the  armour  of  the 
gospel,  God  will  be  on  our  side,  and  will  ren- 
der our  efforts  successful.  The  members  of  our 
churches  will  hold  up  our  hands,  and  pray  for 
the  advancement  of  the  hallowed  cause.  "  Who 
is  he  that  will  harm  you,  if  ye  be  followers  of 
that  which  is  good  1"  Brethren  of  the  clergy 
and  laity,  you  carry  with  you  my  warmest 
prayers  and  benediction.  May  Jehovah  be  your 
portion,  and  underneath  you  may  he  place  the 
everlasting  arms  of  his  love. 

The  Rev.  Oliver  Norris,  from  the  commit- 
tee to  whom  the  parochial  reports  were  refer- 
red, presented  the  following  report ;  which,  be- 
ing read,  was  approved  by  the  Convention, 
viz.  : — 

The  committee  on  the  subject  of  the  parochial 
reports  beg  leave  to  present  the  following  con- 
densed statement  of  the  reports  that  have  been 
presented  to  them. 

The  church  in  Hampshire  county  begins  to  ex- 
hibit some  symptoms  of  revival.  About  ten  con- 
¥egations  have  been  formed  since  July  last, 
here  are  two  churches  nearly  completed,  and 
preparations  are  making  to  repair  an  old  one.  The 
Rev.  Messrs.  Allen  and  Bryan  have  visited  these 
congregations,  and  baptized  fifteen.  A  vestry  have 
been  elected,  and  a  number  of  persons  are  anxious 
to  receive  the  sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper 
when  an  opportunity  offers. 

Christ  Church,  Norbome  paridi,  Berkeley  coun- 


ty. The  Rev.  John  L.  Bryan,  rector.  Commu- 
nicants fifty— baptisms,  one  adult,  eighteen  white 
children  and  seven  coloured — marriages  five — 
catechumens  thirty-five — funerals  four.  This 
church  has  lately  had  times  of  refreshing  from  the 
presence  of  the  Lord.  Many  appear  to  be  truly 
penitent,  and  are  inquiring  what  they  shall  do  to 
be  saved,  among  whom  are  some  of  the  young, 
who,  according  to  the  counsel  of  Solomon,  re- 
member their  Creator  in  the  days  of  their  youth.  A 
Sunday  School  has  been  established  in  this  parish, 
which  promises  extensive  usefulness  to  society. 

Wickliffe  Church,  Frederick  county.  This  is 
a  new  church,  lately  erected.  The  congregation 
is  just  forming,  and  the  prospects  are  flattermg. 

The  report  From  St.  Andrew's  parish,  Jefferson 
county,  states,  200  communicants,  eighty-eight 
baptisms,  six  marriages,  fifteen  burials ;  and  ihe 
collections  made  for  the  episcopal  fund  amount  to 
f  100.  As  directed  by  the  last  Convention,  the 
rector  of  this  parish,  the  Rev.  Benjamin  Allen,  vis- 
ited a  vacant  parish  in  Shenandoah  county,  and 
made  a  collection  for  the  episcopal  fund.  The 
proceeds  were  left  in  the  hands  of  one  of  the  vestry 
for  the  purpose  of  increasing  it.  The  amount  has 
not  been  received.  Sunday  Schools  have  been 
established  throughout  the  parish,  and  have  pro- 
ved extensively  useful. 

St.  James's  Church, Leesburg,  Shelburne  parish. 
Baptisms  twelve,  and  one  adult — communicants 
forty-three,  one  added — marriages  three — burials 
two— collection  for  the  episcopal  fund  $61  67. 

Dettingen  and  Leed's  parishes,  Prince  William 
county.  A  new  church  has  been  built  and  con- 
secrated. Communicants  twenty-six— baptisms 
thirty,  and  ten  blacks— marriages  ten.  Prayer- 
books  are  getting  into  general  use,  and  a  confident 
hope  is  entertained  that  the  principles  of  vital  and 
practical  piety  are  gaining  ground  among  them. 

The  churches  in  Alexandria  continue  to  be  in 
an  improving  condition.  The  number  of  commu- 
nicants has  increased,  especially  among  the  young, 
many  of  whom  have  set  the  laudable  example  of  a 
public  and  worthy  profession  of  religion.  The 
members  of  the  church,  generally,  are  strength- 
ening in  their  attachment  to  their  own  principles, 
and,  it  is  hoped,  are  growing  also  in  grace,  and  in 
the  knowledge  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus 
Christ.  From  Christ  Church,  Alexandria,  $100 
have  been  received  for  the  episcopal  fund. 

In  St.  Mark's  parish,  Culpepper  county,  there 
have  been,  since  the  last  Convention,  four  mar- 
riages, nine  funerals,  and  twenty-five  baptisms  ; 
and  there  are  at  present  forty-five  communicants, 
five  of  whom  have  been  added  in  the  last  year. 

The  report  from  Norbome  parish,  Berkeley 
county,  states,  that  its  minister,  only  having  dea- 
con's orders,  and  consequently  not  having  author- 
ity to  administer  the  sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Sup- 
per, has  not  been  able  to  ascertain  with  any  cer- 
tainty the  number  of  communicants  in  his  parish. 
He  believes,  however,  the  number  to  be  about  one 
hundred.  Marriages  two — one  baptism — funerals 
three.  The  minister  of  this  parish  farther  states 
in  his  report,  that  the  prospects  of  religious  im- 
provement are  very  encouraging.  The  church 
is  raising  her  drooping  head,  and  the  kingdom  of 
our  Lord  and  Saviour  is  rapidly  advancing.  The 
vestry  of  this  parish  have  purchased  for  their  cler- 
gyman a  comfortable  parsonage. 

The  cause  of  pure  and  undefiled  religion  still 
prospers  in  Frederick  parish.  The  congregation 
are  devout,  and  attentive  to  the  public  services  of 
the  church,  and  exemplify  in  their  life  and  conver- 
sation the  purity  of  their  principles. 

St.  Paul's  parish,  King  George  county.  The 
minister  of  this  parish  not  being  present,  the  lay 


CONVENTION  OF  1819. 


137 


delegate  in  Convention  begs  leave  to  state,  that  re- 
ligion is  still  increasing,  as  appears  by  the  number 
of  communicants.whichhas  advanced  since  the  last 
report  from  six  to  thirty-two,  all  of  whom  appear 
to  be  deeply  impressed  with  the  solemnity  of  their 
profession.  The  congregations  generally  are  large, 
and  much  attached  to  their  worthy  minister,  whose 
labours  appear  likely  to  raise  that  portion  of  the 
church,  long  prostrate  and  almost  hopeless.  Pa- 
rents are  becoming  more  attentive  to  the  impor- 
tant duty  of  Christian  education.  Baptisms  twen- 
ty-five, of  which  two  were  adults. 

St.  Martin's  parish,  Hanover  county.  The  state 
of  the  church  is  encouraging.  A  Sunday  School 
has  lately  been  instituted,  which  promises  much 
good  to  the  rising  generation.  Communicants 
forty— baptisms  two— marriages  two. 

Bristol  parish,  Petersburg.  Nothing  very  ma- 
terial has  occurred  in  this  parish  since  the  last 
Convention.  The  administration  of  the  word  and 
sacraments  are,  perhaps,  better  attended  now  than 
ever  they  were.  Owing  to  the  severe  and  protract- 
ed indisposition  of  the  rector,  he  has  not  been  able 
to  pay  that  attention  to  the  duties  of  his  office 
which  he  could  have  wished,  and  the  state  of  his 
parish  required. 

In  Hamilton  parish  the  number  of  communi- 
cants has  increased,  and  religious  zeal  seerns  gen- 
erally increasing.  A  collection  was  made  in  this 
church  for  the  episcopal  fund  amounting  to  $71  25. 
A  Sunday  School  has  been  established  in  this  par- 
ish, and  is  in  a  flourishing  condition. 

In  Dumfries  Church,  Dettingen  parish,  Prince 
William  county.  Communicants  thirty-four— bap- 
tisms forty-three — marriages  eleven— deaths  four. 
A  collection  of  $17  34  for  the  benefit  of  the  epis- 
copal fund  was  taken  up  in  this  church. 

In  Aquia  Church,  Overwharton  parish,  Staf- 
ford county.  Communicants  twenty-one  —  bap- 
tisms seventeen — one  marriage — deaths  four.  A 
collection  of  %G  was  made  in  this  church  for  the 
episcopal  fund. 

The  report  from  St.  James's  parish  is  favoura- 
ble. The  service  is  well  attended,  and  heartily 
joined  in  by  the  members.  The  number  of  com- 
municants has  increased.  In  the  upper  congrega- 
tion there  are  twenty-two,  in  the  lower  nine  com- 
municants— baptisms  twenty-seven,  one  of  them 
an  adult — funerals  six — no  marriages.  A  collec- 
tion of  $24  67  for  the  episcopal  fund  was  taken 
up  by  the  minister  of  this  parish  in  Brunswick 
county.  A  collection  was  also  taken  up  for  the 
same  purpose  in  this  parish  of  $33  75. 

Church  on  Richmond  Hill.  A  new  church  has 
been  commenced,  and  it  is  hoped  will  soon  be 
completed.  Communicants  forty — ^baptisms  twen- 
ty-six—marriages five.  One  flourishing  Sunday 
School.     Contribution  to  episcopal  fund  $33. 

The  congregation  of  the  Monumental  Church 
continues  in  the  same  state  in  which  it  was  report- 
ed the  last  year.  The  number  of  the  communi- 
cants increases,  and  several  of  the  most  valuable 
of  the  society  joined  the  altar  upon  the  last  Easter- 
Sunday.  A  large  .Sunday  School  has  been  estab- 
lished in  this  church. 

The  church  in  Fredericksburg  still  enjoys  the 
converting  and  sanctifying  influences  of  the  Holy 
Spirit,  to  an  extent  eminently  encouraging.  Com- 
municants ninety-four— baptisms  twenty-eight — 
marriages  ten — funerals  twelve — Sunday  Schools 
three,  containing  225  scholars,  and  one  parish 
library. 

The  Rev.  William  H.  Wilraer,  from  the  com- 
mittee appointed  to  prepare  an  address  to  the 
President  of  the  American  Colonization  Society, 
resented  the  following,  which,  being  twice  read, 


and  amended,  was,  on  the  question  put  there- 
upon, approved  by  the  Convention,  viz. : — 

To  the  Hon.  Bushrod  Washington,  President  of  the 
American  Colonization  Society. 

Petersburg,  May  14,  1819. 
Dear  Sir, — We,  the  committee  appointed  by  the 
Convention  to  carry  into  effect  the  foregoing  res- 
olution, have  great  pleasure  in  fulfilling  this  duty. 
The  object  of  the  society  over  which  you  pre- 
side, is  one  which  cannot  fail  to  awaken  the  sym- 
pathy of  every  humane  mind.  The  forebodings 
of  the  politician,  the  regrets  of  humanity,  and 
the  prayers  of  Christians,  have  long  been  turned 
upon  the  question  of  providing  a  remedy  for 
the  evils  growing  out  of  the  slave  population  in 
this  country.  To  ameliorate  the  condition  of 
that  portion  of  society,  and  at  the  same  time  to 
secure  an  exemption  from  any  tendency  to  licen- 
tiousness and  insubordination,  are  objects  which 
have  been  considered  irreconcileable  ;  and  which 
have  served  to  perplex  and  discourage  both  the 
politician  and  the  philanthropist.  The  plan  and 
views  of  your  society,  as  far  as  they  are  under- 
stood by  this  Convention,  appear  well  calculated 
to  effect  and  harmonize  these  objects  ;  to  rescue 
this  unhappy  class  of  our  fellow-creatures  from 
the  ignorance,  vice,  and  degradation  to  which  the 
habits  and  sentiments,  if  not  the  necessities,  of  the 
present  social  state,  will  for  ever  doom  them  while 
they  remain  in  this  country — to  restore  a  people 
whom  "  God  hath  made  of  one  blood"  with  our- 
selves to  their  natural  birthright  of  human  be- 
ings ;  and,  by  a  process  so  gradual  as  to  guard 
against  the  effects  of  too  abrupt  a  termination  of 
long-established  habits,  to  deliver  our  land  from  a 
calamity  which,  in  its  present  progress,  is  por- 
tentous of  incalculable  misery  and  disaster.  Nay, 
more ;  your  sphere  of  benevolence  takes  a  still 
wider  range,  and  proposes,  by  colonizing  this 
people  on  the  coast  of  Africa,  to  diffuse  thereby  the 
blessings  of  civilization  and  Christianity  through- 
out the  vast  extent  of  that  benighted  region. 
May  it  not  be,  that  the  great  Disposer  of  events 
designs  thus  to  vindicate  the  mysterious  dispen- 
sations of  that  power,  which  can  render  that 
which  was  itself  an  outrage  upon  every  principle 
of  humanity  and  religion,  subservient  to  the  great 
purposes  of  his  providence  and  grace  ?  Like  the 
captivity  of  Joseph,  which  was  meant,  indeed,  for 
evil  by  the  perpetrators  of  the  crime,  may  not  the 
affecting  history  of  this  people  prove,  that  their 
misfortunes  were  permitted  in  order  "to  save 
much  people  alive,"  and  to  render  their  own  desti- 
ny ultimately  more  glorious  than  it  otherwise 
would  have  been. 

These  views  and  hopes  are  confirmed  by  the  re- 
markable synchronism  of  events  and  circumstan- 
ces. The  simultaneous  efforts  that  are  in  prep- 
aration on  every  part  of  the  globe  for  the  further- 
ance of  humanity  and  rehgion;  the  unanimity 
with  which  the  Colonization  Society  has  been 
cherished  and  supported,  even  among  those  who 
might  have  been  supposed  to  be  hostile  to  it ;  and 
the  patronage  which  our  general  government 
seems  disposed  to  afford  to  it,  are  flattering  indi- 
cations that  these  are  the  mighty  doings  of  Him 
"  who  turneth  the  hearts  of  men  as  rivers  of  wa- 
ter." The  time  appears  to  have  come,  when  "  the 
isles  shall  wait  on  Him,"  and  "  Ethiopia  shall 
stretch  out  her  hands  unto  God,"— when  the  poor 
negro  on  the  banks  of  the  Sherbro,  the  Niger,  the 
Gambia,  and  the  Senegal,  shall  behold  their  wa- 
ters  whitening  with  the  sails  of  commerce— when 
he  shall  behold  cities  spreading  around,  and  tem- 
ples lifting  up  their  heads,— when  he  shall  hear  his 
valleys  and  rocks  resound  with  "the  church-going 


I 


13S 


CONVENTION  OF  18iiO. 


bell,"  which  shall  call  him  to  worship,  in  the 
beauty  of  holiness,  the  God  and  Father  of  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  the  Saviour  of  mankind.  To  labour 
in  this  work  is  to  co-work  with  God.  For  your 
encouragement  to  persevere,  you  require  not  our 
approbation.  You  have  a  more  elevated  source 
of  satisfaction,  a  nobler  reward,  in  the  conscious- 
ness of  doing  good,  and  in  the  high  prospects 
which  your  labours  have  already  unfolded.  But 
yve  deemed  it  matter  of  justice  to  ourselves,  to  as- 
sure you  of  our  best  wishes  and  prayers.  In  the 
name  of  God  and  of  humanity,  we  wish  you  good 
luck.  May  Heaven  prosper  and  reward  your  la- 
bour of  love ! 

For  yourself,  sir,  individually,  be  pleased  to 
accept  the  assurances  of  our  high  esteem.    Long 
may  you  live  to  preside  over  the  American  Coloni- 
zation Society,  and  to  extend  to  other  lands  the 
blessings  of  a  life  which  has  already  conferred  im- 
portant benefits  on  your  own  country. 
We  are,  very  respectfully, 
Your  friends  and  obedient  servants, 
William  H.  Wilmeb, 
Robert  Page, 
Needham  L.  Washington, 

Resolved,  That  the  Rev.  William  H.  Wil- 
mer  be  requested  to  transmit  the  foregoing  ad- 


dress to  the  Hon.  Bushrod  Washington,  president 
of  the  American  Colonization  Society. 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  William  H.  Hart, 

Resolved,  That  the  next  meeting  of  the  Con- 
vention for  this  diocess  shall  be  at  Alexandria, 
on  the  Thursday  preceding  the  third  Tuesday  in 
May  next,  being  the  11th  day  of  that  month. 

On  motions  severally  made. 

Resolved,  That  750  copies  of  the  Journal  of 
this  Convention  be  printed,  and  distributed 
among  the  parishes  by  the  secretary,  under  the 
superintendence  of  the  bishop. 

Resolved,  also,  That  the  thanks  of  this  Con- 
vention be  presented  to  the  secretary  for  his  ser- 
vices, and  that  the  expenses  incurred  by  him  in 
travelling  and  attendance  be  defrayed  by  the 
church. 

The  Convention,  having  finished  the  business 
before  it,  adjourned,  to  meet  again  at  Alexandria, 
on  the  Thursday  preceding  the  third  Tuesday 
in  May  next. 

Richard  Channing  Moore, 

Bishop  of  the  Prot.  Epis.  Church  of  Virginia. 
Attest;  William  Munforo,  Secretary. 


Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of  a  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  of  Virginia, 
which  assembled  at  Alexandria,  on  Thursday,  the  11  th  of  May,  1820. 


The  Convention  met,  and  was  opened  with 
divine  service,  and  a  sermon  by  the  Rev.  John 
S.  Ravenscroft. 

The  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Moore  took  the  chair 
as  president  of  this  Convention. 

A  committee,  consisting  of  the  Rev.  John  S. 
Ravenscroft,  Mr.  Philip  Nelson,  and  Dr.  Carter 
Berkeley,  were  appointed  to  examine  the  certifi- 
cates of  appointments  of  the  lay  deputies ; 
whereupon  the  following  gentlemen,  being  pres- 
ent, were  reported  to  have  been  duly  chosen, 
conformably  with  the  canons  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church  of  Virginia,  viz.  : — 

John  Nelson,  jun.,  for  St.  James's  parish, 
Mecklenburg ;  Sylvester  Nash,  Christ  Church, 
Norborne  parish,  Berkeley  ;  Robert  Beverley, 
St.  Anne's  parish,  Essex ;  John  H.  Wingfield, 
New  Church,  Antrim  parish,  Halifax  ;  Bushrod 
Washington,  St.  PauFs  Church,  Alexandria ; 
Benjamin  Blackford,  Beckford  parish,  Shenan- 
doah ;  Carlyle  F.  Whiting,  Christ  Church, 
Norfolk ;  Edmund  J.  Lee,  Christ  Church, 
Alexandria ;  Abraham  Shepherd,  St.  Andrew's 
parish,  Jefferson ;  Tillotson  Fryatt,  Norborne 
parish,  Berkeley  ;  George  Taylor  and  George 
Fayette  Washihgton,  Henrico  parish  ;  Epaph- 
roditus  Jj.  Waring,  Washington  parish,  West- 
moreland ;  Wilspn  Cary  Selden,  Shelburne  par- 
ish, Loudoun ;  Robert  Lewis,  St.  George's 
parish,  Fredericksburg  ;  Robt.  Randolph,  Ham- 
ilton parish,  Fauquier ;  William  Foote,  Det- 
tingen  parish,  Prince  William ;  Philip  Nelson, 
Chapel,  Frederick  ;  Strpther  Jones,  church  in 
Winchester,  Frederick  parish ;  Robert  Page, 
Wickliffe  Church,  Frederick ;  Hugh  Nelson, 
Fredericksville,  Albemarle  ;  Wm.  Mayo,  Monu- 
mental Church,  city  of  Richmond ;  Carter 
Perlfteley,  St.  Martin's  parish,  Hanover ;    Rob- 


ert Weir,  South  Farnham  parish,  Essex  ;  Lewis 
Berkeley,  Haymarket  Church,  Leed's  parish, 
Prince  William ;  and  William  H.  Fitzhugh, 
Aquia  Church,  Overwharton  parish,  Stafford. 

The  following  clerical  deputies  appeared  and 
took  their  seats  in  the  Convention,  viz.  ; — 

The  Rev.  William  H.  Wilmcr,  St.  Paul's 
Church,  Alexandria ;  the  Rev.  Oliver  Norris, 
Christ  Church,  Alexandria ;  the  Rev.  Alexan- 
der Balmain,  Frederick  parish,  Winchester ; 
the  Rev.  William  Meade,  Chapel,  Frederick 
county ;  the  Rev.  John  S.  Ravenscroft,  St. 
James's  parish,  Mecklenburg ;  the  Rev.  John 
L.  Bryan,  Christ  Church,  Norborne  parish, 
Berkeley  county  ;  the  Rev.  George  Lemon, 
Hamilton  parish,  Fauquier  ;  the  Rev.  Benjamii) 
Allen,  St.  Andrew's  parish,  Jefferson ;  the 
Rev.  Edward  C.  M'Guire,  St.  George's  parish, 
Fredericksburg ;  the  Rev.  Thomas  G.  Allen, 
Dettingen  parish,  Dumfries ;  the  Rev.  Enoch 
M.  Lowe,  Norborne  parish,  Berkeley  ;  the  Rev. 
Wm.  Steel,  Dettingen  and  Leeds  parishes.  Prince 
William  ;  the  Rev.  Samuel  Wydown,  St.  Mar- 
tin's parish,  Hanover ;  the  Rev.  John  Reynolds, 
St.  Anne's  parish,  Essex ;  the  Rev.  Daniel 
Stephens,  Augusta  parish,  Staunton ;  the  Rev. 
Joseph  Lanston,  Beckford  parish,  Shenandoah  ; 
the  Rev.  Frederick  W.  Hatch,  Fredericksville 
parish,  Albemarle  ;  and  the  Rev.  Joseph  R. 
Andrus,  missionary,  late  of  St.  Paul's  parish, 
King  George. 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  Oliver  Norris, 

Resolved,  That  the  following  clergymen,  who 
are  not  members  of  this  Convention,  be  invited 
to  take  seats  therein,  viz.  : — 

The  Rev.  Thomas  Horrell,  Charles  Mann, 
Ethan  Allen,  and  Charles  C.  Austin,  of  Mary- 
land ;  the  Rev.  Adam  Empie  and  Richard  S. 


CONVENTION  OP  1820. 


130 


Mason,  of  North  Carolina  ;  the  Rev.  Walter 
D.  Addison  and  Reuel  Keith,  of  Georgetown, 
D.  C.  ;  the  Rev.  William  Hawley  and  Andrew 
T.  M'Cormack,  of  the  city  of  Washington. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Edmund  J.  Lee,  the  follow- 
ing rules  of  order  were  read  and  adopted,  for 
jsegulating  the  proceedings  of  this  Convention, 
yiz.  : — 

1.  The  business  of  every  day  shall  be  intro- 
duced with  the  morning  service  of  the  church. 

2.  When  the  president  takes  the  chair,  no 
member  shall  continue  standing,  or  shall  after- 
ward stand  up,  unless  to  address  the  chair. 

3.  No  member  shall  absent  liimself  from  the 
service  of  the  house  unless  he  have  leave,  or  be 
unable  to  attend. 

4.  When  any  member  is  about  to  speak  in 
debate,  or  deliver  any  matter  to  the  house,  he 
shall  with  due  respect  address  himself  to  the 
president,  confining  himself  strictly  to  the  point 
in  debate. 

5.  No  member  shall  speak  more  than  twice 
in  the  same  debate  without  1-eave  of  the  house. 

,6.  A  question  being  once  determined,  shall 
stand  as  the  judgment  of  the  house,  and  shall 
not  be  again  drawn  into  debate  during  the  same 
session,  unless  with  the  consent  of  two  thirds 
of  the  house. 

7.  While  the  president  is  putting  any  ques- 
tion, the  members  shall  continue'^in  their  seats, 
and  shall  not  hold  any  private  discourse. 

8.  Every  member  who  shall  be  in  the  house 
when  any  question  is  put,  shall,  on  a  division, 
be  counted,  unless  he  be  personally  interested 
i^  the  decision. 

9.  No  njotion  shall  be  cpnsidered  as  before 
the  house  unless  it  be  seconded,  and,  when  re- 
quired, reduced  to  writing. 

10.  When  any  question  is  before  the  house, 
it  shall  be  determined  on  before  any  new  thing 
is  introduced,  except  the  question  of  adjourn- 
ment. 

11.  The  question  on  a  niotion  for  adjoum- 
jnent  shall  be  taken  before  any  other,  and  with- 
out debate. 

12.  When  the  house  is  about  "to  rijse,  every 
member  shall  keep  his  seat  until  the  president 
shall  leave  his  chair. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  William  H.  Wilmer, 
the  Rev.  John  S.  Ravenscroft,  the  Rev.  Will- 
iam Meade,  Mr.  Bushr.od  Washington,  Mr. 
William  Mayo,  and  Mr.  Robert  Randolph,  be  a 
committee  to  take  into  consideration  the  state  of 
the  church  in  this  diocess,  and  report  thereupon 
to  the  Convention. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  Oliver  Norris,  the 
Rev.  Alexander  Balmain,  the  Rev.  George 
Lemon,  Mr.  Robert  Lewis,  Doctor  Wilson 
Gary  Selden,  and  Mr.  Strother  Jones,  be  a  com- 
mittee to  examine  the  parochial  reports. 

Ordered,  That  Doctor  Carter  Berkeley,  Mr. 
George  Taylor,  and  Mr.  Abraham  Shepherd,  be 
a  committee  to  exan^iine  the  treasurer's  ac- 
counts. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  Enoch  M.  Lowe, 
the  Rev.  Edward  C.  M'Guire,  and  Mr.  John 
Nelson,  jun.,  be  a  committee  to  examine  the 
.accounts  of  the  treasurer  of  "  The  Common 


Prayer-Book  and  Tract  Society  for  the  Diocess 
of  Virginia." 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Ravenscroft, 

Resolved,  That  a  committee  be  appointed  to 
examine  and  report  upon  the  present  state  of  the 
"  Widows'  Fund." 

And  a  committee  was  appointed,  consisting 
of  Mr.  Ravenscroft  and  Mr.  Wilmer. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Lemon, 

Resolved,  unanimously,  That  the  thanks  of 
the  Convention  be  returned  to  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Ravenscroft,  for  his  impressive  and  appropriate 
discourse  delivered  on  this  occasion. 

And  then  the  Convention  adjourned  until 
to-morrow  morning,  9  o'clock. 

Friday,  May  12,  1820. 

The  Convention  met  according  to  adjourn- 
ment, and  was  opened  with  prayer  by  Bishop 
Moore, 

The  Rev.  John  Dunn,  a  clerical  deputy  from 
Shelburne  parish,  Loudoun,  attended  and  took 
his  seat. 

Doctor  Berkeley,  from  the  committee  appoint- 
ed to  examine  the  treasurer's  accounts,  present- 
ed a  report  and  statement,  which  were  read,  in 
the  following  words  and  figures,  viz. : — 

Alexandria,  May  12,  1820. 
We,  the  undersigned  committee  appointed  to 
examine  the  treasurer's  accounts,  report.  That 
we  have  discharged  that  duty,  and  find  the  ac- 
counts fair  and  correct,  and  that  the  balance 
in  the  hands  of  the  treasurer  at  the  meeting  of 
the  present  Convention,  was  $772  68 ;  all 
which  will  appear  by  the  accompanying  account 
and  documents,  which  are  respectfully  sub- 
mitted. 

Carter  Berkeley, 
Abraham  Shepherd, 
George  Taylor. 

On  motion,  Resolved,That  the  said  report  and 
statement  of  the  treasurer's  account  be  approved 
and  passed  by  the  Convention. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Edmund  J.  Lee,  a  preamble 
and  resolution,  submitted  by  him,  in  relation  to 
the  episcopal  fund,  were  referred  to  a  select 
committee  to  be  considered. 

And  a  committee  was  appointed  of  Mr.  Ed- 
mund J.  Lee,  Mr.  Abraham  Shepherd,  Mr. 
Robert  Page,  Doctor  Wilson  Gary  Selden,  and 
Mr.  Hugh  Nelson. 

The  journal  of  the  proceedings  of  the  stand- 
ing committee  of  this  diocess  \yas  submitted  to 
the  Convention  by  Mr.  Wilmer^  and  re?id  by  the 
secretary. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Wilmer, 

Resolved,  That  the  resolution  passed  by  the 
Convention  of  1818,  requiring  the  sum  of  five 
dollars  to  be  paid  annualiy  in  addition  to  the 
thirty  dollars  called  for  by  the  ninth  c?inon,  be 
and  is  hereby  rescinded. 

A  motion  wag  made  by  Mr.  Lee,  that  the  9th 
canon  of  this  church  be  amended,  s.o  that  thck 
said  canon  read  thus  : —  > 

"  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  every  parish  to  send 
to  the  Convention  the  sum  of  thirty,  and  not 
less  than  fi/teen  dollars,  annually^  fpr  theii  ,cpn- 


140 


CONVENTION  OF  1820. 


tingent  expenses  of  the  church  ;  which  money 
shall  be  lodged  with  the  treasurer  of  the  Con- 
vention of  this  church,  and  held  subject  to  their 
order." 

And  the  question  being  put  upon  the  said 
motion,  was  determined  in  the  negative. 

The  Convention  then  suspended  its  session, 
for  the  purpose  of  attending  divine  service  ; 
whereupon  the  service  was  read  at  St.  Paul's 
Church  by  the  Rev.  William  Meade,  and  a  ser- 
mon delivered  by  the  Rev.  Frederick  W.  Hatch ; 
the  service  was  also  read  at  Christ  Church  by 
tlie  Rev.  Enoch  M.  Lowe,  and  a  sermon  de- 
livered by  the  Rev.  John  S.  Ravenscroft. 

The  sitting  of  the  Convention  being  resumed, 
a  motion  was  made  by  Mr.  Hugh  Nelson,  that 
the  following  resolution  be  adopted  : — 

Resolved,  That  the  meeting  of  the  next  Con- 
vention shall  be  at  the  town  of  Charlottesville, 
in  the  county  of  Albemarle. 

And  the  question  being  put  thereupon,  was 
determined  in  the  negative. 

A  motion  was  then  made  by  Mr.  Meade,  that 
the  Convention  agree  to  the  following  resolu- 
tion : — 

Resolved,  That  the  meeting  of  the  n^xt 
Convention  shall  be  in  the  borough  of  Norfolk. 

A  motion  was  thereupon  made  by  the  Rev. 
Benjamin  Allen,  that  the  resolution  so  proposed 
be  amended,  by  striking  therefrom  the  words 
"borough  of  Norfolk,"  and  inserting  in  heu 
thereof,  "  town  of  Staunton,  in  the  county  of 
Augusta." 

Whereupon,  the  question  being  put,  was  de- 
termined in  the  negative. 

The  said  resolution,  that  the  meeting  of  the 
next  Convention  shall  be  in  the  borough  of  Nor- 
folk, being  twice  read,  was,  on  the  question  put 
thereupon,  agreed  to  by  the  Convention. 

And  then  the  Convention  adjourned  until  to- 
morrow morning,  9  o'clock. 

Saturday,  May  13,  1820. 

The  Convention  met  according  to  adjourn- 
ment, and  was  opened  with  prayer  by  the  Rev 
William  H.  Wilmer. 

Mr.  Edmund  J.  Lee,  from  the  committee  to 
which  was  referred  the  preamble  and  resolution 
offered  by  him  on  the  subject  of  the  episcopal 
fund,  reported,  that,  upon  considering  the  same, 
the  said  committee  proposed  the  following  in 
lieu  thereof : — 

The  Convention  of  this  diocess  having  hereto- 
fore expressed  their  opinion  of  the  great  im- 
portance to  the  promotion  of  religion,  among  those 
who  professed  to  belong  to  the  Episcopal  Church, 
it  would  be,  to  release  the  bishop  from  the  duties 
of  the  charge  of  a  particular  congregation,  have 
■called  upon  the  members  of  this  church  to  con- 
tribute towards  raising  a  fund,  the  interest  of 
which  should  be  appropriated  exclusively  to  the 
support  of  the  bishop,  and  thereby  afford  him  am- 
ple opportunities  to  travel  frequently  and  regularly 
through  the  diocess.  While  the  Convention  is 
happy  to  find  that  this  laudable  object  has  not 
been  overlooked,  and  are  pleased  that  a  founda- 
tion has  been  laid  for  raising  the  contemplated 
fund,  they  cannot  let  the  present  session  pass  by 
without  again  calling  on  the  members  of  the 
church  to  aid  in  so  desirable  an  undertaking. 


It  is  therefore  Resolved, 

1.  That  the  vestry  of  each  parish  forthwith 
cause  a  registry  to  be  made  of  the  names  of  all 
persons  who  profess  to  belong  to  the  Episcopal 
Church. 

2.  That  each  person  who  professes  to  belong  to 
the  Episcopal  Church  in  this  diocess,  be  called  on 

to  pay  the  sum  of  one  dollar  annually  for 

years. 

3.  That  the  lay  delegates  attending  the  present 
Convention  do,  with  the  clergymen  of  the  differ- 
ent parishes,  use  their  influence  with  their  re- 
spective vestries  to  have  appointed  in  each  parish 
one  or  more  fit  person  or  persons,  who  shall  wait 
upon  the  different  members  of  the  church,  and 
solicit  of  each  person  the  above  sum  of  one  dollar. 

4.  That  the  money  which  shall  be  received  in 
pursuance  of  the  preceding  resolutions  shall  be 
forthwith  remitted  to  the  chairman  of  the  stand- 
iwg  committee  of  this  diocess. 

5.  That  the  ministers  of  each  parish  do  report, 

on  or  before  the  day  of  next  ,  to  the 

standing  committee,  their  proceedings  under  these 
resolutions. 

The  said  preamble  and  resolutions  being 
twice  read,  the  question  was  put  upon  the  first 
resolution,  and  determined  in  the  negative. 

A  motion  was  then  made  by  the  Rev.  Benja- 
min Allen,  that  the  second  resolution  be  amend- 
ed by  striking  out  the  words,  "  called  on  to  pay 
the  sum  of  one  dollar,"  and  inserting,  in  their 
stead,  the  words,  "  requested  to  contribute  a  sum 
not  less  than  fifty  cents." 

The  said  amendment  being  under  discussion, 
a  motion  was  made  by  Mr.  Wilmer,  that  the 
farther  consideration  of  the  said  preamble  and 
resolutions  be  postponed  until  the  second  day  of 
the  next  Convention  :  and  the  question  being 
put  thereupon,  was  determined  in  the  affirma- 
tive. 

The  Convention  proceeded,  in  conformity 
with  the  tenth  article  of  the  constitution  for  the 
government  of  this  diocess,  to  the  election  of  a 
standing  committee,  by  ballot ;  whereupon  the 
Rev.  William  H.  Wilmer,  the  Rev.  Oliver  Nor- 
ris,  the  Rev.  John  Dunn,  the  Hon.  Bushrod 
Washington,  Edmund  J.  Lee,  and  George  Tay- 
lor, Esqrs.,  were  duly  elected. 

The  Convention  also  proceeded  to  the  elec- 
tion, by  ballot,  of  eight  delegates  to  represent 
this  diocess  in  the  approaching  General  Conven- 
tion ;  whereupon  the  Rev.  William  H.  Wil- 
mer, the  Rev.  John  S.  Ravenscroft,  the  Rev. 
William  Meade,  the  Rev.  George  Lemon,  Will- 
iam Mayo,  Philip  Nelson,  Charles  F.  Mercer, 
and  John  Nelson,  jun.,  Esqrs.,  were  duly  elected. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Meade, 

Resolved,  That  William  H.  Fitzhugh,  Esq., 
be  appointed  a  deputy  to  the  General  Conven- 
tion, in  the  event  of  the  inability  of  Charles  F. 
Mercer,  Esq.,  to  attend  the  said  Convention. 

A  suspension  of  the  sitting  of  this  Conven- 
tion then  took  place,  for  the  purpose  of  attend-     1 
ing  divine  service  ;  when  the  service  was  read     I 
by  the  Rev.  Adam  Empie,   and  a  sermon  de-     ' 
livered  by  the  Rev.  John  S.  Ravenscroft. 

The  session  being  resumed,  the  Rev.  Enoch 
M.  Lowe,  from  the  committee  appointed  to  ex- 
amine the  account  of  the  treasurer  of  the  Com- 
mon Prayer-Book  and  Tract  Society,  presented 


CONVENTION  OF  1820. 


141 


a  report  and  account  thereto  subjoined,  which 
were  read  in  the  following  words  and  figures  : — 

Alexandria,  May  I3th,  1820. 
The  committee  appointed  to  examine  the  ac- 
counts of  the  treasurer  of  the  Prayer-Book  and 
Tract  Society  of  Virginia   have  discharged  that 
duty,  and  find  the  same  to  be  correct. 

Enoch  M.  Lowe,  Chairman. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  said  report 
and  account  be  approved  and  passed  by  the 
Convention. 

Mr.  Wilmer,  from  the  committee  on  the 
state  of  the  church,  presented  the  following 
report : — 

The  committee  on  the  state  of  the  church  beg 
leave  to  recommend  the  adoption  of  the  following 
preamble  and  resolutions  : — 

Whereas  nothmg  is  more  important,  under  the 
blessing  of  God,  than  a  pious  and  well-educated 
ministry,  it  is 

Resolved,  That  this  Convention  will  ardently 
cherish  and  endeavour  to  promote  this  object. 

Resolved,  That  as  the  College  of  William  and 
Mary  will  probably  soon  employ  a  clerical  profes- 
sor m  that  institution,  who  will  take  charge  of 
such  theological  students  as  maybe  committed  to 
his  care ;  as  the  professors  of  the  college  have 
also  made  liberal  offers  of  assistance  to  such  stu- 
dents of  all  denominations,  and  as  an  excellent 
theological  library  belongs  to  the  college,  it  is 

Resolved,  That  the  favour  and  benefit  of  these 
circumstances  are  duly  appreciated,  and  are  wor- 
thy of  the  attention  of  the  members  of  the  church. 

The  said  resolution#  being  twice  read,  were, 
on  questions  severally  put  thereupon,  agreed  to 
by  the  Convention. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Edmund  J.  Lee, 

Resolved,  That  the  several  ministers  of  this 
church  do  continue  to  carry  into  execution  the 
2d  and  3d  resolutions,  passed  by  ihe  Conven- 
tion in  the  year  1818,  on  the  subject  of  the 
episcopal  fund. 

The  Rev.  Oliver  Norris,  from  the  committee 
to  which  the  parochial  reports  were  referred, 
presented  the  following  condensed  report : — 

The  committee  appointed  to  condense  the  parochial 
reports  have  performed  that  duty,  and  beg  leave  to 
make  the  following  report : — 

The  committee  are  informed  by  Bishop  Moore, 
that,  alth9ugh  in  the  Monumental  Church  in  the 
city  of  Richmond  he  does  not  perceive  any  pecu- 
liar religious  excitement,  yet  it  is  with  infinite 
pleasure  he  can  say,  that  the  members  in  full 
communion  preserve  their  good  standing;  and 
that  upon  every  sacramental  occasion  there  is 
some  small  increase  of  members.  The  congrega- 
tion are  regular  in  their  attendance  upon  public 
worship,  and  manifest  a  disposition  to  render  his 
ministry  among  them  happy  and  agreeable.  The 
number  of  communicants  is  about  125  or  130. 

The  church  on  Richmond  Hill.  This  congre- 
gation has  been  almost  crushed  by  the  pressure 
of  the  times  ;  but  through  divine  favour  it  appears 
to  be  again  reviving. 

The  pastor  of  St.  James's  parish,  Mecklenburg, 
has  the  satisfaction  to  report  to  this  Convention, 
that  it  pleases  God  to  continue  his  blessing  with 
his  word,  though  the  increase  is  chiefly  to  be 
found  in  the  upper  congregation  of  the  parish. 
The  number  of  communicants  has  increased  since 


the  last  report,  and  I  would  hope  that,  in  the  esti- 
mation of  those  around  us,  the  church  is  gaining 
ground.  The  number  of  communicants  is  thirty- 
five,  of  which  twenty-six  are  in  the  uj)per  and 
nine  in  the  lower  congregation— two  marriages — 
thirty-six  baptisms,  nineteen  of  them  blacks — 
three  funerals. 

In  obedience  to  the  order  of  the  Convention  of 
1818  he  visited  the  county  of  Brunswick,  and  on 
the  5th  Sunday  in  August  last  preached  at  Red 
Oak  Church,  when  a  collection  was  made  for  the 
benefit  of  the  episcopal  fund  of  twenty -one  dol- 
lars and  forty  cents.  He  also  visited  the  county 
of  Dinwiddle,  and  preached  in  Sappone  Church 
on  the  first  Sunday  in  September,  when  there 
was  collected  for  the  same  fund  the  sum  of  twenty- 
five  dollars  and  eighty  cents.  In  the  month  of 
April  he  preached  in  his  own  parish,  and  collected 
on  the  16th,  at  St.  James's  Church,  thesum  of  thir- 
teen dollars  and  eighty-seven  cents,  and  on  the  23d, 
at  Speed's  Church,  the  sum  of  three  dollars  twelve 
and  a  half  cents ;  the  small  amount  of  these  two 
last  collections  is  to  be  accounted  for  by  the  an- 
nual subscription  of  the  parish  to  this  fund, 
amounting  to  sixty-six  dollars  ;  the  whole  amount 
collected  for  this  fund  is  one  hundred  and  thirty 
dollars  nineteen  and  a  half  cents. 

Beckford  parish,  Shenandoah  county.  This 
parish  is  in  an  infant  state :  they  have  had  no 
Episcopal  minister  among  them  since  the  revo- 
lutionary war,  except  occasional  visits,  and  these 
only  within  the  last  two  or  three  years — the  pres- 
ent minister  has  not  resided  there  long  enough  to 
enable  him  to  say  with  correctness  what  the  pros- 
pect is.  The  parish  includes  the  whole  county  of 
Shenandoah :  the  few  Episcopal  families  residing 
in  it  are  much  scattered,  and  the  people  in  general 
pleased  with  the  doctrines  of  the  church.  Mar- 
riages five — baptisms  two. 

The  chapel  in  the  county  of  Frederick.  The 
attendance  of  the  members  of  this  church  is  reg- 
ular, and  their  deportment  serious — the  services 
of  the  church  are  well  supported  by  the  congre- 
gation, and  it  is  believed  there  is  an  increase  of 
vital  piety — the  interest  of  nine  shares  in  the  Little 
River  Turnpike  is  annually  contributed  to  the 
bishop's  fund,  and  the  shares  themselves  will  be 
given  to  the  iristitution  should  it  be  prosecuted 
with  a  likelihood  of  success :  these  shares  are 
valued  at  one  hundred  dollars  each,  and  yield  an 
interest  of  at  least  six  per  cent.  Twelve  dollars 
per  annum  are  also  subscribed  to  the  same  fund. 

Dumfries  Church,  Dettingen  parish.  Prince 
William  county.  Communicants  thirty-three — 
baptisms  thirty-one — marriages  thirteen — deaths 
four.  A  collection  was  made  in  this  church  for 
the  benefit  of  the  episcopal  fund,  which  amounted 
to  six  dollars  sixty-six  and  a  quarter  cents. 

Aquia  Church,  Overwharton  parish,  StaflTord 
county.  Communicants  twenty-four — baptisms 
twenty — deaths  two.  A  collection  was  made  in 
this  church  for  the  benefit  of  the  episcopal  fund, 
which  amounted  to  five  dollars  and  forty-five 
cents. 

St.  James's  Church,  Leesburg,  Shelbume  par- 
ish. Baptisms  nine.  An  accession  of  two  per- 
sons to  the  number  of  communicants  has  taken 
place  within  the  year ;  one  of  them  is  a  person  of 
colour.  The  present  number  of  communicants 
forty-five— marriages  seven.  Divine  service  is 
regularly  attended  in  this  church.  Thirty  dollars 
have  been  collected  for  the  episcopal  fund. 

Hamilton  parish.  Of  the  congregations  of  this 
parish,  those  of  Warrenton  and  Liberty,  meetings 
continue  numerous  and  attentive  ;  while  that  of 
Cool  Spring  is  still  but  a  small  one.  The  com- 
municants are  increasing  in  numbers,  and  many 


k 


142 


CONVENTION  OF  1820. 


of  them  give  most  satisfactory  evidence  of  growth 
in  spirituality  and  heavenly-njindedneSS.  It  is 
confidently  hoped  that  the  cause  of  rehgion  in 
general,  of  6ur  church  tn  particular,  is  advancing 
in  the  reverence  and  aflfections  of  the  people. 

The  congregation  of  the  church  m  Winchester, 
the  parish  of  Frederick,  is  more  numerous,  se- 
rious, and  devout  than  formerly.  Communicants 
between  thirty  and  forty— catechumens  thirty- 
baptisms  eleven— funerals  three — marriages  two. 
A  Sunday  School  has  been  lately  instituted,  and 
promisies,  under  divine  blessing,  to  be  productive 
of  the  most  salutary  consequences. 

St.  Mark's  parish,  Culpepper.  Communicants 
forty-seven,  two  having  died,  and  four  being  added 
since  the  last  Convention — marriages  seven — bap- 
tisms twenty,  one  of  which  was  an  adult — fune- 
rals twelve. 

Dettingen  and  Leeds  parish.  Baptisms  twenty^ 
one — commuhicants  thirty,  four  having  removed. 
In  this  parish  there  has  been  an  increase  of  com- 
municants, and  a  greater  attention  to  the  ordi- 
nances of  the  gospel.  Prayer-books  increase,  and 
some  of  the  congregation  ha'Ve  become  more  en- 
gaged for  redemption  through  the  blood  of  Christ. 

The  church  in  Fredericskburg  still  enjoys  the 
gracious  presence  and  agency  of  God  the  Holy 
Ghost,  restoring  fallen  man  to  happiness  and  God. 
Communicants  one  hundred — baptisms  thirty - 
three — funerals  fifteen — marriages  fifteen. 

Christ  Church,  Norborne  parish,  Berkeley  coun- 
ty— communicants  fifty — baptisms  nine,  of  which 
two  were  adults,  and  seven  infants — marriages  four 
— funerals  two.  The  Sunday  School  established 
last  year  is  still  progressing  in  usefulness. 

Wickliffe  Church,  Frederick  county.  Commu- 
nicants six — baptisms  four — one  funeral. 

In  Norborne  parish  there  are,  communicants  one 
hundred  and  one — catechumens  forty-five — mar- 
riages six — baptisms  twenty-four — funerals  six- 
teen. 

Of  the  above  number  of  communicants,  twentj*^- 
four  have  been  added  since  the  last  Convention ; 
several  are  now  in  preparation  for  this  holy  ordi- 
nance. The  prospects  of  the  church  in  this  par- 
ish are  flattering  in  the  highest  degree.  The  peo- 
ple are  spiritual  and  devotional,  and  manifest  a 
growing  attachment  to  the  principles  and  the  lit- 
urgy of  their  church. 

St.  Martin's  parish,  Hanover.  There  is  no 
material  alteration  in  the  state  of  the  churches 
since  the  last  report,  except  that  the  congregation 
of  the  Fork  Church  is  increased.  There  are 
hopes  that  the  good  leaven  of  divine  truth  will,  in 
the  end,  produce  the  conversion  of  sinners  to  God. 
The  Sunday  School  is  kept  up  better  on  the  part 
of  the  teachers  than  in  the  regular  attendance  of 
the  scholars.  Communicants  forty -one — baptisms 
five — marriages  four — one  death. 

South  Farnham  parish,  Essex,  and  Washington 

f)arish,  Westmoreland,  have  been  without  a  regu- 
ar  ministry  for  thirty  years.  The  people  in  gen- 
eral manifest  a  sincere  desire  to  receive  the  gos- 
pel, and  considerable  exertions  are  making  to  re- 
suscitate the  churches.  Baptisms  fifteen — mar- 
riages eight — funerals  four — Sunday  Schools  three 
— scholars  one  hundred  and  eighty.  The  number 
of  communicants  cannot  be  ascertained,  as  the 
ordinance  has  not  been  administered. 

The  church  in  Augusta  parish  has  been  reor- 
ganized, and  enjoys  the  ordinances  of  the  gospel. 
The  members  oi  the  church  in  this  parish  are  but 
few  in  number. 

The  parish  in  Nelson  county  is  sometimes  vis- 
ited by  the  minister  of  Augusta  parish,  who  thinks 
a  minister  might  be  supported  who  would  under- 
take the  keeping  of  a  school. 


At  Harrisonburg,  in  Rockingham,  there  is  a 
pleasing  prospect  of  much  good  being  done. 

Communicants  in  Augusta  parish  about  twelve 
—  marriages  six — baptisms  twenty-six — one  fii- 
neral. 

According  to  a  Report  prepared  by  the  Rev.  James 
tV.  Eastbum,  and  which  was  to  have  been  commu- 
nicated at  the  last  Convention,  the  following  is  the 
6tate  of  the  church  in  St.  George's  parish,  Acco- 
mack county. 

The  parish  having  been  vacant  for  several  years^,' 
no  regular  ordinances  have  been  administered 
until  the  10th  of  January,  1819.  The  Churches 
are  now  repairing,  and  a  general  spjirit  of  reli- 
gious attention  seems  to  be  Excited.  The  number 
of  communicants  is  uncertain,  as  the  Lord's  Sup- 
per has  not  yet  been  administered. 

The  Rev.  James  W.  Eastbum  continued  in  the 
parish  but  a  little  more  than  six  months,  during 
which  there  were  thirty-six  baptisms,  of  which 
one  was  a  white  adult,  and  twenty-three  coloured 
children — one  marriage— funerals  three. 

Before  the  departure  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Eastbum, 
the  repairs  of  the  churches  had  considerably  pro- 
gressed. There  are  four  Sunday  Schools  under 
the  patronage  of  the  Union  Society — four  com- 
municants have  been  added  to  the  church. 

St.  George's  parish,  Accomack.  Rev.  Benja- 
min Smith  rector,  since  November  15,  1819. 
Baptisms  seven — marriages  two — funerals  five — 
communicants  fifty-six,  as  near  as  can  be  ascer- 
tained ;  five  have  been  added  since  November. 
Sunday  School  scholars  four  hundred. 

Parish  of  St.  Andrew's.  There  has  been  an 
increase  of  communicants  ;  sixty  of  those  formerly 
registered  in  this  parish  have  been  formed  into  a 
church  in  Maryland.  The  present  number  of 
communicants  is  one  hundred  and  fifty — baptisms 
seventy-five — marriages  nine — burials  nine.  The 
church  in  Shepherdstown  has  been  increased  in 
capacity.  Contribution  to  episcopal  fund  fifty 
dollars. 

The  congregation  of  St.  Pavil's  Church,  Alex- 
andria, is  rather  increasing  in  numbers,  and,  therfe 
is  reason  to  hope,  in  piety,  and  in  attachment  to 
the  principles  of  the  church.  There  is  a  Sunday 
School  belonging  to  this  church  of  one  hundred 
and  twenty  persons,  who  are  regularly  catechised 
and  instructed  in  the  principles  of  religion.  The 
number  of  communicants  about  one  hundred  and 
ten — of  baptisms  fifty-three— of  funerals  twenty. 

The  church  in  Charlottesville  is  not  yet  organ- 
ized, but  the  present  appearance  is  extremely  flat- 
tering to  its  pastor. 

The  congregation  of  Christ  Church,  Alexan- 
dria, are  regular  and  devout  in  their  attendance  on 
public  worship.  The  number  of  communicants 
has  increased  since  the  last  report,  and  it  is  be- 
lieved that  the  whole  number  amounts  to  upwards 
of  one  hundred.  There  is  a  Sunday  School  at- 
tached to  this  church,  which  promises  to  prove  a 
blessing.  This  congregation  have  contributed 
their  usual  quota  of  one  hundred  dollars  to  the 
episcopal  fund. 

Agreeably  to  the  resolution  of  the  Convention 
in  the  year  1818,  the  rector  of  this  church  notified, 
in  October  last,  the  different  parishes  in  the  coun- 
ties of  Westmoreland,  Northumberland,  Lancas- 
ter, and  Richmond,  of  his  intention  to  preach  and 
administer  the  sacraments  of  the  church  in  that 
destitute  part  of  our  Zion,  and  to  make  collections 
for  the  episcopal  fund ;  but,  in  consequence  of 
sickness,  he  was  deprived  the  pleasure  of  per- 
forming this  service.  However,  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Wilmer  kindly  supplied  his  place,  and  the  sum 
of  twenty  dollars  has  since  been  received  from 


€0NVENTI0N  OF  1820. 


143 


Mrs.  Sarah  Washington,  of.Westmoreland  county, 
for  the  episcopal  fund. 

Oliver  Norkis,  Chairman. 

iThe  said  report  being  read,  was  approved. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Edmund  J.  Lee, 

Resolved,  That  the  treasurer  be  directed  to 
pay  into  the  hands  of  the  standing  committee 
the  sum  of  five  hundred  dollars,  to  be  by  them 
vested  in  some  safe  stock,  for  the  increase  of 
the  fund  for  the  support  of  the  episcopate. 

Mr.  Edmund  J.  Lee  laid  before  the  Conven- 
tion an  account  of  the  receipts  and  investments 
of  the  episcopal  fund,  by  the  wardens  of  Christ 
Church,  Alexandria. 

The  said  account  being  read,  was  approved 
by  the  Convention. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Wilmer, 

Resolved,  That  the  deputies  to  the  General 
Convention  be  instructed  to  act  in  conformity 
with  the  resolution  of  the  last  Convention  of 
this  diocess,  disapproving  of  the  amendment 
proposed  to  the  second  article  of  the  constitu- 
tion of  this  church. 

The  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Moore  delivered  his 
pastoral  address  on  the  state  of  the  church, 
which  being  heard. 

Resolved,  unanimously.  That  the  thanks  of 
this  Convention  be  presented  to  the  Right  Rev. 
Richard  Channing  Moore,  D.  D.,  for  his  affec- 
tionate and  impressive  pastoral  address,  and  that 
he  be  requested  to  furnish  a  copy  thereof  for 
insertion  in  the  journal. 

The  said  address  is  as  follows  : — 
'  Brethren, — Every  Convention,  as  it  pre- 
sents itself  to  view,  affords  us  the  greatest  en- 
couragement. The  information  we  receive 
from  the  different  sections  of  the  diocess  is  cal- 
culated to  inspire  our  minds  with  hope,  and  to 
stimulate  us  to  renewed  and  increased  exertion. 
The  parishes  which  have  been  filled  continue  to 
prosper  ;  and  many  parts  of  our  Zion,  which  for 
years  have  been  buried  in  ruin,  are  calling  for 
help  and  entreating  our  assistance. 

When  I  first  entered  upon  the  discharge  of 
my  important  duties,  I  felt  an  apprehension  that 
the  efforts  which  were  made  by  the  friends  of 
the  church  were  too  vigorous  to  continue,  and 
that  after  the  lapse  of  a  few  years,  unless  the 
most  marked  success  should  crown  our  labours, 
those  efforts  would  be  succeeded  by  a  state  of 
languor  and  despair.  The  undertaking  in  which 
we  had  engaged  formed  an  object  of  such  mag- 
nitude as  to  excite  my  fears  ;  the  difficulties 
with  which  we  had  to  struggle  were  sufficient 
to  appal  the  stoutest  heart,  and  to  excite  trem- 
blings in  the  firmest  mind.  To  have  beheld 
our  dilapidated  churches  without  alarm,  was 
impossible  ;  to  have  reflected  upon  the  scattered 
flocks  which  once  filled  their  courts,  without 
labouring  under  an  apprehension  that  they  might 
never  again  be  collected,  would  have  evinced  a 
temper  arrogant  and  presumptuous.  Sensible 
of  the  prejudices  which  existed  against  the 
church,  and  frequently  wounded  by  the  observa- 
tions which  were  made  in  my  presence,  my 
bosom  was  alive  to  the  embarrassments  which 
surrounded  us,  and  I  trembled  for  the  Ark  of 
God.     The  night  of  our  affliction  has,  however, 


been  succeeded  by  a  glorious  day  ;  the  prayers 
of  the  pious  have  ascended  to  Heaven,  and  pro- 
cured for  us  the  blessing  of  God,  and  the  Al- 
mighty hath  hfted  upon  us  the  light  of  his 
countenance. 

The  success  which  has  attended  the  labours 
of  the  clergy,  and  the  warm  and  animated  in- 
terest which  the  laity  have  taken  in  the  restora- 
tion of  the  church,  prove  to  a  demonstration 
that  the  work  is  God's,  and  that  the  set  time 
for  the  Lord ,  to  have  mercy  upon  Zion  has 
come.  Yes,  brethren,  the  machine  has  been 
set  in  motion  by  an  omnipotent  arm ;  it  is  di- 
vine grace  which  in  the  first  instance  directed 
our  attention  to  the  hallowed  object,  and  it  is 
divine  grace  which  hath  influenced  us  to  per- 
severe in  the  important  work.  Had  we  not 
been  actuated  by  principles  such  as  Heaven 
could  indulgently  approve,  and  had  we  not  been 
sustained  by  His  grace,  we  must  have  fainted 
by  the  way.  It  is  to  Jehovah  that  we  are  in- 
debted for  the  success  with  which  we  have  been 
favoured.  *'  Not  unto  us,  O  !  Lord,  not  unto 
us,  but  unto  thy  name,  be  the  praise,  for  thy 
honour  and  for  thy  truth's  sake." 

The  same  means  which  have  been  so  sig- 
nally blessed  will,  if  persevered  in,  produce 
still  greater  effects.  While  the  ministers  of  the 
altar  continue  to  preach  the  gospel,  and  to  live 
agreeably  to  its  precepts,  they  may  rest  satisfied 
that  the  Almighty  will  own  their  labours.  "  Lo, 
I  am  with  you  always,"  is  the  Redeemer's 
promise  to  the  faithful  heralds  of  the  cross. 
Let  us,  my  reverend  brethren,  be  determined  to 
"  take  heed  to  ourselves  and  to  our  doctrine  ;'* 
to  "  make  full  proof  of  our  ministry ;"  to  pro- 
claim the  Lord  Jesus  as  *'  the  way,  and  the 
truth,  and  the  life ;"  to  adorn  the  gospel  of 
God  our  Saviour  in  all  things  ;  to  "follow 
peace  with  all  men,  and  holiness,  without  which 
no  man  shall  see  the  Lord." 

Gentlemen  of  the  laity, — Great  is  the  happi- 
ness which  arises  in  my  mind,  from  that  union 
of  affection  which  has  always  subsisted  between 
the  clergy  and  yourselves.  To  see  so  many  in- 
dividuals returning,  year  after  year,  to  assist  in 
the  councils  of  the  church,  is  a  proof  that  we 
live  in  love  and  in  peace,  and  that  the  God  of 
love  and  peace  is  with  us.  I  owe  you  a  debt 
of  gratitude  for  your  indulgent  reception  of  my 
labours  which  I  shall  never  be  able  to  repay. 
Fidelity  in  the  discharge  of  my  public  duties ; 
a  wish  to  promote,  by  every  honourable  and 
legitimate  effort,  the  interest  of  the  church  you 
have  so  much  at  heart ;  and  my  constant  prayer 
to  God  for  the  happiness  of  the  flock  over 
which  the  Holy  Ghost  hath  made  me  overseer, 
form  the  only  return  which  it  is  in  my  power  to 
render  you  for  your  kindness. 

Since  the  last  Convention  I  have  visited  the 
city  of  Williamsburg,  preached  and  administered 
the  sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper  in  the 
church,  and  lectured  in  the  houses  of  two  of  the 
most  respectable  families  in  the  place.  I  have 
also  preached  in  St.  Peter's  Church,  New  Kent, 
upon  two  different  occasions — once  in  July,  and 
again  in  the  last  month.  In  August  I  visited 
Petersburg,  and  preached  to  an  overflowing  and 


144 


CONVENTION  OF  1821. 


deeply  penetrated  congregation.  I  also  visited 
Hanover  the  last  summer,  preached  in  all  the 
churches  in  that  parish,  and  administered  the 
Lord's  Supper  at  the  house  of  Mr.  Francis  Nel- 
son. My  visit  to  that  county  was  repeated  in 
December  last,  at  which  time  I  administered 
the  Lord's  Supper  in  the  Fork  Church,  and  ad- 
mitted the  Rev.  Mr.  Wydown  to  the  holy  order 
of  the  priesthood.  I  have  visited  and  preached 
in  the  county  of  Amelia,  in  which  section  of  the 
diocess  there  are  a  considerable  number  of  the 
most  respectable  families  sincerely  attached  to 
the  church,  and  who  are  disposed  to  make  the 
most  vigorous  efforts  in  favour  of  her  interests. 
I  have  also  been  in  Chesterfield,  and  preached 
in  the  church  at  Falling  Creek.  Goochland 
has  been  attended  to,  and  in  the  courthouse  I 
officiated  to  a  large  and  attentive  congregation. 
In  October  last  I  preached  to  a  crowded  audi- 
tory at  Orange  courthouse,  and  administered 
the  Lord's  Supper  at  the  house  of  Mr.  Madison, 
the  late  President  of  the  United  States,  to  his 
venerable  and  pious  mother.  I  visited  Albe- 
marle also,  preached  in  Walker's  church,  and  at 
the  courthouse  in  Charlottesville,  to  large  and 
respectable  assemblies.  In  November  I  visited 
Norfolk,  preached  several  times  in  the  church, 
and  administered  the  Lord's  Supper.  I  also 
lectured  at  the  houses  of  the  venerable  Mr. 
Reed  and  of  Mr.  John  Southgate.  I  then 
crossed  the  bay,  and  visited  the  counties  of 
Northampton  and  Accomack.  In  Northampton 
I  preached  in  the  courthouse,  the  lower  and 
upper  chapels,  and  lectured  at  the  house  of  Dr. 
Parker.  In  Accomack  I  preached  and  admin- 
istered the  Lord's  Supper  in  the  parish  church, 
lectured  in  Drummondtown,  and  also  in  Acco- 
mack. The  last  month  I  repeated  my  visit  to 
Norfolk,  preached  twice,  and  administered  the 
Lord's  Supper  in  the  church.  I  have  admitted 
to  the  order  of  deacons,  since  the  last  Conven- 
tion, the  Rev.  Mr.  Aisquith,  Rev.  Mr.  Reynolds, 


Rev.  Mr.  Norman  Nash  ;  and  to  the  priesthood 
the  Rev.  Samuel  Wydown. 

As  your  regard  for  the  interests  of  the 
church  must  render  you  alive  to  her  prosperity 
in  every  section  of  the  country,  I  consider  it 
not  irrelevant  to  state  to  you  that  I  have  at- 
tended the  Convention  in  North  Carolina,  and 
that  the  church  in  that  diocess  holds  up  to 
your  view  the  most  encouraging  prospects.  In 
Edenton,  at  which  place  the  Convention  con- 
vened, our  sittings  were  attended  by  great  num- 
bers of  people,  some  of  whom  had  come  from  a 
distance  of  near  fifty  miles  to  witness  our  pro- 
ceedings and  attend  upon  our  ministry.  In  that 
place  I  ordained  two  deacons,  and  admitted  one 
gentleman  to  the  priesthood.  In  that  diocess, 
so  late  as  the  year  1817,  there  was  not  a  single 
clergyman :  they  are  now  blessed  with  the  la- 
bours of  seven  faithful  men,  and  in  the  course 
of  another  year  several  candidates,  who  are 
now  preparing  for  holy  orders,  will  be  admitted 
to  the  ministry  of  the  word. 

Wishing  you  an  agreeable  interview  with 
your  families,  I  bid  you  an  affectionate  adieu. 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  Benjamin  Allen, 

Resolved,  That  750  copies  of  the  Journal  of 
this  Convention  be  printed,  and  distributed 
among  the  parishes  by  the  secretary,  under  the 
superintendence  of  the  bishop. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Wilmer, 

Resolved,  That  the  thanks  of  this  Conven- 
tion be  presented  to  the  secretary  for  his  ser- 
vices, and  that  the  expenses  incurred  by  him 
in  travelling  and  attendance  be  defrayed  by  the 
church. 

The  Convention,  having  finished  the  business 
before  it,  adjourned,  to  meet  again  at  Norfolk, 
on  the  third  Tuesday  in  May  next. 

Richard  Channing  Moore, 
Bishop  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  of  Virginia. 

Attest,        William  Munford,  Secretary. 


Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of  a  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  of  Virginia,  which 
assembled  at  Norfolk,  on  Thursday,  the  17th  of  May,  1821. 


At  a  meeting  of  a  Convention  of  clerical  and 
lay  deputies  from  parishes  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church  in  the  Diocess  of  Virginia, 
assembled  at  Norfolk,  on  Thursday,  the  17th 
day  of  May,  1821, 

The  Right  Rev.  Richard  C.  Moore,  D,  D., 
bishop  of  the  diocess  (after  divine  service  by  the 
Rev.  John  S.  Ravenscroft),  delivered  a  sermon 
appropriate  to  the  occasion,  and  then  took  the 
chair  as  president  of  the  Convention. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Philip  Nelson  and  Mr. 
Robert  Randolph  be  appointed  a  committee 
to  examine  the  certificates  of  appointment  of 
the  lay  deputies,  and  report  thereupon  immedi- 
ately. 

The  said  committee  accordingly  examined,  at 
the  secretary's  table,  such  certificates  as  were 
produced,  and  reported  to  the  Convention  that 
the  following  gentlemen  were  duly  appointed  in 
conformity  wiSx  the  canons  for  the  government 


of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  whereupon 
they  appeared  and  took  their  seats,  viz.  : — 

E.  J.  Lee,  for  Christ  Church,  in  Fairfax  parish, 
Alexandria  ;  William  Sharp,  for  Christ  Church, 
Norfolk  ;  William  S.  Stone,  for  Fredericksburg  ; 
Richard  Taylor,  for  Truro  parish,  Fairfax  coun- 
ty ;  Philip  Nelson  and  Francis  G.  Taylor,  for 
Frederick  parish  ;  John  Hoof,  for  St.  Paul's 
Church,  Alexandria  ;  Albert  Allmand,  for  Hen- 
rico Church ;  James  W.  Parker,  for  St.  George's 
parish,  Accomack ;  Francis  Nelson,  for  St. 
Martin's  parish,  Hanover  ;  John  Nelson,  for  St. 
James's  parish,  Mecklenburg  ;  Jacob  Parker,  for 
Hungar's  parish,  Northampton  ;  Edward  Val- 
entine, for  Augusta  parish,  Staunton  ;  Robert 
P.  Waring,  for  St.  Anne's  parish,  Essex  ;  Moses 
B.  Chase  and  Arthur  Emerson,  for  Portsmouth 
parish,  Norfolk  county  ;  Warner  Lewis,  for 
Southampton  parish,  Essex  ;  Abraham  Shep- 
herd, for  St.  A^ndrew's  parish,  Jefferson  ;  John 


CONVENTION  OF  1821. 


145 


Grammer,  for  Bristol  parish,  Petersburg ;  Robert 
Randolph,  for  Hamilton  parish,  Fauquier  ;  Will- 
iam Mayo,  for  the  Monumental  Church  in  the 
city  of  Richmond. 

The  following  clerical  deputies  also^ appeared 
and  took  their  seats,  viz.  : — 

The  Rev.  Oliver  Norris,  for  Christ  Church, 
in  Fairfax  parish,  Alexandria  ;  the  Rev.  Enoch 
M.  Lowe,  for  Christ  Church,  Norfolk  ;  the  Rev. 
Edward  C.  M'Guire,  for  Fredericksburg  ;  the 
Rev.  William  Meade,  for  Frederick  parish ; 
the  Rev.  William  H,  Wilmer,  for  St.  Paul's 
Church,  Alexandria  ;  the  Rev.  William  H.  Hart, 
for  Henrico  Church ;  the  Rev.  Benjamin  B. 
Smith,  for  St.  George's  parish,  Accomack 
county ;  the  Rev.  Samuel  Wydown,  for  St. 
Martin's  parish,  Hanover  ;  the  Rev.  John  S. 
Ravenscroft,  for  St.  James's  parish,  Mecklen- 
burg ;  the  Rev.  Simon  Wilmer,  for  Hungar's 
parish,  Northampton  ;  the  Rev.  Benjamin  Allen, 
for  St.  Andrew's  parish,  Jefferson ;  the  Rev 
Andrew  Syme,  for  Bristol  parish,  Petersburg ; 
the  Rev.  Edward  R.  Lippit,  for  Norborne  parish, 
Berkeley ;  the  Rev.  Reuel  Keith,  for  13raton 
parish,  Williamsburg. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Lowe,  seconded  by  Mr. 
Syme, 

Resolved,  That  the  Rev.  George  Halson,  of 
Norfolk  county,  be  admitted  to  an  honorary  seat 
in  this  Convention. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Edmund  J.  Lee,  the  rules 
of  order  adopted  by  the  last  Convention  were 
read  by  the  secretary,  and  adopted  for  the  gov- 
ernment of  the  proceedings  of  this  Convention, 
viz.  : — 

1.  The  business  of  every  day  shall  be  intro- 
duced with  the  morning  service  of  the  church. 

2.  When  the  president  takes  the  chair,  no 
member  shall  continue  standing,  or  shall  after- 
ward stand  up,  unless  to  address  the  chair. 

3.  No  member  shall  absent  himself  from  the 
service  of  the  house  unless  he  have  leave,  or 
be  unable  to  attend. 

4.  When  any  member  is  about  to  speak  in 
debate,  or  deliver  any  matter  to  the  house,  he 
shall,  with  due  respect,  address  himself  to  the 
president,  confining  himself  strictly  to  the  point 
in  debate. 

5.  No  member  shall  speak  more  than  twice 
in  the  same  debate,  without  leave  of  the  house. 

6.  A  question  being  once  determined,  shall 
stand  as  the  judgment  of  the  house,  and  shall 
not  be  again  drawn  into  debate  during  the  same 
session,  unless  with  the  consent  of  two  thirds 
of  the  house. 

7.  While  the~  president  is  putting  any  ques- 
tion, the  members  shall  continue  in  their  seats, 
and  shall  not  hold  any  private  discourse. 

8.  Every  member  who  shall  be  in  the  house 
when  any  question  is  put,  shall,  on  a  division, 
be  counted,  unless  he  be  personally  interested 
in  the  decision. 

9.  No  motion  shall  be  considered  as  before 
the  house  unless  it  be  seconded,  and,  when  re- 
quired, reduced  to  writing.   . 

10.  When  any  question  is  before  the  house,  it 
shall  be  determined  on  before  any  new  thing  is 
introduced,  except  the  question  of  adjournment. 

K 


11.  The  question  on  a  motion  of  adjourn- 
ment shall  be  taken  before  any  other^  and  with- 
out debate. 

12.  When  the  house  is  about  to  rise,  every 
member  shall  keep  his  seat  until  the  president 
shall  leave  his  chair. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Lee, 

Resolved,  That  the  resolutions  relating  to 
the  fund  for  the  episcopate,  which  were  by  the 
last  Convention  postponed  for  farther  considera- 
tion, be  referred  to  a  select  committee  to  report 
thereupon. 

And  a  committee  was  appointed  of  Mr.  Lee, 
Mr.  Philip  Nelson,  Mr.  Robert  Randolph,  Mr. 
Abraham  Shepherd,  and  Mr.  William  Mayo. 

Ordered,  That  a  committee  be  appointed  to 
examine  the  treasurer's  accounts,  consisting  of 
Mr.  John  Nelson,  Mr.  Philip  Nelson,  Mr.  John 
Grammer,  and  Mr.  John  Hoof. 

Ordered,  That  a  committee  to  examine  the 
state  of  the  church  in  this  diocess  be  appointed, 
of  the  Rev.  William  H.  Wilmer,  John  S.  Ra- 
venscroft, Oliver  Norris,  and  William  Meade, 
Mr.  William  Sharp,  Mr.  William  Stone,  Mr. 
Francis  Nelson,  and  Mr.  Francis  G.  Taylor. 

Ordered,  That  a  committee  to  examine  the 
accounts  of  the  treasurer  of  the  Common  Prayer- 
Book  and  Tract  Society  be  appointed,  of  the 
Rev.  Edward  C.  M'Guire,  Benjamin  Allen,  and 
Mr.  Jacob  Parker. 

Ordered,  That  a  committee  to  examine  the 
accounts  of  the  treasurer  of  the  Widows'  Fund 
be  appointed,  of  the  Rev.  Simon  Wilmer,  John 
S.  Ravenscroft,  and  Mr.  Richard  Taylor. 

Ordered,  That  a  committee  to  examine  the 
parochial  reports  be  appointed,  of  the  Rev. 
Enoch  M.  Lowe,  Andrew  Syme,  Reuel  Keith, 
William  H.  Hart,  Benjamin  B.  Smith,  and  Ed- 
ward R.  Lippit. 

Mr.  Lee  laid  before  the  Convention  a  resolu- 
tion of  the  vestry  of  Christ  Chtirch,  Fairfax 
parish,  Alexandria,  on  the  subject  of  the  fund 
for  support  of  the  episcopate  ;  which  resolution 
being  read,  was  ordered  to  be  referred  to  the 
select  committee  this  day  appointed. 

Mr.  Lowe  announced,  that  the  members  of 
the  Presbyterian  and  Baptist  congregations,  in 
the  borough  of  Norfolk,  had  voluntarily,  and  in 
a  very  friendly  and  affectionate  manner,  offered 
their  churches  in  the  said  borough  to  this  Con- 
vention, for  the  purpose  of  performing  divine 
service  therein  during  the  session  thereof ; 
whereupon. 

Resolved,  unanimously,  That  the  thanks  of 
the  Convention  be  presented  to  their  said  Chris- 
tian brethren  for  the  kindness  thus  manifested, 
and  that  their  said  offer  be  gratefully  accepted. 
And  then  the  Convention  adjourned  until  to- 
morrow morning,  9  o'clock. 

Friday,  May  18th,  1821. 

The  Convention  met  according  to  adjourn- 
ment, and  was  opened  with  prayer  by  the  Rev. 
William  H.  Wilmer.  ; 

The  following  gentlemen  produced  certificates 
of  appointment  as  lay  deputies,  which,  being 
read  by  the  secretary,  were  approved,  in  con- 
formity with  the  canons  ;  whereupon  they  took 


U6 


CONVENTION  OF  1821. 


their  seats  as  members  of  the  Convention ; 
viz.  : —  - 

Thomas  Smith,  for  Ware  parish,  Gloucester 
county  ;  Christopher  Tompkins,  for  Kingston 
parish,  Matthews  ;  Burwell  Bassett,  for  Bruton 
parish,  Wilhamsburg  ;  and  James  Chowning,  for 
Christ  Church,  Middlesex ;  the  Rev.  John  H. 
"Wingfield,  a  clerical  deputy  from  Antrim  parish, 
Halifax  county,  also  appeared  and  took  his  seat. 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  Simon  Wilmer,  sec- 
onded by  the  Rev.  Enoch  M.  Lowe, 

Resolved,  unanimously,  That  the  thanks  of 
this  Convention  biB  presented  to  the  bishop  for 
his  impressive  and  appropriate  discourse,  de- 
livered before  this  body  at  the  opening  of  the 
Convention. 

Mr.  John  Nelson,  from  the  committee  for 
examining  the  treasurer's  accounts,  presented 
a  report  and  statement,  which  were  read,  in  the 
followhig  words  and  figures,  viz. : — 

Norfolk,  May  18,  1821. 
We,  the  undersigned  committee  appointed  to 
examine  the  treasurer's  account,  report,  That 
we  have  discharged  that  duty,  and  find  the  ac- 
counts fair  and  correct ;  and  that  the  balance 
in  the  treasurer's  hands,  at  the  meeting  of  the 
present  Convention,  is  $161  24;  all  which  will 
appear  by  the  accompanying  account  and  docu- 
ments, which  are  respectfully  submitted,  by 
John  Nelson,  jun.,    John  Hoof, 
Philip  Nelson,  J.  Grammer. 

Mr.  Edmund  J.  Lee,  from  the  select  com- 
mittee on  the  subject  of  the  fund  for  the  support 
of  the  episcopate,  presented  a  report,  which  was 
read,  as  follows  : — 

The  committee  to  whom  were  referred  the  res- 
olutions upon  the  subject  of  the  permanent  fund 
for  the  support  of  the  episcopate,  have,  according 
to  order,  had  the  same  under  consideration,  and 
have  agreed  upcm  th«  following  resolutions,  which 
they  beg  leave  to  report. 

1.  Resolved,  That  the  vestry  of  each  congrega- 
tion in  the  respective  parishes  of  this  diocess,  do 
take  immediate  steps  to  ascertain  the  number  of 
adult  persons  in  their  parishes  who  profess  to  be- 
long to  the  Episcopal  Church. 

2.  That  the  vestries  cause  each  adult  person, 
professing  themselves  to  belong  to  the  church,  to 
be  called  on,  and  requested  each  to  pay  the  sum 
of dollars,  to  be  applied  to  the  said  fund. 

3.  That  the  money  which  shall  be  received  by 
the  vestries  in  pursuance  of  the  preceding  resolu- 
tions be  forthwith  remitted  to  the  president  of  the 
standing  committee  of  the  church,  for  that  com- 
mittee to  invest  it  as  heretofore  directed. 

4.  That  on  or  before  the  first  day  of  January 
next,  Eind  from  time  to  time  thereafter,  reports  be 
made  to  the  standing  committee,  of  the  proceed- 
ings under  these  resolutions. 

5.  That  an  appropriate  address  from  the  Con- 
vention on  this  subject  be  adopted  and  circulated, 
with  the  preceding  resolutions,  among  the  mem- 
bers of  the  church. 

6.  Resolved,  That  copies  of  these  res- 
olutions  and  of  the  address  be  printed  ;  and  that 

copies  be  transmitted,  as  soon  as  practi- 
cable, to  each  of  the  clergymen  of  the  church,  and 
to  each  of  the  lay  delegates  attending  this  Con- 
vention, all  of  whom  are  earnestly  solicited  to  use 
their  utmost  exertions  to  effect  the  object  of  the 
said  resolutions. 


On  motion  of  Mr.  Lee, 

Ordered,  That  the  said  resolutions  and  ad- 
dress be  laid  upon  the  table. 

A  suspension  of  the  sitting  of  the  Convention 
then  took  place,  for  the  purpose  of  attending 
divine  service  ;  whereupon  the  service  was  read 
by  the  Rev.  Oliver  Norris,  and  a  sermon  de- 
livered by  the  Rev.  William  Meade. 

The  session  being  resumed,  the  resolutions 
on  the  subject  of  the  fund  foi:  the  support  of  the 
episcopate,  were,  on  motion  of  the  Rev.  Wm, 
H.  Wilmer,  referred  to  a  committee  of  the  whole 
house  :  whereupon  the  Convention  resolved  it- 
self into  a  committee  accordingly,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  considering  the  said  resolutions,  Mr. 
Bassett  in  the  chair  ;  and,  after  some  time,  the 
bishop  having  resumed  the  chair,  Mr.  Bassett 
reported.  That  the  committee  of  the  whole  house 
had,  according  to  order,  had  under  consideration 
the  resolutions  to  them  referred,  and  agreed  to 
the  five  first  resolutions,  but  disagreed  to  the 
last. 

On  motion.  Ordered,  That  the  consideration 
thereof  by  the  house  be  postponed  until  to- 
morrow. 

And  then  the  Convention  adjourned  until  to- 
morrow morning,  9  o'clock. 

Saturday,  May  19,  1821. 

The  Convention  met  according  to  adjourn- 
ment, and  was  opened  with  prayer. 

The  Rev.  John  Reynolds,  a  clerical  dejjuty 
from  the  parish  of  St.  Anne's,  in  the  county  of 
Essex,  attended,  and  took  his  seat  in  the  Con- 
vention. 

The  Rev.  John  S.  Ravenscroft,  from  the  com- 
mittee appointed  to  examine  the  accounts  of  the 
treasurer  of  the  Widows'  Fund,  presented  a  re- 
port, which  was  read,  as  follows : — 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  state 
of  the  Widows'  Fund  beg  leave  to  observe,  that, 
owing  to  the  absence  of  the  papers  and  accounts, 
they  can  present  no  statement  of  the  actual  amount 
of  the  fund,  or  of  the  manner  in  which  its  proceeds 
are  now  applied.  They  believe,  however,  that  it 
remains,  as  to  the  principal,  as  reported  by  the 
committee  who  last  examined  the  treasurer's  ac- 
counts. And  it  being  satisfactorily  ascertained 
that  the  Rev.  Dr.  Buchanan,  by  reason  of  age  and 
infirmity,  is  desirous  to  resign  the  oflice  of  treas- 
urer, and  surrender  the  funds  in  his  hands. 

Your  committee  therefore  beg  leave  to  recom- 
mend, that  the  amount  constituting  the  Widows' 
Fund  be  placed  in  the  hands  of  a  treasurer  to  be 
appointed  by  this  Convention. 

That  the  direction  and  management  of  the  fund 
be  transferred  to  the  standing  committee  of  this 
diocess,  according  to  whose  direction  only  shall 
its  affairs  be  administered,  and  by  whose  order  on 
the  treasurer  all  payments  be  made. 

That  the  Right  Reverend  the  Bishop  of  the 
diocess  be  appointed  to  receive  from  the  present 
treasurer  the  specialties,  books,  and  cash  belong- 
ing to  the  fund,  and  to  transmit  the  same  to  the 
treasurer  now  to  be  appointed. 

That  it  be  the  duty  of  the  treasurer  of  this  fund 
to  present  annually  to  the  standing  committee  a 
statement  of  the  condition  of  the  fund,  and  of  the 
manner  in  which  its  proceeds  have  been  applied, 
with  the  names  of  the  persons  to  whom  relief  has 
been  afforded  ^  which  statement  shall  form  a  part 


CONVENTION  OF  1821. 


147 


of  the  annual  report  of  the  proceedings  of  that 
committee. 

Resolved,  That  John  Hoof,  of  Alexandria,  be 
appointed  treasurer  of  the  fund  for  the  relief  of 
the  destitute  widows  and  orphans  of  deceased 
clergymen  in  this  diocess. 

Resolved,  That  it  be  the  duty  of  the  said  treas- 
urer to  call  upon  delinquent  subscribers  by  letter 
for  the  amount  that  may  be  in  arrear. 

Resolved,  That  it  be  his  duty  to  send  by  the 
standing  committee,  to  each  Convention  of  this 
diocess,  the  subscription  books  of  the  fund,  for 
the  purpose  of  obtaining  new  subscriptions  to  the 
same. 

Resolved,  further.  That,  at  the  meeting  of  every 
Convention  of  this  diocess,  a  sermon  be  preached 
and  a  collection  made  for  the  benefit  of  this  fund, 
and  that  the  Right  Rev.  the  Bishop  do  appoint  the 
clergyman  who  shall  officiate  on  that  occasion. 

The  said  report  and  resolutions,  being,  twice 
read,  were,  upon  the  questions  severally  put 
thereupon,  approved  by  the  Convention. 

The  Rev.  Enoch  M.  Lowe,  from  the  commit- 
tee to  whom  the  parochial  reports  were  refer- 
red, presented  a  report,  which  was  read,  as  fol- 
lows : — 

Norfolk,  May  19,  1821. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  pa- 
rochial reports,  respectfully  submit  the  followmg 
condensed  view  of  the  same. 

In  the  Monumental  Church,  Richmond — the 
congregation  are  steady  in  their  attendance  upon 
divine  worship.  At  the  administration  of  the 
Lord's  Supper  the  greatest  solemnity  is  preser- 
ved, and  some  additional  members  generally  ad- 
ded. They  are  alfectionate  to  their  pastor,  and  the 
greatest  love  and  harmony  prevail. 

In  the  parish  of  St.  Andrew's— there  are  com- 
municants 150,  baptisms  45,  funerals  27.  This 
parish,  within  the  last  two  years,  has  contributed 
to  the  episcopal  fund  more  than  sufficient  to  re- 
deem its  pledge  of  ,f  50  per  annum.  The  general 
state  of  the  church  is  improving,  though  nothing 
worthy  of  special  note  exists. 

In  the  parish  of  Bristol,  Petersburg — there  are 
communicants  40,  marriages  10,  funerals  16,  bap- 
tisms 36.  The  minister  of  this  jparish  states,  that 
for  two  years  past  considerable  amendment  has 
taken  place  in  regard  to  attendance  on  public  wor- 
ship and  the  solemn  duties  of  religion. 

Hungar's  parish,  Northampton  county.  This 
parish  for  many  years  has  been  in  a  gloomy  and 
unpromising  state ;  but  the  present  minister  re- 
ports a  favourable  and  signal  change  in  its  spirit- 
ual interests!  A  large  church  has  been  repaired, 
and  Sunday  Schools  have  been  instituted.  There 
are  baptisms  41,  communicants  28,  funerals  6, 
1  marriage. 

In  St.  James's  parish,  Mecklenburg— there  are 
communicants  35,  marriages  2,  baptisms  39,  buri- 
als 9.  The  minister  is  sorry  that  he  cannot  report 
any  numerical  addition  to  the  communicants  in 
the  two  congregations  he  has  in  charge.  He  is 
hopeful,  however,  that  an  increase  of  spiritual  life 
and  strength  is  manifested  by  those  formerly  enu- 
merated. There  has  been  collected  for  the  bish- 
op's fund  $91  87i. 

In  the  church  in  Fredericksburg — there  are  com- 
municants 100,  baptisms  13,  deaths  6,  marriages 
11.  Something  has  been  done  for  the  episcopal 
fund,  and  it  is  hoped  more  will  be  done  hereafter. 

In  Frederick  parish,  Winchester — there  are  com- 
municants 35,  baptisms  10,  marriages  4,  funerals 
3,  and  one  Sunday  School. 

In  the  Chapel  congregation — communicants  55, 
funerals  3,  baptisms  10.    The  service- well  per- 

K  'i 


formed,  and'tlie  attendance  of  the  members  reg- 
ular. 

In  St.  George's  parish,  Accomack  county- 
there  are  baptisms  24,  marriages  2,  funerals  16, 
conuhunicants  55,  and  400  Sunday?  School  s«hol- 
ars. 

In  Norbome  parish,  Berkeley  county— there  are 
baptisms  46,  burials  8,  marriages  3,  communicants 
100. 

Christ  Church,  Norbome  parish,  Berkeleycounty 
— communicants  60,  baptisms  2,  marriages  2.  The 
spiritual  state  of  this  church  has  not  undergone  a 
material  change  since  the  last  report.  The  peo- 
ple are  serious  and  attentive  to  the  word  of  God, 
and  are  regular  in  their  attendance  on  public  wor- 
ship. 

In  Hamilton  parish — there  are  communicants 
46,  baptisms  10,  marriages  9. 

In  this  parish  no  remarkable  change  has  taken 
place  since  the  last  report. 

In  Augusta  parish,  Staunton — there  are  com- 
municants 25,  catechumens  i  5,  marriages  12,  bap- 
tisms 33,  funerals  7. 

In  Christ  Church,  Norfolk— there  are  commu- 
nicants 160,  catechumens  75,  baptisms  27,  mar- 
riages 2,  funerals  14.  The  prospects  of  this  church 
the  minister  states  to  be  flattering.  It  enjoys  in 
a  most  signal  manner  the  converting  and  sancti- 
fying influences  of  the  Holy  Ghost ;  God  in  his 
boundless  mercy  is  daily  adding  to  the  church 
such  as,  it  is  hoped,  will  be  eternally  saved. 

The  old  congregation  of  Portsmouth  parish 
has  been  revived,  and  promises  to  become  a  flour- 
ishing branch  of  our  Zion. 

In  Bruton  parish,  Wilhamsburg — there  are  com- 
municants 25,  baptisms  4,  funerals  2,  1  marriage. 

In  the  parishes  of  Washington,  Westmoreland 
county,  St.  Anne  and  South  Farnham,  Essex  coun- 
ty, and  some  other  parishes— there  are  baptisms 
91,  marriages  10,  funerals  14,  communicants  118, 
Sunday  Schools  9,  and  scholars  400. 

In  Christ  Church,  Fairfax  parish,  Alexandria — 
there  are  communicant«  1.30,  baptisms  50,  Sunday 
scholars  100.  Though  the  minister  of  this  church 
has  cause  of  sorrow  in  the  death  of  several  of  the 
pious  and  exemplary  members  of  his  charge,  yet 
his  congregation  continues  to  flourish,  and  to  af- 
ford increasing  evidence  of  a  growth  in  grace. 
Since  the  last  Convention,  about  30  new  members 
have  been  added  to  his  communion. 

In  St.  Paul's  Church,  Alexandria — there  are 
baptisms  48,  marriages  15,  funerals  28,  communi- 
cants 15,  2  deceased,  3  removed. 

In  the  church  on  Richmond  Hill,  there  are  com- 
naunicants  40.  The  minister  states  that  the  situa- 
tion of  this  church  is  much  improved  since  the  last 
Convention. 

Enoch  M.  Lowe,  Chairman^ 

The  said  report  was,  on  the  question  put 
thereupon,  approved  by  the  house. 

The  Rev.  Wilham  H.  Wilmer,  from  the  com- 
mittee on  the  state  of  the  church,  presented  a 
report,  which  was  read,  and,  on  motion,  order- 
ed to  be  laid  upon  the  table. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Lee,  the  resolutions  con- 
cerning the  fund  for  the  support  of  the  episco- 
pate were  taken  up  and  considered,  whereupon 
the  first  resolution  was,  on  the  question  put, 
disagreed  to  b^  the  Convention  ;  the  second  and 
fourth  resolutions  were  amended,  and  agreed  to 
as  amended  ;  the  third  and  fifth  were  agreed  to 
without  amendment  ;  and  the  Convention  con- 
curred with  the  committee  fcf  the  whole  house 
in  disagreeing  to  the  sixth  resolution. 


1'48 


CONVENTION  OF  1«21. 


The  said  resolutions,  as  amended  and  appro- 
ved, are  the  following  :— • 

The  committee  to  whom  were  referred  the  res- 
olqiions  upon  the  subject  of  the  permanent  fund 
forlhe  support  of  the  episcopate,  have,  according 
to  order,  had  the  same  under  consideration,  and 
have  agreed  upon  the  following  resolutions,  which 
they  beg  leave  to  report  : — 
-  1.  Resolved,  That  the  vestries  or  trustees  of 
each  congregation  in  the  respective  parishes  of 
this  diocess,  do  cause  each  adult  person  profes- 
sing themselves  to  belong  to  or  to  be  friendly  to 
the  church,  to  be  called  on,  and  requested,  each, 
to  pay  the  sum  of  not  less  than  one  dollar,  to  be 
applied  to  the  said  fund. 

2.  Resolved,  That  the  money  which  shall  be  re- 
ceived by  the  vestries  or  trustees  in  pursuance  of 
the  preceding  resolution,  be  forthwith  remitted  to 
the  president  of  the  standing  committee  of  the 
church,  for  that  conunittee  to  invest  it  as  hereto- 
fore directed. 

3.  Resolved,  That  on  or  before  the  first  day  of 
January  next,  and  from  time  to  time  thereafter,  re- 
ports be  made  to  the  standing  committee  of  the 
proceedings  tinder  these  resolutions. 

4.  Resolved,.  That  an  appropriate  address  from 
the  Convention  on  this  subject  be  adopted  and  cir- 
culated, with  the  nreceding  resolutions,  among  the 
members  of  the  church. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Ravenscroft,  the  following 
additional  resolution,  being  twice  read,  was,  on 
the  (question  put  thereupon,  agreed  to  by  the  Con- 
vention, viz.  :— 

6.  Resolved,  That,  in  those  parts  of  the  dio- 
cess where  there  are  no  vestries  or  trustees,  the 
friends  of  the  churchbe  requested  to  give  theiraid 
in  eft'ecting  the  object  of  these  resolutions. 

The  proposed  address  of  this  Convention  to 
the  members  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  in  this  diocess  being  again  read,  was 
approved  unanimously,  as  follows  : — 

To  the  Membera  of  the  Episcopal  Church   in  the  Di- 
ocess of  Virginia. 

Dear  FRnsNDs  and  Brethren  ; — 
It  has  been  the  anxious  wish  of  preceding 
Conventions  to  relieve  the  bishop  of  this  diocess 
from  all  parochial  charge,  so  as  to  enable  him  to 
vifiit  frequently  and  in  regular  course  each  con- 
gregation in  the  state.  This  measure  has  been 
suggested  as  the  most  etFectual  that  could  be  de- 
vised for  promoting  the  prosperity  of  religion 
among  the  members  of  our  communion.  To  this 
end  a  fund  has  been  created,  under  the  sanction  of 
the  Conveption,  having  for  its  object  the  accuniu- 
lation  of  an  amount,  the  annual  interest  of  which 
may  be  sufficient  for  the  support  of  the  episco- 
pate. Some  efforts  have  been  made  to  carry  this 
plan  into  eff'ect ;  but  the  attempt  thus  far  has  not 
answered  the  expectations  of  its  friends,  and  the 
mode  heretofore  adopted  for  effecting  it  promises 
at  best  only  a  distant  prospect  of  success. 

The  present  Convention,  deeply  sensible  of  the 
magnitude  and  importance  of  the  object,  beg  leave 
again  to  call  your  attention  to  this  interesting  sub- 
ject. When  the  members  of  our  church  seriously 
reflect  upon  the  reaUty  of  religion,  that  it  is  em- 
phatically the  one  thing  needful,  they  will  not,  it 
is  hoped,  hesitate  in  giving  their  cheerful  aid  to  all 
reasonable  means  which  may  tend  to  the  promo- 
tion of  this  greatest  of  blessings.  That  this  sub- 
ject has  not  been  heretofore  duly  appreciated  by 
the  Episcopalians  in  general,  is  much  to  be  feared. 
It  is  in  vain  to  profess  our  attachment  to  the 
Christian  rehgion,  and  our  wish  ito  see  it  flourish 


among  us ;  words  are  not  sufficient ;  they  arff 
cheap,  and  will  not  alone  produce  a  lasting  bene- 
fit to  any  cause.  It  is  only  by  actions,  flowing 
from  a  Christian  principle,  that  the  sincerity  of  our 
professions  can  be  tested.  The  Convention,  in 
the  name  and  for  the  sake  of  that  holy  religion 
which  they  most  ardently  desire  to  see  extended 
from  heart  to  heart,  from  house  to  house,  and 
made  the  governing  rule  of  all  our  conduct,  do  now 
solicit  the  members  of  their  communion  to  con- 
tribute a  small  portion  of  those  worldly  goods 
which  it  has  pleased  our  Divine  Father  to  bestow 
on  them,  towards  carrying  into  full  and  immediate 
effect  the  plan  which  has  been  adopted  for  placing 
the  head  of  the  church  in  this  diocess  in  a  situa- 
tion to  be  extensively  useful  in  this  holy  cause. 
They  cherish  the  hope  that  this  appeal  to  the  pi- 
ety and  zeal  of  our  members  will  not  be  in  vain. 

If  the  proposed  plan  is  carried  into  execution,  as 
it  can  be  where  there  are  willing  minds,  "  our  ven- 
erable bishop  will  be  able  to  visit  every  part  of  the 
diocess ;  he  will  have  it  in  his  power  to  encourage 
the  desponding,  rouse  the  thoughtless,  give  direc- 
tion to  the  zeal  and  energy  of  the  pious,  and  im- 
press upon  the  whole  a  salutary  impulse."  The 
waste  places  and  desolations  of  Zion  would  be  re- 
paired, and  our  decayed  and  forsaken  churches 
would  be  rebuilt,  and  rendered  once  more  vocal 
with  praise.  Let  it  never  be  forgotten,  that  all  the 
means  and  institutions  of  religion  are  calculated 
and  intended  to  improve  our  hearts,  to  purify  our 
affiections,  to  place  them  on  heavenly  things, 
and  to  subdue  all  the  evil  propensities  of  a  de- 
praved nature.  The  Convention,  under  a  full 
sense  of  their  relation  to  the  church,  and  of  their 
own  awful  responsibihty  as  to  the  manner  they 
discharge  the  solemn  duties  of  their  station,  are 
constrained  to  remind  their  friends  and  brethren, 
that  every  relation  in  which  we  stand  to  God,  to 
ourselves,  to  our  dear  families  and  friends,  and  to 
society,  demands  from  us  all  a  fervent  zeal  and  an 
active  effort  to  restore  our  church,  endowed  by 
public  veneration,  supported  by  the  purity  of  her 
doctrines,  the  integrity  and  zeal  of  her  ministers, 
and  the  Christian  toleration  of  all  religious  classes, 
to  her  true  character.  With  these  feelings  and 
views  do  the  members  of  this  Convention  most 
earnestly  entreat  their  brethren  to  reflect  upon  the 
necessity  of  adopting  the  measure  now  submitted 
to  them,  "  and  that  they  manifest  their  gratitude  to 
Ahnighty  God,  and  their  sense  of  the  great  im- 
portance of  his  blessed  revelation  ;  that  they  con- 
sider the  unspeakable  reward  they  will  receive 
from  that  gracious  Master  to  whom  they  belong, 
whose  goodness  demands  the  warmest  returns  of 
love,  duty,  and  obedience ;  and  that  they  contrib- 
ute, to  the  utmost  in  their  power,  to  render  this  ac- 
ceptable service  to  his  cause." 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Ravenscroft,  The  journal' 
of  the  proceedings,  during  the  last  year,  of  the 
standing  committee  of  the  church  in  this  djocess, 
was  read  by  the  secretary. 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  William  Meade,  sec- 
onded by  Mr.  Abraham  Shepherd, 

Resolved,  That  the  next  Convention  of  cler- 
ical and  lay  deputies  for  the  diocess  of  Virginia' 
be  holden  at  Charlottesville,  in  the  county  of 
Albemarle. 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  Edward  C.  McGuire, 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  appointed  to  ex- 
amine the  account  of  the  treasurer  of  the  Com- 
mon Prayer-Book  and  Tract  Society  be  dis- 
charged from  that  duty. 

The  Rev.  William  H.  Wilmer  laid  before  the 


CONVENTION  OF  1821. 


u§ 


Convention  accounts  of  the  management  of  the 
fund  for  the  support  of  the  episcopate. 

The  said  accounts  were  approved  by  the  Con- 
vention. 

The  sitting  was  then  suspended,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  attending  divine  service  ;  when  the 
service  was  read  by  the  bishop,  and  a  sermon 
delivered  by  the  Rev.  Reuel  Keith. 

The  sitting  being  resumed,  the  Rev.  "William 
H.  Wilmer  presented  a  report  from  the  mana- 
gers of  the  Common  Prayer-Book  and  Tract  So- 
ciety, which  was  read,  as  follows  : — 

The  managers  of  the  Prayer-Book  and  Tract 
Society  of  Virginia  report,  That  iii  consequence 
of  the  establishment  of  auxiliary  societies  through- 
out the  diocess,  the  friends  of  the  parent  institu- 
tion have  been  so  much  abridged  as  to  paralyze  its 
efforts.  The  annual  collection  usual  at  the  meet- 
ing of  the  Conventions  was  not  made  the  last 
year,  and  the  managers  have  felt  authorized,  un- 
der these  circumstances,  to  solicit  the  contribution 
due  from  subscribers.  Only  a  small  amount  of 
money,  therefore,  has  been  received  during  the  last 
year.  With  this  one  hundred  prayer-books  have 
been  purchased,  and  three  thousand  tracts  print- 
ed. Twenty  prayer-books  and  several  hundred 
tracts  have  been  sent  to  the  Female  Auxiliary  So- 
ciety in  Accomack,  from  which  the  sum  of  ten 
dollars  was  received  on  the  10th  instant.  Twelve 
prayer-books  and  an  assortment  of  several  hun- 
dred tracts  have  been  sent  to  Christ  Church  par- 
ish, in  Middlesex ;  and  such  other  distributions 
have  been  made  as  the  exigences  and  demands 
have  seemed  to  require.  The  remaining  prayer- 
books  and  tracts  are  now  in  Norfolk,  at  the  dispo- 
sal of  the  Convention. 

Under  the  present  circumstances,  the  mana- 
gers submit  it  to  the  wisdom  of  the  Convention, 
whether  it  be  better  to  dissolve  the  society,  or 
whether  it  be  possible  to  incorporate  with  it  the 
subordinate  societies,  and  thus  to  secure  that  har- 
mony of  sentiment  and  action  which  is  essential 
to  the  vigour  and  prosperity  of  such  institutions. 
William  H.  Wilmer,  Chairman. 

On  motion,  Ordered,  That  the  said  report  be 
laid  upon  the  table. 

The  following  resolutions  vyere  proposed  by 
the  Rev.  Benjamin  Allen,  viz.  :— 

Resolved,  That  the  existing  Common  Prayer- 
Book  and  Tract  Society  be  extended  to  the  pro- 
motion of  Christian  knowledge  in  general,  the 
funds  to  be  apportioned  among  the  respective 
means  made  use  of,  as  the  managers  may  deter- 
mine. 

Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the 
friends  of  the  church,  in  the  different  sections  of 
the  diocess,  to  organize  branches  auxiliary  to 
this  society,  which  branches,  after  supplying 
their  respective  districts,  shall  throw  their  sur- 
plus funds  into  the  treasury  of  this  society. 

Resolved,  That  the  officers  of  all  such  aux- 
iliaries shall  be  ex-qfficio  managers  of  this  so- 
ciety. 

Resolved,  That  each  member  of  this  society 
be  entitled  to  two  prayer-books  and  ten  tracts 
per  annum. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Meade, 

Resolved,  That  the  further  consideration  of 
the  said  resolutions  be  indefinitely  postponed. 

On  motion,  Ordered,  That  Mr.  Alhnand  have 


leave  of  absence  from  this  Convention  for  the 
remainder  of  its  session. 

The  report  of  the  committee  on  the  state  of 
the  church  was,  on  motion,  taken  up,  and  again 
read,  as  follows  : — 

The  committee  on  the  state  of  the  church, 
taking  into  consideration  the  deficient  condition 
of  the  diocess  as  respects  the  means  of  theologi- 
cal instruction,  and  the  importance  of  retaining 
among  ourselves,  for  education,  those  young  men 
who  may  be  disposed  to  devote  themselves  to  the 
sacred  office  of  the  ministry,  recommend  to  this 
Convention  the  estabhshment  of  a  theological 
school  in  Williamsburg ;  it  being  understood  that 
the  society  of  the  college  in  that  plac^  is  willing 
that  such  a  step  should  be  taken,  and  that  the 
faculty  have  generously  offered  to  afford  gratui- 
tously, to  all  bona  fide  students  of  theology,  a 
course  of  lectures  for  the  support  of  such  schooL 

It  is  therefore  recommended,  that  a  board  of 
*rustees,  consisting  of  the  following  clergymen 
and  laymen,  to  wit :— the  Right  Rev.  Bishop 
Moore,  the  Rev,  John  S.  Ravenscrofl,  the  Rev. 
William  H.  Wilmer,  the  Rev.  William  Meade, 
the  Rev.  Reuel  Keith,  and  Dr.  Augustine  Smith, 
the  Hon.  Burwell  Bassett,  the  Hon.  Bushrod 
Washington,  Colonel  Hugh  Mercer,  and  William 
Mayo,  Esq.,  any  three  of  whom  shall  constitute 
a  quorum,  be  appointed  to  adopt  the  most  efficient 
means  for  establishing  the  same,  by  raising  funds 
and  selecting  one  or  more  professors ;  the  pro- 
ceedings of  which  board  shall  be  subject  to  the 
decision  of  the  next  Convention. 

It  is  also  recommended,  that  the  Board  of 
Trustees  enter  into  a  correspondence  with  the 
standing  committees  of  the  diocesses  of  Maryland 
and  North  Carohna,  in  order  to  ascertain  whether 
the  members  of  our  church  in  those  states  are  dis- 
posed to  co-operate  with  us  in  this  important 
measure. 

In  recommending  these  resolutions,  the  com- 
mittee think  proper  to  declare,  that  they  do  not 
intend  any  opposition  to  the  General  Seminary 
estabUshed  by  the  General  Convention.  On  the 
contrary,  we  cordially  desire  to  see  the  prosperity 
of  an  institution  so  vitally  connected  as  that  is 
with  the  reputation  and  interest  of  our  church. 
But  as  there  are  peculiar  circumstances  which 
render  it  necessary  to  cherish  a  seminary  in  the 
southern  district,  we  considet  the  duty  of  attempt- 
ing it  as  coming  within  the  scope  of  the  resolution 
made  by  the  House  of  Bishops,  which  declares  its 
intention  "  not  to  interfere  with  any  plan  now 
contemplated  or  that  may  be  hereafter  contempla 
ted  in  any  diocess  or  diocesses  for  the  establish- 
ment of  theological  institutions  or  professorships." 

Therefore,'  Resolved,  That  Mr.  John  Nelson, 
jr.,  delegate  from  St.  James's  parish,  Mecklen- 
burg county,  be  appointed  to  solicit  subscriptions 
throughout  the  diocess  for  the  above  purpose. 

Resolved  further,  That  the  board  of  trustees 
be  authorized,  in  case  of  death  or  resignation  of 
the  above  collector,  to  appoint  another  for  the 
said  purpose,  and  generally  to  give  such  instruc- 
tions and  directions  as  shall,  in  their  judgment,  be 
proper. 

The  said  resolutions  and  preamble  thereto 
being  twice  read,  were,  on  questions  severally 
put  thereupon,  agreed  to  by  the  Convention. 

A  motion  was  made  by  the  Rev.  Benjamin 
B.  Smith,  that  the  following  resolution  be 
adopted : — 

Resolved,  That  in  amendment  of  the  last 
clause  of  the  10th  canon  of  the  church  in  this 


150 


CONVENTION  OF  1821, 


state,  the  words,  "  within  three  years,"  be  in- 
serted after  the  words,  "at  any  time." 

And  the  question  being  put  thereupon,  was 
determined  in  the  negative. 

The  Convention  proceeded  to  the  election, 
by  ballot,  of  a  standing  committee  of  the 
church  in  this  diocess  for  the  ensuing  year ; 
whereupon  the  following  gentlemen  were  duly 
elected,  viz.  :  the  Rev.  William  H.  Wilmer, 
John  Dunn,  Oliver  Norris,  the  Hon.  Bush- 
rod  Washington,  Edmund  J.  Lee,  and  George 
Taylor,  Esqrs. 

The  Convention  also  proceeded,  in  like  man- 
ner, to  the  election  of  eight  delegates  to  repre- 
sent this  diocess  iii  the  next  General  Conven- 
tion of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  of  the 
United  States  ;  whereupon  the  following  gen- 
tlemen were  duly  elected,  viz. :  the  Rev.  Will- 
iam H.  Wilmer,  John  S.  Ravenscroft,  Wilham 
Meade,  Simon  Wilmer,  Philip  Nelson,  Will- 
iam Mayo,  Hugh  Mercer,  and  Edmund  J,  Lee, 
Esqrs, 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Lowe, 

Resolved,  That  the  treasurer  be  directed  to 
pay  to  each  of  the  delegates  to  the  General 
Convention  the  sum  of  fifty  dollars,  to  defray 
their  expenses. 

The  bishop  delivered  liis  pastoral  address  on 
the  state  of  the  church  ;  which  being  heard. 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  Enoch  M.  Lowe, 
seconded  by  the  Rev.  John  Reynolds, 

Resolved,  That  the  thanks  of  this  Conven- 
tion be  presented  to  the  Right  Rev.  Richard  C. 
Moore,  D.  D.,  bishop  of  this  diocess,  for  his 
affectionate  and  evangelical  pastoral  address, 
and  that  he  be  requested  to  furnish  a  copy 
thereof  for  insertion  in  the  Journal. 

The  said  address  was  as  follows  :t- 

Brethren, — Another  year  has  revolved  since  we 
last  assembled  in  Convention,  to  deliberate  upon 
the  affairs  of  the  church,  and  to  take  sweet  coun- 
sel together.  An  account  of  the  discharge  of  our 
clerical  duties  since  that  period  has  been  recorded 
in  Heaven  ;  may  that  record  bear  witness  to  our 
fidelity  to  God,  and  to  our  watchfulness  over  our 
respective  flocks. 

The  advances  of  our  communion  have  been 
such  as  to  call  for  our  gratitude  to  Heaven.  The 
clergy  continue  to  manifest  their  zeal  in  the  cause 
of  religion,  and  their  attachment  to  the  principles 
of  the  church.  Their  best  efforts  have  been  used 
in  the  discharge  of  their  ministerial  duties,  and 
there  appears  to  exist  among  them,  the  strongest 
disposition  to  fulfil  their  sacred  obligations.  To 
make  the  least  discrimination  in  the  expression  of 
my  confidence  in  their  integrity  would  be  painful 
to  my  heart,  at  a  time  in  which  I  have  reason  to 
believe  that  the  utmost  energies  of  all  have  been 
exerted  in  promoting  the  prosperity  of  our  Zion. 

Fettered  as  I  am  with  the  weight  of  a  parish,  in 
addition  to  that  which  cometh  upon  me  daily,  the 
care  of  all  the  churches,  it  is  impossible  to  make 
those  exertions  which  could  be  effected  with  ease 
were  I  released  from  parochial  obligations.  The 
necessity  of  administering  to  the  wants  of  my 
congregation  in  Richmond,  renders  my  pastoral 
visits  to  the  churches  too  much  hurried.  It  pre- 
vents me  from  improving  them  to  the  best  advan- 
tage, and  precludes  the  possibiUty  of  acquiring 
that  knowledge  of  the  members  of  our  connexion 
80  indispensably  necessary.    Instead  of  passing  a 


few  days  in  each  parish,  and  forming  an  intimattf 
acquaintance  with  the  individuals  of  the  different 
congregations,  I  appear  among  them,  not  as  the 
spiritual  father  of  the  whole  family,  but  as  a 
stranger,  and  am  obliged  to  pass  with  such  rapid* 
ity  from  one  place  to  another,  that  I  am  only 
known  to  a  majority  of  the  people  of  my  charge 
in  my  official  character. 

The  Convention  of  the  church  in  this  diocess, 
alive  to  these  considerations,  have  pressed,  with 
great  wisdom  and  energy,  the  subject  of  an  inde- 
pendent support  for  the  episcopate.  As  the  emolu- 
ments arising  from  the  source  to  which  I  allude 
vvould  never  equal  the  amount  of  my  present 
living,  I  cannot  be  charged  with  indelicacy  in 
urging  the  principle  as  a  matter  of  primary  im- 
portance. If  the  wealthy  members  of  the  church 
would  contribute  but  a  small  portion  of  their 
worldly  goods  to  this  object,  it  could  be  effected 
with  the  greatest  ease ;  the  claims  of  the  whole 
diocess  would  then  be  equally  imperative  upon 
the  bishop  ;  he  would  have  it  in  his  power  to 
travel  as  far  and  wide  as  the  circumstances  of  the 
church  would  require,  and  would  discharge  the 
duties  appertaining  to  his  appointment  as  the  chief 
pastor  of  the  flock.  Should  I  not  live  to  address 
you  again  upon  a  conventional  occasion,  I  must 
entreat  you  to  bear  in  mind,  that  I  consider  the 
subject  of  a  support  for  the  episcopate  as  a  matter 
of  leading  importance,  and  earnestly  supphcate 
you  to  make  that  provision  for  my  successor  con- 
templated and  embraced  in  the  above  remarks. 

Since  the  last  Convention,  I  have  preached  and 
administered  the  Lord's  Supper  in  the  county  of 
Chesterfield.  I  have  visited  Dinwiddie,  and  offi- 
ciated in  the  church  once  filled  by  that  pious  ser- 
vant of  God,  the  Rev.  Devereaux  Jarratt,  and  also 
twice  in  the  town  of  Petersburg.  In  October  I 
made  an  excursion  into  the  upper  country,  visited 
the  county  of  Orange,  but  was  prevented  from 
officiating  by  the  inclemency  of  the  weather.  I 
crossed  the  Blue  Ridge,  and  visited  Staunton  in 
the  county  of  Augusta,  in  which  place  I  preached 
twice,  to  large  and  overfloj^ing  congregations, 
and  confirmed  eighteen  persons.  The  church  in 
Staunton  appears  to  be  in  a  flourishing  condition, 
and  is  blessed  with  the  faithfijl  services  of  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Stephens.  After  leaving  Staunton,  I 
again  crossed  the  Blue  Ridge,  and,  agreeably  to 
appointment,  met  several  of  the  clergy  in  Char- 
lottesville. On  Sunday  morning  I  preached  to  a 
very  large  congregation,  and,  in  connexion  with 
the  clergy  who  were  present,  administered  the 
Lord's  Supper.  On  Monday  I  rode  to  the  Green 
Mountain,  upon  which  day  I  read  prayers,  and 
Mr.  Meade  preached ;  and  on  Tuesday  Mr.  Wy- 
down  read  prayers,  and  I  preached  and  adminis- 
tered the  Lord's  Supper  to  a  number  of  devout 
communicants.  From  the  Green  Mountain  I  re- 
paired to  Mr.  Hugh  Nelson's,  and  on  Wednesday 
preached  and  administered  the  Lord's  Supper  in 
Walker's  church,  and  admitted  the  Rev.  Mr.  Mar- 
shall, of  Culpepper,  to  the  holy  order  of  the  priest- 
hood. 

In  November  I  left  home  on  a  visit  ta  the  Nor- 
thern Neck  of  Virginia,  and  on  the  15th  of  the 
month  preached  twice  in  Fredericksburg.  I  then 
passed  on  to  Port  Royal  on  the  I6lh,  in  which 
place  I  read  prayers  and  preached.  On  the  17th 
I  read  prayers  and  preached  at  Vauter's  church, 
in  the  county  of  Essex.  On  the  18th  I  rode  to 
Rappahannock,  and  read  prayers  and  preached  ; 
I  then  crossed  the  Rappahannock  river,  and  on  the 
19th  I  read  prayers  and  preached  at  Richmond 
courthouse.  On  the  20th  I  read  prayers  and 
preached  at  White  Chapel  church.  On  the  21st 
I  read  prayers  and  preached  at  Lancaster  court- 


CONVENTION  OF  1822. 


151 


house.  On  the  22d  I  read  prayers  and  preached 
in  Christ  Church,  Lancaster  county,  and  in  the 
evening  lectured  at  Mr.  Armistead  Currie's.  On 
the  23d  I  rode  to  Northumberland,  and  officiated 
in  Wicomico  church.  On  the  25th  I  read  pray- 
ers and  preached  in  the  courthouse  in  Northum- 
berland. On  the  26th  I  officiated  in  the  church 
at  Maltox  Bridge,  Westmoreland  county,  and  also 
administered  the  Lord's  Supper.  On  the  27th  I 
rode  to  King  George  courthouse,  and  there  offi- 
ciated. On  the  28th  I  read  prayers  and  preached 
in  the  old  church  in.  King  George  county ;  I  then 
rode  to  Port  Conway,  and  lectured  the  same  even- 
ing at  the  house  of  Mr.  Turner.  On  the  29th  I 
crossed  the  Rappahannock  to  Port  Royal,  in 
which  place  I  performed  the  funeral  service,  and 
then  bent  my  course  towards  Richmond.  On  this 
tour,  I  rode  in  18  days  360  miles,  and  officiated  17 
times. 

I  have  been  this  month  in  Mecklenburg  county, 
and  preached  and  administered  the  Lord's  Supper, 
in  Mr.  Ravenscroft's  parish,  to  a  large  and  atten- 
tive assembly.  I  have  also  visited  the  county  of 
Hahfax,  and  preached  in  the  church  near  the 
courthouse,  to  an  attentive  congregation,  under 
the  care  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Wingtield. 

Thus,  brethren,  have  I  endeavoured  to  fulfil  the 
important  duties  intrusted  to  my  care  :  and  it  is 
with  pleasure  I  inform  you,  that  I  discover,  in 
every  district  I  visit,  the  strongest  attachment  to 
the  church.  In  the  Northern  Neck  of  Virginia  in 
particular,  I  observed  such  striking  evidences  of 
the  afifection  of  the  people  to  the  church  of  their 
fathers,  as  has  deeply  affected  my  heart.  In  that 
region,  occupying  a  space  of  more  than  one  hun- 
dred miles,  they  have  not  one  clergyman  of  the 


church  to  officiate  regularly  among  them  in  their 
churches.  They  appear  to  be  an  affectionate  peo- 
ple, and  I  have  no  question  would  render  the  life 
of  a  virtuous  clergyman  happy  who  would  reside 
among  them.  Were  I  a  young  man,  I  should  not 
hesitate  to  throw  myself  into  their  arms,  and  ad- 
minister to  their  spiritual  necessities.  Accept, 
my  beloved  brethren,  every  expression  of  my  pas- 
toral regard,  and  may  the  Lord  be  with  you  all. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Lowe, 

Resolved,  That  the  thanks  of  this  Conven- 
tion be  presented  to  the  secretary  for  his  servi- 
ces, and  that  his  travelling  expenses  be  paid  out 
of  the  contingent  fund. 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  William  H.  Wilmer, 

Resolved,  That  the  thanks  of  this  Conven- 
tion be  presented  to  the  inhabitants  of  the 
borough  of  Norfolk,  for  their  kindness  and  hos- 
piiaUty  manifested  to  its  members  during  its 
present  session. 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  Simon  Wilmer,  ' 

Ordered,  That  750  copies  of  the  Journal  of 
proceedings  of  this  Convention  be  printed,  and 
distributed  under  the  superintendence  of  the 
bishop  and  secretary. 

And  then  the  Convention  adjourned,  to  meet 
again  at  Charlottesville,  on  the  third  Thursday 
in  May  next. 

Richard  Channing  Moobe, 
Bishop  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  of  Virginia. 

Teste,        William  Munford,  Secretary. 


Journal  of  ike  proceedings  of  a  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  of  Virginia,  which 
assembled  at  Charlottesville,  on  Thursday,  the  I6th  of  May,  1822. 

The  Convention  met,  and  was  opened  with 
divine  service  by  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Moore 
and  a  sermon  by  the  Rev   "  '  ~ 


Edward  C.  M'Guire. 

The  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Moore  took  the  chair 
as  president  of  the  Convention  ;  and  it  appear- 
ing that  Mr.  Wm.  Munford,  the  secretary  of 
the  Convention,  was  absent. 

Ordered,  That  Edw.  Colston  act  as  secretary 
pro  tempore. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  George  Lemon, 
Mr.  Philip  Nelson,  and  Mr.  Edmund  J.  Lee,  be 
a  committee  to  examine  the  certificates  of  the 
appointments  of  lay  deputies. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Lemon,  from  the  committee 
appointed  to  examine  the  certificates  of  lay 
deputies,  made  the  following  report,  viz. :  The 
committee  appointed  to  examine  the  credentials 
of  lay  deputies  have  examined  the  same,  and 
report,  that  the  following  persons  appear  to  be 
duly  elected,  viz.  : 

John  Campbell,  Washington  parish,  West- 
moreland county;  Hugh  Nelson,  Fredericks- 
ville  parish,  Albemarle  county ;  Dr.  F.  Carr 
and  Tucker  Coles,  St.  Anne's  parish,  Albemarle  ; 
William  Huntington,  Henrico  church,  Rich- 
mond city ;  Hugh  Mercer,  St.  George's  parish, 
Fredericksburg ;  Wm.  M.  Thompson,  St.  Ste- 
phen's church,  Culpepper;  John  Nelson,  jr., 
St.  James's  parish,  Mecklenburg  ;  Edward  Col- 
ston, Norborne  parish,  Berkeley ;  William  G. 
Stuart,  St.  Paul's   parish,  King  G«orge;    Ed- 


ward Valentine,  jr.,  Augusta  parish,  Augusta ^ 
Abraham  Shepherd,  St.  Andrew's  parish,  Jef- 
ferson ;  Obed  Waite  and  Philip  Nelson,  Fred- 
erick parish,  Frederick ;  Francis  Nelson,  St. 
Martin's  parish,  Hanover ;  Robert  Randolph, 
Hamilton  parish,  Fauquier  ;  Thomas  L.  Latane, 
South  Farnham  parish,  Essex  ;  John  Gilliam, 
Bristol  parish,  Petersburg  ;  Robert  P.  Waring, 
St.  Anne's  parish,  Essex;  E.  J.  Lee,  Christ 
Church,  Fairfax  parish,  Alexandria;  William 
Mayo,  Monumental  Church,  Richmond  city ; 
Alexander  Gait,  Christ  Church,  Norfolk  bor- 
ough. 

They  further  report,  that  the  paper  purport- 
ing to  be  thfi  credential  of  the  appointment  of  a 
lay  delegate  from  Mill  Creek  Church,  Berkeley, 
is  not  in  due  form,  and  that  the  said  delegate  is 
not  entitled  to  a  seat  in  this  Convention ; 
whereupon  it  was,  on  motion  of  Mr.  Hugh 
Nelson, 

Ordered,  That  the  said  report  do  lie  upon 
the  table. 

The  following  clerical  deputies  appeared  and 
took  their  seats  in  the  Convention,  viz.  : — 

The  Rev.  Wm.  H.  Wilmer,  St.  Paul's 
Church,  Alexandria  ;  the  Rev.  Oliver  Norris, 
Christ  Church,  Fairfax  parish,  Alexandria  ;  the 
Rev.  William  Meade,  Chapel,  Frederick  coun- 
ty ;  the  Rev.  John  S.  Ravenscroft,  St.  James's 
Church,  Mecklenburg ;  the  Rev.  George  Le- 
mon,   Hamilton   parish,    Fauquier ;    the   Rev, 


152 


CONVENTION  OF  1822. 


Edward  C.  M'Guire,  St.  George's  parish,  Fred- 
ericksburg ;  the  Rev.  WiUiam  Steel,  Dettingen 
and  Leeds  parishes,  Prince  William  ;  the  Rev. 
John  Reynolds,  St.  Anne's  parish,  Essex  ;  the 
Rev.  Daniel  Stephens,  Augusta  parish,  Staun- 
ton ;  the  Rev.  Fred.  Hatch,  Fredericksvilk 
parish,  Albemarle  ;  the  Rev.  Rich.  H.  Barnes, 
St.  Martin's  parish,  Hanover ;  the  Rev.  Reuel 
Keith,  Bruton  parish,  Wilhamsburg ;  the  Rev. 
Edward  R.  Lippit,  Norborne  parish,  Berkeley  ; 
the  Rev.  William  Crawford,  Trinity  parish, 
Louisa ;  the  Rev.  John  J.  Robinson,  Frederick 
parish,  and  Grace  Church,  Norborne  parish, 
Berkeley ;  the  Rev.  Benj.  B.  Smith,  St.  An- 
drew's parish,  Jefferson  ;  the  Rev.  William  H. 
Hart,  Church  on  Richmond  Hill ;  the  Rev. 
Herbert  Marshall,  St.  Stephen's  parish,  Cul- 
pepper ;  the  Rev.  John  Dunn,  Shelburne  parish, 
Loudoun ;  the  Rev.  Andrew  Syme,  Bristol 
parish,  Petersburg ;  the  Rev.  John  H.  Wing- 
field,  Portsmouth  parish,  Norfolk  county  ;  and 
the  Rev.  Josias  Claphain,  St.  Paul's  parish. 
King  George,  and  Washington  parish,  West- 
moreland. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  William  H.  Wilmer, 
the  Rev.  John  S.  Ravenscroft,  the  Rev.  WiHiam 
Meade,  the  Rev.  Oliver  Norris,  and  Messrs. 
WiUiam  Mayo,  Robert  Randolph,  and  Hugh 
Nelson,  be  a  committee  to  take  into  consider- 
ation the  state  of  the  church  in  this  diocess. 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Hugh  Mercer,  Abra- 
ham Shepherd,  Obed  Waite,  and  Francis  Nel- 
son, be  a  committee  to  examine  the  treasurer's 
account. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  John  Dunn,  the 
Rev.  Daniel  Stephens,  Messrs.  John  Nelson, 
jr.,  and  Robert  P.  Waring,  be  a  committee  to 
examine  the  account  of  the  treasurer  of  the 
Common  Prayer-Book  and  Tract  Society  of 
the  Diocess  of  Virginia. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  Reuel  Keith,  the 
Rev.  Fred.  Hatch,  Messrs.  E.  J.  Lee,  and  John 
Campbell,  be  a  committee  to  examine  and 
report  on  the  present  state  of  the  Widows' 
Fund. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  George  Lemon, 
Messrs.  Phihp  Nelson,  and  Edward  Valentine, 
jr.,  be  a  committee  to  examine  the  parochial 
reports. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  John  S.  Ravenscroft, 
Messrs.  Hugh  Nelson,  and  Abraham  Shepherd, 
be  a  committee  to  examine  the  accounts  of  the 
trustees  of  the  Episcopal  Fund. 

Ordered,  On  motion  of  the  Rev.  George 
Lemon,  that  the  Rev.  Mr.  Mann,  a  clergyman 
from  the  diocess  of  Maryland,  attending  this 
Convention,  be  invited  to  an  honorary  seat 
therein. 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  John  S.  Ravenscroft, 
the  following  rules  were  read  and  adopted,  for 
regulating  the  proceedings  of  this  Convention, 
viz.  : — 

1st.  The  business  of  every  day  shall  be 
introduced  with  the  morning  service  of  the 
church. 

2d.  When  the  president  takes  the  chair,  no 
member  shall  continue  standing,  or  shall  after- 
ward stand  up,  except  to  address  the  chair. 


3d.  No  member  shall  absent  himself  from  the 
service  of  the  house   unless  he  have  leave,  or 
be  unable  to  attend. 

4th.  When  any  member  is  about  to  speaR  in 
debate,  or  deliver  any  matter  to  the  house,  he 
shall,  with  due  respect,  address  himself  to  the 
president,  confining  himself  strictly  to  the  point 
in  debate. 

5th.  No  member  shall  speak  more  than  twice 
in  the  same  debate,  without  leave  of  the  house. 
6th.  A  question  ueing  once  determined,  shall 
stand  as  the  judgment  of  the  house,  and  shall 
not  be  again  drawn  into  debate  during  the  same 
session,  unless  with  the  consent  of  two  thirds  of 
the  house. 

7th.  While  the  president  is  putting  any  ques- 
tion, the  members  shall  continue  in  their  seats, 
and  shall  not  hold  any  private  discourse. 

8th.   Every   member   who    shall   be   in   the 
house  when   any   question  is  put,  shall,  on  a 
division,  be  counted,  unless  he  be  personally 
interested  in  the  decision. 

9th.  No  motion  shall  be  considered  as  before 
the  house  unless  it  be  seconded,  and,  when  re- 
quired, reduced  to  writing. 

10th.  When  any  question  is  before  the  house, 
it  shall  be  determined  upon   before  any  new 
thing  is  introduced,  except  the  question  of  ad- 
journment. 

11th.  The  question  on  a  motion  of  adjourn- 
ment shall  be  taken  before  any  other,  and  with- 
out debate. 

12ih.  When  the  house  is  about  to  rise,  every 
member  shall  keep  his  seat  until  the  president 
shall  leave  the  chair. 

It   appearing   that   Mr.   Wm.  Munford,  the 
treasurer  of  this  Convention,  is  not  present,  on 
motion  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Meade, 

Ordered,    That   Mr.    Hugh   Mercer   be   ap- 
pointed to  receive  and  account  for,  to  the  treas- 
urer, the  contributions  of  the  several  parishes  to 
the  Contingent  Fund ;  whereupon,  the  follow- 
ing payments  were  made,  viz.  : — 
By  Mr.  John  Campbell,  Washington  parish, 

Westmoreland  county,      -        -  $30 

Dr.  F.  Carr,  St.  Anne's  parish,  Albe- 
marle,    -         -         -        -         -         -     30 

Mr.  William  Huntington,Henrico  Church, 
Richmond  city,         -         -         -         -    15 

Hugh  Mercer,  St.  George's  parish,  Fred- 
ericksburg,       30 

William  M.  Thompson,  St.  Stephen's  \ 
and  St.  Mark's  Churches,  Culpep-  >      40 
^per,  $20  each,  -         -         -       ) 

John   Nelson,  jr.,    St.  James's   parish, 

Mecklenburg,  -         -         -        -    30 

Edward  Colston,  Norborne  parish,  Berke- 
ley,        -...,.     30 
W.  G.  Stuartj  St.  Paul's  parish,  King 

George,  -   .     -         -         -         -     30 

Edward  Valentine,- jr.,  Augusta  parish, 

Augusta,  .         -         .         .  10 

Abraham  Shepherd,  St.  Andrew's  parish, 

Jefferson, 30 

Obed  Waite  and  Philip  Nelson,  Fred- 
erick parish,  Frederick,     -  -    30 

Amount  carried  forward,  $305 


CONVENTION  OF  1822. 


153 


Amount  brought  forward,  $305 

By  Francis  Nelson,  St.  Martin's  parish, 

Hanover,         -        -         -        -         -     20 
Robt.  Randolph,  Hamilton  parish,  Fau- 


quier, 


30 


T.  L.  Latane,  South  Farnham  parish, 
Essex, 20 

The  Rev.  Andrew  Syme,  Bristol  parish, 
Petersburg,      -         -         -         -         -     30 

Mr.  Robert  P.  Waring,  St.  Anne's  parish, 
Essex, 30 

Edmund  J.  Lee,  Christ's  Church,  Fair- 
fax parish,  Alexandria,     -         -         -     30 

William  Mayo,  Monumental  Church, 
Richmond  city,         -         -         -         -     30 

A.  Gait,  Christ's  Church,  Norfolk  bor- 
ough,       30 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Steel,  Dettingen  and 
Leeds  parishes,  Prince  William,       -     13 

Mr.  Dunn,  Shelburne  parish,  Loudoun,  -     30 

Mr.  Wilmer,  St.  Paul's  Church,  Alex- 
andria,   -        -        -        -         -         -     30 

Mr.  Hatch,  Fredericksville  parish,  Albe- 
marle,    ---...     30 

Mr.  Wingfield,  Portsmouth  parish,  Nor- 
folk county,     -----     30 

$658 
The  Rev.  Mr.  RavenscToft,  from  the  committee 
to  examine  the  account  of  the  trustees  of  the  Epis- 
copal Fund,  made  the  following  report,  viz. : — 

The  committee  appointed  to  examine  the  ac- 
count of  the  trustees  of  the  Bishops'  Fund,  re- 
port. That  the  account  presented  is  truly  stated, 
by  which  it  appears,  that  the  money  paid  in  has 
been  vested  in  bank-stock ;  thirty-three  shares 
in  the  Farmers'  Bank  of  Alexandria,  amounting 
to  $1,650,  and  six  shares  in  the  Bank  of  Alex- 
andria, amounting  to  $1,200,  making  an  aggre- 
gate of  $2,850 ;  and  that  there  is  a  balance  in 
the  hands  of  the  trustees  of  $5  16,  which  they 
have  carried  to  the  new  account :  all  which  will 
more  fully  appear  by  referring  to  the  account  of 
Richard  M.  Scott,  President  of  the  Farmers' 
Bank  of  Alexandria,  herewith  filed.  And  the 
said  report,  being  read,  was  approved  by  the 
Convention. 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  Reuel  Keith,  the 
Convention  adjourned  until  to-morrow  morn- 
ing, 9  o'clock, 

Friday,  May  17,  1822. 

The  Convention  met  according  to  adjourn- 
ment, and  morning  prayer  was  read  by  the 
Right  Rev-  Bishop  Moore. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Dunn,  from  the  committee  to 
examine  the  account  of  the  treasurer  of  the 
Prayer-Book  and  Tract  Society^  made  the  fol- 
lowing report,  viz. ;  The  committee  to  whom 
were  referred  the  accounts  of  the  treasurer  of 
the  Prayer-Book  and  Tract  Society,  have  per- 
formed that  duty,  and  report,  that  it  appears  by 
the  accounts  and  documents  rendered  (all  of 
which  are  correct),  that  there  is  a  balance  due 
the  treasurer  of  $40  86,  which  is  respectfully 
submitted. 

Which  report,  with  the  accompanying  docu- 
jaoents,  was  laid  upon  the  table. 


Mr.  Hugh  Mercer,  from  the  conunittee  to  ex- 
amine the  treasurer's  account,  made  the  follow- 
ing report,  viz.  :  The  committee  to  whom  was 
referred  the  treasurer's  account  have,  accord- 
ing to  order,  had  the  same  under  consideration ; 
they  find  the  account  properly  stated,  and  sup- 
ported by  correct  vouchers,  leaving  a  bcdance  in 
favour  of  the  church,  on  the  16th  instant,  of 
$47  88,  in  the  treasurer's  hands.  The  account, 
with  the  accompanying  documents,  the  commit- 
tee ask  leave  respectfully  to  submit  to  the 
house.  Which  report  was  received  by  the 
Convention,  and,  on  motion  of  Mr.  William 
Mayo, 

Ordered,  That  the  same,  with  the  accom>- 
panying  documents,  lie  upon  the  table. 

The  Rev.  Reuel  Keith,  from  the  committee 
to  whom  was  referred  the  examination  of  the 
accounts  of  the  treasurer  of  the  Widows'  Fund, 
made  the  following  report,  viz. :  The  commit- 
tee to  whom  waiS  referred  the  subject  of  ex- 
amining the  accounts  of  the  treasurer  of  the 
fund  for  the  relief  of  the  widows  and  orphans 
of  deceased  clergymen  of  the  Episcopal  Church 
of  Virginia,  report,  that  they  have,  according  to 
order,  had  the  same  under  consideration,  and 
find,  that  there  is  now  in  the  hands  of  the  treas-^ 
urer  $3,709  83,  in  three  per  cent,  and  six  per 
cent,  stock  of  the  United  States,  and  in  the 
Farmers'  Bank  of  Alexandria,  which  last  stock 
yields  six  per  cent. :  there  is  in  the  hands  of  the 
treasurer  $6  94 ;  all  of  which  will  more  fully 
appear  by  the  account  of  the  treasurer  herewith 
filed. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  John  Campbell, 
Ordered,  That  the  said  report  be  recommitted 
to  the  committee  which  brought  it  in. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Wilmer,  from  the  trustees  of  the 
Theological  School,  reported  as  follows,  viz. : — A 
committee  was  appointed  to  draught  an  address  to 
the  members  and  friends  of  the  church,  which 
was  printed,  and  circulated  very  generally  throughr 
out  the  diocess.  A  correspondence  was  entered 
into  with  the diocesses of  Maryland  and  North 
Carolina,  which  resulted  in  some  difference  of 
opinion  as  to  the  usefulness  of  the  contemplated 
school,  and  its  location  at  Wilhamsburg,  by  the 
diocess  of  Maryland ;  but  was  deferred,  as  to  any 
definitive  step,  until  the  meeting  of  their  Conven- 
tion in  the  present  year.  From  the  State  of  North 
Carohna,  no  reply  whatever  has  been  received. 

Mr.  John  Nelson,  jr.,  who  was  appointed  to  so- 
licit subscriptions  throughout  the  diocess,  has  in- 
dustriously prosecuted  the  object  committed  to 
him,  and  met  with  success  beyond  the  most  san- 
guine expectations  of  the  trustees  and  friends  of 
the  measure,  as  will  more  fully  appear  by  the  an- 
nexed statement  of  the  amount  obtained  in  the 
different  places  he  was  able  to  visit  personally, 
viz. : — 

In  Fredericksburg, $1,062  00 

"  Alexandria, 770  00 

"   Berkeley  county, 150  00 

"   Frederick, 1,185  00 

"   JeflEerson, 515  33 

"  Norfolk  and  Portsmouth,    .    .    .    1,334  00 
"   Petersburg,     ........      454  00 

"  Richmond, 1,920  00 

"   Mecklenburg  county,    .    .    .    .    .  2,025  00 
"  Scattering, 853  00 


$10,268  33 


154 


CONVENTION  OF  1Q22. 


Making  an  amount  of  $10,268  33,  the  existing 
state  of  which  is  shown  by  the  account  thereof 
rendered  by  the  agent,  and  hereto  annexed.  In 
presenting  this  report  to  the  Convention,  the 
trustees  cannot  refrain  from  felicitating  the  friends 
of  the  church  on  the  favour  manifested  towards 
this  very  important  measure  by  the  pieople  at 
large,  and  from  expressing  their  sanguine  hope, 
that  the  future  applications  which  will  continue 
to"  be  made  will  enable  them,  at  an  early  day,  to 
put  in  operation  so  desirable  an  institution.  The 
delay  of  another  year,  however,  is  inevitable,  be- 
cause the  subscriptions  were  taken  payable  in 
three  iiistalments,  the  first  of  which  has  only  be- 
come due ;  a  measure  judged  prudent  from  the 
very  depressed  state  of  the  country  in  its  money 
concerns. 

They  further  report  the  following  constitution, 
viz. : — 

1.  The  board  of  trustees  of  the  Theological 
School  of  the  diocess  of  Virginia  shall  consist  of 
the  bishop  of  the  diocess  and  thirteen  members, 
to  be  chosen  by  the  Convention  of  the  church, 
who  shall  continue  in  office  during  good  beha- 
viour. 

2.  The  bishop  of  the  diocess  shall  be,  ex-officio, 
president  of  the  board. 

3.  The  board  shall  appoint  its  own  vice-presi- 
dent, treasurer,  and  secretary. 

4.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  board  to  take 
proper  steps  to  collect  the  money  already  sub- 
scribed, and  to  obtain  additional  funds  in  aid  of 
the  institution. 

5.  There  shall  be  an  annual  meeting  of  the 
board  of  trustees  on  the  day  previous  to  the  meet- 
ing of  the  Convention,  and  at  the  place  appointed 
for  the  same. 

6.  Special  meetings  of  the  board  shall  be  called 
by  the  bishop,  on  the  application  of  any  three 
trustees,  at  such  places  as  the  bishop  shall  ap- 
point, due  notice  of  which  shall  be  given. 

7.  At  all  meetings  of  the  board,  whether  gener- 
al or  special,  eight  members  shall  be  necessary  to 
constitute  a  quorum. 

8.  A  majority  of  the  trustees  present  shall  be 
necessary  to  determine  any  measure,  question,  or 
business  before  them. 

9.  Vacancies  occurring  in  the  board  shall  be 
supplied  by  the  vote  of  the  Convention  at  their 
annual  meetings. 

10.  The  funds  of  the  Theological  School  shall  be 
under  the  ma^nagement  of  the  trustees  (who  shall 
report  annually  to  the  Convention  a  full  state 
of  the  same),  and  be  subject,  in  the  disposition  of 
the  same,  to  the  control  and  direction  of  that 
body. 

11.  The  management  of  the  institution  shall  be 
vested  in  the  board  of  trustees,  who  shall  have 
power  to  choose  a  professor  or  professors,  and  lo 
prescribe  a  course  of  study  agreeably  to  the  can- 
ons of  the  church,  and  in  general  to  make  rules 
and  regulations  for  the  government  and  good  man- 
agement of  the  institution. 

12.  The  board  of  trustees  shall  keep  a  regular 
record  of  their  proceedings,  and  report  the  same 
regularly  to  the  annual  meetings  of  the  Conven- 
tion. 

13.  Thi§  constitution,  or  any  article  thereof, 
shall  not  be  altered  or  amended,  unless  by  a  vote 
of  two  thirds  of  the  Convention. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Hugh  Nelson,  the  words, 
"  who  shall  continue  in  office  during  good  be- 
haviour," in  the  first  article,  were  struck  out, 
and  the  other  articles,  having  been  severally 
considered  by  the  Convention,  were  adopted ; 
wixereupon, 


Ordered,  That  the  said  constitution,  as  amend- 
ed, be  adopted  as  the  constitution  of  the  Theo- 
logical School  of  the  diocess  of  Virginia. 
The  Convention  adjourned  for  divine  service. 
Morning  service  was  read  by  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Wingfield,  and  a  sermon  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Ra- 
venscroft. 

The  Convention  met  according  to  adjourn- 
ment;  and,  on  motion  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Hatch, 
was  further  adjourned  until  five  o'clock. 
The  Convention  met  at  five  o'clock. 
Ordered,  That  the  Convention  do  now  pro- 
ceed to  the  election  of  deputies  to  the  General 
Convention. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Edmund  J.  Lee  and  Ed- 
ward Colston  be  a  committee  to  count  the  bal- 
lots. 

Mr;  Colston,  from  the  committee  to  count  the 
ballots,  made  the  following  report  : — The  com- 
mittee appointed  to  count  the  ballots  for  the 
election  of  deputies  to  the  General  Convention, 
have,  according  to  order,  performed  that  duty, 
and  report,  That  there  were  forty  ballots  taken, 
of  which  the  following  gentlemen  have  a  ma- 
jority, viz. : — the  Rev.  William  H.  Wilmer,  the 
Rev.  John  S.  Ravenscroft,  the  Rev.  William 
Meade,  Mr.  Hugh  Mercer,  Mr.  Edmund  J.  Lee, 
Mr.  William  Mayo,  and  Mr.  Philip  Nelson, 
who  are  therefore  elected;  but  that  no  other 
person  had  a  majority  of  the  whole  number  of 
ballots  given  ;  whereupon, 

Ordered,  That  the  Convention  now  proceed 
to  the  election  of  one  clerical  deputy,  to  supply 
the  deficiency  of  clerical  delegates  to  represent 
this  diocess  in  the  General  Convention ;  and 
the  same  committee  being  appointed  to  count 
the  ballots,  reported,  that  the  Rev.  Edward  C. 
M'Guire  has  a  majority  of  the  whole  number  of 
ballots,  and  is  duly  elected. 

Ordered,  That  the  Convention  now  proceed 
to  elect  members  of  the  standing  committee  for 
this  diocess,  and  that  the  Rev.  John  S.  Ravens- 
croft and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Wingfield  be  a  commit- 
tee to  count  the  ballots. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Ravenscroft,  from  the  com- 
mittee appointed  to  count  the  ballots  for  mem- 
bers of  the  standing  committee  of  this  diocess, 
made  the  following  report: — The  committee 
appointed  to  count  the  ballots  for  the  election 
of  the  members  of  the  standing  committee,  have, 
according  to  order,  performed  that  duty,  and 
find  that  the  Rev.  William  H.  Wilmer,  the 
Rev.  Oliver  Norris,  the  Rev.  John  Dunn,  the 
Hon.  Bushrod  Washington,  Mr.  Edmund  J. 
Lee,  and  Mr.  George  Taylor,  are  duly  elected. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Edmund  J.  Lee, 

Resolved,  That  the  next  meeting  of  the  Con- 
vention of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  for 
the  Diocess  of  Virginia  shall  be  held  on  the 
second  Tuesday  in  May  next,  at  Leesburg,  in 
the  county  of  lioudoun. 

Mr.  Campbell,  from  the  committee  to  whom 
was  recommitted  the  report  concerning  the 
Widows'  Fund,  made  the  following  additional 
report : — The  committee  further  report,  that,  du- 
ring the  present  session  of  the  Convention,  the 
bishop  has  delivered  to  one  of  the  committee 
the  note  of  Robert  Andrews,  executor  of  Robert 


CONVENTION  OF  1822. 


155 


Andrews,  deceased,  for  eight  hundred  dollars ; 
also,  a  check  from  the  Bank  of  Virginia  upon  the 
Bank  of  Washington,  for  $268  90  ;  making  the 
whole  fund  $4,783  67. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Campbell, 

Ordered,  That  the  report,  with  the  accompa- 
nying documents,  lie  upon  the  table. 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Hatch, 

The  Convention  adjourned  until  to-morrow 
morning,  at  9  o'clock. 

Saturday,  May  18 


1822. 

The  Convention  met  according  to  adjourn- 
ment, and  morning  prayers  were  read  by  the 
bishop. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Lemon,  from  the  committee  to 
whom  were  referred  the  parochial  reports,  made 
the  following  report,  viz. : — The  committee  on  the 
subject  of  the  parochial  reports  beg  leave  to  pre- 
sent the  following  condensed  statement  of  the  re- 
ports that  haye  been  submitted  to  them. 

The  Monumental  Church,  Richmond.  The 
number  of  communicants  in  this  church  has  in- 
creased since  the  last  meeting  of  the  Convention. 
A  Tuesday  lecture  has  been  estabhshed  by  the 
rector,  which  bids  fair  to  be  productive  of  the 
greatest  advantages  ;  and  the  congregation  are  reg- 
ular in  their  attendance  upon  pubhc  worship. 

The  report  of  St.  Stephen's  parish,  Culpepper, 
for  two  years,  states  the  number  of  baptisms  8 — 
marriages  3— deaths  12— communicants  added  2. 

St.  Andrew's  parish,  Jefferson  county.  Bap- 
tisms 20,  3  of  them  black  children— marriages  6— 
deaths  14 — to  the  communicants  no  additions. 

St.  Martin's  parish,  Hanover.  The  congrega- 
tions in  this  parish  are  increasing  in  numbers  and 
piety.  Communicants  46— baptisms  13— funerals 
5 — marriages  5. 

Hamilton  parish,  Fauquier.  The  congregations 
in  this  parish  have  increased  in  numbers,  and,  it  is 
hoped,  in  serious  attention  to  the  truths  of  the 
gospel,  during  the  last  year.  The  communicants 
also  have  increased  in  number,  and,  it  is  believed, 
of  such  as  are  tnily  converted  from  sin  to  God. 
Then-  number  is  about  50. 

The  Episcopal  Church  in  Fredericksburg.  This 
church  continues  to  enjoy  the  fostering  smiles  of 
God  the  Saviour.  The  congregation  is  large  and 
increasing,  and  growing  in  devotion  to  the  cause 
of  God.  Communicants  upwards  of  100 — baptisms 
23— funerals  16. 

St.  James's  Church,  Leesburg,  Shelbume  par- 
ish, Loudoun  county.  Communicants  about  35 
(the  number  having  been  lessened  by  deaths  and 
removals) — one  communicant  lately  added — bap- 
tisms 62 — marriages  10 — burials  3. 

St.  Mark's  parish,  Culpepper.  Communicants 
about  40 ;  some  have  died,  some  removed,  and 
some  been  added,  within  the  last  two  years ;  mar- 
riages 7 — baptisms  28,  one  of  which  was  an  adult 
• — funerals  5. 

St.  Paul's  parish,  King  George,  and  Washington 
parish,  Westmoreland.  Communicants  40— bap- 
tisms 25 — catechumens  26— funerals  4.  The  min- 
ister of  these  parishes  has  had  charge  of  them 
only  from  the  first  of  January  last.  The  congrega- 
tions are  regular  in  their  attendance  upon  divine 
worship. 

Christ  Church,  Norfolk  borough.  Commtmi- 
cants  182— catechumens  80— baptisms  41— funer- 
als 26— marriages  7.  The  church  has  been  com- 
pletely repaired  since  the  injury  received  in  Sep- 
tember last,  and  inuch  improved  and  beautified. 
A  gradual  but  steady  work  of  grace  has  for  some 
time  been  going  on  in  the  congregation  of  this 


church,  and  its  fruits  have  been  an  addition  of 
about  20  members  to  our  communion  within  the 
last  year. 

The  church  in  Frederick  county.  Communicants 
77 — baptisms  14,  of  whom  2  were  blacks — marria- 
ges 3— -deaths  3 — Sunday  Schools  3.  Among  the 
deaths,  it  is  a  mournful  duty  to  report  that  of  the 
Rev.  Alexander  Balmain,  late  rector  of  the  said 
church,  June,  1821,  in  the  80th  year  of  his  age. 

Christ  Church,  Alexandria,  Fairfax  parish.  Thp 
state  of  this  congregation  has  undergone  no  ma- 
terial change  since  the  last  report. 

Portsmouth  parish.  1  marriage — baptisms  6 — 
communicants  10.  The  report  from  this  parish  is 
highly  favourable,  both  as  respects  the  spiritual 
and  temporal  condition  of  the  church. 

Fredericksville  and  St.  Anne's  parishes.  The 
rector  laments  that  he  cannot  report  these  parish- 
es as  in  a  highly  prosperous  religious  state;  but, 
amid  mUch  to  deplore,  there  are  grounds  fot 
thankfulness  and  hope.  There  seems  to  be  an  in- 
creased attention  to  religion ;  and  occasionally 
some  new  professor  is  enrolled  under  the  heaven- 
ly banner.  One  of  the  edifices  of  worship  has  re- 
cently been  repaired,  by  the  exertions  of  a  few  re- 
spectable individuals.  Communicants  about  35, 
of  which  number  10  have  been  added  since  the 
present  rector  took  charge  of  these  parishes — 
marriages  38— funerals  12. 

Norbome  parish,  Berkeley  county.  Communi- 
cants 100 — baptisms  11 — marriages  3— burials  5. 
There  are  at  present  in  this  parish  four  places  of 
stated  preaching,  at  all  of  which  there  are  respect- 
able and  attentive  congregations.  The  prospects 
of  the  church  in  this  parish  are,  upon  the  wnole, 
encouraging. 

St.  Anne  and  South  Famham  parishes,  Essex. 
The  state  of  these  parishes  is  much  the  same  as 
reported  last  year;  a  few  communicants  have 
been  added,  and  religious  influence  has  in  some 
degree  increased  among  the  members.  Baptisms 
44— marriages  5— deaths  7— communicants  80 — 
Sunday  Schools  7— Sunday  scholars  400. 

Augusta  parish.  The  state  of  this  parish  is 
nearly  the  same  as  at  the  last  report.  The  rector 
has  nothing  very  interesting  to  communicate ;  but, 
taking  all  circumstances  together,  thinks  the  pros- 
perity of  the  church  is  advancing.  Marriages  10 
—baptisms  11— funerals  3— communicants  25. 

St.  Paul's  Church,  Alexandria.  The  rector  re- 
ports, that  the  affairs  of  the  church  are  in  an  im- 
proving condition.  The  congregation  are  regular 
and  devout  in  their  attendance  upon  public  wor- 
ship, and,  it  is  hoped,  are  increasing  in  piety  and 
attachment  to  the  principles  of  the  church,  as  well 
as  in  numbers.  There  is  a  Sunday  School  at- 
tached to  the  church,  rn  which  upwards  of  100 
children  are  instructed  in  the  rudiments  of  knowl- 
edge, and  in  the  Bible  and  liturgy.  A  Female 
Society  has  been  formed,  for  the  purpose  of  teach- 
ing female  children  to  sew,  knit,  &c.  ;  of  supply- 
ing the  most  indigent  among  them  with  clothes, 
and,  in  general,  of  cultivating  in  them  the  princi- 
pies  and  habits  of  knowledge,  industry,  and  vir 
tue.  Communicants  about  160— baptisms,  inclu 
ding  8  adults,  69— marriages  19— funerals  16. 

Henrico  Church,  Richmond  Hill.  The  congre- 
gation has  much  increased  in  numbers  within  the 
past  year,  and  its  present  prospects  are  highly  flat- 
tering to  all  concerned.  Marriages  7— baptisms 
10.  Several  additions  have  been  made  to  the 
number  of  communicants;  but,  through  deaths 
and  removals,  the  aggregate  number  has  rather 
diminished  than  increased  since  the  last  report ; 
it  is  at  present  about  35. 

St.  James's  parish,  Mecklenburg  county.  The 
rector  of  this  parish  lias  the  satisfaction  to  report 


156 


CONVENTION  OF  1822. 


more-  favourably  on  the  state  of  the  parish  than 
at  the  last  meeting  of  the  Convention.  The  atten- 
tion of  the  people  to  the  two  additional  preaching 
places  then  reported  continues,  and  in  the  fixed 
congregations  increasing  fervour  is  manifested. 
An  addition  of  4  adults,  heads  of  famihes,  has 
been  made  to  the  number  of  communicants,  and, 
as  he  trusts  and  believes,  from  the  saving  convic- 
tions of  the  Holy  Spirit.  A  Sunday  School,  very 
favourably  reported  of,  has  been  established  in  a 
remote  comer  of  the  parish,  by  the  zeal  and  ear- 
nestness of  one  of  the  members  of  the  upper  con- 
gregation ;  from  which  a  neighbourhood  very  des- 
titute of  religious  instruction,  it  is  hoped,  will  de- 
rive lasting  benefit.  Two  of  the  communicants 
having  removed,  the  number  is  now  37— marriages 
5 — baptisms,  including  16  black  children,  26 — 
funerals  8. 

Leed^  and  Dettingen  parishes.  Prince  William 
county.  Leeds  is  in  a  more  flourishing  condition 
than  when  last  reported.  In  Dettingen  no  mate- 
rial change  has  taken  place  within  the  last  two 
years ;  there  have  been  25  marriages  and  20  bap- 
tisms—communicants 29 :  within  the  above  period 
tjbere  have  been  several  removals  and  deaths. 
George  Lemon,  Chairman. 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  John  S.  Ravenscroft, 
the  following  resolution  was  adopted,  to  wit ; — 

Whereas  it  appears  by  the  reports  from  the 
^iflferent  vestries,  on  the  proceedings  had  under 
the  resolutions  of  the  last  Convention  on  the 
.subject  of  the  Bishops'  Fund,  that  untoward 
circumstances  and  the  pressure  of  the  times 
alone  have  prevented  a  full  compliance  with 
,the  said  resolutions ;  but  it  appears  that  the 
|)arishes  are  disposed  to  give  their  aid  to  carry 
.them  into  effect,  therefore,  be  it  Resolved  by 
Ihis  Convention,  That  it  be  recommended  to 
ihe  different  vestries  to  proceed  to  carry  into 
.effect  the  object  of  the  said  resolutions,  in  the 
manner  in  their  judgment  best  calculated  to 
ensure  success,  and  make  report  to  each  en- 
suing Convention. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Abraham  Shepherd, 

Resolved,  That  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  every 
minister  of  this  diocess  to  make  a  register  of 
each  adult  member  within  his  cure,  agreeably 
to  the  40th  canon  of  the  General  Convention. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Wilmer,  from  the  committee 
on  the  state  of  the  church,  made  the  following 
report,  viz.  : — 

The  committee  on  the  state  of  the  church 
beg  leave  to  recommend  to  the  Convention  the 
adoption  of  the  following  resolution  : — 

Resolved,  That  the  standing  committee  be 
requested  to  take  into  consideration  the  consti- 
tution and  canons  of  the  church,  to  revise  the 
same,  with  the  different  amendments  made  to 
them,  to  examine  what  further  amendments  are 
required,  and  to  make  report  to  the  next  Con- 
vention. 

The  said  resolution  was  agreed  to  by  the 
Convention. 

Mr.  Mayo,  from  the  committee  appointed  to 
count  the  votes  for  the  trustees  of  the  Theologi- 
cal School,  reported,  that  the  following  gentle- 
men, viz. :  the  Rev.  Mr.  Wilmer,  Mr.  Ravens- 
croft, Mr.  Meade,  Mr.  Norris,  Mr.  M'Guire, 
Mr.  Lowe,  and  Messrs.  Burwell  Bassett,  Will- 
iam Mayo,  Hugh  Mercer,  John  Gray,  Carter 


Berkeley,  Philip  Nelson,  and  John  Nelson,  jr., 
were  duly  elected.  . 

The  Convention  adjourned  for  divine  service. 

Prayers  were  read  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Hart,  and 
a  sermon  by  the  bishop. 

The  Convention  met  agreeably  to  adjourn- 
ment. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Wilmer  offered  the  following 
resolution,  viz.  : — 

Resolved,  That  the  managers  of  the  fund  for 
the  relief  of.  the  widows  and  orphans  of  de- 
ceased clergymen  of  the  Episcopal  Church  of 
Virginia,  be  authorized  to  compound,  upon  the 
best  practicable  terms,  with  any  dehnquent  sub- 
scribers, for  arrears  which  may  remain  unpaid, 
and  which  it  is  alleged  cannot  now  be  collected  ; 
which  resolution  was  agreed  to  by  the  Conven- 
tion. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Waite, 

Ordered,  That  750  copies  of  the  Journal  of 
this  Convention  be  printed,  and  distributed  by 
the  secretary  among  the  parishes,  under  the 
superintendence  of  the  bishop. 

The  following  resolution  was  offered  by  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Meade,  and  agreed  to  by  the  Conven- 
tion, viz.  : — 

Resolved,  That  the  treasurer  be  directed  to 
pay  annually  to  the  bishop  and  president  of  the 
standing  committee  the  amount  of  postage  on 
all  letters  and  official  communications ;  and 
also  that  one  hundred  dollars  be  paid  to  the 
bishop  for  past  expenses  of  postage. 

The  following  resolution  was  adopted  on 
motion  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Ravenscroft,  viz.  : — 
Whereas  Evan  Ragland,  of  the  parish  of  An- 
trim, and  county  of  Halifax,  did,  by  his  last  will 
and  testament,  devise  to  the  President,  Mas- 
ters, and  Professors  of  the  College  of  William 
and  Mary,  in  trust  for  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  in  Virginia,  &c.,  certain  lands  and 
other  property :  And  whereas  the  said  devise 
was  resisted  by  the  heir-at-law  of  the  said  Evan 
Ragland,  and  a  suit  has  been  instituted  on  the 
subject,  which  is  now  depending  in  the  Court 
of  Appeals,  on  an  appeal  from  a  decree  of  the 
Chancery  Court  of  Lynchburg,  in  favour  of  the 
claims  of  the  church  :  And  whereas  it  is  of  the 
greatest  importance  to  the  credit  and  welfare 
of  the  church,  that  every  ground  of  prejudice 
should  be  done  away  ;  therefore,  be  it  Re- 
solved, That  John  Nelson,  jr.  and  Wm.  Leigh 
be  empowered  to  make  a  compromise  with  the 
heirs  of  said  Evan  Ragland,  so  as  to  avoid  the 
evil  arising  from  keeping  alive  the  prejudices 
which  are  now,  it  is  hoped,  dying  away. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Hugh  Nelson, 

Resolved,  That  the  five  gentlemen  who  re- 
ceived the  greatest  number  of  votes  as  dele- 
gates to  the  General  Convention,  be  appointed 
members  of  the  board  of  trustees  to  the  The- 
ological Seminary  ;  whereupon  the  following 
gentlemen  were  declared  elected,  and  thereupon 
nominated  as  trustees,  viz.  :  the  Rev.  William 
H.  Wilmer,  the  Rev.  John  S.  Ravenscroft,  the 
Rev.  William  Meade,  Messrs.  Hugh  Mercer, 
and  Edmund  I.  Lee. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Waite, 

Resolved,  That  the  thanks  of  this  Convention 


CONVENTION  OF  1822. 


157 


be  presented  to  the  citizens  of  Charlottesville 
and  its  vicinity  for  their  hospitality  and  polite- 
ness to  the  members  thereof. 

The  pastoral  address  was  then  rejtd  by  the 
bishop,  which  being  heard, 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Ravenscroft, 

Resolved,  That  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Moore 
be  requested  to  furnish  a  copy  of  his  truly  pas- 
toral address,  to  he  inserted  on  the  minutes  of 
this  Convention. 

The  said  address  is  as  follows  : — 

Brethren, — The  labours  attendant  upon  the 
sacred  and  responsible  office  which  I  hold,  are 
sensibly  alleviated  by  the  encouraging  prospect 
which  our  ecclesiastical  concerns  present  to  my 
view.  Aided  by  a  virtuous  and  evangelical  clergy, 
the  church  committed  to  my  charge  is  increasing 
in  numbers  and  in  consequence  ;  regaining  that 
religious  importance  to  which  her  scriptural  prin- 
ciples entitle  her,  and  inspiring  with  joy  and  grat- 
itude the  minds  of  her  friends. 

The  order  and  spirituality  which  distinguish 
her  solemn  services,  have  secured  to  her  the  at- 
tachment and  approbation  of  an  intelligent  com- 
munity. That  respect  to  our  laws  and  to  our 
rulers  inculcated  in  her  liturgy,  inspires  the  public 
mind  with  confidence  in  the  integrity  of  her  prin- 
ciples ;  that  abstraction  from  all  poUtical  concerns 
which  marks  the  conduct  of  her  clergy,  and  that 
devotion  to  duty  by  which  they  are  actuated,  bid 
fair  to  secure  her  future  advancernent.  In  almost 
every  direction  to  which  I  bend  my  course,  I  per- 
ceive her  rising  from  the  ruin  in  which  she  has 
been  involved  ;  taking  her  harp  from  the  willows, 
and  proclaiming  the  praises  of  her  Almighty  de- 
liverer. 

The  liberal  subscriptions  to  our  Theological 
School  furnish  us  with  an  undeniable  evidence 
of  the  good-will  of  the  community  ;  and  the  pres- 
ent council  of  the  church  proves  to  a  demonstra- 
tion that  the  representation  I  have  made  is  cor- 
rect. In  1814,  the  Convention  of  this  diocess  con- 
tained the  names  of  only  seven  clergymen  ;  while 
the  assembly  I  am  now  addressing  includes  in  its 
number  twenty-three  ministers  of  the  gospel: 

At  the  close  of  the  last  Convention  in  Norfolk, 
I  crossed  the  bay  to  the  eastern  shore  of  this  state, 
and  preached  in  three  places  in  the  county  of 
Northampton,  and  also  in  three  places  in  the 
county  of  Accomack.  In  Accomack  I  consecrated 
to  the  service  of  Almighty  God  a  large  and  ele- 
gant church,  and  administered  the  holy  rite  of 
confirmation.  In  the  month  of  July  I  went  to 
the  city  of  WiUiamsburg  in  company  with  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Ravenscroft,  in  which  place  we  were 
joined  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Low,  of  Norfolk,  both  of 
which  gentlemen  officiated  in  the  church  ;  but 
my  own  labours  were  arrested  by  the  unfavoura- 
ble state  of  the  weather.  In  the  month  of  August 
I  left  Richmond  on  my  way  to  the  upper  coun- 
try ;  visited  Alexandria,  preached  in  both  churches, 
ordained  four  deacons,  and  administered  the  Lord's 
Supper. 

From  Alexandria  I  went  to  Leesburg,  at  which 
place  I  preached  to  a  large,  attentive,  and  deeply 
impressed  auditory.  I  then  passed  on  to  Charles- 
town,  in  Jefferson  county,  at  which  place  I  also 
preached.  Leaving  Charlestown,  I  hastened  to 
Shepherdstown,  in  the  same  county,  and  there  I 
also  officiated.  From  Shepherdstown  I  went  to 
a  chapel  at  the  North  Mountain,  where  I  preached 
to  a  large  congregation.  From  the  North  Moun- 
tain I  proceeded,  in  company  with  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Lippit,  to  Martinsburg,  at  which  place  I  preached 
twice   on  the   Sabbath   to  large  and   attentive 


congregations,  and  administered  the  rite  of  con- 
firmation.  I  then  passed  on  to  the  church  at 
Mill  Creek,  in  wliich  place,  notwithstanding  the 
weather  was  very  rainy,  I  preached  to  a  devout 
and  respectable  congregation.  From  Mill  Creek  I 
went  to  Winchester,  where  I  also  officiated,  and 
was  assisted  in  the  service  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Meade. 

The  county  of  Hampshire  formed  the  next  ob- 
ject of  my  attention,  in  which  district  I  preached 
in  three  different  places.  In  Hampshire,  brethren, 
but  two  or  three  years  since,  we  had  not  a  single 
place  of  worship  belonging  to  our  communion  : 
through  the  laborious  efforts,  however,  of  the 
Rev.  Norman  Nash,  there  are  now  two  respecta- 
ble churches.  From  Hampshire  I  returned  to 
Winchester,  at  which  place  I  preached  on  the 
Sabbath,  and  was  prevented  the  further  prosecu- 
tion of  my  episcopal  labours  by  a  severe  indisposi- 
tion, which  confined  me  in  the  house  of  Judge 
Holmes  for  fifteen  days. 

I  should  consider  myself  wanting  in  gratitude, 
were  I  to  pass  over  in  silence  the  kind  attentions 
I  received  from  Judge  Holmes  and  his  family. 
Though  a  stranger,  he  took  me  in,  and  benevo- 
lently furnished  me  with  every  comfort,  my  situa- 
tion required.  The  best  medical  aid  was  afforded 
me  by  Dr.  Barton  of  Winchester,  and  Dr.  Everett 
of  Albemarle,  who,  with  that  hberality  which  has 
marked  the  conduct  of  my  valuable  firiend  and 
family  physician.  Dr.  Trent  of  Richmond,  refused 
any  remuneration.  My  heart  was  comforted  with 
the  fihal  attentions  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Meade  and  Mr- 
Robertson  ;  and  the  inhabitants  of  WinchesteF 
conferred  upon  me  every  evidence  of  their  sympa^ 
thy  and  regard. 

After  my  recovery  I  returned  to  Richmond, 
and  on  my  way  home  passed  a  Sabbath  at  the 
hospitable  mansion  of  my  friend  Col.  R.  Randolph  ^ 
of  Fauquier,  where  I  read  the  service  of  the- 
church,  and  dehvered  a  discourse  to  his  family. 
1  also  stopped  a  day  in  Hanover,  where  I  preached,, 
and  administered  the  Lord's  Supper  to  the  ven- 
erable Mrs.  Nelson,  and  many  of  her  numeroua- 
connexion.  In  the  autumn  I  visited  Petersburg, 
preached,  and  administered  the  rite  of  confirma- 
tion. In  January  I  went  down  into  Gloucester 
county,  and  preached  a  funeral  discourse  on  the 
occasion  of  the  death  of  Mrs.  Smith,  the  amiable 
relict  of  one  of  the  former  clergy  of  the  diocess,. 
and  her  daughter,  Mrs.  Tabb. 

Thus,  brethren,  I  have  endeavoured  to  dis- 
charge the  duty  required  at  my  hands  by  the  Al- 
mighty  and  his  church.  My  disposition  to  be' 
found  at  my  post  is  as  fervent  as  it  has  ever 
been.  My  constant  prayer  to  God  is  offered  tq> 
for  the  prosperity  of  Zion,  and,  while  I  live,  my 
utmost  efforts  shall  be  excited  in  her  behalf. 

To  ensure  our  future  progress,  my  brethren  of 
the  clergy,  we  must  persevere  in  the  faithful  dis- 
charge of  our  duty  to  God.  Proclaiming  the  doc- 
trines of  the  cross  ;  preaching  Jesus  Christ  and 
him  crucified ;  conforming  our  lives  to  the  holy 
precepts  we  inculcate  ;  living  in  love  and  in  peace 
with  each  other,  and  with  the  members  of  our 
congregations,  the  God  of  love  and  peace  will  be 
with  us.  "  The  wilderness  and  the  solitary  place 
will  be  glad,  and  the  desert  yet  uncultivated  \by 
the  spiritual  husbandman  will  rejoice  and  blossom 
as  the  rose." 

Gentlemen  of  the  laity, — It  is  pleasing  to  ob- 
serve the  unanimity  subsisting  between  the  clergy 
and  yourselves.  We  acknowledge  you  as  co- 
workers with  us,  and  it  will  always  afford  me  the 
most  heartfelt  delight  to  meet  you  in  our  public 
councils.  Future  generations  will  reap  the  blessed 
effects  of  our  labours  ;  and,  when  our  bodies  are 
slumbering  in  the  grave,  our  children  will  remem- 


158 


CONVENTION  OF  1823. 


ber  with  gratitude  the  efforts  we  have  made  in 
their  behalf ;  be  influenced  by  our  example  to 
support  the  same  cause,  and  to  kneel  at  the  same 
altars  upon  which  we  have  oflered  up  the  incense 
of  our  cfevotions. 

Brethren  of  the  clergy  and  laity,  I  wish  you  a 
happy  interview  with  your  famihes,  and  may  the 
Lord  be  with  you  all ! 

Prayers  were  read  by  the  bishop,  and,    , 


On  motion  of  Mr.  Lee, 

The  Convention  adjourned,  to  meet  on  the 
second  Tuesday  in  May  next,  at  Leesburg,  in 
Loudoun  county. 

Richard  Channing  Moore, 
Bishop  of  the  Prot.  Epis.  Church  of 
Virginia. 
Teste,      Edward  Colston,  Sec.  p?o  tern. 


Journal  of  the  Procecdivgs  of  a  Coiroeidion  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal   Church  of  Virginia, 
tvhich  assembled  at  Leesburg ^  in  the  County  of  Loudoun,  on  Tuesday,  the  Idth  of  May,  1823, 


At  a  meeting  of  a  Convention  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church  of  the  State  of  Virginia,  held 
at  Leesburg,  in  the  county  of  Loudoun,  on  Tues- 
day, the  13th  day  of  May,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord 
one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  twenty-three, 

A  sufficient  number  of  members  to  constitute 
a  Convention  appearing,  in  the  absence  of  the 
Right  Rev.  Richard  Channing  Moore,  D.  D., 
bishop  of  this  diocess,  who  was  prevented  from 
attending  by  the  sickness  of  his  family,  the  Rev. 
William  H.  Wilmer,  D.  D.,  was  elected,  by  joint 
ballot  of  the  clerical  and  lay  deputies,  in  con- 
formity with  the  canons  of  the  church,  president 
pro  tempore  of  this  Convention,  and  accordingly 
took  his  seat  as  such. 

The  following  clergymen,  entitled  to  seats  in 
this  Convention,  appeared  and  took  tlieir  seats, 
viz.  : — 

The  Rev.  V^^m.  H.  Wilmer,  St.  Paul's  Church, 
Alexandria ;  the  Rev.  Oliver  Norris,  Christ 
Church,  Fairfax  parish,  Alexandria  ;  the  Rev. 
John  Dunn,  Shelburne  parish,  Loudoun  county  ; 
the  Rev.  William  Meade,  Chapel,  Frederick 
parish ;  the  Rev.  John  S.  Ravenscroft,  St. 
James's  parish,  Mecklenburg  county  ;  the  Rev. 
William  Steel,  Dettingen  and  Leeds  parish. 
Prince  William  county ;  the  Rev.  John  Arm- 
strong, Wheeling,  Ohio  county  ;  the  Rev.  Fred- 
erick W.  Hatch,  Fredericksville  parish,  Albe- 
marle county  ;  the  Rev.  Robert  Prout,  Princess 
Anne  county;  the  Rev.  Amos  C.  Treadway, 
Lynchburg  ;  the  Rev.  John  H.  Wingfield,  Ports- 
mouth parish,  Norfolk  county ;  the  Rev.  Charles 
H.  Page,  Kanawha  county  ;  the  Rev.  Reuel 
Keith,  Bruton  parish,  Williamsburg ;  the  Rev. 
John  J.  Robertson,  Frederick  parish,  Winchester ; 
the  Rev.  Josias  Clapham,  St.  Paul's  parish,  King 
George  county,  and  Washington  parish,  West- 
moreland ;  the  Rev.  Stephen  W.  Prestman, 
Dumfries  parish,  Prince  William,  and  Aquia 
parish,  Stafford. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  WiUiam  Steel,  the 
Rev.  John  Armstrong,  and  Mr.  Edmund  J.  Lee, 
be  appointed  a  committee  to  examine  the  cer- 
tificates of  appointments  of  the  lay  deputies. 
The  said  committee  then  withdrew,  and,  after 
son>e  time,  returning  into  the  house,  presented 
the  following  report : — 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the 
certificates  of  the  lay  delegates,  have,  according 
to  order,  examined  the  same,  and  report  that 
the  following  persons  have  been  duly  elected  as 
lay  delegates  to  this  Convention  : — 


St.  James's  parish,  Mecklenburg,  John  Nelson, 
jr.  ;  Christ  Church,  Alexandria,  Fairfax  parish, 
Edmund  J.  Lee  ;  Hamilton  parish,  Fauquier, 
Robert  Randolph  and  Elias  Edmonds ;  St. 
Martin's  parish,  Hanover,  Carter  Berkeley  ;  St. 
Anne's  parish,  Essex,  James  M.  Garnett  and 
Robert  P.  Waring  ;  Frederick  parish,  Philip 
Nelson  and  Obed  Waite  ;  parish  of  Lynnhaven, 
Princess  Anne  county,  Thurmer  Hoggard  ; 
Staunton  congregation,  Augusta,  Edward  Valen- 
tine, jr.  ;  Henrico  parish,  Charles  F.  Mercer ; 
South  Farnham  parish,  Essex  county,  Henry 
Young  and  Thomas  L.  Latine  ;  Leeds  parish, 
Prince  William,  Carter  B.  Fontaine ;  St.  George's 
parish,  Fredericksburg,  Robert  Lewis  ;  Lynch- 
burg parish,  Isaac  Newton  Whiting  ;  .Shelburne 
parish,  Loudoun  county,  Ludwell  Lee ;  St.  Paul's 
Church,  Alexandria,  Humphrey  Peake  ;  Zion 
Church,  parish  of  St.  Andrew's,  Jefferson, 
Bushrod  C.  Washington. 

The  committee  further  report.  That  a  certifi- 
cate purporting  to  be  from  the  vestry  of  Fafrfax 
parish,  held  on  the  10th  day  of  this  month,  at 
the  Falls  Church,  purporting  to  appoint  John 
Moore  as  a  lay  delegate  to  this  Convention, 
having  been  presented,  the  committee  are  of 
opinion,  if  there  is  an  Episcopal  congrega- 
tion belonging  to  that  church,  then  it  is  un- 
der the  government  of  the  vestry  who  have  ap- 
pointed Edmund  J.  Lee  to  represent  that  parish. 
The  committee  are  therefore  of  opinion,  that 
the  said  John  Moore  is  not  entitled  to  a  seat 
in  this  Convention,  a«  a  delegate  from  Fairfax 
parish. 

The  «aid  report  being  read,  was,  on  the  ques- 
tion put  thereupon,  approved  by  the  Convention. 

On  motion  made  and  seconded, 

Resolved,  That  the  Rev.  Mr.  Bryan,  and  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Armstrong,  of  the  diocess  of  Maryland, 
and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Jones,  of  the  eastern  diocess, 
be  invited  to  accept  of  honorary  seats  in  this 
Convention. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  John  Nelson,  Mr.  Philip 
Nelson,  Mr.  Obed  Waite,  and  Doctor  Humphrey 
Peake,  be  appointed  a  committee  to  examine 
the  treasurer's  accounts. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  John  S.  Ravenscroft, 
the  Rev.  Wilham  Meade,  the  Rev.  Oliver  Nor- 
ris, Mr.  James  M.  Garnett,  Mr.  Ludwell  Lee, 
Mr.  Charles  F.  Mercer,  and  Mr.  Robert  Lewis, 
be  a  committee  to  take  into  consideration  the 
state  of  the  church  in  this  diocess,  and  report 
thereupon  to  this  Convention." 


CONVENTION  OF  1823. 


159 


On  motion,  Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  William 
H.  Wilmer  be  added  to  that  committee. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Edward  Valentine,  Mr. 
Thurmer  Hoggard,  and  Mr.  Henry  Young,  be  a 
committee  to  examine  the  accounts  of  the  treas- 
urer of  the  Prayer-Book  and  Tract  Society  of 
Virginia. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  John  J.  Robertson, 
the  Rev.  Robert  Prout,  Dr.  Carter  Berkeley, 
and  Mr.  Philip  Nelson,  be  a  committee  to  ex- 
amine the  state  of  the  fund  for  support  of  wid- 
ows of  deceased  clergymen. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  Frederick  W.  Hatch, 
the  Rev.  Reuel  Keith,  the  Rev.  John  H.  Wing- 
field,  the  Rev.  Josias  Clapham,  and  the  Rev. 
Stephen  W.  Prestman,  be  a  committee  to  ex- 
amine the  parochial  reports. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Ludwell  Lee,  Mr.  Robert 
Randolph,  and  Mr.  Robert  Lewis,  be  a  com- 
mittee to  examine  the  account  of  the  treasurer 
of  the  fund  for  the  permanent  support  of  the 
episcopate  in  this  diocess. 

A  motion  was  made  by  Mr.  Edmund  J.  Lee, 
and  seconded  by  the  Rev.  William  Steel,  that 
the  deliberations  of  this  Convention  be  conduct- 
ed with  closed  doors  :  — 

Whereupon,  the  question  being  put,  was  de- 
termined in  the  negative. 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  William  Steel, 

Resolved,  That  the  rules  of  order  adopted  by 
the  last  Convention  for  the  government  of  their 
proceedings,  be  the  rules  of  proceeding  during 
the  present  Convention.* 

The  session  was  then  suspended,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  attending  divine  service  by  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Wingfield,  and  a  sermon  by  the  Rev.  John 
S.  Ravenscroft,  after  which  the  Convention 
again  assembled. 

On  motion,  the  treasurer  received  the  follow- 
ing contributions  from  sundry  parishes  of  this 
diocess,  viz. : — 

St.  Paul's  Church,  Alexandria,  Mr. 

Wilmer,  -         -         -        -  $25  00 

Christ  Church,  Fairfax  parish,  Ed- 
mund J'.  Lee,      r         -         -         -     30  00 

Frederick  parish,  Obed  Waite,         -     30  00 

Shelburne  parish,  Loudoun,  Ludwell 

Lee,  -         -         -        -        -     30  00 

St.  James's  parish,  Mecklenburg,  John 

Nelson, 30  00 

Dettingen  and  Leeds  parish.  Prince 

William,  Carter  B.  Fontaine,       -       5  00 

Princess  Anne   county,   Lynnhaven 

parish,  Mr.  Hoggard,  -         -     22  00 

Lynchburg  parish,  Mr.  WTiiting,      -     30  00 

Portsmouth    parish,    Norfolk,    Mr. 

Wingfield,  -         -         -         -     10  76 

Bruton    parish,    Williamsburg,   Mr. 

Keith,        -         -        -         -         -     20  00 

St.   Martin's   parish,   Hanover,   Dr. 

Berkeley,  -         -         -         -     20  00 

Hamilton  parish,  Fauquier,  Elias  Ed- 
monds,       25  00 


Amount  brought  forward,  $277  75 

St.  Anne's  parish,  Essex,  Mr.  Gar- 

nett,  -         _        -         -         - 

Staunton  congregation,  Augusta,  Mr. 

Valentine,  .         .         .         . 

South  Farnhara  parish,  Essex,  Mr, 

Young, 

St.  George's  parish,  Fredericksburg, 

Mr.  Lewis,         -         -         -         . 
2ion  Church,   St.   Andrew's  parish, 

Jefferson,  Mr.  Washington, 
Christ  Church,  Norfolk,  Mr.  Ravens- 
croft, _        -         _         .         - 
Bristol  parish,  Prince  George,  do. 
Dumfries  parish,  Prince  William,  Mr. 

Prestman,  -        - 


Amount  carried  forward, 


$277  75 


♦  Vide  Journals  of  Ijist  Convention. 


Mr.  John  Nelson,  jr.,  in  pursuance  of  a  res- 
olution of  the  last  Convention,  on  the  subject 
of  a  compromise  with  the  heirs  of  Evan  Rag- 
land,  deceased,  presented  a  report,  which  was 
read,  as  follows  : — 

In  pursuance  of  a  resolution  of  the  last  Con- 
vention, authorizing  me,  together  with  William 
Leigh,  Esq.,  of  HaHfax,  to  propose  to  the  heirs 
of  Evan  Ragland,  deceased,  a  compromise  of 
the  controversy  depending  with  them  in  the 
Court  of  Appeals,  I  went  to  the  county  of 
Halifax  in  the  month  of  February,  when  I  as- 
certained that  no  compromise  could  be  effected 
at  that  time,  in  consequence  of  one  of  the  heirs 
being  a  resident  of  the  State  of  Kentucky,  who, 
although  written  to  for  that  purpose,-  had  given 
no  authority  to  any  person  to  settle  it  in  his  be- 
half. It  is  proper  I  should  inform  the  Conven- 
tion, that  another  bar  to  a  compromise  exists, 
in  the  infancy  of  some  of  the  heirs.  I  will  also 
State,  that  those  of  the  heirs  with  whom  I  con- 
ferred on  the  subject  are  not  disposed  to  yield 
any  part  of  what  they  claim  ;  being  aware  of 
the  advantage  they  have  in  a  contest  with  the 
church,  in  consequence  of  her  not  being  recog- 
nised by  the  courts  as  a  legally  existing  body. 
John  Nelson,  jr. 

On  motion.  Ordered,  That  the  said  report  be 
laid  upon  the  table. 

Mr.  Wilmer,  from  the  committee  appointed  to 
revise  and  amend  the  canons  of  the  church  in 
this  diocess,  reported,  That,  according  to  order, 
the  said  committee  had  considered  the  subject, 
and  proposed  the  following  resolution  for  adop- 
tion by  this  Convention,  viz.  : — 

Resolved,  That  the  10th  canon  be  amended, 
by  striking  out  the  words,  "  five  members,"  in 
the  concluding  paragraph,  and  inserting,  in  lieu 
thereof,  "  a  majority  of  the  whole  number." 

The  said  resolution  being  read,  was,  on  the 
question  put  thereupon,  agreed  to  by  the  house. 

The  Rev.  Edward  C.  M'Guire,  of  St.  George's 
parish,  Fredericksburg,  appeared  and  took  his 
seat  in  the  Convention. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  Mr.  M'Guire  be 
added  to  the  committee  on  the  state  of  the 
church. 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  William  Meade, 


160 


CONVENTION  OF  1823. 


Resolved,  That  a  committee  to  revise  and 
superintend  a  republication  of  the  constitution 
and  canons  of  the  church  in  this  diocess,  as 
amended  by  the  present  and  former  Conven- 
tions, be  appointed ;  and  that  the  constitution 
and  canons  so  revised  be  published  with  the 
Journal  of  the  present  Convention. 

Ordered,  That  the  secretary  of  the  Conven- 
tion, and  the  Rev.  William  H.  Hart,  of  the  city 
of  Richmond,  be  the  committee  to  make  the  said 
revisal  and  republication. 

And  then,  on  motion,  the  Convention  ad- 
journed until  to-morrow  morning,  half  past  8 
o'clock. 

Wednesday,  May  14,  1823. 

The  Convention  met  according  to  adjourn- 
ment, and  was  opened  with  prayer  by  the  Rev. 
WjUiam  Meade. 

The  Rev.  Richard  H.  Barnes,  of  St.  Martin's 
parish,  Hanover,  appeared  and  took  his  seat  in 
the  Convention. 

The  following  gentlemen  produced  certificates 
of  appointment  as  lay  deputies,  which,  being 
read,  were  approved,  in  conformity  with  the 
canons  ;  whereupon,  they  took  their  seats  as 
members  of  this  Convention,  viz. : — 

Mr.  Thomas  G.  Moncure,  for  Aquia  Church, 
Oyerwharton  parish,  Stafford  county  ;  Mr.  Ed- 
ward Colston,  for  Norborne  parish,  Berkeley 
county. 

A  petition  of  Mr.  John  Moore  to  this  Conven- 
tion was  presented  and  read,  setting  forth,  that 
he  was,  on  the  10th  instant,  duly  elected  a  lay 
deputy  to  represent  the  interests  of  the  congre- 
gation of  the  Falls  Church,  in  Fairfax  parish, 
in  the  Convention  ;  that,  on  the  first  day  of  its 
meeting,  the  Convention  refused  him  a  seat, 
upon  the  ground  that  the  parish  of  Fairfax  was 
properly  represented  by  members  of  Christ 

Church,  in  Alexandria,  within  the  district  of 
Columbia  ;  the  petitioner  represents,  that  in  the 
parish  of  Fairfax  there  are  three  churches  ; 
Christ's,  St.  Paul's,  and  the  Falls  Church ; 
that  the  glebe  attached  to  the  said  parish  lay 
within  that  part  of  the  District  of  Columbia  ceded 
by  the  State  of  Virginia  to  the  United  States, 
which  has  since  been  sold,  agreeably  to  a  law 
of  Congress;  that  he  verily  believes  that  the 
vestry  from  whom  he  received  his  appointment 
are  organized  agreeably  to  the  canons  of  the 
church,  and  prays  that  the  case  of  the  congre- 
gation at  the  Falls  Church,  in  the  parish  of 
Fairfax,  may  be  reconsidered,  and  such  meas- 
ures be  adopted  as  the  Convention  in  their  wis- 
dom may  think  proper. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  petition  be  referred 
to  the  committee  on  the  state  of  the  church,  to 
report  their  opinion  thereupon  to  the  Con- 
vention. 

Mr.  John  Nelson,  jr.,  from  the  committee 
appointed  to  examine  the  treasurer's  accounts, 
presented  a  report,  which  was  read,  as  fol- 
lows : — ' 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the 
treasurer's  accounts,  have,  according  to  order, 
had  the  same  under  consideration ;  they  find 
the  account  properly  stated,  and  supported  by 


correct  vouchers,  leaving  a  balance  in  favour 
of  the  church  of  $338  16  in  the  hands  of  the 
treasurer.  The  account,  with  the  accompany- 
ing documents,  the  committee  ask  leave  respect- 
fully to  submit. 

John  Nelson,  Jr.,  Chairman. 

The  said  report  was,  on  the  question  put 
thereupon,  approved  by  the  Convention. 

Mr.  Valentine,  from  the  committee  to  exam- 
ine the  account  of  the  treasurer  of  the  Prayer- 
Book  and  Tract  Society,  presented  a  report, 
which  was  read,  as  follows  : — 

Leesburg,  May  14,  1823. 

The  committee  appointed  to  examine  the  ac- 
counts of  the  treasurer  of  the  Prayer-Book  and 
Tract  Society  of  the  Diocess  of  Virginia,  have 
discharged  that  duty,  and  find  the  same  to  be 
correct.  g 

Ed.  Valentine,  jr.,  Chairman.        j 

The   said  report  was,  on  the   question  put    ^ 
thereupon,  approved  by  the  Convention. 

Mr.  William  Mayo,  a  lay  deputy  from  the 
Monumental  Church  in  the  city  of  Richmond, 
produced  a  certificate  of  his  appointment,  in 
conformity  with  the  canons,  and  was  admitted  to 
a  seat  in  this  Convention. 

Mr.  Ludwell  Lee,  from  the  committee  ap- 
pointed to  examine  the  state  of  the  fund  for  the 
permanent  support  of  the  episcopate  in  this  di- 
ocess, presented  a  report,  which  was  read,  as 
follows  : — 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  ac- 
count of  the  Bishops'  Fund,  report,  that  since  the 
last  report,  as  appears  by  the  treasurer's  account 
hereto  annexed,  there  have  been  purchased  four 
shares  of  the  stock  of  the  Farmer's  Bank  of  Al- 
exandria, at  ^50  a  share  ;  that  there  is  now  in 
the  hands  of  the  agent  of  the  standing  committee 
the  sum  of  one  hundred  and  fortyTthree  dollars  and 
sixteen  cents,  to  be  laid  out  in  bank-stock.  The 
committee,  from  information  received  from  one 
of  the  standing  committee,  state  the  fund  at  this 
time  to  consist  of  thirty-six  shares  of  Farmers' 
Bank  stock,  comprehending  the  four  above  men- 
tioned, six  shares  of  Alexandria  Bank  stock,  at 
$200  a  share,  and  one  share  of  the  Ashby's  Gap 
turnpike  road,  transferred  by  the  Rev.  William 
Meade  to  the  proper  person,  the  nominal  amount 
of  which  is  $100— making  in  the  whole  the 
sum  of  ^3,440.-r-All  which  is  respectfully  submit- 
ted. 

Ludwell  Lee,  Chairman. 

The  said  report  was,  on  the  question  put 
thereupon,  approved  by  the  Convention. 

A  motion  was  made  by  Mr.  Edmund  J.  Lee, 
and  seconded  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Steel,  that  the  Con- 
vention do  agree  to  the  following  resolution  : — 

Whereas  the  efforts  made  for  raising  a  fund 
for  the  support  of  the  bishop  of  this  diocess, 
have,  from  various  causes,  not  been  successful ; 

Beit  therefore  Resolved,  That  the  subject  be 
referred  to  the  standing  committee  of  the  dio- 
cess, with  instructions  to  adopt  such  mode  of 
raising  the  necessary  fund  as  shall  appear  to 
them  most  expedient. 

And  the  question  being  put  thereupon,  was 
determined  in  the  negative. 

The  Rev.  John  J.  Robertson,  from  the  com- 


CONVENTION  OF  1823. 


161 


imttee  for  examining  the  state  of  the  fund  for 
the  support  of  the  widows  and  orphans  of  de- 
ceased clergymen,  presented  a  report,  which  was 
read,  as  follows  : — 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  ex- 
amination of  the  accounts  of  the  treasurer  of 
the  funds  for  the  relief  of  the  widows  and  or- 
phans of  deceased  clergymen  of  the  Episcopal 
Church  of  Virginia,  report,  That  they  have,  ac- 
cording to  order,  had  the  same  under  consider- 
ation, and  find  that  there  is  in  the  hands  of  the 
treasurer, 

3  per  cent,  stocks,  -        -        -  $2,037  78 

6  per  cent,  stock,  .        >         -       172  05 

40  shares  of  Farmers'  Bank  of  Al- 
exandria stock,  at  $60  per  share, 
being  par  price,  -        -        -        -    2,000  00 
1  share  stock  in  Bank  of  Virginia  at 

par, 100  00 


Cash  in  hand, 
Robert  Andrews's  executor's  note, 

bearing  interest  from  Feb.  28th, 

1822,  until  paid. 
Note  received  in  part  of  Albemarle 

collections,  bearing  interest  from 

June  24,  1822,  until  paid,    - 


$4,309  83 
14  02 


800  00 


69  87 


Whole  amount,  $5,193  72 

All  which  will  appear  more  fully  by  the  ac- 
count of  the  treasurer,  herewith  filed. 

J.  J.  Robertson,  Chairman. 

The  said  report  was,  on  the  question  put 
thereupon,  approved  by  the  Convention. 

The  session  was  then  suspended,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  attending  divine  service  by  the  Rev.  Ol- 
iver Norris,  and  a  sermon  by  the  Rev.  William 
H.  Wilmer,  after  which  the  session  was  re- 
sumed. 

The  Rev.  John  S.  Ravenscroft,  from  the  com- 
mittee on  the  state  of  the  church,  presented  a 
report,  which  was  read,  as  follows  : — 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  peti- 
tion of  John  Moore,  have,  according  to  order,  had 
the  subject  committed  to  them  under  considera- 
tion, and  beg  leave  to  report  thereon,  that  there  is 
no  canon  now  in  existence  which  provides  for  the 
division  of  parishes,  nor  for  more  than  one  repre- 
sentation from  a  parish.  Your  committee,  previ- 
ously to  having  received  this  petition,  had  prepared 
a  canon  for  the  accommodation  of  all  cases  where 
the  division  of  a  parish  should  be  absolutely  ne- 
cessary, and  which  they  recommend  for  the  adop- 
tion of  the  Convention,  in  the  following  words : — 

Canon  for  the  Division  of  Parishes. 

Whereas,  from  the  great  extent  of  many  of  the 
parishes  in  this  diocess,  and  from  various  other 
causes,  it  may  be  for  the  interest  of  the  church, 
and  for  the  convenience  and  quiet  of  the  people, 
to  permit  the  division  of  some  of  the  parishes ; 

Be  it  therefore  enacted,  That  whenever  it  shall 
be  made  to  appear  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  Con- 
vention that  such  division  is  expedient,  or  when  the 
desire  of  the  people  of  the  parish  for  such  divis- 
ion shall  be  manifested,  by  repairing  the  old 
churches  or  building  new  ones,  electing  a  vestry, 
conformably  to  the  regulations  of  the  church,  and 
shall  produce  to  the  Convention  the  original  sub- 

1j 


scriptions  of  the  vestry  of  the  church  from  which 
the  application  for  the  division  of  a  parish  is  made, 
to  the  test  required  by  the  10th  canon,  and  also 
produce  a  register  of  the  names  of  those  who 
wish  for  a  division  of  the  parish,  on  application  to 
this  Convention,  such  petitioners  may  be  received 
as  a  distinct  parish. 

The  said,  resolution  being  twice  read,  was, 
on  the  question  put  thereupon,  agreed  to  by  the 
house. 

A  motion  was  made  by  Mr.  Edmund  J.  Lee, 
that  the  Convention  do  agree  to  the  following 
resolution : — 

Resolved,  That  the  standing  committee  be, 
and  they  are  hereby  authorized,  to  select  some 
competent  person  to  call  on  the  different  mem- 
bers of  this  church  to  contribute  to  raising  the 
fund  for  the  support  of  the  bishop,  payable  in 
one,  two,  three,  and  four  years. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  resolution  be  referred 
to  the  committee  on  the  state  of  the  church,  to 
report  their  opinion  to  the  Convention  there- 
upon. 

The  Convention  proceeded  to  the  election, 
by  ballot,  of  eight  delegates  to  represent  this 
diocess  in  the  next  General  Convention  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church  of  the  United 
States  ;  whereupon  the  following  gentlemen 
were  duly  elected,  viz.  :  the  Rev.  William  H. 
Wilmer,  the  Rev.  William  Meade,  the  Rev. 
Edward  C.  M'Guire,  the  Rev.  Oliver  Norris, 
Mr.  William  Mayo,  Mr.  Hugh  Mercer,  Mr.  John 
Nelson,  jr.,  and  Mr.  Robert  Lewis. 

The  Convention  also  proceeded,  in  like  man- 
ner, to  the  election,  by  ballot,  of  a  standing  com- 
mittee of  the  church  in  this  diocess  for  the  en- 
suing year ;  whereupon  the  following  gentle- 
men were  duly  elected,  viz.  :  the  Rev.  William 
H.  Wilmer,  John  Dunn,  and  Oliver  Norris,  the 
Hon.  Bushrod  Washington,  Mr.  Edmund  J.  Lee, 
and  Mr.  George  Taylor. 

On  motion, 

Resolved,  That  the  treasurer  be  directed  to 
pay  to  each  of  the  delegates  to  the  General  Con- 
vention the  sum  of  fifty  dollars,  to  defray  their 
expenses. 

On  motion. 

Resolved,  That  the  five  gentlemen  who  re- 
ceived the  greatest  number  of  votes  as  delegates 
to  the  General  Convention,  be  appointed  mem- 
bers of  the  board  of  trustees  to  the  General  The- 
ological Seminary ;  whereupon  the  following 
gentlemen  were  declared  elected,  and  thereupon 
nominated  as  trustees,  viz.  :  the  Rev.  Will- 
iam H.  Wilmer,  the  Rev.  William  Meade,  the 
Rev.  Edward  C.  M'Guire,  Mr.  William  Mayo, 
and  Mr.  Hugh  Mercer. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Obed  Waite,  seconded  by 
the  Rev.  John  Armstrong, 

Resolved,  That  the  next  meeting  of  the  Con- 
vention of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  for 
the  Diocess  of  Virginia  shall  be  held  at  Staun- 
ton, in  the  county  of  Augusta. 

And  then  the  Convention  adjourned,  to  meet 
again  to-morrow  morning,  at  half  past  8  o'clock. 

Thursday,  May  15,  1823. 

The  Convention  met  according  to  adjourn- 


162 


CONVENTION  OF  1823. 


ment,  and  was  opened  with  prayer  by  the  Rev. 
John  Armstrong. 

Mr.  Ravenscroft,  from  the  committee  on  the 
state  of  the  church,  to  whom  the  resolution 
yesterday  proposed  on  the  subject  of  the  Bishops' 
Fund  was  referred,  presented  a  .report,  which, 
on  motion  of  Mr.  John  Nelson,  jr.,  was  order- 
ed to  be  laid  upon  the  table. 

On  motion  of  Rev.  Oliver  Norris, 

Resolved,  That  the  travelling  expenses  of  the 
Rev,  John  Dunn,  in  attending  the  meetings  of 
the  standing  committee,  be  paid  by  the  treas- 
urer, out  of  the  contingent  fund. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Edmund  J.  Lee, 

Resolved,  That  the  travelling  expenses  of  the 
secretary  of  the  Convention  be  paid  in  like 
manner. 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  John  S.  Ravenscroft, 

Ordered,  That  750  copies  of  the  Journal  of 
this  Convention,  with  the  revised  canons  and 
constitution  annexed,  be  printed,  and  distributed 
by  the  secretary  among  the  parishes,  under  the 
superintendence  of  the  bishop. 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  John  S.  Ravenscroft, 

Resolved,  That  the  thanks  of  this  Convention 
be  presented  to  the  citizens  of  Leesburg,  for 
their  hospitahty  and  kindness  to  the  members 
thereof. 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  Oliver  Noitis, 

Resolved,  unanimously.  That  the  thanks  of 
this  Convention  be  presented  to  the  ministers 
and  elders  of  other  congregations  of  Cjiristians 
in  the  town  of  Leesburg,  for  their  brotherly 
kindness  in  offering  the  use  of  their  churches  to 
the  ministers  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church, 
during  the  session  of  the  present  Convention. 

On  motions  severally  made. 

Resolved,  That  the  treasurer  be  directed  to 
pay  the  sum  of  seven  dollars  to  the  doorkeeper 
of  this  Convention,  for  his  services  during  the 
present  session ;  and  the  sum  of  seven  dollars 
to  the  person  who  officiated  as  doorkeeper  to 
the  Convention  at  Charlottesville,  in  the  county 
of  Albemarle. 

On  motion,  the  report  of  the  committee  on 
the  state  of  the  church,  this  day  presented,  was 
taken  up  and  read,  as  follows  : — 

The  committee  on  the  state  of  the  church, 
to  whom  was  committed  the  consideration  of  the 
annexed  resolution,  have  had  the  same  under 
examination,  and  beg  leave  to  recommend  to 
the  Convention  the  adoption  of  the  same,  as 
a  measure  calculated  to  have  a  beneficial  influ- 
ence on  the  proposed  object. 

Resolved,  That  the  standing  committee  be, 
and  they  are  hereby  authorized,  to  select  some 
competent  person  to  call  on  the  different  mem- 
bers of  this  church  to  contribute  to  raising  the 
fund  for  the  support  of  the  bishop,  payable  in 
one,  two,  three,  and  four  years. 

And  the  question  being  put  upon  agreeing  to 
the  said  resolution,  was  determined  in  the  neg- 
ative— Ays    19,  Noes  22. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Edmund  J.  Lee, 
•  Ordered,  That  the  ays    and  noes  upon  the 
said  question  be  inserted  in  the  journal. 

The  names  of  the  gentlemen  who  voted  in  the 
affirmative  are,  the  Rev,  William  H.  Wilmer, 


Oliver  Norris,  John  S.  Ravenscroft,  William 
Steel,  John  Armstrong,  Robert  Prout,  John  H. 
Wingfield,  Charles  H.  Page,  and  John  J.  Rob- 
ertson ;  Messrs.  Edmund  J.  Lee,  James  M.  Gar- 
nett,  Thurmer  Hoggard,  Edward  Valentine, 
Charles  F.  Mercer,  Henry  Young,  Carter  B. 
Fontaine,  Robert  Lewis,  Isaac  N.  Whiting,  and 
Edward  Colston — 19. 

And  the  names  of  the  gentlemen  who  voted 
in  the  negative  are,  the  Rev.  John  Dunn,  Will- 
iam Meade,  Frederick  W.  Hatch,  Amos  C. 
Treadway,  Reuel  Keith,  Josias  Clapham,  Ste- 
phen W.  Prestman,  Richard  H.  Barnes,  and 
Edward  C.  M'Guire;  Messrs.  John  Nelson, 
jr.,  Robert  Randolph,  Elias  Edmonds,  Rob- 
ert P.  Waring,  Philip  Nelson,  Obed  Waite, 
Thomas  L.  Latine,  Ludwell  Lee,  Humphrey 
Peake,  Bushrod  C.  Washington,  WilUam  Mayo, 
Thomas  G.  Moncure,  and  Carter  Berkeley — 22. 

The  Rev.  Frederick  W.  Hatch,  from  the  com- 
mittee to  whom  the  parochial  reports  were  re- 
ferred, presented  a  report,  which  was  read,  as 
follows  : — 

The  committee  on  the  subject  of  the  parochial 
reports,  beg  leave  to  nresent  the  following  con- 
densed statement  of  the  reports  that  have  been 
submitted  to  them. 

The  rector  of  Christ  Church,  Fairfax  parish, 
represents  the  congregation  as  having  undergone 
no  material  change  since  the  last  report ;  as  de^ 
vout  in  their  attention  to  the  public  services  of  the 
church,  and,  as  he  hopes,  improving  in  Christian 
graces  and  virtues.  Communicants  are  about 
one  hundred  and  twenty — baptisms  about  forty- 
five. 

The  congregation  at  Lynchburg  has  but  recently 
received  the  blessing  of  a  stated  ministry.  It  has 
been  regularly  organized  under  the  present  rector, 
who  has  also  in  charge  two  congregations  in  the 
neighbourhood,  one  of  which  has  it  in  contempla- 
tion to  build  a  church ;  and  it  is  expected  that  a 
church  will  also  be  erected  at  Lynchburg,  and  by 
the  other  congregation  in  which  he  officiates. 
The  rector  reports,  that  the  service  is  well  attend- 
ed in  all  these  places,  and  he  is  encouraged  to 
hope  that  his  labour  will  not  be  in  vain  in  the 
Lord.    Baptisms  two. 

St.  James's  Church,  Leesburg,  Shelburne  par- 
ish. Baptisms  seventeen — marriages  six — burials 
two — communicants  about  thirty-six,  and  one  per- 
son of  colour.  An  accession  of  one  person  to  the 
number  of  communicants  has  taken  place  within 
the  year.  This  congregation  are  regular  in  attend- 
ance on  divine  service,  and  the  rector  is  encour- 
aged to  hope  that  they  are  improving  in  Christian 
piety. 

Dettingen  and  Leeds  parishes.  Prince  William, 
continue  in  much  the  same  state  as  when  last  re- 
ported. The  pubhc  buildings  at  Haymarket  have 
been  purchased  for  a  church,  parsonage,  and 
schoolnouse.  A  new  church  has  been  erected  in 
Dettingen  parish.  Communicants  the  same  as  be- 
fore, except  four  removed  and  three  admitted — 
baptisms  eighteen — marriages  thirteen. 

Parish  of  Frederick.  Communicants  one  hun- 
dred— baptisms  fourteen— funerals  eleven — mar- 
riages seven. 

Portsmou  th  parish.  The  rector  of  this  parish  is 
happy  in  having  it  to  say,  that  the  state  of  his 
charge  has  suffered  nothing  since  his  last  report. 
The  church  has  been  put  in  neat  and  comfortable 
repair,  and  the  congregation  has  somewhat  in- 
creased. There  have  been  ten  added  to  the  list 
of  his  communicants ;  all  of  whom,  he  has  reason 


CONVENTION  OF  1823. 


to  hope,  are  of  the  number  of  such  as  shall  be  sa- 
ved. 'Communicants  eighteen — baptisms  fifteen 
— funerals  nine — marriages  five. 

Norborne  parish,  Berkeley  county.  Communi- 
cants ninety-seven — baptisms  thirty-one — burials 
three — marriages  three. 

St.  James's  parish,  Mecklenburg.  The  state 
of  this  parish  continues  to  improve.  Since  the 
last  Convention  a  Bible  Society  has  been  formed 
and  gone  into  operation,  with  hopes  of  considerable 
extension.  The  parish,  however,  has  to  deplore, 
in  the  death  of  Col.  Samuel  Goode,  the  loss  of  a 
most  exemplary  man,  steadfast  churchman,  and 
devout  Christian.  Communicants  forty — baptisms 
thirty-four,  one  an  adult — marriages  seven. 

Lynnhaven  parish.  Princess  Anne.  The  ves- 
try of  this  parish  have  repaired  their  edifices  for 
pubhc  worship.  The  congregation  is  attentive  to 
the  word  preached.  Nineteen  persons  have  been 
added  to  the  original  number  of  communicants, 
which  was  but  three  when  the  present  rector  en- 
tered upon  his  charge ;  and  hopes  of  still  brighter 
days  are  anticipated.  Communicants  nineteen — 
baptisms  eighteen,  two  adults — funerals  seven. 

Augusta  parish,  Staunton.  Since  the  last  re- 
port, a  few  communicants  have  been  added ;  and 
an  increased  attachment  has  been  manifested  to 
the  interests  of  the  church.  Communicants  about 
twenty — baptisms  seven — funerals  five — marria- 
ges six. 

St.  Martin's  parish,  Hanover.  The  congrega- 
tions in  this  parish  are  not  materially  changed 
since  the  last  report.  Communicants  forty-five — 
baptisms  four — funerals  three — one  marriage. 

St.  Paul's  parish.  King  George,  and  Washing- 
ton parish,  Westmoreland.  There  have  been  five 
added  to  the  list  of  communicants  since  the  last 
Convention : — there  have  been  two  deaths  and  four 
removals :  the  number  of  communicants  is  now 
about  thirty-nine— baptisms  thirty-two— funerals 
eight — marriages  six.  In  the  former  parish,  there 
is  an  increased  attention  to  the  public  services  of 
the  church.  In  the  latter,  a  Sunday  School  has 
been  lately  established,  which  promises  to  be  of 
great  usefulness. 

Christ  Church,  Berkeley  county.  This  church 
being  without  a  pastor,  divine  service  is  performed 
by  a  lay  reader.  The  congregations  are  attentive, 
and  zealously  engaged  in  the  great  business  of 
working  out  their  salvation.  It  is  hoped  tliat  the 
spirit  of  religion  is  increasing,  and  that,  in  this 
part  of  our  Zion,  our  God  has  regarded  the  day  of 
small  things. 

Kanawha  parish.  The  congregation  is  increas- 
ing in  number,  and  has  about  ten  communicants. 
Baptisms  three — marriages  one.  At  Coalmouth 
the  congregation  is  in  a  very  flourishing  state,  and 
many  are  earnestly  seeking  the  pearl  of  great 
price.  Communicants  twelve — baptisms  fifteen. 
In  Charlestown  and  in  Mason,  it  is  expected 
churches  will  be  built ;  and  there  is  one  now  build- 
ing at  the  mouth  of  Coal.  There  are  two  Sun- 
day Schools  in  this  parish. 

Fredericksville  parish ,  Albemarle.  N  o  material 
change  has  t£iken  place  in  this  parish  since  the 
last  report.  The  congregation  in  Charlottesville 
is  large  and  attentive.  At  Walker's  church  the 
congregation  is,  as  usual,  very  small,  the  spirit  of 
religion  languishing,  and  the  neighbourhood  gen- 
erally presents  but  a  gloomy  prospect.  Within  the 
last  year,  the  part  of  the  rector's  time  formerly 
given  to  the  Green  Mountain  neighbourhood, 
where  the  congregation  was  small,  has  been  trans- 
ferred to  Orange  courthouse,  at  which  place  the 
mterests  of  the  church  require  a  minister,  and 
where  the  congregation  is  large  and  attentive. 
St.  Anne's  parish,  Essex.  This  pariah  is  with- 
L2 


out  a  minister,  but  anxious  to  engage  one.    South 
Farnham  parish  is  in  the  same  condition. 

St.  George's  parish,  Fredericksburg.  The  plen- 
tiful showers  of  divine  grace  have  fallen,  during 
the  past  year,  with  blessed  consequences,  upon 
this  portion  of  our  Lord's  vineyard.  It  has  been, 
indeed,  a  season  of  refreshing  from  the  presence 
of  the  Lord.  Several  have  been  painfully  con- 
victed of  sin,  and  anxiously  inquiring  what  they 
must  do  to  be  saved.  The  number  of  anxious  in- 
quiries has  continued  to  increase,  and  the  deep 
and  painful  convictions  of  some  have  terminated 
in  the  enjoyment  of  a  peace  which  passeth  under- 
standing. Others  yet  remain,  who,  weary  and 
heavy  laden,  are  earnestly  seeking  that  rest  which 
is  prepared  for  the  penitent.  The  rector  antici 
pates,  in  the  end  of  this  good  work,  a  valuable  ac 
cession  of  piety  and  influence  to  the  cause  of  evan- 
gelical truth  among  us,  and  the  addition  of  an  ac 
ceptable  mite  to  that  revenue  of  glory  which  is 
accruing  to  the  glorified  Head  of  the  church  from 
the  progress  of  his  cause  upon  earth.  Though 
the  subjects  of  revivals,  in  other  parts  of  the  Lord's 
vineyard,  may  have  been  more  numerous,  there 
are  few  instances  in  which  a  revival  has  been 
characterized  by  more  genuine  or  decided  cases 
of  conversion.  Baptisms  in  this  church  during 
the  last  year  amount  to  forty-one,  three  adults — 
communicants  one  hundred  and  six,  nine  lost  by 
death  and  removal ;  one  Sunday  School,  contain- 
ing one  hundred  and  twenty-six  scholars. 

Dumfries  and  A  quia  Churches.  There  are 
pleasing  indications  that  the  word  preached  in 
these  churches  is  not  in  vain.  The  congregations 
are  attentive  and  devout ;  and  in  Dumfries  a  more 
than  common  interest  is  manifested  in  spiritual 
concerns.  The  rector  rejoices  in  the  improving 
prospect  of  his  charge.  A  place  for  pubhc  wor- 
ship has  been  purchased  and  fitted  up  in  Dum- 
fries. Communicants  twenty-two — baptisms  ten 
— marriages  six— deaths  five.  A  Sabbath  School 
has  been  estabhshed.  Aquia  Church,  communi- 
cants eleven — baptisms  six — one  marriage— ^leaths 
two. 

Wheeling  parish,  Ohio  county.  The  Rev.  John 
Armstrong  has  been  engaged  in  this  station  for 
about  two  years,  and  signal  success  appears  to 
have  attended  his  ministry.  In  this  region,  which 
was  but  lately  "  a  howling  wilderness,"  the  seeds 
of  spiritual  life  have  been  sown,  and  the  dews  of 
divine  grace  have  fallen  with  prolific  virtue.  Un- 
der the  care  of  the  present  pastor,  an  Episcopal 
church  has  been  built  in  the  town  of  Wheeling, 
of  brick,  sixty  feet  by  forty-five,  containing  seven- 
ty-two large  and  commodious  pews,  an  organ,  and 
a  bell.  Ten  miles  from  this  place,  by  the  zealous 
influence  of  the  same  Rev.  gentleman  and  the 
blessing  of  God,  another  Episcopal  church  has 
been  built.  May  heaven  bless  the  good  work,  and 
make  the  hearts  of  his  people  to  rejoice !  Com- 
municants twenty-three — baptisms,  sixteen  chil- 
dren and  six  adults — marriages  sixteen. 

In  St.  Paul's  Church,  Alexandria,  there  is  no 
material  alteration.    Its  condition  is  improving, 
and  the  number  of  communicants  increasing. 
All  which  is  respectfully  submitted. 

Fred'k.  W.  Hatch,  Chairman. 

The  said  report  was,  on  the  question  put 
thereupon,  approved  by  the  Convention. 

The  session  was  suspended,  for  the  purpose 
of  attending  divine  service  by  the  Rev.  Fred- 
erick W.  Hatch,  and  a  sermon  by  the  Rev. 
William  Meade ;  after  which,  the  Convention 
again  met. 

The  Rev.  Edward  C.  M'Guire,  from  the  board 


164 


CONVENTION  OF  1823. 


of  trustees  of  the  Theological  School,  presented 
a  report,  which  was  read,  as  follows  : — 

In  obedience  to  the  12th  article  of  the  constitu- 
tion of  the  Theological  School  of  Virginia,  the 
board  of  trustees  submit  to  the  Convention  their 
annual  report  of  the  proceedings  and  state  of  the 
institution. 

In  fulfilling  the  duties  intrusted  to  them  by  the 
last  Convention,  the  trustees  adopted  the  earliest 
and  most  effectual  method,  which  the  judgment 
of  gentlemen  learned  in  tlie  law  could  devise,  for 
securing  the  funds  of  the  institution.  The  money 
collected  on  the  first  instalment,  which  became 
due  on  the  first  of  May,  1622,  has  been  loaned  out 
by  the  treasurer  of  the  board,  on  the  best  security, 
and  the  amount  of  three  thousand  nine  hundred 
and  thirty-nine  dollars  eighty-four  cents  is  now 
yielding  an  interest  of  six  per  cent.  The  board 
also  adopted  the  best  means  within  their  power 
for  increasing  the  funds  of  the  school,  by  appoint- 
ing a  number  of  gentlemen  throughout  the  state 
agents  of  the  institution  for  that  purpose.  These 
agents  not  havmg  made  their  reports,  it  is  not 
known  what  success  has  attended  their  exertions ; 
but  it  is  beUeved,  from  partial  information,  that  the 
success,  at  least  in  some  of  the  counties,  has  been 
encouraging.  The  board  would  especially  ac- 
knowledge the  zeal  and  success  of  Mr.  Robert  P. 
Waring,  the  agent  for  Essex  county,  who  has  pro- 
cured subscriptions  exceeding  $1,000 ;  six  hundred 
of  which  he  has  generously  given  himself,  with 
the  expectation  of  securing  yet  additional  contribu- 
tions. In  addition  to  the  appointment  of  agents 
in  various  counties,  the  board,  at  a  recent  meeting, 
have  appointed  other  special  agents,  who  have  en- 
gaged to  make  speedy  and  persevering  efforts  to  ac- 
complish the  collection  of  the  contemplated  fund. 

The  board  also  selected  and  appointed  a  profes- 
sor of  divinity,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Keith,  who  has  been 
rendering  partial  services  in  the  institution  during 
the  past  year. 

The  whole  amount  of  funds  novy  claimed  by  the 
society,  including  what  is  subscribed  and  paid  in, 
is  somewhere  about  fourteen  thousand  dollars, 
together  with  a  valuable  donation  of  theological 
books,  made  by  a  gentleman  of  the  Northern  Neck 
of  Virginia,  in  addition  to  those  given  the  institu- 
tion by  the  late  Rev.  Mr.  Andrus. 

During  the  past  year,  two  vacancies  have  occur- 
red in  the  clerical  members  of  the  board  of  trus- 
tees, by  death  and  resignation.  By  the  constitu- 
tion, it  belongs  to  the  Convention  to  supply  these 
vacancies. 

All  which  is  respectfully  submitted  by  the 

Trustees, 

May  15th,  1823. 

The  said  report  was,  on  the  question  put 
thereupon,  approved  by  the  Convention. 

The  resignation  of  the  Rev.  John  S.  Ravens- 
croft,  of  the  office  of  trustee  of  the  Theological 
School,  and  the  death  of  the  Rev.  Enoch  M. 
Lowe,  another  trustee  of  the  said  school,  being 
announced,  the  Convention  proceeded  to  the 
election,  by  ballot,  of  two  persons,  as  trustees, 
to  supply  the  vacancies  thereby  occasioned  ; 
whereupon  the  Rev.  John  H.  Wingfield  and  John 
Dunn  were  duly  electednrustees  of  the  Theolo- 
gical School,  to  supply  the  said  vacancies. 

And  then  the  Convention  adjourned,  to  meet 

3 gain  at  Staunton,  in  the  county  of  Augusta,  on 
ie  third  Thursday  in  May  next. 

Wm.  H.  WiLMER,  President  pro  tern. 
Teste,  Wm.  Monfoed,  Secretary. 


Constitution  and  Canons  for  the  government  of 
the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  of  Virginia, 
revised  and  republished  by  order  of  the  Con- 
vention of  that  church  which  met  at  Leesburg, 
Loudoun  county,  on  Tuesday ,  the  IZth  of 
May,  1823. 

CONSTITUTION. 

Art.  I.  There  shall  be  a  Convention  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  this  state  on 
the  third  Thursday  in  May  every  year  :  but  the 
Convention  which  meets  in  the  year  previous  to 
the  meeting  of  the  General  Convention,  may 
have  power  to  appoint  the  time  and  place  of 
meeting  for  the  next  annual  session. 

Art.  II.  The  Convention  shall  be  composed 
of  the  officiating  ministers  who  have  been 
regularly  arkl  canonically  elected  in  parishes  or 
churches  within  this  slate,  and  within  that  part 
of  the  territory  of  Columbia  formerly  part  of 
this  state ;  and  of  those  whom  age  or  infirmity 
prevents  from  exercising  their  clerical  fiinc- 
tions,  who  shall  be  considered  members  ex- 
ojicio.  The  Convention  shall  also  be  composed 
of  lay  members,  consisting  of  one  delegate  from 
each  parish  (or  of  two  lay  deputies,  where  there 
shall  be  no  clergyman  in  the  parish),  chosen  by 
the  vestry  thereof,  or,  if  there  be  no  vestry,  by 
at  least  twelve  persons  who  may  with  propriety 
be  considered  as  members  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church,  duly  notified  ;  and  the  elec- 
tion shall  be  certified  by  at  least  five  members 
of  this  church  ;  provided,  that  every  parish  hav- 
ing more  than  one  officiating  minister  who  hath 
been  regularly  and  canonically  elected,  shall  be 
entitled  to  send  as  many  lay  delegates  as  it  has 
ministers. 

Art.  III.  Six  members  of  the  clerical,  and 
six  of  the  lay  order,  shall  constitute  a  quorum 
for  the  transaction  of  business ;  but  a  smaller 
number  may  adjourn. 

Art.  IV.  In  all  matters  that  shall  come  be- 
fore the  Convention,  the  clergy  and  laity  shall 
deliberate  in  one  body  ;  and  the  concurrence  of 
a  majority  shall  give  validity  to  any  measure. 
But,  when  three  members  require  it,  there  shall 
be  a  vote  by  orders. 

Art.  V.  The  election  of  a  bishop  of  this 
church  shall  be  made  in  Convention,  in  the 
following  manner.  The  order  of  the  clergy 
shall  nominate  and  appoint,  by  ballot,  some  fit 
and  qualified  clergyman  for  that  office  ;  and  the 
votes  of  two  thirds  of  that  order  shall  be  requi- 
site to  constitute  a  choice.  And  thereupon 
such  appointment  shall  be  presented  to  the  or- 
der of  the  lay  delegates,  and  be  considered  by 
them ;  and  if,  on  a  ballot,  it  shall  appear  that 
the  person  so  nominated  is  approved  of  by  two 
thirds  of  the  lay  order,  he  shall  be  then  decla- 
red to  be  duly  elected. 

Art.  VI.  In  this  diocess  there  shall  be  but 
one  bishop.  He  shall  be  president  of  the  Con- 
vention ;  in  which  character  it  shall  be  his 
duty  to  give  to  the  Convention,  as  often  as  he 
may  deern  expedient,  a  general  view  of  the 
state  of  the  church  ;  to  call  special  Conven- 
tions, at  whatever  times  and  places  he  may 
tbiak  necessary  ;  to  preserve  order  during  the 


CONVENTION  OF  1823. 


165 


time  of  session  ;  to  put  the  question,  collect 
the  votes,  and  declare  the  decision.  He  may 
make  any  motion  which  he  shall  judge  condu- 
cive to  the  good  of  the  church,  but  shall  not 
enter  into  debate  ;  and  he  may  deliver  his  sen- 
timents on  any  subject  after  it  lias  been  discus- 
sed, before  a  vote  thereon.  Whenever  it  shall 
be  necessary  for  the  bishop  to  visit  any  part  of 
this  diocess,  he  shall  be  authorized  to  call  a 
clergyman  from  any  part  of  the  diocess,  to  sup- 
ply his  place  in  the  duties  of  his  parochial 
charge,  for  not  more  than  two  Sundays. 

Art.  VII.  In  case  of  a  vacancy  in  the  epis- 
copal office,  the  Convention,  immediately  upon 
their  assembling,  shall  choose,  by  joint  ballot,  a 
president  from  among  the  order  of  priests,  who 
shall  remain  in  office  until  the  next  election  of 
a  president.  He  shall  perform  all  the  duties 
and  possess  all  the  privileges  above  specified  ; 
but  he  shall  not  call  special  meetings  of  the 
Convention,  unless  applied  to  for  that  purpose 
by  a  majority  of  the  standing  committee.  And 
if,  while  there  is  a  bishop  in  this  church,  he 
shall  not  be  present  at  any  meeting  of  the  Con- 
vention, they  shall  elect,  in  the  manner  afore- 
said, a  president  pro  tempore. 

Art.  VIII.  A-  secretary  shall  be  appointed 
by  the  Convention,  who  shall  continue  in  office 
during  good  behaviour.  His  duty  shall  be  to 
make  minutes  of  their  proceedings,  to  preserve 
their  journals  and  records,  to  attest  the  public 
acts  of  the  body,  and  faithfully  to  deliver  into 
the  hands  of  his  successor  all  books  and  papers, 
relative  to  the  concerns  of  the  Convention, 
which  may  be  in  his  possession.  It  shall  be 
his  duty  to  notify,  through  the  channel  of  the 
public  papers,  as  he  may  think  proper,  the  time 
and  place  appointed  for  the  meeting  of  the  suc- 
ceeding Convention.  The  secretary  shall  an- 
nex to  the  journals  of  every  succeeding  Conven- 
tion a  list  of  the  clergy,  with  all  alterations 
therein  produced  in  the  preceding  year  by  or- 
dinations, deaths,  removals,  suspensions,  and 
degradations. 

Art.  IX.  A  treasurer  shall  be  appointed  by 
the  Convention,  who  shall  continue  in  office  du- 
ring good  behaviour,  and  who  shall  discharge 
the  duties  usually  appertaining  to  that  office. 

Art.  X.  Before  the  adjournment  of  each 
annual  Convention,  a  standing  committee,  con- 
sisting of  six  members,  three  clerical  and  three 
of  the  lay  order,  shall  be  chosen  by  a  ballot  of 
the  clergy  and  laity. 

Art.  XI.  If  at  any  time  there  should  be  no 
bishop  in  this  church,  the  Convention  shall  di- 
vide the  state  or  diocess  into  districts,  and  as- 
sign to  such  clergymen  as  they  may  appoint 
the  superintendence  of  a  district,  which  it  shall 
be  their  duty  to  visit  at  least  once  a  year,  and 
to  report  the  ecclesiastical  and  secular  state 
thereof  to  the  Convention. 

Art.  XII.  Every  parish  within  this  diocess 
shall  be  entitled  to  the  entire  benefit  of  this  con- 
stitution, as  soon  as  it  shall  have  signified  its 
ratification  thereof,  either  in  writing  or  by  send- 
ing a  lay  delegate  to  the  Convention  ;  and  such 
parish  shall  thereafter  be  benefited  and  bound, 
l^ually  with  the  othei  parishes  in  this  diocess, 


by  every  rule  and  canon  which  shall  be  framed, 
by  any  Convention  acting  under  this  constitu- 
tion, for  the  government  of  this  church  in  eccle- 
siastical concerns. 

Art.  XIH.  This  constitution  shall  be  unal- 
terable, except  in  the  following  manner  : — A 
proposition  for  any  change  shall  be  introduced 
in  writing,  and  considered  in  Convention  ;  and, 
if  approved  of,  the  same  shall  be  transmitted  to 
the  several  vestries  of  the  parishes  which  shall 
have  ratified  this  constitution  ;  and  if  again 
approved  of  in  the  next  ensuing  Convention  by 
a  majority,  the  change  shall  then  take  place, 
and  the  constitution,  so  altered,  shall  be  valid 
and  obligatory. 


The  minister  of  each  parish  shall  make  out 
and  continue  an  exact  register  of  all  the  com- 
municants within  his  congregation  ;  which  reg- 
ister shall  be  left,  upon  his  death  or  removal,  for 
the  use  of  his  successor. 

CANON    II. 

It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  ministers  of  our 
church  to  be  careful  in  observing  all  the  direc- 
tions of  the  rubric,  and  of  the  General  Conven- 
tion, which  relate  to  communicants;  to  main- 
tain the  most  affectionate  intercourse  with  all 
their  members  on  religious  subjects  ;  but,  espe- 
cially to  converse  with  those  who  offer  them- 
selves for  the  first  time  for  the  communion,  on 
those  qualifications  which  are  proper  for  the 
worthy  receiving  of  the  sacrament,  unless  they 
be  otherwise  satisfiied  that  they  are  properly 
qualified. 

LAY  DISCIPLINE. 

CANON  in. 
Communicants  to  have  Family  Worship. 
It  shall  be  the  duty  of  every  communicant  of 
this  church,  who  is  the  head  of  a  family,  to  live 
in  the  habitual  exercise  of  family  worship. 


The  members  of  this  Church  to  instruct  their 
families  in  the  Principles  of  Religion. 
The  members  of  this  church  shall  instruct 
their  families,  as  far  as  they  are  able,  in  the 
principles  of  the  Christian  religion ;  and»  as 
soon  as  they  are  sufficiently  informed  and  im- 
pressed with  the  importance  and  sacredness  of 
their  baptismal  vow,  and  have  come  to  a  proper 
age  to  ratify  the  same  in  their  own  persons,  they 
shall  present  them  to  the  bishop  for  confir- 
mation, when  conveniently  in  their  power. 

CANON    V. 

The  members  of  this  Church  to  he  regular  in 
their  attendance  on  Public  Worship. 
The  members  of  this  church  shall  attend  the 
public  worship  of  God  as  regularly  and  con- 
stantly as,  from  their  age,  infirmities,  and  cir- 
cumstances in  life,  may  be  reasonably  expected  ; 
and  shall  neglect  the  performance  of  this  im- 
portant duty  for  no  cause  whatever,  but  such  as 
they  might  plead  at  the  bar  of  God  in  the  day 
of  judgment. 


166 


CONVENTION  OF  1823. 


Offences  for  which  a  Layman  may  he  presented 
and  tried. 

Whereas  the  present  state  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church  of  Virginia  has  experienced 
many  and  great  inconveniences  from  the  want 
of  such  regulations  and  provisions  as  the  good 
and  wholesome  government  of  the  said  church 
required,  and  from  the  nonperformance  of  ex- 
isting Canons  : — Now,  in  order  that  such  incon- 
veniences may  be  removed,  so  far  as  lieth  in 
this  Convention,  and  that  the  rules  and  canons 
of  the  said  church,  and  also  those  of  the  Gen- 
eral Convention,  may  be  strictly  observed  and 
enforced  in  all  time  to  come  ;  that  all  the  mem- 
bers of  the  said  church,  whether  clergymen  or 
laymen,  may  be  excited  to  the  most  zealous  and 
commendable  exertions  to  further,  by  all  jus- 
tifiable means,  the  future  prosperity  of  the 
church : — 

Be  it  ordained,  That  any  member  of  the 
church,  being  a  communicant  thereof,  conduct- 
ing himself  in  a  manner  unworthy  of  a  Chris- 
tian, may  and  ought  to  be  admonished  or  sus- 
pended by  the  minister  of  the  parish  or  congre- 
gation, according  to  the  rubric. 

CLERICAL  DISCIPLINE. 

CANON    VII. 

Offences  for  which  a  Clergyman  may  be  brought 
to  trial. 

Whereas  it  is  essential  to  the  purity  and  pros- 
perity of  all  religious  communities,  that  the 
temper  and  deportment  of  their  ministers  be 
preserved  holy  and  unblameable  ;  it  is  hereby 
declared  to  be  the  duty  of  the  bishop,  or,  if 
there  be  none,  of  the  standing  committee,  to 
take  cognizance  of  any  offence  against  decorum 
and  rehgion,  of  which  a  priest  or  deacon  shall 
be  charged  upon  credible  testimony.  Disorder- 
ly, scandalous,  and  immoral  conduct,  neglect  of 
duty,  disregard  of  the  constitution  or  canons  of 
the  church,  disseminating  or  countenancing  of 
opinions  which  are  contrary  to  her  doctrines, 
gaming,  or  any  other  vicious  or  unseemly  diver- 
sions, are  offences  for  which  (as  well  as  for  a 
violation  of  the  26th  canon  of  the  General  Con- 
vention) a  minister  may  be  brought  to  trial. 
And  the  mode  of  proceeding  shall  he  as  fol- 
lows : — 

Whenever  satisfactory  information  shall  be 
given,  in  writing,  by  any  two  credible  members 
of  th€  church  in  this  diocess,  to  the  bishop  or 
standing  committee,  that  any  clergyman  is 
guilty  of  a  violation  of  the  canons,  or  conducts 
himself  in  any  way  incompatible  with  the  char- 
acter of  a  minister  of  Christ,  the  bishop  shall 
summon  a  meeting  of  the  standing  committee, 
or,  if  there  be  no  bishop,  the  president  of  the 
standing  committee  shall  assemble  them,  for 
the  purpose  of  inquiry  and  trial.  Notice  of  the 
time  and  place  of  meeting  shall  be  given  to  the 
accused  party,  and  also  a  copy  of  the  charge 
or  charges  laid  against  such  clergyman,  at 
least  two  months  before  the  time  appointed  for 
trial.  Witnesses ^5hall  be  called,  and  no  charge 
shall  be  deemed  substantial  but  upon  the  testi- 


mony of  two  credible  witnesses  upon  oath, 
either  delivered  viva  voce,  or  by  depositions 
taken  after  reasonable  notice  ^iven  of  the  time 
and  place  of  taking  the  same.  The  party  accu- 
sed may  call  in  any  person  to  assist  him  in  his 
defence,  and  also  such  witnesses  as  he  may 
think  proper,  and  hav£  the  benefit  of  depositions 
as  above  prescribed.  The  bishop,  or,  if  there 
be  no  bishop,  the  standing  committee,  may  ap- 
point a  clergyman  to  conduct  the  trial  on  the 
part  of  the  church  ;  and  counsel  may  be  em- 
ployed on  each  side.  If,  after  hearing  the  evi- 
dence and  the  defence  of  the  party  accused, 
two  thirds  of  the  quorum  of  the  standing  com- 
mittee shall  be  of  opinion  that  the  person  is 
guilty  of  the  charge  or  charges  brought  against 
him,  the  bishop  shall  proceed  to  reprove,  sus- 
pend, or  degrade  him,  as  the  offence  may  de- 
serve. If  there  be  no  bishop,  the  standing  com- 
mittee shall  take  record  and  give  notice  of  the 
punishment  due  to  the  party  offending  :  and,  in 
the  latter  case,  an  appeal  may  be  made  to  the 
State  Convention,  whose  decision  shall  be  final. 
Provided,  That  none  but  a  bishop  shall  pro- 
nounce sentence  of  deposition  or  degradation 
from  the  ministry  on  any  clergyman,  whether 
bishop,  or  presbyter,  or  deacon. 

CANON    VIII. 

Manner  of  proceeding  against  a  Bishop. 
If  the  bishop  of  this  church  shall  voluntarily 
commit  any  act  or  acts  violating  the  constitu- 
tion or  canons,  presentment  shall  be  made,  by 
the  Convention,  to  two  or  more  bishops  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  United 
States.  Such  bishops  shall  have  authority  to 
institute  a  trial  within  the  diocess  of  the  accused 
party  ;  and  the  sentence  of  the  two  bishops,  or 
of  a  majority  of  a  greater  number,  being  founded 
on  the  canons  of  the  church,  shall  be  final ;  ex- 
cept the  sentence  of  degradation,  in  which  case 
he  shall  be  allowed  the  privilege  of  an  appeal  to 
the  House  of  Bishops,  provided  he  give  notice 
of  such  appeal,  within  six  months,  to  the  bishop 
who  presided  in  the  House  of  Bishops  at  their 
session  immediately  preceding. 

CANON    IX.  w 

It  shall  be  the  duty  of  every  parish  to  send  to 
the  Convention  the  sum  of  thirty  dollars  an- 
nually, or  such  sums  as  the  deputies  can  pro- 
cure, for  the  contingent  expenses  of  the  church  ; 
which  money  shall  be  lodged  with  the  treasurer 
of  the  Convention  of  this  church,  and  held  sub?^ 
ject  to  their  order. 

CANON    X. 

The  manner  of  electing  Vestrymen. 
On  every  Easter-Monday,  each  parish  shall 
elect  eight  vestrymen  ;  but,  where  it  is  deemed 
expedient,  the  number  may  be  increased  to 
twelve.  Two  weeks  notice  shall  be  given  of 
the  meeting  by  the  minister,  from  the  pulpit ; 
or,  if  there  be  no  minister,  by  the  vestry ;  and, 
if  there  be  no  vestry,  by  any  two  members  who 
last  possessed  the  power  of  vestrymen ;  or,  if 
there  be  no  surviving  members  of  the  vestry, 
by  three  respectable  members  of  the  church ; 
who  shall  cause  advertisements  of  the  meeting 


CONVENTION  OF  1823. 


167 


to  be  put  up  at  such  public  places  as  will  secure 
the  notice  of  the  meeting.  And  every  pew- 
holder  or  contributor  to  the  support  of  the 
church  shall  be  entitled  to  vote.  Every  ves- 
tryman shall,  upon  taking  his  seat,  subscribe 
the  following  form  : — 

"  I  do  believe  the  Holy  Scriptures  of  the  Old 
and  New  Testaments  to  be  the  word  of  God, 
and  to  contain  all  things  necessary  to  salvation  : 
and  I  do  solemnly  engage  to  conform  to  the 
doctrines  and  worship  of  the  Protestant  Episco- 
cal  Church  in  these  United  States." 

The  vestrymen  thus  elected  shall  choose  two 
church-wardens  out  of  their  own  body,  to  dis- 
charge the  duties  appropriate  to  their  office. 

In  cases  where  unavoidable  circumstances 
prevent  the  election  on  Easter-Monday,  it  shall 
take  place  at  any  time  that  may  be  deemed  ex- 
pedient by  persons  authorized  to  call  the  meet- 
ing, and  in  the  manner  aforesaid  :  and,  until  a 
new  election,  the  former  vestry  shall  continue 
in  office.  The  minister  shall  be  a  member  cx- 
qffi.cio;  and  a  majority  of  the  whole  number 
shall  be  required  to  constitute  a  quorum. 

CANON    XI. 

Whereas  that  canon  of  the  Protestant  Epis- 
copal Church  of  Virginia  which  directs  the 
manner  of  choosing  vestrymen  in  the  several 
parishes  is  not  applicable  to  the  case  of  churches 
built  and  supported  by  voluntary  associations 
of  individuals,  without  any  parochial  charge ; 
and  it  is  proper  that  those  who  hold  the  sole 
property  of  a  particular  church  should  provide 
for  its  care  and  management : — 

In  the  case  oi  the  Monumental  Church  in  the 
city  of  Richmond,  and  in  all  similar  cases,  the 
choice  of  vestrymen  shall  be  made  by  the  pew- 
bolders  of  the  respective  churches,  conforming, 
as  to  the  time  of  appointment  and  manner  of 
qualifying  the  vestrymen,  to  the  regulations 
prescribed  by  the  10th  canon  established  by  the 
present  Convention ;  excepting  in  the  case  of 
Christ's  Church,  in  the  borough  of  Norfolk, 
which,  being  under  peculiar  circumstances  in 
relation  to  the  number  of  trustees,  the  time  and 
manner  of  electing  them,  and  their  rector,  may 
be  permitted  to  conform  to  their  own  regula- 
tions in  these  particulars. 

CA-NON    XH. 

For  the  Division  of  Parishes. 

Whereas,  from  the  great  extent  of  many  of 
the  parishes  in  this  diocess,  and  from  various 
other  causes,  it  may  be  for  the  interest  of  the 
church,  and  for  the  convenience  and  quiet  of 
the  people,  to  permit  the  division  of  some  of  the 
parishes  ; 

Bfi  it  therefore  enacted,  That  whenever  it 
shall  be  made  to  appear  to  the  satisfaction  of  the 
Convention  that  such  division  is  expedient,  or 
when  the  desire  of  the  people  of  the  parish  for 
such  division  shall  be  manifested,  by  repairing 
the  old  churches  or  building  new  ones,  elect- 
mg  a  vestry,  conformably  to  the  regulations  of 
the  church,  and  shall  produce  to  the  Convention 
the  original  subscriptions  of  the  vestry  of  the 
church  from  which  the  application  for  a  division 


of  a  parish  is  made,  to  the. test  required  by  the 
10th  canon,  and  also  produce  a  register  of  the 
names  of  those  who  wish  for  a  division  of  the 
parish,  on  application  to  this  Convention,  such 
petitioners  may  be  received  as  a  distinct  parish. 


CANON    XIII. 


It  shall  be  the  duty  of  every  minister  of  this 
diocess  to  make  a  register  of  each  adult  mem- 
ber within  his  ?rure,  agreeably  to  the  40th  canon 
of  the  General  Convention. 


CANON    XIV, 


The  canons  and  constitution  heretofore  adopt- 
ed by  the  former  Conventions  of  this  state,  shall 
be  and  are  hereby  repealed. 


RESOLUTIONS 

Concerning  the  Fund  for  the  permanent  support 
of  the  Episcopate. 

Thursday,  May  21,  1818. 

1st.  Resolved,  That  the  annual  contributions 
from  Christ  Church  in  Alexandria,  of  one  hun- 
dred dollars,  for  raising  a  fund  for  the  support 
of  the  bishop,  which  have  now  been  paid  or 
which  may  hereafter  be  received,  together  with 
all  other  sums  which  may  be  anywhere  sub- 
scribed and  collected  for  the  same  object,  be 
vested  in  bank-stock,  under  the  direction  of  the 
standing  committee  of  this  diocess,  in  the  names 
of  George  Deneale  and  John  Muncaster,  church^ 
wardens  of  Christ  Church,  Fairfax  parish,  Alex- 
andria, and  their  successors,  for  the  purpose 
aforesaid. 

2d.  Resolved,  That,  in  aid  of  the  Episcopal 
Fund,  the  several  ministers  of  this  church  do, 
in  their  respective  congregations,  at  some  fit 
season  in  each  year,  dehver  an  appropriate  dis- 
course, recommending  the  pious  object  of  the 
fund,  and  thereafter  make  a  collection,  the 
amount  of  which  they  shall  specially  mention 
in  their  respective  parochial  reports. 

3d.  Resolved,  That  each  minister  do,  at  some 
convenient  season  of  every  year,  visit  one  or 
more  of  the  vacant  parishes  of  this  diocess,  or 
of  the  counties  of  this  commonwealth  wherein 
there  is  no  parish,  for  the  purpose  of  delivering 
a  similar  discourse,  and  of  collecting,  by  per- 
sonal applications  or  otherwise,  farther  sums 
for  the  enlargement  of  the  Episcopal  Fund,  of 
which  visit  and  collections  they  shall  respect- 
ively make  a  report  at  the  succeeding  Conven* 
tion. 

4th.  Resolved,  That  no  part  of  the  Episcopal 
Fund  shall  be  withdrawn  for  any  purpose,  until 
its  annual  interest  shall  suffice  for  the  attain- 
ment of  its  object ;  and  that,  in  the  interim,  it 
shall  be  the  duty  of  the  standing  committee  to 
see  that  its  enlargement  is  hastened  by  the 
prompt  conversion  of  its  revenue  into  principal, 

Saturday,  May  19,  1821. 

1st.  Resolved,  That  the  vestries  or  trustees 
of  each  congregation  in  the  respective  parishes 
of  this  diocess,  do  cause  each  adult  person,  pro- 
fessing themselves  to  belong  to  or  to  be  friendly 
to  the  church,  to  be  called  on,  and  requested, 


168 


CONVENTION  OF  1824. 


each,  to  pay  the  sum  of  not  less  than  one  dollar, 
to  be  applied  to  the  said  fund. 

2d.  Resolved,  That  the  money  which  shall 
be  received  by  the  vestries  or  trustees  in  pur- 
suance of  the  preceding  resolution,  be  forthwith 
remitted  to  the  president  of  the  standing  com- 
mittee of  the  church,  for  that  committee  to 
invest  it  as  heretofore  directed. 

3d.  Resolved,  That  on  or  before  the  first  day 
of  January  next,  and  from  time  to  time  there- 
after, reports  be  made  to  the  standing  commit- 
tee of  the  proceedings  under  these  resolutions. 

4th.  Resolved,  That  an  appropriate  address 
from  the  Convention  on  this  subject  be  adopted 
and  circulated,  with  the  preceding  resolutions, 
among  the  members  of  the  church. 

6th.  Resolved,  That,  in  those  parts  of  the 
diocess  yvhere  there  are  no  vestries  or  trustees, 
the  friends  of  the  church  be  requested  to  give 


their  aid  in  effecting  the  object  of  these  resolu- 
tions. 

Satitrday,  May  18,  1822. 

Whereas  it  appears  by  the  reports  from  the 
different  vestries  on  the  proceedings  had  under 
the  resolutions  of  the  last  Convention,  on  the 
subject  of  the  Bishop's  Fund,  that  untoward 
circumstances,  and  the  pressure  of  the  times 
alone,  have  prevented  a  full  compliance  with 
the  said  resolutions,  but  it  appears  that  the 
parishes  are  disposed  to  give  their  aid  to  carry 
them  into  effect : — ■ 

Therefore,  be  it  Resolved  by  this  Convention, 
That  it  be  recommended  to  the  different  ves- 
tries to  proceed  to  carry  into  effect  the  object 
of  the  said  resolutions,  in  the  manner  in  their 
judgment  best  calculated  to  ensure  success, 
and  make  report  to  each  ensuing  Convention. 


Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of  a  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  of  Virginia, 
which  assembled  at  Staunton,  on  Thursday,  the  20th  of  May,  1824. 


The  Convention  met,  and  was  opened  with 
divme  service  by  the  Rev.  Reuel  Keith,  and  a 
sermon  by  the  Rev.  Frederick  W.  Hatch. 

The  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Moore,  D.  D.,  took 
the  chair  as  president  of  the  Convention. 

The  following  clergymen,  entitled  to  seats  in 
this  Convention,  appeared  and  took  their  seats, 
Tiz.  : — 

The  Rev.  Wm.  H.  Wilmer,  D.  D.,  St.  Paul's 
Church,  Alexandria  ;  the  Rev.  William  Meade, 
Chapel,  Frederick  county  ;  the  Rev.  Daniel  Ste- 
phens, D.  D.,  Augusta  parish,  Staunton ;  the  Rev. 
Frederick  W.  Hatch,  Fredericksville  parish,  Al- 
bemarle ;  the  Rev.  John  H.  Wingfield,  Ports- 
mouth parish,  Norfolk  county ;  the  Rev.  Reuel 
Keith,  Alexandria;  the  Rev.  William  Wickes, 
Christ  Church,  Norfolk  borough  ;  the  Rev.  Syl- 
vester Nash,  Hampshire  parish  ;  the  Rev.  Ira 
Parker,  Christ  Church,  Lancaster  county,  and 
Wicomico  parish,  Northumberland  county  ;  the 
Rev.  Silas  Freeman,  Lexington  parish,  Amherst 
county  ;  the  Rev.  Robt.  Prout,  Lynnhaven  par- 
ish, Princess  Anne  county  ;  the  Rev.  Chas.  H. 
Page,  Kanawha  parish,  Kanawha  county. 

Ordered,  That  Dr.  Carter  Berkeley  and  John 
G.  Williams,  Esq.  be  appointed  a  committee 
to  examine  the  certificates  of  appointment  of 
the  lay  deputies  ;  who  then  withdrew,  and  after 
a  short  time  returned,  and  presented  the  follow- 
ing report : — 

The  committee  to  whom  were  referred  the 
certificates  of  the  lay  delegates,  have,  according 
to  order,  examined  the  same,  and  report,  that  the 
following  persons  have  been  duly  elected  lay 
delegates  to  this  Convention  : — 

Nicholas  W.  Parker,  Christ  Church,  Norfolk 
borough  ;  John  Grammer,  jr.,  Petersburg,  par- 
ish of  Bristol ;  George  Sharfe,  Hampshire  par- 
ish ;  Thurmer  Hoggard,  parish  of  Lynnhaven  ; 
Yeaman  Smith,  St.  George's  parish,  Fredericks- 
burg ;  John  G.  Williams,  Monumental  Church, 
Richmond  ;  Isaac  Cannell,  St.  Paul's  Church, 
Alexandria  ;  Francis  Nelson  and  Carter  Berke- 
ley, St.  Martin's  parish ;  Philip  Nelson,  Freder- 


I  ick  parish,  Frederick  county ;  Strother  Jones, 
I  Kanawha  parish  ;  Edward  Valentine,  jr.,  Augus- 
ta parish ;  Franklin  G.  Smith,  Christ  Church, 
Alexandria,  parish  of  Fairfax. 

On  motion.  Resolved,  That  John  G,  Williams 
be  appointed  secretary  to  this  Convention. 

On  motion.  Resolved,  That  Robert  Greenhow 
be  appointed  treasurer  to  this  Convention. 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Hatch, 

Resolved,  That  the  rules  of  order  adopted  by 
the  last  Convention  for  the  government  of  their 
proceedings,  be  the  rules  of  proceeding  during 
the  present  Convention ;  which  rules  are  as 
follows  : — 

1.  The  business  of  every  day  shall  be  intro- 
duced with  the  morning  service  of  the  church. 

2.  When  the  president  takes  the  chair,  no 
member  shall  continue  standing,  or  shall  after- 
ward stand  up,  except  to  address  the  chair. 

3.  No  member  shall  absent  himself  from  the 
service  of  the  house,  unless  he  have  leave  or  be 
unable  to  attend. 

4.  When  any  member  is  about  to  speak  in 
debate,  or  deliver  any  matter  to  the  house,  he 
shall,  with  due  respect,  address  himself  to  the 
president,  confining  himself  strictly  to  the  point 
in  debate. 

5.  No  member  shall  speak  more  than  twice  in 
the  same  debate  without  leave  of  the  house. 

6.  A  question  being  once  determined,  shall 
stand  as  the  judgment  of  the  house,  and  shall 
not  be  again  drawn  into  debate  during  the  same 
session,  unless  with  the  consent  of  two  thirds  of 
the  house. 

7.  While  the  president  is  putting  any  ques- 
tion, the  members  shall  continue  in  their  seats, 
and  shall  not  hold  any  private  discourse. 

8.  Every  member  who  shall  be  in  the  house 
when  any  question  is  put,  shall,  on  a  division,  be 
counted,  unless  he  be  personally  interested  in 
the  decision. 

9.  No  motion  shall  be  considered  as  before 
the  house  unless  it  be  seconded,  and,  when  re- 
quired, reduced  to  writing. 


CONVENTION  OF  1824. 


169 


10.  When  any  question  is  before  the  house,  it 
shall  be  determined  upon  before  any  new  thing  is 
introduced,  except  the  question  of  adjournment. 

11.  The  question  on  a  motion  of  adjourn- 
ment shall  be  taken  before  any  other,  and  with- 
out debate. 

12.  When  the  house  is  about  to  rise,  every 
member  shall  keep  his  seat  until  the  president 
shall  leave  his  chair. 

The  following  preamble  and  resolution  were 
offered  by  the  Rev.  William  Meade,  and  unan- 
imously adopted. 

Whereas  Mr.  William  Munford,  who  has  for 
many  years  served  this  Convention  as  secretary 
and  treasurer,  has  signified  by  letter  \Ls  wish 
to  resign  these  charges,  it  is  hereby 

Resolved,  That  the  thanks  of  this  Conven- 
tion be  returned  to  him  for  the  obliging  and 
faithful  manner  in  which  he  has  performed  the 
duties  of  the  said  offices,  and  that  the  Right 
Rev.  Bishop  Moore  be  requested  to  express  the 
same  to  him,  in  the  name  of  the  Convention, 
and  to  add  their  best  wishes  for  his  prosperity 
and  happiness. 

On  motion.  Resolved,  That  Mr.  William 
Munford,  late  treasurer,  be  requested  to  pay 
over  to  Mr.  Robert  Greenhow  the  funds  in  his 
hands  belonging  to  this  church. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  Wm.  Wickes,  the 
Rev.  Wm.  H.  Wilmer,  D.  D.,  the  Rev.  Wm. 
Meade,  the  Rev.  Daniel  Stephens,  D.  D  ,  Dr. 
Carter  Berkeley,  and  Mr.  Philip  Nelson,  be  a 
committee  to  take  into  consideration  the  state  of 
the  church  in  this  diocess,  and  report  thereupon 
to  the  Convention. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  John  H.  Wingfield, 
the  Rev.  Robert  Prout,  Mr.  John  Grammer,  jr., 
and  Mr.  Nicholas  W.  Parker,  be  a  committee 
to  examine  the  accounts  of  the  treasurer  of  the 
Prayer- Book  and  IVact  Society  of  Virginia. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  Ira  Parker,  the  Rev. 
Charles  H.  Page,  the  Rev.  Sylvester  Nash, 
Mr.  Strpther  Jones,  Mr.  Frankhn  G.  Smith, 
Mr.  Isaac  Cannell,  and  Mr.  Y^aman  Smith,  be 
a  committee  to  examine  the  account  of  the 
treasurer  of  the  fund  for  the  permanent  support 
of  the  episcopate  in  this  diocess. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Francis  Nelson,  the  Rev. 
Reuel  Keith,  the  Rev.  Frederick  W.  Hatch, 
and  Mr.  Edward  Valentine,  jr.,  be  appointed  a 
committee  to  examine  the  treasurer's  accounts. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  George  Sharfe  and  Mr. 
Thurmer  Hoggard  be  a  committee  to  examine 
the  state  of  the  fund  for  support  of  widows  of 
deceased  clergymen. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  Reuel  Keith  and  the 
Rev.  Frederick  W.  Hatch  be  a  committee  to 
examine  the  parochial  reports. 

On  motion,   the  secretary  received  the  fol- 
lowing contributions   from   sundry  parishes  in 
this  diocess,  viz.  : — 

Christ  Church,  Norfolk  borough,   -    -   $30  00 
Parish  of  Bristol,  Petersburg,      -    -     -   30  00 
Hampshire  parish,      ------      15  00 

Parish  of  Lynnhaven,   -     -     -     -     -     -   20  00 

St.  George's  parish,  Fredericksburg,  -      15  00 


Amount  carried  forward, 


$110  00 


Amount  brought  forward,  $llO  00 

Monumental  Church,  Richmond,      -     -    30  00 

Frederick  parish, 30  00 

St.  Martin's  parish,  Hanover,      -    -     -    20  00 
Kanawha  parish,  --     -     -     -     -     -     -18  00 

Augusta  parish,       -- 20  00 

Christ  Church,  Alexandria,  parish  of 

Fairfax, -     -     -     -    30  00 

Wicomico  parish,  Northumberland,  -     -    5  00 
Christ  Church,  Lancaster  county,    -    -     11  62 
Christ  Church,  Norborne  parish,  Berke- 
ley county,  by  the  Rev.  Wm.  Meade,    11  00 
Farnham  parish,  Essex  county,    -     -     -  20  00 
Portsmouth  parish,     ------      26  00 

St.  Anne's  parish,    -------  30  00 

8361  62 
And    then,  on  motion,  the    Convention   ad- 
journed until  to-morrow  morning,  at  9  o'clock, 

Friday,  May  21,  1824. 

The  Convention  met  according  to  adjourn- 
ment, and  was  opened  with  prayer  by  the  Right 
Rev.  Bishop  Moore. 

Mr.  Edmund  Penn  produced  a  certificate  of 
his  appointment  as  lay  deputy  for  the  parish  of 
Lexington,  which,  being  read,  was  approved — 
whereupon  he  took  his  seat  as  a  member  of  this 
Convention. 

Mr.  Francis  Nelson,  from  the  corimiittee  ap- 
pointed to  examine  the  treasurer's  accounts, 
presented  a  report,  which  was  read,  as  follows  : 

The  committee  on  the  treasurer's  accounts 

beg   leave    to  report,  that    they  have  had  the 

same  under  due  consideration,  and  find  them  to 

be  correct.    All  which  is  respectfully  submitted. 

Francis  NELsdN,  Fred'k  W.    Hatch, 

Reuel  Keith,        Edwd.  Valentine,  Jr. 

The  said  report  was,  on  the  question  put 
thereupon,  approved  by  the  Convention. 

The  Rev.  John  H.  Wingfield,  from  the  com- 
mittee to  examine  the  account  of  the  treasurer 
of  the  Prayer-Book  and  Tract  Society,  present- 
ed a  report,  which  was  read,  as  follows  : — 

The  committee  appointed  to  examine  the  ac- 
counts of  the  treasurer  of  the  Prayer-Book  and 
Tract  Society  of  the  Diocess  of  Virginia,  have 
discharged  that  duty,  and  find  the  same  to  be  cor- 
rect. John  H.  Wingfield,  Chairman. 

The  said  report  was,  on  the  question  put 
thereupon,  approved  by  the  Convention. 

Mr.  Thurmer  Hoggard,  from  the  committee 
for  examining  the  stale  of  the  fund  for  the  sup- 
port of  the  widows  and  orphans  of  deceased 
clergymen,  made  the  following  report : — 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the 
examination  of  the  accounts  of  the  treasurer  of 
the  funds  for  the  relief  of  the  widows  and  or- 
phans of  deceased  clergymen  of  the  Episcopal 
Church  of  Virginia,  report,  that  they  have,  ac- 
cording to  order,  had  the  same  under  considera- 
tion, and  find  that  there  is  now  in  the  hands  of 
the  treasurer, 
3  per  cent,  stock,  -----  $2,037  78 
6  per  cent,  stock,     -     -  -     -         172     5 


Amount  carried  forward, 


$2,209  83 


170 


CONVENTION  OF  1824. 


Amount  brought  forward,           $3,209  83 
1  share  of  stock  in  Bank  of  Virginia, 
at  par, 100  00 

44  shares  of  stock  in  Farmers'  Bank 

of  Alexandria, 2,200  00 

Robert  Andrews's  executor's  note, 
bearing  interest  from  28th  of  Feb- 
ruary, 1822,  until  paid,     -     -    -     -     800  00 

Cash  in  the  hands  of  the  treasurer,    -     150  48 


$5,460  31 
All  which  will  appear  more  fully  by  the  ac- 
count of  the  treasurer  herewith  filed. 

Thupmer  Hoogard,  Chairman. 

The  said  report  was,  on  the  question  put 
thereupon,  approved  by  the  Convention. 

The  Rev.  Amos  .C.  Treadway,  of  Lynchburg 
parish,  appeared  and  took  his  seat  in  this  Con- 
vention. 

Mr.  Seth  Ward  produced  a  certificate  of  his 
appointment  as  a  lay  deputy  for  Lynchburg 
parish,  which  being  read,  was  approved — where- 
upon he  took  his  seat  as  a  member  of  this  Con- 
vention^ 

The  Rev.  Charles  H.  Page,  from  the  com- 
mittee appointed  to  examine  the  state  of  the 
fund  for  the  permarient  support  of  the  episco- 
pate in  this  diocess,  presented  a  report,  which 
was  read,  as  follows : — 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  ac- 
count of  the  Bishops'  Fund  report,  that  since  the 
laist  report,  as  appears  by  the  treasurer's  account 
hereto  annexed,  that  there  are  in  Alexandria  41 
shares  in  the  Farmers'  Bank,  at  $50  each  (par 
value),  making  $2,050,  dividing  six  per  cent. ; 
also,  six  shares  in  the  Bank  of  Alexandria,  the 
par  value  $200  each,  making  $1,200,  dividing 
five  per  cent. 

The  total  amount  in  stocks,  $3,250.  Amount 
of  cash  in  hand,  $205  66,  to  be  vested  in  stock. 

All  which  is  respectfully  submitted. 

Charles  H.  Page,  Chairman. 

The  said  report  was,  on  the  question  put 
thereupon,  approved  by  the  Convention. 

The  Rev.  V^illiam  H.  Wilmer,  D.  D.,  from 
the  committee  on  the  state  of  the  church,  re- 
ported a  canon  upon  the  subject  of  clerical  dis- 
cipline, which  being  read,  was,  upon  motion, 
laid  upon  the  table. 

The  proceedings  of  the  standing  committee 
of  this  diocess,  since  the  last  Convention,  were 
presented  and  read. 

The  Convention  proceeded  to  the  election, 
by  ballot,  of  eight  delegates  to  represent  this 
diocess  in  the  next  General  Convention  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church  of  the  United 
States ;  whereupon  the  following  gentlemen 
were  duly  elected,  viz.  : — ^The  Rev.  VS^illiam 
H.  Wilmer,  the  Rev.  William  Meade,  the  Rev. 
William  Wickes,  the  Rev.  Frederick  W. 
Hatch,  Dr.  Carter  Berkeley,  Mr.  John  Nelson, 
jr.,  Mr.  William  Mayo,  and  Mr.  Philip  Nelson. 

The  session  was  then  suspended,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  attending  divine  service  by  the  Rev. 
John  H.  Wingfield,  and  a  sermon  by  the  Rev. 
Silas  Freeman,  after  which  the  session  was  re- 
sumed. 


The  Convention  proceeded  to  the  election, 
by  ballot,  of  a  standing  committee  of  the  church 
in  this  diocess  for  the  ensuing  year  ;  where- 
upon the  following  gentlemen  were  duly  elected, 
viz.  : — The  Rev.  Vvilliam  H.  Wilmer,  the  Rev. 
John  Dunn,  the  Rev.  GUver  Norris,  the  Hon. 
Bushrod  Washington,  Mr.  Edmund  J.  Lee,  and 
Mr.  George  Taylor. 

On  motion. 

Resolved,  That  the  next  meeting  of  the 
Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church 
for  the  diocess  of  Virginia  shall  be  held  in  the. 
city  of  Richmond. 

Mr.  Seth  Ward  paid  to  the  secretary  $30, 
the  contribution  from  the  Lynchburg  parish — 
St.  Paul's  parish,  King  George,  paid  by  Bishop 
Moore,  $20 — and  Wishington  parish,  West- 
moreland, paid  by  Bishop  Moore,  $10. 

The  report  of  the  committee  upon  the  state 
of  the  church,  which  had  been  laid  upon  the 
table,  was  taken  up,  and,  on  motion  made  and 
seconded,  was  referred  to  a  special  committee, 
consisting  of  the  Rev.  Wm.  H.Wilrfier,  D.D.,Mr. 
John  G.  Williams,  and  Mr.  John  Grammer,  jr. 

And  then  the  Convention  adjourned,  to  meet 
again  to-morrow  morning,  at  9  o'clock. 
Saturday,  May  22,  1824. 

The  Convention  met  according  to  adjovim- 
ment,  and  was  opened  with  prayer  by  the  Rev. 
John  H.  Wingfield. 

Mr.  John  Grammer,  jr.,  from  the  special 
committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  report  of 
the  committee  upon  the  state  of  the  church,  re- 
ported a  canon,  which  was  read,  as  follows  : — 

CANON  VII. 

Offences  for  which  a  Clergyman  may  be  brought 
to  trial. 

Whereas  it  is  essential  to  the  purity  and 
prosperity  of  all  religious  communities,  that  the 
temper  and  deportment  of  their  ministers  be 
preserved  holy  and  unblameable,  it  is  hereby 
declared  to  be  the  duty  of  the  bishop  and  of 
the  standing  committee  to  take  cognizance  of 
any  offence  against  decorum  and  religion  of 
which  a  priest  or  deacon  shall  be  charged,  upon 
credible  testimony.  Disorderly,  scandalous,  and 
iqimoral  conduct,  neglect  of  duty,  disregard  of 
the  constitution  or  canons  of  the  church,  dis- 
seminating or  countenancing  of  opinions  which 
are  contrary  to  her  doctrines,  gaming,  or  any 
other  vicious  or  unseemly  diversions,  are  of- 
fences for  which  (as  well  as  for  a  violation  of 
the  26th  canon  of  the  General  Convention)  a 
minister  may  be  brought  to  trial,  and  the  mode 
of  proceeding  shall  be  as  follows  : — 

Whenever  the  bishop  shall  have  reason  to 
suspect  a  clergyman  of  any  of  the  above-men- 
tioned errors  in  life  or  doctrine,  he  shall  inform 
the  standing  committee  of  the  same  ;  or  when- 
ever any  member  of  the  standing  committee 
shall  have  reason  for  such  suspicion,  he  shall 
give  due  notice  of  it  to  the  rest ;  whereupon 
the  committee  shall  proceed  to  inquire  into  the 
circumstances  of  the  case  ;  and  if  they  shall 
think  that  there  is  a  sufl!icient  cause  for  a  trial, 
they  shall  communicate  the  same  to  the  bishop, 
stating  specifically  the  charges  made.     Where- 


CONVENTION  OF  1824. 


171 


upon,  by  order  of  the  bishop,  a  council  of  pres- 
byters, consisting  of  not  less  than  three,  shall 
be  convened,  who,  under  the  direction  of  the 
bishop,  shall  proceed  in  due  time  to  try  the  party 
accused.  A  copy  of  the  accusation  or  accusa- 
tions, and  notice  of  the  time  and  place  of  trial, 
shall  be  communicated  to  the  accused  party  by 
the  bishop  of  the  diocess,  at  least  one  month 
previous  to  the  time  of  trial.  And  furthermore, 
it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  standing  committee, 
at  such  trial,  to  lay  before  the  bishop  and  his 
presbyters  such  evidence  as  they  may  be  able 
to  obtain  relative  to  the  case  under  investiga- 
tion. Witnesses  may  be  called  and  examined, 
and  depositions  taken,  after  reasonable  notice 
given  of  the  time  and  place  of  taking  the  same  ; 
and  all  evidence  received  on  such  a  trial  shall 
be  given  upon  oath  or  affirmation,  before  a  justice 
of  the  peace.  The  party  accused  may  call  on 
any  person  to  assist  him  in  his  defence,  and 
have  the  benefit  of  witnesses  and  depositions, 
as  above  prescribed,  on  his  giv-ing  to  the  stand- 
ing committee  reasonable  notice  of  the  time  and 
place  of  taking  such  depositions.  If  two  thirds 
of  the  council  of  presbyters  shall  consider  the 
charges  as  substantiated,  they  shall  report  to 
the  bishop  the  facts  of  the  case,  and  what  sen- 
tence, in  their  judgment,  ought  to  be  pronoun- 
ced ;  whereupon  the  bishop  shall  proceed  to 
acquit,  or  else  reprove,  suspend,  or  degrade 
him,  as  in  his  judgment  the  case  may  demand. 
Furthermore,  it  is  provided.  That  if  there  be 
no  bishop,  the  standing  committee  shall  take 
the  place  of  the  bishop,  ordering  all  the  circum- 
stances of  trial,  and  pronouncing  such  sentence 
as  the  case  may  demand  ;  only,  that  their  exer- 
cise of  discipline  shall  not  proceed  farther  than 
the  act  of  suspension. 

Resolved,  That  the  seventh  canon,  for  which 
this  is  a  substitute,  be,  and  the  same  is  hereby 
repealed. 

On  motion  made  and  seconded, 
Resolved,  That  the  said  canon  be,  and  the 
same  is  hereby  adopted. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  Mr.  Nicholas  H. 
Cobbs  be  invited  to  take  a  seat  in  this  Conven- 
tion. ,  - 

On  motion.  Resolved,  That  the  treasurer  be 
directed  to  pay  the  sum  of  seven  dollars  to  the 
doorkeepers  of  this  Convention,  for  their  services 
during  the  present  session. 

On  motion.  Resolved,  That  the  standing  com- 
mittee be  directed  to  publish  the  canons  of  the 
church,  in  the  form  of  a  letter,  relative  to  the 
candidates  for  holy  orders,  and  to  draw  up  proper 
forms  of  recommendation  for  the  use  of  such 
candidates,  in  order  to  avoid  the  many  incon- 
veniences which  have  hitherto  attended  their 
application  for  orders. 

The  following  preamble  and  resolutions  were 
offered  by  the  Rev.  William  H.  Wilmer  : — 

Whereas  there  are  throughout  the  state,  in 
the  possession  of  families  and  individuals,  many 
valuable  books,  the  remnants  of  ancient  libraries, 
that  are  of  but  little  use.  to  their  owners,  but 
which  would  be  of  great  value  to  the  Theological 
School  of  this  diocess. 

It  is  hereby  Resolved,  That  the  friends  of  the 


church,  who  are  in  possession  of  such  books  as 
they  can  conveniently  spare,  be,  and  they  are 
hereby  respectfully  requested,  to  send  them,  for 
the  use  of  the  school,  to  the  minister  of  thje 
parish,  or  of  the  adjoining  parish,  or  to  Profes- 
sor Keith,  of  Alexandria. 

Resolved,  also,  That  the  clergy  and  laity  of 
the  diocess,  who  have  in  their  possession  Jour- 
nals of  the  Convention  of  this  state  holden  an- 
terior to^the  year  1812,  be  requested  to  forward 
them  to  the  Rev.  Wm.  H.  Wilmer,  of  Alex- 
andria, for  the  purpose  of  enabling  him  to  pub- 
lish the  whole  of  them  in  regular  series,  and  in 
a  compact  form. 

On  the  question  put  thereupon,  they  were 
agreed  to. 

On  motion.  Resolved,  That  the  thanks  of  this 
Convention  be  tendered  to  the  ministers  and  el- 
ders of  the  Presbyterian  and  Methodist  churches 
in  this  place,  for  the  liberal  and  kind  offer  of 
their  churches  for  the  use  of  the  Convention. 

On  motion.  Resolved,  That  the  thanks  of  this 
Convention  be  tendered  to  the  citizens  of  this 
place,  for  their  kind  and  hospitable  attentions 
to  the  members  of  the  Convention  during  its 
session. 

The  session  was  then  suspended,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  attending  divine  service  by  the  Rev. 
Robert  Prout,  and  a  sermon  by  the  Rev.  Wm.  H. 
Wilmer,  after  which  the  session  was  resumed. 

Mr.  Alexander  Garrett  produced  his  creden- 
tial as  lay  delegate  for  the  parish  of  Fredericks- 
ville,  in  Charlottesville,  which  being  read,  was 
approved  ;  whereupon  he  took  his  seat  as  a 
member  of  this  Convention. 

The  Rev.  Frederick  W.  Hatch,  from  the 
committee  to  whom  the  parochial  reports  were 
referred,  presented  a  report,  which  was  read,  as 
follows  : — 

The  committee  on  the  parochial  reports  have 
taken  them  into  consideration,  and  beg  leave  to 
present  them  to  the  Convention  in  the  following 
condensed  form : — 

St.  Martin's  parish,  Hanover,  has  no  pastor  at 
present,  but  its  prospects  are  not  materially  al- 
tered. 

In  Augusta  parish,  the  interests  of  the  church 
are  represented  as  rather  languishing,  in  conse- 
quence of  removals  and  deaths.  Marriages  five 
— baptisms  seven— funerals  five — communicants 
fifteen. 

In  Lynnhaven  parish.  Princess  Anne  county,  four 
have  been  added  to  the  church.  Communicants 
twenty-three— baptisms  eleven — burials  thirteen. 

The  church  in  Hampshire  county  has  suffered 
much  for  want  of  regular  ministrations  hereto- 
fore ;  to  secure  which,  its  present  scattered  and 
enfeebled  condition  renders  every  effort  necessary. 
Those  energies,  however,  they  appear  willing  to 
exert,  and  are  endeavourmg,  to  the  extent  of  their 
ability,  to  render  the  ministration  of  the  word  both 
permanent  and  frequent. 

Seven  places  of  worship  are  regularly  attended 
— five  of  them  once  and  twice  a  month,  on  Sun- 
days, and  other  places,  occasionally,  on  week 
days.  Baptisms  thirty-two,  three  adults — mar- 
riages three— funerals  six. 

The  rector  of  Fredericksville  parish  mentions, 
with  gratitude  to  Him  who  disposes  the  hearts 
of  men  to  good,  the  liberality  manifested  by  the 
citizens  of  Charlottesville,  and  several  respecta- 


in 


CONVENTION  OF  1824. 


ble  gentlemen  in  its  vicinity,  in  subscribing  funds 
for  building  an  Episcopal  church  in  the  town,  and 
for  the  friendly  interest  they  have  taken  in  the 
subject.  Baptisms  about  tweniy-four,  ten  col- 
oured persons — funerals  eight. 

In  Kanawha  parish  no  material  change  has 
taken  place  during  the  last  year.  In  the  congre- 
gation at  the  mouth  of  Coal,  and  also  that  of 
Charlestown,  there  are  about  twelve  communi- 
cants. 'I'he  minister  has  once  visited  Cabell 
county,  and  several  limes  the  county  of  Mason, 
where  he  found  the  people  favourably  disposed  to 
the  church,  and  a  very  wide  field  for  ministerial 
labours.  Baptisms  thirty-five,  twelve  coloured 
children — deaths  sixty,  thirty-five  children — mar- 
riages twelve 

The  present  pastor  of  Christ  Church,  Norfolk, 
has  had  the  charge  of  it  about  fourteen  months, 
in  which  lime  eight  persons  have  been  added  to 
the  communion.  Twenty-two  deaths -have  taken 
place,  thirty -lour  have  been  baptized,  and  thirteen 
marriages  celebrated.  There  are  at  present  in  the 
congregation  one  hundred  and  eighty-four  com- 
municants, and  one  Sunday  School.  In  a  general 
view  of  the  state  of  this  congregation,  the  pastor 
is  able  to  say  that  it  is  flourishing.  The  public 
wdrship  is  well  attended;  and  religion,  he  be- 
lieves, IS  advancing.  On  the  subject  of  contribu- 
tions to  the  Theological  Seminary — an  institution 
increasing  in  interest  in  this  diocess,  some  dif- 
ficulty has  arisen,  which  the  pastor,  in  justice  to 
the  parish,  and  in  the  hope  that  it  may  now  be 
removed,  thinks  it  proper  to  explain.  "When  the 
subscription  was  offered  to  the  congregation  in 
Norfolk,  the  expectation  was  that  the  seminary 
would  be  located  at  Williamsburg  ;  hence  many, 
from  their  attachment  to  that  ancient  seat  of  learn- 
ing, subscribed  more  than  they  would  have  done 
if  expecting  its  location  anywhere  else.  Being, 
however,  as  anxious  as  any  other  portion  of  the 
diocess  for  the  success  of  the  seminary,  the  hope 
may  be  entertained,  that  now  a  temporary  loca- 
tion is  contemplated,  all  diflSculty  in  relation  to 
their  subscriptions  may  be  removed. 

In  Lynchburg  parish  the  service  is  well  at- 
tended, and  the  prospects  of  the  church  are,  upon 
the  whole,  encouraging.  Baptisms  three— mar- 
riages two. 

In  Bristol  parish,  Petersburg,  the  rector  reports 
considerable  improvement  in  the  attention  of  the 
congregation  to  religious  duties.  The  worship 
of  the  church  is  well  attended,  and  the  number 
of  communicants  is  increased.  Baptisms  thirteen 
— marriages  sixteen— deaths  thirty-seven. 

Lexington  parish,  Amherst,  had  been  for  some 
years  without  a  minister,  until  July  last,  at  which 
time  not  a  single  individual  was  to  be  found  who, 
it  is  believed,  would  have  gone  to  the  communion, 
had  it  been  celebrated.  Present  prospects,  how- 
ever, are  somewhat  encouraging  ;  the  ministry  of 
the  word  is  well  attended  ;  numbers,  it  is  beheved, 
are  daily  becoming  convinced  "  of  sin,  of  righte- 
ousness, and  of  judgment."  There  are  three 
churches  in  this  parish  to  repair ;  two  of  which, 
and  to  rebuild  the  other,  exertions  are  now  about 
to  be  made.  Baptisms  forty-three,  coloured  per- 
sons sixteen — deaths  five — one  marriage. 

In  Hungar's  parish  the  rector  believes  the  Re- 
deemer's cause  to  be  progressing,  though  no  ma- 
terial change  has  taken  place  since  the  last  report. 
Baptisms  one  hundred  and  twenty-one — mar- 
riages nine — funerals  twenty-seven— communi- 
cants twenty-nine. 

The  congregation  of  Portsmouth  parish  in- 
creases slowly,  and  the  general  state  of  the  church 
here  is  prosperous ;  an  increased  attention  to  re- 
ligion is  manifested,  and  the  attendance  on  the 


preached  word  is  more  regular  and  general.  The 
gospel  kingdom  is  gaining  ground,  and  the  rector 
rejoices  in  the  hope  of  a  "  day  of  better  things," 
not  far  distant.  Baptisms  nineteen — funerals  eight 
— communicants  nineteen. 

In  Lancaster  and  Northumberland,  the  glory  of 
our  ancient  Zion  is  still  visible.  In  the  venerable 
rums  of  her  dilapidated  temples — the  mouldering 
pillar — the  prostrate  altar— the  shattered  dome — 
the  spacious  court — once  thronged  with  joyful  mul- 
titudes, and  the  solitary  remnant  who  now  traverse 
the  waste,  mourning  over  its  desolation,  and  seek- 
ing to  hght  up  in  their  souls  the  flame  of  devotion 
at  altars  where  the  sacrifice  for  sin  has  long  since 
ceased  to  be  represented,  exhibit  to  the  mind  of 
the  beholder  a  most  melancholy  subject  of  con- 
templation. The  minister  of  these  parishes  still 
trusts,  from  the  increased  attention  to  religion, 
and  the  growing  respect  manifested  for  the  liturgy, 
that,  through  the  instrumentality  even  of  his  divi- 
ded services,  the  congregations  may  be  built  up, 
Two  of  the  churches,  it  is  expected,  will  be  re- 
paired. Baptisms  thirty-six — funerals  five^mar- 
riages  four 

Parish  of  Frederick.  Since  the  last  Conven- 
tion, the  Rev.  Mr.  Roberstson  having  left  the 
church  in  Winchester,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Meade  is 
now  sole  rector  of  the  parish,  officiating  alter- 
nately at  W  inchester  and  the  chapel.  The  state 
of  the  congregations  is  considered  as  good.  The 
attendance  on  divine  worship,  with  a  few^xcep- 
tions,  IS  very  regular.  The  number  of  communi- 
cants has  been  increased  by  the  addition  of  eight 
during  the  last  year.  The  mimber  of  baptisms  is 
twelve,  one  of  which  is  an  adult.  Two  societies 
of  females,  formed  m  the  two  congregations  for  the 
purpose  of  promoting  domestic  and  foreign  mis- 
sions, and  the  education  of  pious  young  men, 
promise  very  effectual  and  permanent  support  to 
these  important  objects.  In  the  Chapel  congrega- 
tion very  handsome  collections  have  been  made 
for  these  purposes  for  some  years  past ;  in  the 
congregation  at  Winchester  the  efforts  have  but 
just  commenced,  though  with  very  flattering  pros- 
pects of  success,  as  nearly  fifty  dollars  were  ob- 
tained in  the  few  first  weeks  of  its  institution. 
The  minister  of  this  parish,  encouraged  by  the 
success  with  which  it  has  pleased  Heaven  to 
crown  his  endeavours  in  this  cause,  begs  leave  to 
state  to  the  church  the  method  which,  by  experi- 
ence, he  has  found  most  effectual,  in  the  hope  of 
inducing  his  brethren  to  make  trial  of  the  same. 
Believing  that  the  great  duty  and  need  of  raising 
up  and  properly  educating  pious  young  men  for 
the  ministry,  and  of  supplying  the  destitute  parts 
of  our  own  land,  as  well  as  the  nations  of  the 
heathen  world,  with  the  ministrations  of  the  gos- 
pel, only  required  to  be  fiillyand  frequently  placed 
before  the  hearts  of  Christians,  as  we  do  the  other 
duties  and  doctrines  of  religion,  in  order  to  induce 
them  to  take  a  lively  and  active  interest  in  the 
promotion  of  the  same,  he  has  for  some  years  past 
been  pursuing  the  following  plan.  He  has  sup- 
plied himself  with  a  number  of  the  best  religious 
magazines  of  the  day,  which  give  a  full  view  of 
all  the  spiritual  wants,  as  well  as  religious  exer- 
tions and  charities,  of  the  whole  Christian  world  ; 
from  these  he  has  always  t>een  enabled  to  collect 
a  great  variety  of  most  interesting  and  edifying 
pieces  on  all  those,  subjects  which  are  most  dear 
to  every  Christian's  heart,  and  which  from  time 
to  time  he  reads  to  the  members  of  the  congrega- 
tion. In  the  country  congregation,  he  has  for 
some  years  been  in  the  habit  of  having  meetings 
for  this  purpose  at  private  houses  on  some  day  in 
the  week,  where  a  number  of  the  families  most 
convenient  assemble  together.    A  few  hours  are 


CONVENTION  OF  1824. 


173 


spent  in  prayer,  singing  suitable  hymns,  and  read- 
ing the  above-mentioned  selections.  Sometimes 
the  ladies  are  engaged  in  some  work  which  is  dis- 
posed of  for  the  benefit  of  the  cause ;  and  the 
younger  members  of  the  famihes  are  brought  also, 
and  encouraged  to  take  an  interest  m  what  is 
passing.  The  minister  can  truly  testify,  for  him- 
self and  those  of  his  charge,  that  these  meetings 
are  unusually  interesting,  and  have  the  effect  of 
drawing  the  hearts  of  those  present  towards  the 
important  objects  laid  before  them.  As  evidence 
of  which  he  states,  that  for  some  years  past  he 
has,  by  means  of  these  meetings  in  the  Chapel 
congregation,  collected  about  one  hundred  dollars 
annually,  which  for  the  two  last  years  has  been 
sent  to  the  general  Missionary  Society  of  the 
church.  At  the  same  time,  the  communicants  of 
this  congregation  have  been  contributing  between 
fifty  and  one  hundred  dollars  annually  to  the  Edu- 
cation Society  of  the  District  of  Columbia,  besides 
liberal  subscriptions  to  the  Theological  School  of 
Virginia.  In  the  church  of  Winchester,  a  female 
society  for  promoting  the  education  of  pious  young 
men,  and  for  missionary  purposes,  has  been  formed 
within  a  few  months,  and  promises  to  do  well. 
In  order  to  give  proper  information  to  the  minds 
of  the  members,  and  also  to  impress  proper  feel- 
ings on  their  hearts  in  regard  to  these  subjects, 
the  minister  has  occasionally  substituted,  on  Sun- 
day afternoons,  the  above-mentioned  extracts  in 
place  of  the  sermon,  and  has  reason  to  believe 
that  this  plan  is  not  only  pleasing,  but  will  be  im- 
proving and  profitable.  He  hopes  to  raise  the 
annual  sum  of  one  hundred  dollars  from  this  con- 
gregation, which,  for  the  present,  it  is  intended  to 
apply  entirely  to  the  education  of  pious  young 
men,  together  with  a  separate  contribution  from 
the  communicants.  The  minister  of  this  parish 
has  been  thus  particular,  because  he  thinks  the 
time  has  arrived  when  it  behooves  every  minister 
to  make  full  trial  of  his  ministry  in  this  respect, 
and  because  he  believes  that  there  is  not  a  con- 
gregation in  the  church  from  which  something 
may  not  be  obtained  from  willing  hearts,  if  the 
subjects  be  properly  and  frequently  presented  to 
them.  Small  contributions  may  thus  be  obtained 
from  pious  females,  and  even  from  children,  as 
well  as  from  the  male  members  of  the  church, 
which  would  not  in  the  least  degree  interfere  with 
any  other  necessary  collection  for  the  support  of 
the  church.  He  is  firmly  persuaded  that  no  other 
plan  will  produce  half  the  effect,  or  will  long  con- 
tinue in  operation  ;  and  therefore  urges  his  breth- 
ren to  adopt  that  which  his  own  experience  for 
many  years  has  proved  to  be  successful. 

Monumental  Church.  It  is  with  great  pleasure 
that  the  rector  of  the  Monumental  Church  in  the 
city  of  Richmond  informs  the  Convention,  that  the 
state  of  his  congregation  is  very  promising.  A 
Bible  class  was  instituted  by  him  the  last  winter, 
which  has  been  uniformly  well  attended.  It  con- 
sisted of  from  eighty  to  a  hundred  ladies,  whose 
religious  deportment  was  highly  pleasing,  and 
who,  from  the  readiness  with  which  they  an- 
swered the  questions  proposed  to  them,  must 
have  closely  studied  the  subjects  under  considera- 
tion. The  number  of  communicants  slowly  in- 
creases. The  congregation  are  uniform  in  their 
attendance  upon  divine  worship,  and  devout  in 
their  behaviour.  The  rector  closes  his  report  by 
recommending  to  the  clergy  the  institution  of 
Bible  classes  in  their  respective  parishes,  and  to 
be  diligent  in  their  catechetical  instructions  to 
the  children  belonging  to  their  congregations. 
Communicants  one  hundred  and  thirty. 

The  committee  cannot  close  this  report  with- 
out recommending  to  the  particular  attention  of 


the  parishes  in  the  diocess,  the  subjects  introdu- 
ced to  their  notice  in  the  interesting  returns  from 
Frederick  parish  by  the  Rev.  Wm.  Medde,  and 
from  the  Monumental  Church  by  our  venerable 
bishop.     All  wlftch  is  respectfully  submitted. 

Frkd.  W.  Hatch,  Chairman. 

The  said  report  was,  on  the  question  put 
thereupon,  approved  by  the  Convention. 

The  Rev.  Williaiii  Meade,  from  the  mem- 
bers of  the  board  of  trustees  of  the  Theologi- 
cal School,  present  in  Staunton,  presented  a  re- 
port, which  was  read,  as  follows  : — 

The  trustees  of  the  Theological  School  of  Vir 
ginia  now  present,  though  not  in  sufficient  num- 
ber to  form  a  quorum,  I'eel  it  their  duty  to  submit 
to  the  Convention  the  following  report : — 

At  the  last  meeting  of  the  trustees,  the  Rev. 
Reuel  Keith  was  engaged  as  Professor  m  the  in- 
stitution, and  requested  to  hold  himself  in  readi- 
ness to  take  charge  of  it  whenever  it  should  go 
into  operation.  He  accordingly  settled  in  Alex- 
andria in  the  month  of  October  last,  and  has  had 
under  his  charge,  since  that  time,  from  twelve  to 
fourteen  students,  thirteen  of  whom  were  candi- 
dates for  orders.  There  are  at  present  under  his 
care  eleven  young  men,  pursuing  their  studies 
with  fair  prospect  of  their  future  respectability  and 
usefulness,  and  it  is  expected  that  not  less  than 
twenty  will  wish  to  enter  at  the  ensuing  session. 
During  the  present  term,  the  students  have  been 
instructed  by  the  professor  in  Biblical  Literature 
and  Criticism,  the  original  languages  of  the  Bible, 
Prideaux's  Connexions,  Home  on  the  Inspiration 
of  the  St:riptures,  Jahn's  Archology,  Butler's  An- 
alogy, and  Magee  on  the  Atonement.  The  more 
advanced  class  has  recited  to  the  Rev.  W.  H.  Wil- 
mer,  who  has  had  charge  of  the  department  of 
Systematic  Theology,  Pearson  on  the  Creed,  Bur- 
net on  the  Articles,  and  such  other  authors  as  the 
time  admitted,  and  the  course  of  study  prescribed 
by  the  House  of  Bishops  required. 

The  trustees  take  great  pleasure  in  contempla- 
ting the  present  state  and  encouraging  prospects 
of  the  school  ;  and  in  bearing  testimony,  as  far  as 
they  know  and  believe,  to  the  zeal,  fidelity,  and 
ability  with  which  the  professors  have  discharged 
the  duties  of  their  professorship.  They  feel  it  in- 
cumbent on  them  also  to  state,  from  satisfactory 
information,  that  the  whole  course  of  studies  has 
been  entirely  conformed  to  the  canons  oif  the 
church. 

Under  the  present  circumstances  of  the  school, 
the  trustees  are  of  opinion  that  Alexandrians  the 
best  place  for  the  present  location,  and  they  beg 
leave  to  recommend  to  the  Convention  the  adop- 
tion of  a  resolution  to  that  effect. 

The  account  of  the  treasurer  herewith  submit- 
ted will  show  the  state  of  the  funds.  Various 
obstacles  have  interposed  against  the  collections 
expected  to  be  made  for  this  object.  In  addition 
to  the  pecuniary  embarrassments  which  have  pre- 
vented the  acquisition  of  new  subscriptions,  and 
retarded  the  collection  of  those  already  obtained, 
a  difliculty  has  occurred  on  the  ground  that  the 
terms  of  the  subscription  involved  a  condition  of 
location  which  has  not  been  observed  on  the  part 
of  the  church.  The  hope,  however,  is  entertain- 
ed, that  when  the  inconvenience  and  even  im- 
practicability of  establishing  the  school  at  Will- 
iamsburg are  considered,  with  the  advantages  of 
the  place  now  proposed  for  its  location,  the  objec- 
tions that  have  accrued  will  be  removed.  Will- 
iamsburg  is  too  remote  and  inaccessible  to  justify 
the  hope  that  students  can  be  obtained  for  a  the- 
ological institution  at  that  place.    The  experi- 


174 


CONVENTION  OF  1825. 


ment  was  tried  there  for  one  year  without  suc- 
cess, and  no  hope  of  success  seemed  to  present  it- 
self in  the  time  to  come.  No  sooner  was  the  trial 
made  in  Alexandria,  than  the  number  of  students 
and  the  means  of  supporting  the  indigent  among 
them  increased  beyond  our  most  sanguine  expec- 
tations. All  that  is  now  wantmg  to  complete,  suc- 
cess, under  the  blessing  of  God,  is  the  liberal  co- 
operation of  the  friends  of  the  church.  A  pious 
and  well-qualified  minister  of  our  church  has  de- 
voted himself  entirely  to  the  arduous  duties  of  an 
instructerof  the  pious  youth  who  wish  to  be  qual- 
ified for  the  work  of  the  ministry,  and  requires 
only  a  moderate  support  for  himself  and  family  : 
that  support  the  trustees  are  unable  as  yet  to  af- 
ford from  the  interest  of  their  vested  fund,  and 
have  to  call  upon  the  liberality  of  the  friends  of  the 
church  to  give  them  the  ability,  by  the  prompt  pay- 
ment of  the  subscriptions  already  made,  and  by 
the  most  active  exertions  to  obtain  others. 

We  cannot  hope  for  a  full  and  permanent  sup- 
ply of  pious  and  well-educated  ministers  from  any 
other  source  than  the  institution  we  commend  to 
the  liberal  patronage  of  our  members. 

The  number  of  pious  young  men  who  are  de- 
sirous to  devote  their  lives  to  this  sacred  cause  is 
continually  increasing,  and  the  disposition  to  aid 
the  more  needy  of  them  to  procure  a  suitable  edu- 
cation is  increasing  in  an  equal  degree  ;  and  to  us 
do  both  the  pious  yOuths  and  their  benevolent  pa- 
trons look  for  an  institution  which  shall  furnish 
them  that  instruction  by  means  of  suitable  profes- 
sors. 

The  said  report  was,  on  the  question  put 
thereupon,  received  by  the  Convention. 

And  on  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  Theolo- 


gical School  of  Virginia  be  located  for  the  pres- 
ent in  the  town  of  Alexandria. 

On  motion.  Resolved,  That  750  copies  of  the 
Journal  of  this  Convention  be  printed,  and  dis- 
tributed by  the  secretary  among  the  parishes, 
under  the  Superintendence  of  the  bishop. 

On  motion.  Resolved,  That  the  thanks  of  this 
Convention  be  presented  to  the  secretary  for 
his  faithful  services  rendered  during  the  present 
session. 

The  following  preamble  and  resolution  were 
offered  by  the  Rev.  William  Meade,  and  adopted. 

"Whereas  the  bishop  has  signified  to  the  Con- 
vention his  desire  and  intention  of  employing 
an  assistant,  which  is  now  rendered  absolutely 
necessary  to  the  discharge  of  his  episcopal  du- 
ties in  the  diocess,  and  that  he  is  willing  to  pay 
one  half  of  the  assistant's  salary  out  of  his  own 
purse  ; 

Therefore,  Resolved,  That  as  soon  as  the 
bishop  shall  have  obtained  an  assistant,  he  com- 
municate the  same  to  the  ministers  and  vestries, 
stating  what  would  be  needful,  on  their  part,  to 
the  support  of  said  assistant,  and  making  such 
a  representation  of  all  the  circumstances  of  the 
case  as  he  may  deem  most  effectual. 

And  then  the  Convention  adjourned,  to  meet 
again  in  the  city  of  Richmond  on  the  third 
Thursday  in  May  next. 

Richard  C.  Moore, 
Bishop  of  the  P.  E.  Church  of  Virginia. 

Teste,         John  G.  Williams,  Secretary. 


Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of  a  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  of  Virginia, 
which  assembled  in  the  City  of  Richmond  on   Thursday,  May  19th,  1825. 


The  Convention  met,  and  was  opened  with 
divine  service  by  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Moore, 
and  a  sermon  by  the  Rev.  Oliver  Norris. 

The  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Moore,  D.  D.,  took 
the  chair  as  president  of  the  Convention. 

The  following  clergymen,  entitled  to  seats  in 
this  Convention,  appeared  and  took  their  seats, 
viz. : — 

The  Rev.  ,John  Dunn,  Shelburne  parish, 
Loudoun  county  ;  the  Rev.  Wilham  H.  Hart, 
Henrico  parish,  Henrico  county  ;  the  Rev.  Ed- 
ward C.  M'Guire,  St.  George's  parish,  Freder- 
icksburg ;  the  Rev.  William  Meade,  Frederick 
parish,  Frederick  county  ;  the  Rev.  Oliver  Nor- 
ris, Christ  Church,  Alexandria,  parish  of  Fair- 
fax ;  the  Rev.  Andrew  Syme,  Bristol  parish, 
Petersburg,  Dinwiddle  county  ;  the  Rev.  Will- 
iam H.  Wilmer,  D.  D.,  St.  Paul's  church,  Al- 
exandria; the  Rev.  Frederick  W.  Hatch,  Fred- 
ericksville  parish,  Albemarle  county  ;  the  Rev. 
Richard  H.  Barnes,  Hambleton  and  Leeds  par- 
ish, Fauquier  county  ;  the  Rev.  William  Craw- 
ford, Trinity  parish,  Louisa  county  ;  the  Rev. 
Daniel  Stephens,  D.  D.,  Augusta  parish,  Staun- 
ton ;  the  Rev.  Reuel  Keith,  Alexandria ;  the 
Rev.  John  H.  Wingfield,  Portsmouth  pari^, 
Norfolk  county  ;  the  Rev.  Charles  H.  Page, 
Kanawha  parish,  Kanawha  county ;  the  Rev. 


Alexander  Jones,  St.  Andrew's  parislh,  Jefferson 
county  ;  the  Rev.  Silas  C.  Freeman,  Lexington 
parish,  Amherst  county ;  the  Rev.  Sylvester 
Nash,  Hampshire  parish,  Hampshire  county  ; 
the  Rev.  Franklin  G.  Smith,  Lynchburg  parish, 
Lynchburg  ;  the  Rev.  Nicholas  H.  Cobbs,  Rus- 
sel  parish,  Bedford  county  ;  the  Rev.  Mark  L. 
Chevers,  Lynnhaven  parish.  Princess  Anne ;  the 
Rev.  Robert  B.  Croes,  assistant  minister  of  the 
Monumental  Church,  Richmond  ;  the  Rev.  John 
Cooke,  St.  Martin's  parish,  Hanover  and  Lou- 
isa counties  ;  the  Rev.  George  A.  Smith,  Christ 
Church,  Norfolk  borough.      ■  ^ 

Ordered,  That  Dr.  Carter  Berkeley  and  Mr. 
John  G.  Williams  be  a  committee  to  examine 
the  certificates  of  appointment  of  the  lay  depu- 
ties ;  who  then  withdrew,  and  after  a  short 
time  returned,  and  presented  the  following  re- 
port : — 

The  committee  to  whom  were  referred  the 
certificates  of  the  lay  delegates,  have,  according 
to  order,  examined  the  same,  and  report  that 
the  following  persons  have  been  duly  elected 
lay  delegates  to  this  Convention  : — 

John  Grammer,  jr.,  Bristol  parish,  Peters- 
burg, Dinwiddie  county  ;  Seth  Ward,  Lynch- 
burg parish,  Lynchburg  ;  Edward  Colston,  Nor- 
borne  parish,  Martinsburg ;  George  Hamilton, 


CONVENTION  OF  1825. 


175 


St.  George's  parish,  Fredericksburg ;  John  Nel- 
son, St.  James's  parish,  Mecklenburg  county  ; 
Robert  E.  Steed,  Christ  Church,  Norfolk  bor- 
ough ;  Philip  Nelson,  Frederick  parish,  Fred- 
erick county  ;  Jacqueline  A.  Marshall,  Leeds 
and  Hamilton  parish,  Fauquier  county  ;  Ed- 
mund I.  Lee,  Christ  Church,  Alexandria,  parish 
of  Fairfax  ;  John  Dove,  parish  of  Henrico,  Hen- 
rico county  ;  Bushrod  C.  Washington,  St.  An- 
drew's parish,  Jefferson  county  ;  Edmund  Penn, 
Lexington  parish,  Amherst  county  ;  Armistead 
Mosby,  Augusta  parish,  Staunton  ;  Thurmer 
Hoggard,  parish  of  Lynnhaven,  Princess  Anne 
county ;  Francis  Nelson,  parish  of  Hampshire, 
Hampshire  county  ;  Charles  A.  Alexander,  par- 
ish of  Shelburne,  Loudoun  county  ;  William 
0.  Latane  and  Richard  Croxton,  South  Farn- 
ham  parish,  Essex  county  ;  James  M  Garnett 
and  Henry  Waring,  St.  Anne's  parish,  Essex 
county  ;  John  Hooff,  St.  Paul's  Church,  Alex- 
andria ;  William  Mayo  and  John  G.  Williams, 
Monumental  Church,  city  of  Richmond  ;  James 
Rudder,  Portsmouth  parish,  Norfolk  county  ; 
Carter  Berkeley,  St.  Martin's  parish,  Hanover 
county. 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  John  P.  M'Guire  be  in- 
vited to  attend  the  sittings  of  this  Convention. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Edmund  I.  Lee, 

Resolved,  That  the  rules  of  order  adopted 
by  the  last  Convention  for  the  government  of 
their  proceedings,  be  the  rules  of  proceeding 
during  the  present  Convention  ;  which  rules  are 
as  follows  : — 

L  The  business  of  every  day  shall  be  intro- 
duced with  the  morning  service  of  the  church. 

2.  When  the  president  takes  the  chair,  no 
member  shall  continue  standing,  or  shall  after- 
ward stand  up,  except  to  address  tite  chair. 

3.  No  member  shall  absent  himself  from  the 
service  of  the  house,  unless  he  have  leave  or  be 
unable  to  attend. 

4.  When  any  member  is  about  to  speak  in 
debate,  or  deliver  any  matter  to  the  house,  he 
shall,  with  due  respect,  address  himself  to  the 
president,  confining  himself  strictly  to  the  point 
in  debate. 

5.  No  member  shall  speak  more  than  twice 
in  the  same  debate  without  leave  of  the  house. 

6.  A  question  being  once  determined  shall 
stand  as  the  judgment  of  the  house,  and  shall 
not  be  again  drawn  into  debate  during  the  same 
session,  unless  with  the  consent  of  two  thirds  of 
the  house. 

7.  While  the  president  is  putting  any  ques- 
tion, the  members  shall  continue  in  their  seats, 
and  shall  not  hold  any  private  discourse. 

8.  Every  member  who  shall  be  in  the  house 
when  any  question  is  put,  shall,  on  a  division,  be 
counted,  unless  he  be  personally  interested  in 
the  decision. 

9.  No  motion  shall  be  considered  as  before 
the  house  unless  it  be  seconded,  and,  when  re- 
quired, reduced  to  writing. 

10.  When  any  question  is  before  the  house, 
it  shall  be  determined  upon  before  any  new 
thing  is  introduced,  except  the  question  of  Ad- 
journment. 

H.  The  question  on  a  motion  of  adjourn- 


ment shall  be  taken  before  any  other,  and 
without  debate. 

12.  When  tbe#house  is  about  to  rise,  every 
member  shall  keep  his  seat  until  the  president 
shall  leave  his  chair. 

Dr.  F.  Carr  produced  a  certificate  of  his  ap- 
pointment as  a  lay  deputy  for  the  parish  of 
Fredericksville,  Albemarle  county,  which  being 
read,  was  approved  ;  whereupon  he  took  his 
seat  as  a  member  of  this  Convention. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  William  H.  Wilmer, 
D.  D.,  the  Rev.  William  Meade,  the  Rev.  Dan- 
iel Stephens,  D.  D.,  the  Rev.  Oliver  Norris, 
the  Rev.  Andrew  Syme,  Mr.  James  M.  Garnett, 
Mr.  Edward  Colston,  Mr.  William  Mayo,  Mr. 
Philip  Nelson,  and  Mr.  Edmund  L  Lee,  be  a 
committee  to  take  into  consideration  the  state 
of  the  church  in  this  diocess,  and  report  there- 
upon to  this  Convention. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  Edward  C.  M'Guire, 
the  Rev.  Alexander  Jones,  the  Rev.  John  Dunn, 
Mr.  Bushrod  C.  Washington,  Dr.  Jacqueline 
Marshall,  and  Mr.  Thurmer  Hoggard,  be  a  com- 
mittee to  examine  the  parochial  reports. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  Frederick  W.  Hatch, 
the  Rev.  William  H.  Hart,  Mr.  Robert  E.  Steed, 
and  Mr.  Seth  Ward,  be  a  committee  to  examine 
the  accounts  of  the  treasurer  of  the  fund  for  the 
permanent  support  of  the  episcopate  in  this 
diocess. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  Reuel  Keith,  Dr. 
Carter  Berkeley,  Mr.  John  Nelson,  and  Mr. 
John  Hootf,  be  a  committee  to  examine  the 
treasurer's  accounts. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  William  H.  Wilmer, 
the  Rev.  John  H.  Wingfield,  the  Rev.  Silas  C. 
Freeman,  the  Rev.  Richard  H.  Barnes,  and 
Mr.  WilHam  Latane,  be  a  committee  to  examine 
the  state  of  the  fund  for  the  support  of  the  wid- 
ows of  deceased  clergymen. 

The  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Moore  delivered  to 
the  Convention  the  following 

PASTORAL   ADDRESS. 

Once  more,  my  beloved  brethren,  hath  the  Al- 
mighty in  his  providence  pennitted  us  to  assem- 
ble in  Convention,  to  come  up  to  the  house  of  God 
in  company,  and  to  talee  sweet  counsel  together. 
Twelve  months  have  elapsed  since  our  last  an- 
nual meeting,  during  which  time  we  have  been 
preserved  in  safety,  and  not  one  has  been  taken 
from  our  ranks.  "  Bless  the  Lord,  Oh  our  souls, 
and  forget  not  all  his  benefits." 

With  the  calls  which  have  been  made  upon  me 
from  various  parts  of  the  diocess  the  last  year  it 
has  been  impossible  for  me  to  comply,  owing  to 
the  want  of  an  assistant  to  fill  my  place  in  this 
city.  As  far,  however,  as  the  duty  I  owe  my  own 
congregation,  and  the  indisposition  under  which 
1  have  laboured,  would  admit  of  my  absence  from 
home,  I  have  yielded  to  the  solicitations  of  the 
people,  and  have  visited  the  country  parishes. 

On  my  way  home  from  the  Convention  in 
Staunton  last  May,  I  stopped  in  the  county  of 
Cumberland,  and  preached  to  an  attentive  auditory 
at  the  house  of  Mr.  William  Cock.  That  ven- 
erable man,  and  a  considerable  number  of  his 
neighbours,  still  retain  their  attachment  to  the 
church  of  their  fathers  ;  and  I  have  no  Houbt  that 
a  spirited  and  well  qualified  missionary  would 
soon  revive  its  interests  in  that  district,  and  repair 


176 


CONVENTION  OF  1825. 


the  desolations  of  our  Zion  in  that  part  of  the 
diocess. 

In  the  month  of  June  I  vis^fod  the  county  of 
Gloucester,  and  ofKcwted  on  the  Sabbath  to  a 
large  congregation  in  Ware  (Jhurch ;  and  on  the 
day  following  I  rode  to  Abingdon  Church,  but  ow- 
ing to  a  heavy  rain  I  preaclied  to  a  small  auditory. 
Few  are  the  parishes  which  hold  out  stronger  in- 
ducements for  the  location  of  a  clergyman  than 
Gloucester.  The  people,  notwithstanding  their 
long  privation  of  the  services  of  the  church,  con- 
tinue their  attachment  to  our  communion.  Within 
a  few  years  they  have  repaired  one  of  their  houses 
of  worship,  and  would  furnish  a  clergyman  of 
piety  and  talents  with  a  comfortable  support.  The 
society  is  excellent,  and  1  am  confideiit  that  I  do 
them  no  more  than  justice  to  say,  that  a  clergy- 
man might  calculate  with  certainty  upon  a  happy 
settlement  in  the4)08om  of  that  aiffectionate  and 
hospitable  people. 

In  th6  month  of  July  I  went  to  WiUiamsburg, 
at  which  place  I  preached  to  a  large  congregation, 
and  also  administered  the  Lord's  Supper.  The 
first  of  August  I  visited  the  town  of  Petersburg  in 
company  with  Dr.  Wilmer,  at  which  place  I  ad- 
ministered the  Lord's  Supper;  admitted  to  the 
holy  order  of  deacons  the  Rev.  John  Cook  and  the 
Rev.  Lucius  Carter.  I  preached  in  the  evening, 
and  then  bade  them  farewell. 

In  September  1  visited  the  churches  in  Alexan- 
dria, and  preached  to  both  congregations.  In  No- 
vember I  went  to  Hanover,  preached  in  Allen's 
Creek  Church,  and  also  at  the  mansion  of  the  late 
Col  Sims.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Cook  is  settled  in  Han- 
over ;  he  is  domg  much  good,  and  is  very  much 
beloved  by  the  people  of  his  charge. 
\  The  latter  end  of  November  I  again  went  into 
the  lower  country,  preached  and  administered  the 
Lord's  Supper  on  the  morning  of  the  Sabbath,  in 
the  church  in  Williamsburg,  and  in  the  evening 
lectured  at  the  house  of  Judge  Semple,  and  con- 
firmed his  daughter. 

The  Monday  following  I  rode  to  Yorkt<?wn, 
preached  in  the  morning  at  the  courthouse,  and 
in  the  afternoon  at  the  house  of  Mr.  Nelson,  to 
attentive  congregations. 

Last  month  I  visited  the  county  of  Amelia,  and 
preached  at  the  house  of  Mr.  Meade.  In  that 
county  there  exist  all  the  materials  necessary  for 
the  formation  of  a  respectable  congregation  ;  and 
I  give  it  as  my  decided  opinion  that  a  faithful,  pru- 
dent, and  intelligent  clergyman  would  be  well  re- 
ceived by  the  people,  and  meet  with  abundant  suc- 
cess in  his  ministry. 

To  remedy  some  difficulties,  brethren,  which 
have  presented  themselves  to  view,  I  conceive  it 
a  duty  incumbent  on  me  at  this  time  to  offer  a  few 
observations  on  the  subject  of  an  obedience  to  the 
rubrics  of  the  church;  and  as  the  clergy  cannot 
charge  me  with  unkindness  in  my  intercourse 
vvith  them,  I  trust  ray  remarks  will  be  received 
with  the  same  spirit  of  conciliation  with  which 
they  will  be  offered,  and  not  charged  to  a  spirit  of 
improper  domination. 

The  church  of  which  we  are  members  has  al- 
ways felicitated  herself  upon  the  possession  of  a 
liturgy,  combining  with  the  soundest  sense  the 
purest  and  most  sublimated  devotion :  a  hturgy 
which  has  commanded  the  respect  and  admira- 
tion of  some  of  the  greatest  and  most  enlightened 
men  who  have  lived  since  the  reformation.  To 
enable  the  clergy  to  conduct  the  devotions  of  the 
people  in  perfect  uniformity,  rubrics  have  been  at- 
tarhed  to  all  the  offices  of  religion;  a  compliance 
with  which  is  required  of  every  minister  prior  to 
his  ordination. 

Although  the  services  of  the  church  have  been 


thus  guarded,  still  it  has  sometimes  happened  that 
a  departure  from  the  hturgy  has  taken  place,  and 
the  beauty  of  our  incomparable  form  of  worship 
been,  in  some  measure,  destroyed. 

When  an  individual,  instructed  in  the  peculiar- 
ities  of  our  services,  is  engaged  in  the  duties  of  the 
sanctuary,  he  can  follow,  with  indescribable  pleas- 
ure, the  officiating  clergyman  in  the  regular  exer- 
cise of  his  office  ;  he  is  always  prepared  to  unite 
in  the  prayers,  and  to  worship  the  Lord  in  the 
beauty  of  holiness,  without  the  least  distraction 
of  mind.  But  when  it  so  happens  that  the  clergy- 
man is  inattentive  to  the  rubrics,  the  devotional 
exercises  of  the  worshipper  are  obstructed :  his 
mind,  instead  of  bemg  preserved  calm  and  serene, 
becomes  perplexed,  and  his  religious  feelings 
changed  into  those  of  disappointment,  if  not  dis- 
pleasure. I  indulge  the  hope,  brethren,  that  in 
those  instances  in  which  the  aberrations  alluded 
to  have  been  practised,  they  have  arisen  more  from 
inconsideration  than  design ;  and  that  it  is  only 
necessary  to  mention  the  evil  to  have  it  remedied. 

Another  subject  to  which  I  must  call  your  at- 
tention, is  the  fund  for  the  support  of  the  episco- 
pate in  the  diocess  of  Virginia.  I  do  this  with 
less  reluctance  than  I  otherwise  should,  in  conse- 
quence of  my  age,  and  the  impossibility  of  reaping 
from  it  any  personal  advantages  whatever. 

The  bishop  of  the  diocess  has  duties  to  perform 
which  render  it  improper  that  he  should  be  con- 
fined to  the  superintendence  of  a  particular  parish. 
All  the  congregations  in  the  state  forrri  the  objects 
of  his  pastoral  charge,  and  are  equally  entitled  to 
his  superintending  care.  Were  the  bishop  at  per- 
fect liberty,  he  could  visit  at  pleasure  the  desti- 
tute parts  of  his  diocess  ;  convince  the  people  of 
the  interest  he  takes  in  their  concerns  ;  keep  alive 
their  attachment  to  the  church,  and  prevent  them 
from  a  departure  from  the  fold.  When  confined 
to  the  charge  of  a  single  congregation,  the  en- 
treaties of  those  who  are  destitute  of  ministerial 
aid  cannot  be  complied  with.  His  children  ask 
for  the  -bread^f  life  at  his  hands,  and  he  is  obliged 
to  withhold  the  aid  for  which  they  implore  :  they 
plead  their  relation  to  him  as  to  their  spiritual 
father,  and  they  plead  in  vain ;  they  demand  his 
fostering  care  in  accents  which  touch  his  heart, 
but  their  demands,  however  reasonable  and  just, 
it  is  beyond  his  power  to  satisfy. 

Such,  brethren,  has  been  my  situation  since  my 
residence  in  Virginia ;  and  such  must  be  the  situa- 
tion of  my  successor,  unless  some  provision  should 
be  made  to  meet  the  evil.  A  clergyman  of  suita- 
ble talents,  who  would  travel  through  the  diocess, 
and  who  might  be  employed  as  at  missionary  at 
the  same  time,  could,  I  am  well  convinced,  in  the 
space  of  two  years,  complete  the  plan  you  have 
already  commenced,  and  enable  your  diocesan  to 
perform  the  duties  belonging  to  his  office.  What 
person,  who  considers  himself  a  member  of  the 
church,  would  refuse  a  few  dollars  for  the  comple- 
tion of  such  an  object  ?  What  Virginian,  who 
recollects  the  attachment  of  his  departed  parents 
to  the  church,  and  who  remembers  the  period 
when  he  was  led  by  them  to  worship  in  our  courts, 
would  shut  his  ears  to  our  petitions,  or  send  us 
empty  away  from  his  doors  ?  My  brethren,  I  have 
travelled  too  much  through  this  diocess  to  con- 
sider such  an  event  possible.  I  know  the  Virginia 
character  too  well  to  believe  that  the  old  church, 
dilapidated  as  she  is  in  many  places,  would  ask 
for  bread  and  receive  a  stone.  No,  my  brethren, 
it  is  impossible.  The  remains  of  their  parents 
lie  inter-red,  in  many  instances,  within  the  walls 
or  around  the  walls  of  our  ruined  temples ;  and 
those  revered  relics  would  make  such  an  appeal 
to  their  hearts  as  they  would  not  be  willing  to 


CONVENTION  OF  1825. 


irt 


resist.  Make  then,  I  beseech  you,  one  vigorous 
and  united  effort  in  the  case  submitted  to  you ; 
enter  upon  the  concern  with  one  heart  and  one 
mind,  and  the  Lord  will  in  mercy  bless  your 
efforts. 

At  the  last  Convention  an  arrangement  was 
made  for  the  procuring  an  assistant  in  this  parish, 
in  order  to  enable  me  to  attend  to  the  duties  of 
the  diocess.  The  assistant  contemplated  has 
been  called,  and  is  now  a  member  of  this  Con- 
vention. I  have  promised  to  pay  him  $500  annu- 
ally out  of  my  salary,  and  the  last  Convention 
pledged  themselves  for  a  similar  sum.  I  mention 
these  circumstances  in  order  that  the  parishes 
may  take  such  measures  to  raise  their  proportion 
of  the  salary  as  they  consider  expedient  in  the 
case.  May  God  in  tender  mercy,  my  beloved 
brethren,  preside  in  the  council  of  his  church,  di- 
rect us  in  all  our  doings,  and  further  us  with  his 
continual  help. 

Richard  C.  Moore. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  pastoral  ad- 
dress of  the  bishop  be  referred  to  the  commit- 
tee on  the  sLate  of  the  church. 

The  standing  committee  of  the  diocess  made 
a  report  of  their  proceedings  during  the  past 
year,  which  was  read. 

On  motion.  Resolved,  That  Mr.  Garnett,  Mr. 
WiUiams,  Mr.  Grammer,  and  Mr.  John  Nelson, 
be  a  committee  to  consider  a  proposition  which 
has  been  made  through  a  member  of  this  Con- 
vention, as  authorized  by  one  of  the  heirs  of 
Evan  Ragland,  deceased,  to  effect  an  amicable 
settlement  of  the  suit  that  is  now  pending 
against  the  heirs  of  said  decedent. 

The  standing  committee  of  the  diocess  re- 
ported that  they  had  causae!  the  canons  of  the 
church,  relative  to  candidates  for  holy  orders,  to 
be  printed  in  the  form  of  a  letter,  agreeably  to 
tin  ^solution  of  the  last  Convention,  which 
they  have  now  ready  for  distribution. 

On  motion,  the  secretary  received  the  follow- 
ing contributions  from  sundry  parishes  of  this 
diocess : — 

Christ  Church,  Norfolk  borough, 
Parish  of  Bristol,  Petersburg, 
Parish  of  Lynnhaven,      -         -         - 
St.  George's  parish,  Fredericksbvirg, 
Frederick  parish,    -         -         -         - 
St.  Martin's  parish,  Hanover, 
Augusta  parish,       .         -         -         - 
Christ  Church,  Alexandria,  parish  of 

Fairfax, 

Farnham  parish,  Essex  county, 
Portsmouth  parish,           -         -         - 
St.  Anne's  parish,            .         -         - 
Henrico  parish,       -         -         -         - 
St.  Paul's  Church,  Alexandria, 
Shelburne  parish,  Loudoun, 
St.  James's  parish,  Mecklenburg,     - 
Hambleton  and  Leeds  parish, 
St.  Andrew's  parish,  Jefferson  county, 
Lexington  parish,  Amherst  county, 
Lynchburg  parish,  Campbell  county, 
Russell  parish,  Bedford  county. 
Monumental  Church,  city  of  Rich- 
mond,          


$30  00 

30  00 

20  00 

20 

00 

30 

00 

20 

00 

10 

00 

30 

00 

12  00 

20 

50 

30 

00 

20  00 

30  00 

30  00 

24  00 

23 

87 

18 

00 

10 

00 

30 

00 

20 

00 

30  00 


M 


$488  37 


And  then,  on  motion,  the  Convention  ad- 
journed until  to-morrow  morning,  10  o'clock. 

Friday,  May  20,  1825. 

The  Convention  met  according  to  adjourn- 
ment, and  was  opened  with  divine  service  by 
the  Rev.  Franklin  G.  Smith,  and  a  sermon  by 
the  Rev.  Daniel  Stephens,  D.  D. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Wilmer,  from  the  committee 
to  whom  was  referred  the  examination  of  the 
accounts  of  the  treasurer  of  the  funds  of  the 
widows  and  orphans  of  deceased  clergymen  of 
the  Episcopal  Church  of  Virginia,  made  the  fol- 
lowing report  : — 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the 
treasurer's  accounts  of  the  fund  for  the  relief  of 
the  widows  and  orphans  of  deceased  clergymen, 
report,  that  they  have  examined  the  same,  which 
is  herewith  exhibited,  and  they  recommend  that 
the  same  be  approved  by  the  Convention. 

The  said  report  was,  on  the  question  put 
thereupon,  approved  by  the  Convention. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Wilmer,  from  the  committee 
on  the  state  of  the  church  in  this  diocess,  pre- 
sented the  following  report  : — 

Whereas  the  bishop  in  his  pastoral  address  has 
affectionately  urged  upon  his  clergy  the  observance 
of  the  rubrics  of  the  church,  as  directed  by  the 
canons  ;  and  has  also  impressed  upon  the  Con- 
vention the  necessity  of  making  some  arrange- 
ment for  raising  a  part  of  the  salary  for  the  sup- 
port of  his  assistant  in  the  Monumental  Church, 
in  conformity  to  the  resolution  adopted  by  the  last 
Convention : — 

Resolved,  That  the  Convention  heartily  con- 
curs with  the  bishop  in  recommending  to  the  nain- 
isters  a  punctual  observance  of  the  same,  warning 
them  of  the  danger  of  yielding  to  prejudices  sup- 
posed to  exist  against  the  liturgy,  either  in  the 
breasts  of  the  irreligious,  or  of  those  who  may  be 
present  at  our  churches,  who  are  accustomed  to 
other  services ;  and  particularly  would  they  urge 
it  upon  the  ministers  and  parents  to  train  up  the 
younger  members  in  the  church  in  the  use  of  the 
prayer-book,  as  the  best  means  of  ensuring  a  reg- 
ular and  edifying  use  of  the  liturgy,  and  would 
also  recommend  it  to  the  ministers  occasionally  to 
expatiate  on  the  excellences  and  advantages  of  our 
incomparable  service.  At  the  same  time  the  Con- 
vention feels  bound  in  duty  to  the  Church  of  Vir- 
ginia  to  state,  that  but  few  instances  of  departure 
have  occurred,  and  also  that  there  is  a  growing 
attachment  to  the  services  of  the  church  through- 
out the  diocess. 

Resolved,  That  the  bishop  and  standing  com- 
mittee be,  and  they  are  hereby  authorized,  to  ap- 
point some  competent  person  or  persons  to  call  on 
the  members  of  the  Episcopal  Church  in  this  di- 
ocess, in  such  places  as  may  be  thought  expedient, 
to  solicit  contributions  for  the  permanent  fund  for 
the  support  of  the  bishop  ;  and  out  of  the  contri- 
butions it  is  recommended  that  as  much  be  an- 
nually appropriated  towards  the  payment  of  the 
assistant  of  the  bishop,  as  may  be  necessary  to 
supply  any  deficiency  in  that  portion  of  his  sup- 
port which  the  different  vestries  in  the  diocess  are 
required  to  provide. 

Resolved,  That  the  bishop  do  address  a  circular 
letter  to  the  members  and  vestries  of  the  different 
parishes  of  the  diocess,  upon  the  subject  of  raising 
a  salary  for  the  support  of  the  assistant  to  the 
bishop  :  the  ministers  are  hereby  required  to  lay 
the  same  before  their  respective  vestriei,  and  to 


178 


CONVENTION  OF  1825. 


read  the  same  from  the  pulpit  to  their  respective 
congregations. 

On  motion  made  and  seconded, 

Resolved,  That  the  first  resolution  reported 
by  the  committee  upon  the  state  of  the  church 
be,  and  the  same  is  hereby  adopted. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  second  and 
third  resolutions  reported  by  the  committee  on 
the  state  of  the  church,  be  for  the  present  laid 
upon  the  table. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Meade  presented  the  following 
letter,  addressed  to  this  Convention  from  the 
Colonization  Society. 

Office  of  the  Colonization  Society, 
Washington,  \2th  May,  1825. 
To    the    Convention    of  the   Protestant    Episcopal 
Church  in  the  State  of  Virginia. 

The  managers  of  the  Colonization  Society  re- 
spectfully solicit  the  attention  of  the  Episcopal 
Convention  to  the  great  objects  of  their  institu- 
tion. Their  success  has  already  exceeded  their 
expectations.  The  colony  at  Liberia  is  in  a  pros- 
perous and  improving  state.  The  interest  in  its 
favour  is  more  deep  and  extensive  than  ever  be- 
fore, and  a  thousand  urgent  motives  are  addressed 
to  every  virtuous  mind,  especially  to  Christian 
ministers,  to  prevent  their  neglect  of  this  encoura- 
ging crisis,  and  to  excite  to  renewed  exertions  in 
this  sacred  cause  of  justice  and  religion. 

It  is  through  the  clergy  that  the  board  believe 
they  may  act  most  successfully  on  the  public 
mind.  Much,  therefore,  do  they  desire  the  sanc- 
tion of  the  several  ecclesiastical  bodies  in  the 
United  States  to  their  plans  and  proceedings. 

They  beg  leave,  therefore,  to  suggest  to  this 
Convention  a  measure  which  they  intend  to  pro- 
pose to  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian 
Churches. 

That  a  resolution  be  adopted,  recommending  to 
the  congregations  under  the  care  of  this  Conven- 
tion collections  in  behalf  of  the  Colonization  So- 
piety,  to  be  made  on  the-  4th  of  July,  of  on  the 
gabbath  immediately  precedmg  or  succeeding 
that  day. 

By  order  of  the  board, 

R.  R.  GuR LEY,  Resident  Agent. 

On  motion,  Jlesolved,  That  this  Convention 
have  witnessed,  with  the  deepest  emotions  of 
gratitude  tg  Qod,  the  degree  of  success  with 
which  it  has  pleased  him  to  bless  the  efforts  of 
the  American  Colonization  Society :  they  ob- 
serve with  pleasure  ^n  increasing  interest  in  its 
prosperity  everywhere  manifested  throughout 
this  Union,  and  particularly  in  the  proceedings 
of  the  last  Legislature  of  this  state,  and  they 
recommend  continued  and  increasing  exertions 
in  its  favour  to  the  charitable  and  patriotic  in 
this  diocess. 

Resolved,  therefore.  That  it  be  earnestly  rec- 
ommended to  the  different  clergymen  and  ves- 
tries of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  within 
this  diocesp,  to  have  collections  made  in  their 
respective  churches  on  the  Sabbath  either  pre- 
ceding or  succeeding  the  4tli  of  July,  in  aid  of 
the  funds  of  the  Colonization  Society. 

The  Convention  proceeded  to  the  election, 
by  ballot,  of  eight  delegates  to  represent  this 
diocess  in  the  next  General  Convention  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church  of  the  United 
States :    whereupon  the   following  gentlemen 


were  duly  elected,  viz  : — Tlie  Rev.  William 
H.  Wilmer,  D.  D.,  the  Rev.  William  Meade, 
the  Rev.  Frederick  W.  Hatch,  the  Rev.  Ed- 
ward C.  M'Guire,  Dr.  Carter  Berkeley,  Mr. 
William  Mayo,  Mr.  Philip  Nelson,  and  Mr. 
James  M.  Garnet  t. 

The  Convention  proceeded  to  the  election, 
by  ballot,  of  a  standing  committee  of  the  church 
in  this  diocess  for  the  ensuing  year  :  whereupoa 
the  following  gentlemen  were  duly  elected, 
viz.  : — The  Rev.  William  H.  Wilmer,  the 'Rev. 
Olive^^  Norris,  the  Rev.  John  Dunn,  the  Hon. 
Bushrod  Washington,  Mr.  Edmund  I.  Lee,  and 
Mr.  George  Taylor. 

And  then  the  Convention  adjourned,  to  meet 
again  to-morrow  morning,  at  10  o'clock. 

Saturday,  May  21,  1825. 

The  Convention  met  according  to  adjourn- 
ment, and  was  opened  with  divine  service  by  the 
Rev.  Sylvester  Nash,  and  a  sermon  by  the  Rev. 
William  Meade. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Hatch,  from  the  committee 
appointed  to  examine  the  state  of  the  fund  for 
the  permanent  support  of  the  episcopate  in  this 
diocess,  presented  a  report,  which  was  read,  as 
follows : — 

The  committee  on  the  fund  for  the  support 
of  the  episcopate  have  had  the  subject  under 
consideration,  and  beg  leave  to  report,  as  fol- 
lows : — 

In  the  year  1823,  there  was  vested  in 
bank-stock  of  the  Farmers'  Bank  of 
Alexandria,  at  par  value,       ^         $2,050  00 

Also,  in  stock  of  the  Bank  of  Alexan- 
dria, -         -         -         -        -  1,200  00 

AlsOj  one  turnpike  share,  not  consid- 
ered valuable,       -         -         -         -     100  00 

During  the  past  year,  and  up  to  the 
present  period,  ther^  haye  accrued 
to  this  fund,  chiefly  in  dividends  on 
stock, 402  16 

$3,752  16 

This  last  amount,  with  the  exception 
of  $9  66,  has  been  invested  in  the 
Farmers'  Bank  of  Alexandria,  from 
all  which  it  appears  that  the  sum 
total  of  the  fund  for  the  support  of 
the  episcopate  is,  as  above  stated,  $3,752  16 
Respectfully  submitted, 

F.  W.  Hatch, 
Robert  E.  Steed, 
Seth  Ward, 
Wm.  C.  Latane, 
Wm.  H.  Hart. 
The  said  report  was,  on  the  question  put 
thereupon,  approved  by  the  Convention. 
On  motion  made  and  seconded. 
Resolved,  TTiat  the  second  and  third  resolu- 
tions reported  by  the  committee  upon  the  state 
of  the  church  be  now  taken  up  and  considered. 
The  resolutions  were  accordingly  taken  up 
and  read. 

And,  on  motion  made  and  seconded. 
Resolved,  That  the  second  resolution  report- 


CONVENTION  OF  1825. 


170 


ed  yesterday  by  the  committee  upon  the  state 
of  the  church  be  indefinitely  postponed. 

The  names  of  those  who  voted  in  the  affirm- 
ative are  as  follows  : — 

The  K*v.  John  Dunn,  the  Rev.  Edward  C. 
M-Guire,  the  Rev.  William  Meade,  the  Rev. 
Andrew  Syme,  the  Rev.  William  H.  Wilmer, 
the  Rev.  Frederick  W.  Hatch,  the  Rev.  Will- 
iam Crawford,  the  Rev.  Daniel  Stephens,  the 
Rev.  Reuel  Keith,  the  Rev.  John  H.  Wingfield, 
the  Rev.  Charles  H.  Page,  the  Rev.  Alexander 
Jones,  the  Rev.  Silas  C.  Freeman,  the  Rev 
Sylvester  Nash,  the  Rev.  Franklin  G.  Smith, 
the  Rev.  Nicholas  H.  Cobbs,  the  Rev.  John 
Cook,  the  Rev.  George  A.  Smith  ;  Messrs.  John 
Grammer,  jr.,  Seth  Ward,  Edward  Colston, 
George  Hamilton,  John  Nelson,  Robert  E. 
Steed,  Philip  Nelson,  Jac(|ueline  A.  Marshall, 
Bushrod  C.  Washington,  Edmnpd  Penn,  Ar- 
mistead  Mosby,  Thurmer  Hoggard,  Francis  Nel- 
son, Charles  A.  Alexander,  William  C.  Latane, 
Richard  Croxton,  Henry  Warring,  John  Hooff, 
William  Mayo,  John  G.  WiUianas,  Garter  Berke- 
ley, F.  Carr— 40. 

The  names  of  those  who  voted  in  the  negative 
are  as  follows: — 

The  Rev.  William  H.  Hart,  the  Rev.  Mark 
L.  Chevers,  the  Rev.  Robert  B.  Croes,  Messrs. 
Edmund  I.  Lee,  J.phn  Doye,  and  James  M-  Gar- 
nett — 6. 

On  motion, 

Resolved,  unanimously.  That  the  third  reso- 
lution reported  by  the  same  committee  on  the 
state  of  the  church  be  adopted. 

The  Rev.  William  Meade,  from  the  Board 
of  Trustees  of  the  Theological  School,  present- 
ed a  report,  which  was  read,  as  follows : — ■ 

Report  of  the  Board  of  Trustees  of  the  Theohgical 
School  of  Virginia,  to  the  Convention  of  the  Diocess 
assembled  in  Richmond,  May  IQth,  1825. 
With  the  liveliest  emotions  of  gratitude  to  the 
great  Head  of  the  church  for  the  blessing  which 
has  been  poured  out  upon  our  first  efforts,  we  are 
enabled  to  report  to  the  Convention,  that  during 
the  present  session,  commencing  in  October  last, 
twenty-one  young  men  have  been  pursuing  their 
studies  under  the  two  professors  appointed  to  this 
very  important  charge.  As  every  thing  belonging 
to  this  institution  must  be  interesting  to  all  the 
true  friends  of  religion  and  the  church,  and  as  the 
members  of  the  Convention,  in  particular,  are 
bound  to  watch  over  its  proceedings,  we  herewith 
present  a  brief  statement  of  the  different  subjects 
and  books  which  have  engaged  the  attention  of  the 
students  during  the  past  and  present  session :  The 
professor  of  Greek  and  Hebrew  Literature,  Biblical 
Criticism,  and  Evidences  of  Christianity,  reports, 
that  by  the  end  of  the  term,  the  junior  class  will 
have  completed  the  History  of  the  Church  before 
the  advent  of  our  Saviour,  the  Jewish  Antiquities, 
and  the  Evidences  of  the  Inspiration  of  the  Scrip- 
tures. The  text-books  used  are,  the  historical 
books  of  the  Old  Testament,  and  Prideaux's  Con- 
nexions, Paley's  Evidences,  and  Home  on  the 
Inspiration  of  the  Scriptures,  and  on  the  Jevvish 
Antiquities.  They  have  also  spent  a  large  portion 
of  their  time  in  the  critical  study  of  the  foyr  Gos- 
pels and  the  Acts  of  the  Apostles  in  the  Greek, 
and  have  read  about  eighteen  chapters  in  Genesis 
and  thirty  Psalms  in  Hebrew.  The  senior  class 
bi^ve  gtudied,  iij  the  same  way,  the  whole  ol"  the 


Epistles  and  about  twenty  chapters  of  Isaiah  in  He- 
brew. The  professor  of 'Systematic  Divinity,  Ec» 
clesiastical  History,  and  the  Nature,  Ministry,  and 
Polity  of  the  Church,  reports,  that  there  were  nine 
students  under  his  care  who  have  gone  through 
the  following  exercises :  twice  in  the  week  they 
have  recited  in  Systematic  Divinity  and  Ecclesi-r 
astical  History,  alternately;  have  finished  Pearson 
on  the  Creed,  Burnet  on  the  Articles,  and  Mor 
sheim's  Ecclesiastical  History.  In  addition  to  the 
recitations  m  these  text-books,  the  studtiiiLs  have 
been  required  to  produce  weekly,  in  rotation,  ^ 
thesis  on  some  point  of  systematic  divinity,  not  so 
fully  discussed  in  the  foregoing  books,  having  ref» 
erence  to  Magee  and  Stackhouse ;  also,  to  produce 
a  written  dissertation  on  each  bopk  qf  Scripture, 
giving  an  account  of  its  authenticity,  contents, 
scope,  design,  &c.  In  this  way,  the  whole  course 
in  this  branch  is  now  nearly  completed.  Ecclesi- 
astical Polity,  tlie  Book  of  Common  Prayer,  and 
Canons  of  the  Church,  remain  yet  to  be  studied. 
Besides  these  exercises,  each  member  of  the  class 
iiS  required,  in  alphabetic  rotation,  tp  read  the  ser? 
vice  of  the  church,  and  a  sermon  of  his  own  com, 
position,  once  a  week,  in  presence  of  the  profesr 
sors  and  the  whole  school,  'i'he  students  are 
permitted,  on  these  occasions,  to  offer  their  criti? 
cisms  and  remarks  on  the  performances ;  and,  on 
the  following  week,  the  professors  alternately  dcr 
liver  their  sentiments  on  the  same.  In  such  exerr 
cises  of  the  mind  are  the  young  candidates  for  the 
ministry  diligently  engaged,  daily  adding  somer 
thing  to  their  stock  of  useful  information,  acquir 
rnig  an  accurate  knowledge  of  the  sacred  text, 
equipping  themselves  with  the  whole  armour  of 
God,  using  themselves  to  those  weapons  with 
which  they  must  contend  against  the  enemies  of 
religion,  and  exercising  themselves  in  those  duties 
which  they  will  soon  be  called  upon  to  perfprqi  iij 
behalf  of  the  congregations  which  are  now  waiting 
to  enjoy  their  first  labours  of  love.  Besides  the 
exercises  just  mentioned,  over  which  the  profes? 
sors  preside,  the  students  meet  on  one  evening  of 
each  week  for  the  purpose  of  mutual  edification, 
by  prayer  and  religious  conversation ;  they  are  also 
actively  and  usefully  engaged  on  the  S^^bbath,  iij 
the  Sunday  Schools  belonging  to  the  Episcopal 
churches  in  Alexandria;  and  on  the  evenings  of 
the  Sabbath,  as  also  on  one  other  evening  in  each 
week,  they  take  part  in  the  religious  exercises  of 
private  meetings  in  the  town  or  in  its  suburbg, 
among  the  poor  and  destitute. 

For  the  purpose  of  obtiaming  an  accurate  knowlr 
edge  of  the  spiritual  condition  of  the  world,  and 
especially  of  our  own  country  and  church,  an4 
thereby  affecting  their  hearts  with  a  lively  concern 
for  the  same,  and  determining  what  part  they  wilj 
take  in  improving  that  condition,  the  students  have 
followed  the  good  example  of  their  brethren  in  the 
General  Seminary,  by  instituting  a  society  of  in- 
quiry, and  entering  into  such  correspondence  as 
shall  be  most  likely  tp,  afford  them  the  needful 
information,  particujjn-ly  by  soliciting  a  free  inter- 
course with  the  abpvetmentioned  society  in  the 
General  Senjinary. 

The  board  pf  trustees  have  also  to  report  to  th^ 
Convention  th^  resujt  of  their  deliberations  at  thp 
present  meeting.  From  the  representations  made 
tq  it  by  those  prpfessors  to  whona  they  had  in- 
trusted the  important  charge  during  the  last  and 
present  sessipn,  it  appeared  highly  desirable  tp 
afford  them  aid  in  sorne  of  tho  various  departrnenta 
of  theplpgical  science  and  pastoral  duty  which 
require  the  attention  of  the  teachers  in  such  a 
schppl.  The  trustees  have  therefore  appointed  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Norris  professor  of  Pastoral  Theology, 
a^  the  s&tQ.<^  time  appointinjg;  a  committee  y([\lg^ 


180 


CONVENTION  OF  1825. 


powers  to  select  some  suitable  person  to  be  profes- 
sor of  Systematic  Divinity  and  Pulpit  Eloquence. 

To  meet  the  additional  expense  of  one  of  the 
new  prolessors,  is  a  subject  which  has  for  some 
time  past  engaged  the  attention  of  the  friends  of 
our  seminary,  and  it  is  confidently  believed  that 
such  arrangements  can  be  made  as  will  ensure  a 
competent  support  to  a  suitable  professor. 

In  relation  to  the  funds  of  the  seminary,  the 
board  have  to  state  that  its  collections  have  ex- 
ceeded the  sum  of  nine  thousand  dollars,  and  the 
subscriptions  the  sum  of . 

The  agents  appointed  to  obtain  further  subscnp- 
tions  have  been  prevented,  by  a  variety  of  causes, 
from  performing  the  duty  assigned  them ;  but  they 
hope  the  time  is  not  far  distant  when  all  things 
will  be  favourable  to  a  successful  prosecution  of 
this  work,  and  they  will  be  enabled  to  present  our 
school  to  all  the  friends  of  the  church  throughout 
the  diocess,  sohciting  that  pecuniary  assistance 
which  is  so  neediul  lo  its  prosperity.  In  the  mean- 
time, we  cannot  refrain  from  taking  this  opportu- 
nity of  addressing  ourselves  to  those  especially 
who,  from  their  local  situation  or  other  circum- 
stances, may  have  never  been  applied  to,  and  ear- 
nestly beseech  them  to  consider  the  claim  which 
this  mstitution  has  upon  their  pious  charity ;  we 
beg  them  to  consider  the  good  example  which 
Christians  and  philanthropists  in  every  age  and 
church  have  afforded  to  the  world  by  the  endow- 
ment of  such  institutions,  and  particularly  how 
those  who  have  abounded  in  the  wealth  of  this 
world,  or  had  few  dependants  and  connexions  ur- 
ging a  strong  claim  upon  their  earthly  goods,  have, 
in  making  their  arrangements  for  departing  this 
life,  endeavoured  so  to  dispose  of  their  possessions 
as  to  make  them  redound  most  to  the  good  of 
mankind,  and  the  glory  of  that  God  whose  bles- ' 
sing  maketh  rich,  and  who  will  require  at  our  hands 
a  strict  account  of  all  the  talents  committed  to  our 
trust. 

It  is  with  indescribable  pleasure  that  the  board 
now  makes  mention  of  those  auxiliary  education 
societies  which  have  been  formed  in  aid  of  the 
great  object  of  the  seminary.  These  are,  with  few 
if  any  exceptions,  under  the  direction  of  the  female 
members  of  the  church,  who  also  contribute  far 
the  greater  part  of  the  funds.  To  their  zeal  are 
we  indebted  for  an  annual  sum  which  has  not  only 
enabled  a  considerable  number  of  indigent  and 
pious  young  men  to  pursue  their  theological  stud- 
ies at  our  seminary,  by  defraying  their  needful 
expenses,  but  has  enabled  us  to  support  a  profes- 
sor before  the  interest  of  our  permanent  fund  is 
sufficient  for  the  purpose.  We  commend  their 
example  to  the  imitation  of  all  our  congregations, 
and  more  particularly  to  the  attention  of  our  min- 
isters, in  whose  power  it  is,  by  a  zealous  and  per- 
severing prosecution  of  this  plan,  to  support  our 
seminary,  and  make  it  yield  all  the  benefits  to  the 
church  for  which  it  was  designed.  But  the  board 
cannot  conclude  on  this  subject  without  the  most 
particular  and  emphatic  mention  of  one  duty,  on 
the  right  performance  of  which  it  is  well  assured 
the  genuine  piety  and  usefulness  of  the  institution 
depend.  That  duty  we  can  express  in  no  words 
so  suitable  and  impressive  as  those  of  our  blessed 
Master :  "  The  harvest  truly  is  great,  but  the  la- 
bourers are  few ;  pray  ye  therefore  the  Lord  of  the 
harvest,  that  he  would  send  forth  more  labourers 
into  the  harvest."  We  entreat  our  Christian 
friends,  and  the  ministers  especially,  in  their  pri- 
vate and  social  prayers,  to  remember  this  subject, 
and  lay  it  before  the  Lord,  entreating  liim  to  put 
it  into  the  hearts  of  pious  youths  of  our  church  to 
devote  themselves  to  the  work  of  the  ministry,  and 
to  dispose  the  hearts  of  parents  also  to  supplicate 


this  honour  and  blessedness  for  their  children.  If 
such,  a  spirit  as  this  pervade  the  Christian  mem- 
bers of  our  communion,  we  shall  have  God  for  our 
friend,  and  therefore  must  prevail. 

From  the  present  prospects  of  the  school,  the 
board  entertain  the  hupe  that  it  will  be  prepared 
to  take  a  respectable  rank  among  the  similar  in- 
stitutions established  by  the  church.  The  Gen- 
eral Seminary  in  New- York  has  been  for  some 
time  in  successful  progress.  A  diocesan  school 
in  Ohio  is  about  to  commence  its  operations,  also, 
with  encouraging  prospects.  Experience  has 
proved  that  there  is  ample  room  ami  demand  for 
the  Theological  School  of  Virginia.  By  its  local 
convenience,  and  by  its  accommodation  to  the 
habits  and  manners  of  our  southern  country,  it 
attracts,  without  conflicting  with  the  interests  of 
the  General  Seminary,  a  patronage  and  support 
which  otherwise  would  be  lost  to  the  cause  of  the 
church.  Many  of  the  students  now  attached  to  it 
would  have  attende<i  no  seminary,  and  probably 
would  have  been  alienated  from  the  church. 

With  the  Bible-chart  before  us,  as  delineated  by 
our  venerable  church,  we  hope  that  the  course 
pursued  by  the  seminary  will  be  honourable  ani 
prosperous  to  itself  and  the  church ;  and  that  the 
students  who  may  come  forth  from  the  institution 
will  be  sound  ministers  of  the  church,  combining 
the  love  of  order  and  unity  with  that  experimental 
acquaintance  with  the  religion  of  the  heart,  and 
that  zealous  and  faithful  discharge  of  the  ministe- 
rial functions,  which  alone  can  render  them  re- 
spectable and  useful  in  the  Lord'';  vineyard. 

The  trustees  herewith  present  a  copy  of  the 
rules  and  regulations  which  they  have  adopted  for 
the  government  of  the  school. 

CHAPTER  I. 
Of  the  Course  of  Theological  Learning. 
The  course  of  theological  learning  to  be  pursued 
m  this  seminary  shall  embrace  the  following  de- 
partments : — 

1.  Oriental  and  Greek  literature— comprising 
the  knowledge  which  is  necessary  to  the  critical 
study  of  the  Holy  Scriptures  in  the  original  lan- 
guages. 

2.  Bibhcal  learning — comprehending  whatever 
relates  to  the  criticism  of  the  sacred  text. 

3.  The  interpretation  of  the  Scriptures — exhib- 
iting the  principles  of  Scriptural  interpretation, 
and  the  meaning  and  practical  application  of  the 
sacred  writings. 

4.  The  evidences  of  revealed  religion — estab« 
lishing  the  genuineness,  authenticity,  and  credibil- 
ity of  the  Scriptures,  and  a  view  of  the  character 
and  effects  of  Christianity,  of  the  various  objections 
of  infidel  writers,  with  a  refutation  of  them,  and 
of  moral  science  in  its  relations  to  theology. 

5.  Systematic  divinity — presenting  a  methodical 
arrangement  and  explanation  of  the  truths  con- 
tained in  the  Scriptures,  with  the  authorities  sus- 
taining these  truths;  a  statement  and  refutation 
of  the  erroneous  doctrines  attempted  to  be  deduced 
from  the  sacred  writings ;  and  a  particular  view 
and  defence  of  the  system  of  faith  professed  by  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church. 

6.  Ecclesiastical  history— displaying  the  history 
of  the  church  in  all  ages,  and  particularly  of  the 
Church  of  England  and  ihe  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  in  this  country. 

7.  The  nature,  ministry,  and  polity  of  the  church 
— comprising  a  view  of  the  nature  of  the  Christian 
church,  and  of  the  duty  of  preserving  its  unity ;  of 
the  authority  and  orders  of  the  ministry,  with  a 
statement  and  elucidation  of  the  principles  of  ec- 
clesiastical polity,  and  an  explanation  and  defence 
of  that  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church ;  and 


CONVENTION  OF  1825. 


161 


also  an  exhibition  of  the  authority  and  advantages 
of  liturgical  service,  with  a  history,  explanation, 
and  defence  of  the  liturgy  of  the  Protestant  Epis- 
copal Church,  and  of  its  rites  and  ceremonies. 

8.  Pastoral  theology  and  pulpit  eloquence— ex- 
plaining and  enforcing  the  qualifications  and  duties 
of  the  clerical  office ;  and  including  the  perform- 
ance of  the  service  of  the  church,  and  the  compo- 
sition and  delivery  of  sermons. 

CHAPTER  II. 

Of  the  Faculty. 
The  bishop  and  professors  shall  constitute  a 
faculty,  and  meet  according  to  their  own  rules ; 
the  presence  of  a  majority  of  the  professors  being 
necessary  to  form  a  board.  The  bishop,  when 
present,  shall  preside  at  all  meetings  of  the  board. 

CHAPTER  III. 
Of  the  Students. 

1.  Every  person  producing  to  the  faculty  satis- 
factory evidence  of  his  having  been  admitted  a 
candidate  for  holy  orders,  with  full  qualifications 
according  to  the  canons  of  the  Protestant  Episco- 
pal Church  in  the  United  States,  shall  be  received 
as  a  student  in  the  seminary.  All  others  may  be 
admitted  who  shall  produce  satisfactory  evidence 
of  religious  and  moral  character,  and  of  classical 
and  scientific  attainments,  and  in  general  of  such 
dispositions  and  habits  as  may  render  them  apt 
and  meet  to  exercise  the  ministry. 

2.  Every  student  shall,  on  his  admission  into 
the  seminary,  subscribe  his  name  to  the  following 
declaration,  in  a  book  to  be  kept  for  the  purpose : 
— We,  the  subscribers,  students  of  the  Theologi- 
cal School  of  Virginia,  do  solemnly  promise,  with 
reliance  on  divine  grace,  that  we  will,  during  our 
connexion  with  the  seminary,  faithfully  obey  the 
laws  thereof,  and  diligently  prosecute  all  the 
studies,  and  perform  all  the  duties,  which,  accord- 
ing to  the  rules  of  the  institution,  maybe  required 
of  us ;  and,  furthermore,  that  we  will  uniformly 
cultivate  religious  and  moral  dispositions  and 
habits;  and,  by  every  means  withm  our  proper 
sphere,  endeavour  to  promote  the  reputation  and 
interests  of  the  seminary. 

3.  On  the  admission  of  a  student,  his  name 
shall  be  entered  in  a  book  to  be  kept  by  the  facul- 
ty for  that  purpose  ;  and,  in  appropriate  columns, 
opposite  each  name,  shall  be  recorded  the  time  of 
admission  of  the  students  respectively,  the  time 
of  their  discontinuing  attendance,  arid  the  cause 
of  the  same.  And  this  list  shall  be  laid  before  the 
trustees  at  their  stated  meetings. 

4.  The  faculty,  consisting  of  the  bishop  and 
professors,  shall  have  the  power  of  suspending  or 
expelling  any  student,  for  reasons  which  they  may 
deem  sufficient.  In  the  case  of  the  expulsion  of 
a  student  who  is  a  regularly  admitted  candidate 
for  orders  in  this  church,  or  of  his  leaving  the 
seminary  without  approved  reasons,  information 
of  the  fact  shall  be  sent  to, the  bishop,  or,  where 
there  is  no  bishop,  to  the  standing  committee  of 
the  diocess  to  which  such  candidate  belongs. 
But,  as  occasions  may  occur  when  the  prompt 
exercise  of  discipline  may  be  required,  the  profes- 
sors alone  shall  have  the  power  to  suspend  a 
student  from  the  school  until  due  notice  shall  be 
given  to  the  bishop  of  the  nature  of  his  offence, 
and  of  the  time  appointed  for  the  trial,  if  a  trial  be 
deemed  necessary. 

5.  As  mere  theological  learning,  unaccompanied 
with  real  piety,  is  not  a  sufficient  qualification  for 
the  ministry,  it  is  declared  to  be  the  duty  of  every 
student,  with  an  humble  reliance  on  divine 
grace,  to  be  assiduous  in  the  cultivation  of  evan- 


gelical faith,  and  a  sound  practical  piety  ;  neither 
contenting  himself  with  mere  formality,  nor  run- 
ning into  fanaticism.  He  must  be  careful  to 
maintain,  every  day,  stated  periods  of  pious  read- 
ing, meditation,  and  devotion;  and  occasional 
special  seasons  for  the  more  solemn  and  enlarged 
observance  of  these  duties,  together  with  that  of 
such  abstinence  as  is  suited  to  extraordinary  acts 
of  devotion,  having  due  regard  to  the  days  and 
seasons  recommended  for  this  purpose  by  the 
church.  In  order  to  excite  just  views  of  the 
nature,  responsibilities,  and  obligations  of  the 
clerical  office,  he  should  frequently  and  carefully 
read  over  the  services  for  the  ordination  of  dea- 
cons and  priests,  with  the  view  of  making  their 
contents  the  subjects  of  serious  reflection,  and  an 
incitement  to  fervent  prayer,  that,  if  admitted  to 
either  of  those  offices,  he  may  have  grace  to  be 
faithful  in  the  discharge  of  its  duties.  He  must 
be  regular  in  his  attendance  on  the  public  service 
of  the  church,  not  only  on  Sundays,  but  also,  as 
his  studies  and  other  duties  will  admit,  on  holy- 
days  and  prayer-days.  Sundays,  in  particular,  he 
should  consider  as  devoted,  except  the  portions 
of  them  occupied  in  the  stated  services  of  the 
church,  to  the  private  use  of  means  for  his  ad- 
vancement in  Christian  knowledge  and  piety. 
And,  with  a  view  to  the  promotion  of  the  same 
great  object,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  professors 
to  commence  their  respective  lectures  or  recita- 
tions with  an  office  of  devotion  suited  to  the  pur- 
pose, and  to  incorporate  with  their  instructions, 
as  opportunity  is  afforded,  such  advice  and  direc- 
tions as  may  tend  to  the  religious  improvement  of 
the  students,  and  to  their  proper  view  of  the  true 
character  and  weighty  obligations  of  the  gospel 
ministry. 

CHAPTER   IV. 

Of  the  Course  of  Study. 

1.  The  full  course  of  study  in  this  semmary 
shall  occupy  three  years,  each  year  comprising 
one  session,  commencing  on  the  second  Wednes- 
day in  October,  and  terminating  on  the  second 
Wednesday  in  July.  There  shall  also  be  a  sus- 
pension of  the  exercises  of  the  seminary  on 
"Christmas-day,  on  Ash- Wednesday,  on  the  week 
immediately  preceding  Easter,  and  on  all  days  of 
thanksgiving  or  fasting  appointed  by  the  eccle- 
siastical or  civil  authority. 

2.  There  shall  be  three  classes  in  the  seminary ; 
the  term  of  study  in  each  of  which  shall  be  one 
year.  The  students  who  enter  the  first  year 
shall  compose  the  third  class ;  those  advanced 
into  the  second  year  the  second  class  ;  and  those 
into  the  third  year  the  first  class. 

Third  class. — This  class  shall  pursue  the  study 
of  Oriental  and  Greek  literature  ;  of  Biblical 
learning  and  the  interpretation  of  Scripture  ;  of 
the  evidences  of  revealed  religion,  and  of  Jewish 
antiquities. 

Second  class. — This  class  shall  continue  the 
critical  study  of  the  Scriptures,  and  shall  com- 
mence the  study  of  moral  science  in  its  relation 
to  theology,  of  systematic  divinity,  and  ecclesias- 
tical history. 

First  class. — This  class  shall  finish  the  study  of 
systematic  divinity,  of  ecclesiastical  history,  and 
shall  also  complete  the  course  of  instruction  in 
the  nature,  ministry,  and  polity  of  the  Christian 
church,  and  in  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer,  and 
canons  of  the  church. 

3.  Every  student  shall,  besides  attending  to  the 
appointed  recitations  of  his  class,  produce  such 
expositions  of  Scripture,  critical  dissertations, 
sermons,  or  other  compositions,  as  the  profe3sors 


IS^ 


CONVENTION  OP  1825. 


Shall  direct.  And  one  day  in  each  week  the 
Classes  shall  meet  with  the  professors,  for  the 
performance  of  the  services  of  the  church,  the 
delivery  of  original  sermons,  and  such  other  exer- 
cises as  they  may  think  proper. 

4.  Such  arrangements  shall  be  made  by  the 
faculty,  as  that  each  class  shall  attend  some  one 
of  theprofessors  at  least  once  every  day. 

5.  Tiie  professors,  in  their  respective  depart- 
hients,  shall  use  as  text-books  such  works  only 
as  are  included  in  the  course  of  study  which  has 
been  or  may  be  recommended  by  the  House  of 
Bishops,  or  as  may  be  approved  by  the  faculty. 
And,  immediately  after  the  close  of  each  session, 
the  professors  shall  give  notice,  in  such  mode  as 
they  may  think  proper,  of  the  day  of  the  com- 
tnencement  of  the  next  session,  and  of  the  books 
Which  will  imtnediately  be  used  by  the  class 
Which  next  enters  the  seminary. 

6.  In  order  more  effectually  to  secure  the  bene- 
fits of  the  above  course  of  study,  every  applicant 
for  admission  shall  enter  the  seminary  in  the 
third  class,  at  the  commencement  of  the  first  ses- 
sion ;  unless,  upon  examination  by  the  faculty,  he 
be  found  qualified  to  take  his  station  in  either  of 
the  other  classes,  or  in  the  said  third  class,  at  any 
period  after  the  commencement  of  its  first  ses- 
sion :  in  either  of  which  cases  he  may  be  admitted 
accordingly,  and  be  entitled  to  the  same  rank  and 
privileges  as  the  original  members  of  the  class 
into  which  he  enters,. 

7.  Every  student  in  the  seminary  must  be  a 
member  of  one  of  the  classes,  and  engage  in  all 
the  studies  which  appertain  to  his  class. 

8.  At  the  close  of  the  second  session  in  every 
year,  the  students  shall  underg:o  an  examination 
on  their  studies  by  the  faculty,  in  the  presence  of 
such  members  of  the  board  of  trustees  as  can  be 
convened. 

9.  At  the  conclusion  of  the  full  course  of  study, 
each  student  who  shall  have  sustained  his  exami- 
nations in  a  satisfactory  manner  shall  receive  a 
testimonial  of  the  same,  signed  by  the  professors, 
and  countersigned  by  as  inany  of  the  trustees  as 
piay  be  convenient. 

On  motion  rtiade  and  seconded, 

Hesolved,  That  the  said  report  be  received. 

The  Rey.  Mr.  Keith,  from  the  committee 
appointed  to  examhie  tJhe  treasurer's  accounts, 
presetiled  a  report,  which  was  read. 

The  committee  on  the  treasurer's  accounts 
beg  leave  to  report,  that  they  have  had  the  same 
under  due  consideration,  and  find  them  to  be 
jcojrect. 

On  inotioii,  Rjesolved,  That  the  said  report 
be  received  and  approved. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  M'Guire,  from  the  committee 
to  whom  the  parochial  reports  were  referred, 
presented  the  following  report : — 

T^e  commiltee  on  the  parochial  reports  have 
had  them  under  consideration,  and  be^  leave  to 
present  them  to  the  Convention  in  the  following 
condensed  form  r*-^ 

St.  James's  church,  Leesburg,  Shelbume  parish, 
is  reported  by  the  rector  as  in  an  impr  »ving  state. 
A  Female  MiesioTiary  Society  has  been  lately 
jforrned— a  liberal  donation  has  been  made  to  the 
General  Missionary  Society.  Baptisms  twenty- 
height — ^^conimunicants  forty — marriages  nine. 

The  state  of  Augusta  parish,  Staunton,  is  re- 
poVted  as  nearly  the  same  as  at  the  last  Conven- 
tion. Baptisms  thirteen — communicants  twenty 
^T-luAerals  four — marriages  five. 

iSt  Martin's  parish,  Hanover.    This  parish  is 


in  a  flourishing  condition.  The  members  of  the 
church  manifest  a  laudable  zeal  for  its  support,  aS 
for  the  support  of  other  religious  institutions. 
There  is  a  Sunday  School  and  an  auxiliary  Edu- 
cation Society  in  this  pariah,  which  promise  much 
usefulness.  Baptisms  six— communicants  forty- 
seven— funerals  three— marriages  five. 

The  parish  of  Hampshire  has  undergone  very 
little  change  since  the  last  report.  Its  prospects, 
however,  are  growing  brighter.  Much  zeaf  and 
devotion  to  the  interests  of  the  church  are  dis- 
played by  the  few  who  have  there  rallied  around 
her  standard.  They  have  evinced  the  sincerity 
of  their  attachment,  in  the  zealous  efforts  made 
by  thenn  for  the  erection  of  a  house  of  worship. 
An  edifice  of  respectable  dimensions  has  l)eert 
commenced.  Baptisms  five— conununicants  thir- 
ty-four—one funeral. 

Kanawha  parish.  There  are  signs  of  consider- 
able improvement  in  this  parish.  The  gospel  has 
exerted  a  favourable  influence  on  the  morals  of 
the  people. 

St.  Paul's  parish.  King  George,  and  Washing'* 
ton  parish,  Westmoreland.  The  church  in  these 
parishes  has  undergone  no  material  change  since 
the  last  report.  Baptisms,  for  two  years,  thirty^ 
five— communicants  thirty-six— marriages  five- 
funerals  sixteen. 

Church  on  Richmond  Hill.  This  congregation 
has  much  improved  within  the  last  year,  and  its 
present  prospects  are  highly  flattering.  Baptisms 
thirty-five  —  communicants  twenty -eight  —  raar» 
riages  twenty. 

Lynnhaven  parish.  In  this  parish  every  dispo» 
sition  is  shown  to  advance  the  interests  of  reli- 
gion. It  is  said  that  a  fine  field  exists  for  the 
labours  of  a  pious,  active  clergyman,  who  would 
be  well  received,  and  a  reasonable  support  given 
him. 

St.  Andrew's  parish.  The  state  of  the  church 
in  this  parish  is,  upon  the  whole,  encouraging. 
There  is  a  Bible  class  which  is  well  attended  ;  an 
auxiliary  Education  Society,  which  promises  con-, 
siderable  aid  to  the  important  object  of  its  forma^^ 
tion.  The  number  of  communicants  has  con-, 
siderably  increased  during  the  past  year;  the 
whole  number  about  seventy-five — baptisms  twen^ 
ty-five. 

Hamilton  parish,  Fauquier  county.  The  con-" 
gregations  are  generally  large  in  this  parish,  and 
give  good  evidence  of  a  profitable  reception  of  the 
word  of  God.  There  is  among  them  a  flourishing 
auxiliary  Education  Society.  Baptisms  fifteen- 
communicants  upwards  of  fifty — burials  four — 
marriages  three. 

The  rector  of  St.  Paul's  church,  Alexandria, 
feels  bound  to  acknowledge  the  goodness  of  the 
Lord  towards  the  affairs  of  his  congregation. 
The  number  of  pew-holders  and  of  communicants 
has  increased  during  the  last  year;  and,  although 
he  has  to  lament  that  lukewarmness  and  worldli- 
ness  too  irvuch  prevail  among  them,  he  has,  never-, 
theless,  cause  of  rejoicing  in  many  instances  of 
piety  and  zeal,  and  in  several  interesting  additions 
to  the  communion  from  among  the  younger  part 
of  the  congregation. 

The  Sunday  Scho(^  attached  to  the  church  con- 
sists of  one  hundred  and  thirty,  and  is  in  a  pros- 
perous state.  There  is  also  a  class  formed  from 
among  the  children  of  the  congregation,  for  in- 
struction ill  the  Bible  and  Book  of  Common 
Prayer. 

i'he  Female  Charitable  Society  belonging  to 
the  congregation  is  also  pursuing  its  labours  with 
success,  and  increasing  prospects  of  usefulness. 
It  now  numbers  upwards  of  one  hundred  female 
children,  who  are  instructed  weekly  ia  tto  va^ir 


CONVENTION  OP  1825. 


183 


ou«  branches  of  industry  suited  to  their  sex  and 
cireumstances.  Most  of  them  have  been  taken 
from  the  lowest  condition  of  life,  and  are  in  the 
way  to  become  qualified  for  usefulness  and  re- 
spectability. 

An  association  of  the  ladies  of  the  congregation 
also  form,  jointly  with  the  ladies  of  Christ  Church, 
an  auxiliary  Education  Society. 

EiTorts  are  still  making  to  pay  off  the  debt  due 
from  the  church,  which,  it  is  hoped,  will  ere 
long  be  successful.  Baptisms  thirty-seven — fu- 
nerals thirty-three — marriages  twelve. 

Bristol  parish,  Petersburg.  Very  little  of  im- 
portance has  occurred  in  this  parish  since  the  last 
Convention.  Tlie  ordinary  duties  of  public  wor- 
ship are  regularly  performed.  Baptisms  twenty- 
six — ^funerals  twenty-seven — marriages  eight. 

Christ  Church,  Alexandria.  The  improving 
state  of  this  congregation  is  gratefully  acknowl- 
edged by  the  rector  in  his  report.  The  number 
of  communicants  has  gradually  increased  since 
the  last  Convention.  The  members  are  devoutly 
observant  of  the  duties  of  divine  worship,  and 
give  convincing  evidence  of  a  growth  in  grace, 
and  in  the  knowledge  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 
The  Sunday  School  is  in  a  prosperous  state.  A 
neat  building  has  just  been  completed  for  the 
accommodation  of  the  school. 

Fredericksville  parish.  The  rector  of  this  par- 
ish, with  lively  gratitude  to  the  great  Head  of  the 
church,  reports  a  reviving  spirit  of  piety  in  the 
congregation  of  Walker's  Church,  and  the  addi- 
tion of  several  hopeful  communicants.  His  con- 
gregation in  Orange  county  has  sustained  no 
inaterial  change  since  the  last  Convention.  The 
church  in  Charlottesville  is  expected  to  be  finish- 
ed in  a  short  time.  An  auxiliary  Education  Socie- 
ty has  been  established  in  this  parish — one  also 
in  Orange,  from  both  of  which  much  good  may  be 
expected.    Baptisms  eight — communicants  thirty. 

St.  George's  parish,  Fredericksburg.  The  con- 
gregation in  this  place  is  still  favoured  with  live 
smiles  of  the  great  Head  of  the  church.  Many 
signal  proofs  have  been  voiichsafed  of  God's  mer- 
ciful care  and  gracious  presence.  Every  evidence 
prevails  of  a  true  love  for  the  church,  and  of  a 
growing  devotion  to  the  precious  truths  of  the 
everlasting  gospel.  The  people  are  careful  to 
maintain  good  works.  They  cherish  with  much 
zeal  and  affection  a  large  and  flourishing  Sunday 
School,  from  which  much  precious  fruit  has  been 
realized.  An  auxiliary  Education  Society  exists, 
and  a  Female  Missionary  Society,  which  promises 
essential  benefit  to  a  destitute  section  of  the 
diocess.  Baptisms  fourteen — communicants  one 
hundred  and  three— funerals  nineteen. 

Frederick  parish.  The  two  congregations  form- 
mg  this  parish  continue  in  much  the  same  state 
.as  when  last  reported.  The  attendance  on  public 
worship  is  constant,  and  the  services  of  the 
church  duly  observed.  The  power  of  divine 
grace  has  been  manifested  among  the  people 
through  the  past  year.  Six  members  have  been 
.added  to  the  church,  of  such  as  it  is  trusted  shall 
be  saved.  There  are  two  Sunday  Schools,  which 
give  exercise  to  the  zeal  and  diligence  of  a  num- 
ber of  pious  young  members,  and  promise  lasting 
benefits  to  the  objects  of  their  pious  charity.  The 
two  Female  Associations  mentioned  in  the  last 
report  have  continued  their  labours  of  love,  and 
contributed  largely  to  the  objects  of  their  care 
during  the  past  year.  Following  the  advice  and 
Bxample  of  the  bishop,  as  recorded  in  his  last 
parochial  report,  two  Bible  classes  have  been 
formed  in  this  parish.  Communicants  one  hun- 
dred. 

Trinity  Church,  Portsmouth  parish.    The  rec- 


tor laments  that  he  has  nothing  very  favourable 
to  report  concerning  his  charge.  But  he  is  not 
discouraged,  having  some  reason  to  hope  that  a 
better  state  of  things  will  succeed.  Baptisms  six- 
teen—communicants sixteen— funerals  eleven — 
marriages  fifteen. 

Russell  parish,  Bedford  county.  In  this  parish 
the  church  has  been  organized  only  during  the 
past  year.  Such  has  been  the  prostration  of  our 
Zion  in  these  parts,  that  in  all  the  county  there  is 
not  one  Episcopal  church ;  and  generally  there 
was  either  an  ignorance  of  our  services  or  a  preju- 
dice against  them.  The  present  minister  has 
been  as  favourably  received  as  could  have  been 
expected  from  existing  circumstances.  Though 
he  cannot  say  the  cause  of  vital  religion  is  flour- 
ishing among  his  people,  yet  he  finds  the  liturgy 
gaining  in  esteem,  and  the  number  of  responses 
slowly  increasing,  and  he  has  reason  to  believe 
that  these  things  will  be  the  precursors  of  some 
spiritual  good.  He  now  regularly  officiates  in 
three  attentive  and  highly  respectable  congrega- 
tions. For  the  want  of  churches,  his  labours  have 
heretofore  been  more  scattered  than  he  wished — 
but  he  has  the  comfortable  prospect  of  seeing  two 
neat  brick  churches  erected  during  this  year. 
The  number  of  communicants  not  exactly  known, 
but  very  small.  Baptisms  twenty-three — funerals 
four — one  marriage. 

Christ  Church,  Norfolk.  The  Rev.  George  A. 
Smith  has  been  minister  of  this  parish  since  the 
first  of  March.  During  this  period  there  have  been 
eleven  baptisms — eight  burials — four  marriages. 
The  number  of  communicants  is  one  hundred  and 
seventy-three. 

The  state  of  the -church  is  represented  as  pros- 
perous. An  auxiliary  Female  Education  Society 
that  formerly  existed  has  been  revived,  and  its 
members  are  zealously  engaged  in  advancing  the 
purposes  of  its  formation.  The  monthly  meetings 
of  the  society  are  attended  by  the  minister,  and 
interestingreligious  intelligence  is  communicated. 
He  reports  this  circumstance,  that  another  proof 
may  be  added  to  those  already  existing,  of  the 
beneficial  results  of  such  meetings  ;  and  considers 
it  as  the  easiest  and  best  mode  of  making  known 
the  spiritual  wants  of  this  and  of  other  parts  of 
our  country.  The  contributions  to  the  Theologi- 
cal Seminary  have  also  been  paid,  almost  without 
exception,  and  a  general  and  deep  interest  is  ex- 
cited in  favour  of  the  Seminary  and  the  Education 
Society. 

St.  James's  parish,  Mecklenburg.  The  rector 
reports,  that  he  has  lately  extended  his  labours  to 
the  parish  of  Antrim,  in  the  county  of  Halifax, 
wliere  he  regularly  preaches  one  Sabbath  in  the 
month,  and  where  he  has  reason  to  hope  that  his 
labours  will  not  be  in  vain  in  the  Lord.  With 
the  consent  of  the  vestry  ol  St.  James's  parish,  he 
has  also  devoted  one  Sabbath  in  each  month  to 
that  part  of  the  parish  lying  on  the  south  side  of 
the  Roanoke,  where  he  preaches  to  large  congre- 
gations hungering  for  the  bread  of  life,  and  pleased 
with  the  services  of  the  church.  In  addition  to  the 
above,  he  preaches  twice  in  the  month  at  the  es- 
tabhshed  church,  and  regularly,  on  week  days,  at 
two  other  places  in  the  parish ;  and,  from  the  almost 
numberless  invitations  to  preach  elsewhere,  he  has 
reason  to  believe  that  prejudice  is  subsiding,  and  a 
growing  attachment  to  the  church  of  our  fathers 
evinced.  Communicants  forty-two — deaths  two-^ 
removals  four — baptisms  seventy-two — marriages 
six. 

Lynchburg  parish.  The  minister  here  began  his 
labours  in  September,  1824.  He  has  preached  one 
Sunday  of  each  month  at  New-London  Academy, 
where  th^  congregation,  though  small,  cpntaiiii?  » 


184 


CONVENTION  OF  1825. 


f€w  warmly  attached  and  exemplary  members  of 
the  church.  The  congregation  in  Lynchburg  at- 
tend divine  service  in  tlie  Masons'  Hall,  the  use 
of  which  has  been  obligingly  continued  to  them. 
Lynchburg  has  had  the  services  of  Episcopal  min- 
istry for  only  about  two  years ;  yet  the  congrega- 
tion is  usually  as  large  as  can  be  accommodated, 
and  several  of  the  old  members  have  had  the  pre- 
possessions of  their  youth  revived,  and  have  found 
pleasure  in  joining  in  the  use  of  the  liturgy.  It 
IS  beheved  that  a  knowledge  of  the  Common 
Prayer  is  increasing,  and  that  some  are  learning 
to  offer  up  their  devotion  with  the  spirit  as  well 
as  the  understanding.  The  great  inconveniences 
that  have  been  suffered  from  a  confined  place  of 
worship,  are  likely,  through  the  goodness  of  God, 
to  be  soon  removed.  A  neat  and  convenient  brick 
church,  of  such  size  as  to  afford  accommodation 
to  the  congregation,  has  just  been  commenced, 
and  is  expected  to  be  finished  by  the  first  of  May. 
The  subscriptions  made  by  their  brethren  and  fel- 
low-citizens generally,  and,  in  particular,  the 
Christian  zeal  and  hberaUty  of  one  family ,  have 
laid  the  Episcopal  congregation  there  under  great 
obligations.  On  Christmas  last  the  Holy  Com- 
munion was  administered  for  the  first  time  ac- 
cording to  the  usages  of  our  church,  when  seven 
communicants  attended,  some  of  them  for  the 
first  time.  Baptisms  six — burials  two— one  mar- 
riage. 

Monumental  Church.  The  rector  reports  the 
congregation  as  in  the  same  state  as  at  the  last 
Convention, 

Wheeling  Church.  The  minister  of  this  church 
reports  twenty-eight  communicants — baptisms, 
thirteen  children  and  two  adults — marriages  twen- 
ty. Edward  C.  M'Guire,  Chairman. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  said  report  be 
accepted. 

Mr.  Garnett,  from  the  committee  to  whom 
was  referred  the  proposition  from  one  of  the 
heirs  of  Evan  Ragland,  deceased,  presented  the 
following  report : — 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the 
proposition  from  one  of  the  heirs  of  Evan  Rag- 
land,  deceased,  have  considered  the  same,  and 
find  that  it  involves  several  legal  questions  of 
too  complicated  a  nature  to  be  duly  deliberated 
upon  at  this  time,  in  full  Convention.  They 
would  therefore  respectfully  recommend  to  the 
Convention  the  adoption  of  the  following  reso- 
lution : — 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  John  Nelson,  jr.,  of 
Mecklenburg,  and  Mr.  William  Leigh,  of  Hali- 
fax, be  appointed  a  committee  in  behalf  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church  of  Virginia,  with 
full  and  unlimited  powers  to  act  in  any  manner 
which  to  them  may  appear  best  for  the  interest 
of  the  church  in  relation  to  the  devise  made  to 
the  church  by  Evan  Ragland,  deceased,  con- 
cerning which  a  suit  is  now  pending  before  the 
Court  of  Appeals  ;  and  the  Convention  hereby 
pledges  itself  to  confirm  any  compromise  or 
other  act  which  this  committee  may  make  on 
this  subject. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  said  report 
be  accepted,  and  the  resolution  adopted. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  thanks  of  this 
Convention  be  tendered  to  the  ministers  of  the 
Presbyterian  and  Methodist  churches  in  this 
place,  for  the  liberal  and  kind  offer  of  their 
churches  for  the  use  oi  the  Convention. 


On  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  thanks  of  thia 
Convention  be  tendered  to  the  citizens  of  this 
place,  for  their  kind  and  hospitable  attentions  to 
the  members  of  this  Convention  during  its  ses- 
sion. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  750  copies  of  the 
Journal  of  this  Convention  be  printed,  and  dis- 
tributed by  the  secretary  among  the  parishes, 
under  the  superintendence  of  the  bishop. 

On  motion.  Resolved,  That  the  thanks  of  this 
Convention  be  presented  to  the  secretary  and 
treasurer  for  their  faithful  services. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  next  meeting 
of  the  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  for  the  Diocess  of  Virginia  be  held  in 
Lynchburg. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  it  shall  hereafter 
be  the  duty  of  the  trustees  of  the  Theological 
Seminary,  to  make  their  report  on  the  first  day 
of  each  meeting  of  the  Convention. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  treasurer  be 
directed  to  pay  the  sum  of  seven  dollars  to  the 
doorkeeper  of  this  Convention,  for  his  services 
rendered  during  the  present  session. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  Rev.  William 
Meade,  the  Rev.  William  H.  Wilmer,  Dr.  Car- 
ter Berkeley,  Mr.  William  Mayo,  and  Mr. 
Philip  Nelson,  be,  and  they  are  hereby  nomina- 
ted to  the  General  Convention,  as  trustees  of 
the  General  Theological  Seminary. 

And  then  the  Convention  adjourned,  to  meet 
again  in  the  town  of  Lynchburg,  on  the  third 
Thursday  in  May  next. 

Richard  Channing  Moore, 
Bishop  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  of  Virginia. 

Teste,  John  G.  Williams,  Secretary. 


VALEDICTORY  ADDRESS. 

On  the  Sunday  evening  after  the  adjournment 
of  the  Convention,  the  clergy  stood  around  the  al- 
tar, when  the  bishop  thus  affectionately  ad  iressed 
them  : — 

At  the  close  of  every  session  of  the  Convention 
it  has  been  our  custom,  my  beloved  brethren,  to 
hover  around  the  altar  of  the  Lord  Jesus;  and, 
while  thus  standing  near  the  throne  of  our  AU 
mighty  Parent,  to  take  our  leave  of  each  other,  and 
to  supplicate  God  for  a  continuance  of  his  blessing 
upon  us,  and  upon  the  church  committed  to  our 
care.  For  this  practice  we  have  a  precedent  in 
the  conduct  of  St.  Paul,  who,  prior  to  his  depar- 
ture from  Ephesus,  called  thee  Iders  of  the  church 
together,  and  imparted  to  them  his  pastoral  admo>^ 
nition. 

He  first  enjoined  them  to  take  heed  to  them- 
selves. As  stewards  of  the  mysteries  of  Christ, 
intrusted  with  the  dispensation  of  the  gospel,  he 
entreated  them  to  take  heed  to  themselves — to 
take  care  of  their  own  vineyards — to  cultivate 
their  own  minds,  and  to  watch  over  their  own 
conduct.  This  advice  the  apostle  knew  to,  be  ne- 
cessary, as  it  would  have  been  unreasonable  to 
suppose  that  they  would  be  watchful  over  others, 
whrse  zeal  did  not  influence  them  to  take  a  pru- 
dent care  of  themselves. 

After  having  thus  cautioned  them  against  the 
neglect  of  their  own  hearts,  he  told  them  to  take 
heed  to  all  the  flock  over  which  the  Holy  Ghost 
had  made  them  overseers.  As  shepherds  watch 
ovi^  theijr  sheep,  not  only  to  prevent  them  from 


CONVENTION  OF  1825. 


185 


straying  away,  but  also  to  lead  them  into  good 
pastures,  so  the  ministers  of  Ephesus  were  charged 
with  the  superintendence  of  the  people.  Take  a 
constant  care— exercise  an  unceasing  vigilance 
over  the  spiritual  concerns  of  the  congregations 
committed  to  your  charge,  lest  beasts  of  prey 
should  seize  and  devour  them — lest  Satan  and 
their  own  corruptions  should  alienate  their  affec- 
tions from  the  Almighty,  and  sink  them  in  eternal 
ruin,  "  Watch  ye  in  all  things — endure  afflictions 
— do  the  work  of  evangelists — make  full  proof  of 
your  ministry." 

The  concern  with  which  you  are  intrusted,  re- 
member, brethren,  is  the  church  of  the  living  God 
— a  church  purchased  with  the  blood  of  Christ — 
a  purchase  which  exhausted  the  treasury  of 
heaven — a  purchase  which  cost  the  Son  of  God 
his  life — a  purchase  which  crimsoned  Mount  Cal- 
vary with  blood— a  purchase  which  angels  wit- 
nessed with  drooping  wings  and  throbbing  hearts. 

The  neglect  of  your  duty  would  involve  in  it 
the  greatest  guilt.  Your  neglect  would  amount 
to  a  contempt  of  that  blood  with  which  the  pur- 
chase of  our  salvation  was  made ;  and  would 
stamp  your  characters  with  present  disgrace,  and 
consign  you  to  eternal  ruin. 

We  are  most  assuredly  to  give  an  account  of 
our  stewardship.  How  dreadful  will  be  the  state 
of  that  clergyman  who,  after  having  undertaken 
the  superintendence  of  a  congregation,  withholds 
his  pastoral  attention,  and  permits  the  people  in- 
trusted to  his  care  not;  only  to  wander  from  the 
path  of  duty,  but  to  plunge  into  destruction ! 

What  will  be  his  situation  at  that  moment  in 
which  the  angel  shall  swear  that  time  shall  be  no 
more — at  that  moment  when  the  earth  and  sea 
shall  give  up  their  dead — at  that  moment  when 
every  mortal,  from  Adam  to  his  last  born  son, 
shall  stand  naked  and  defenceless  before  God? 
What,  I  ask  you,  will  be  the  condition  of  a  sloth- 
ful, wicked  clergyman,  at  that  tremendous  hour  ? 

See,  advancing  before  the  tribunal  of  Heaven, 
some  unhappy  sinner,  who,  when  the  sentence  of 
condemnation  shall  be  pronounced,  will  charge 
the  ruin  of  his  soul  to  the  man  to  whose  pastoral 
care  he  had  been  confided.  Blessed  Jesus — may 
the  condemned  sinner  say — I  acknowledge  that  I 
have  transgressed  thy  righteous  laws  ;  but  O, 
merciful  God !  my  earthly  pastor  led  me  astray. 
At  the  time  in  which  I  violated  thy  precepts,  he 
proclaimed  peace  in  my  ears,  and  I  believed  his 
report.  He  sanctioned  my  aberrations  by  his  own 
practices  ;  and  to  him,  in  the  face  of  an  assembled 
universe,  I  charge  the  destruction  of  my  precious 
soul.  If  misery  will  be  the  portion  of  every  offend- 
er, my  brethren,  how  aggravated  will  be  the 
misery  of  a  wicked  clergyman !  When  sinners  of 
a  common  description  will  call  to  the  rocks  to  fall 
on  them,  a  wicked  clergyman  will  cry  out  in  agony 
— Mountams,  cover  me  from  the  presence  of 
God! 

On  the  other  hand,  how  transporting  will  be 
the  situation  of  a  watchful  shepherd— a  faithful 
minister  of  religion.  At  that  hour  in  which  the 
heavens  will  be  roiled  up  like  a  scroll,  and  the 
elements  melt  with  fervent  heat,  a  pious  clergy- 
man will  arise  from  his  tomb  in  peace  and  tran- 
<iuillity.  The  happy  spirit  of  some  immortal  being 
will  proclaim  him,  in  the  courts  of  heaven,  as  a 
man  who  had  been  faithful  in  the  discharge  of  his 
duty.  To  him,  blessed  Jesus,  I  acknowledge  myself 
^ebted  for  an  acquaintance  with  divine  things. 


He  instructed  me  m  my  duty— he  taught  me  how 
to  pray — his  holy  life  and  conversation  reflected 
light  upon  my  path,  and  it  is  through  his  instru- 
mentality that  I  found  the  ways  of  religion  pleas- 
antness, and  all  her  paths  the  paths  of  peace.  To 
such  a  steward  the  Redeemer  will  graciously  say 
— "  Come,  thou  blessed  of  my  father — enter  thou 
into  the  joy  of  thy  Lord." 

Several  of  you  have  just  commenced  your  min- 
isterial career.  To  you  the  path  of  pastoral  duty 
— the  labours  and  difficulties  with  which  you  will 
have  to  encounter,  are  unknown.  Put  on,  my 
beloved  sons,  I  beseech  you,  put  on  the  whole  ar- 
mour of  God  ;  for  you  will  need  that  armour  to 
defend  you  from  the  attacks  of  the  powers  of 
darkness.  Depend  not  on  your  own  strength  ;  for 
if  you  do,  you  will  find,  to  your  loss,  that  you  are 
trusting  to  a  broken  reed.  Rely  not  on  your  bwn 
wisdom  and  knowledge ;  for  your  duties  are  such 
as  require  the  wisdom  and  knowledge  of  angels 
to  enable  you  to  perform  them  to  advantage. 
Ask  wisdom  of  God  to  teach  you.  Seek  spiritual 
strength  from  God  to  sustain  you.  "  Be  strong  in 
the  Lord,  and  in  the  power  of  his  might." 

To  be  successful  in  the  ministry  of  the  gospel, 
you  must  be  in  earnest.  A  soldier,  to  be  Useful  to 
his  country— to  arrive  at  eminence  in  his  profes- 
sion, must  be  devoted  to  his  duty.  A  lawyer,  pro- 
vided he  wishes  to  occupy  high  ground,  must  f^x 
his  eye  upon  the  utmost  point  of  legal  eminejice, 
and  surmount  the  most  complicated  difficulties,  to 
obtain  distinction.  A  merchant  who  wishes  to  be 
at  the  head  of  the  department  in  which  he  moves, 
must  be  a  man  of  business  and  not  of  pleasure — a 
man  of  industry  and  not  of  indolence.  A  clergy^ 
man,  to  be  usefiil  to  his  fellow-creatures,  and  acr 
ceptable  to  his  divine  Master,  roust  read,  and 
mark,  and  learn  the  word  of  God.  He  must  be 
always  ready  to  perform  his  duty — it  must  be  his 
meat  and  his  drink  to  do  the  will  of  the  Almighty, 
When  called  upon  for  the  discharge  of  pastoral 
duties,  he  must  let  his  people  see  that  it  is  his 
pleasure  to  comply  with  all  their  reasonable  de- 
mands, and  that  he  derives  enjoyment  from  the 
exercise  of  his  office. 

Acting  upon  such  principles,  a  clergyman  will 
rise  in  the  esteem  of  God  and  man.  A  good  un- 
derstanding, combined  with  prudence,  will  lead 
him  from  smaU  things  to  great :  and,  like  water, 
his  merit  will  find  its  own  level.  Press  forward, 
then,  towards  the  mark,  for  the  prize  of  your  high 
calling  of  God  in  Christ  Jesus.  Take  a  bold  stand 
upon  the  mount  of  virtue,  and  keep  it.  Be  con- 
tented with  nothing  less  than  ministerial  fidelity. 
A  drone,  remember,  is  a  useless  animal — an  indo- 
lent clergyman  is  worse  than  useless — he  is  the 
destroyer  of  souls. 

Finally,  my  sons,  strive  to  advance  the  eternal 
interests  of  those  committed  to  your  care — 'Spread 
their  wants  before  the  throne  of  Almighty  God — 
and  plead  with  heaven  in  their  behalf.  Visit,  as 
much  as  is  compatible  with  your  duty,  the  waste 
places  of  Zion  ;  and  endeavour  to  raise  from  their 
ruins  our  dilapidated  churches.  The  time  is  very 
short — death  is  at  the  door— we  have  not  one  mo- 
ment to  lose.  Live,  I  beseech  you,  live  near  to 
God.  Live  as  you  would  wish  you  had  lived 
when  you  come  to  die.  Be  faithful  unto  death — 
and,  should  we  never  meet  again  in  this  world,  I 
trust  we  shall  meet  in  heaven.  May  the  Almighty 
take  you  into  his  holy  keeping— guide  you  by  his 
counsel,  and  at  last  receive  you  into  glory. 


186 


CONVENTION  OF  1826. 


Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of  a  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  of  the  Diocessof 
Virginia^  which  assembled  in  the  town  of  Lynchburg,  on  Thursday,  the  \%th  day  of  May,  183G 


The  Convention  met,  and  the  church  in  this 
place  was  consecrated  by  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop 
Moore,  D.  D.  Divine  service  was  performed 
by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Wilmer,  and  a  sermon  delivered 
by  the  bishop. 

The  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Moore,  D.  D.,  took 
the  chair  as  president  of  the  Convention. 

The  following  clergymen,  entitled  to  seats  in 
this  Convention,  appeared  and  took  their  seats, 
viz. : — 

The  Rev.  William  Meade,  Frederick  parish, 
Frederick  county  ;  the  Rev.  Daniel  Stephens, 
D.  D;,  Augusta  parish,  Staunton ;  the  Rev.  Wm. 
H.  Wilmer,  D.  D.,  Sairit  Paul's  Church,  Alex- 
andria ;  the  Rev.  Reuel  Keith,  Christ  Church, 
Alexandria,  parish  of  Fairfax  ;  the  Rev.  Edward 
C.  M'Guire,  St.  George's  parish,  Fredericks- 
bujg  ;  the  Rev.  Frederick  W.  Hatch,  Fred- 
ericks ville  parish,  Albemarle  county  ;  the  Rev. 
Charles  H.  Page,  Kanawha  parish,  Kanawha 
county  ;  the  Rev.  Robert  B.  Croes,  assistant 
minister  of  the  Monumental  Church,  Richmond ; 
the  Rev.  Mark  L.  Chevers,  Suffolk  parish,  Nanse- 
mond  county ;  the  Rev.  John  Cooke,  St.  Mar- 
tin's parish.  Hanover  and  Louisa  counties  ;  the 
Rev.  Franklin  G.  Smith,  St.  Paul's  Church, 
Lynchburg  parish,  Lynchburg  ;  the  Rov.  Nich- 
olas H.  Cobbs,  Russell  parish.  Bedford  county  ; 
the  Rev.  Stephen  S.  Gunter,  Hangar's  parish, 
Northampton ;  the  Rev.  William  F.  Lee,  St. 
James's  parish,  Northam,  Goochland  county,  and 
Raleigh  parish,  Amelia  county  ;  the  Rev.  John 
P.  M'Guire,  St.  Anne's  and  South  Farnham  par- 
ishes, Essex  ;  the  -Rev.  Henry  W.  Ducachet, 
M.  D.,  Christ  Church,  Norfolk  ;  the  Rev  .Will- 
iam Steele,  St.  James's  parish,  Mecklenburg ; 
the  Rev.  Johannes  E.  Jackson,  Frederick  parish, 
Frederick  ;  the  Rev.  John  T.  Brooke,  Norborne 
parish,  Berkeley  ;  the  Rev.  Edward  R.  Lippit, 
Professor  in  the  Theological  School,  Alexandria ; 
the  Rev.  George  A.  Smith,  Fredericksburg. 

Ordered,  That  Dr.  Carter  Berkeley  and  John 
G.  Williams,  Esq.  be  a  committee  to  examine 
the  certificates  of  appointments  of  the  lay  depu- 
ties ;  who  then  withdrew,  and  after  a  short  time 
returned,  and  presented  the  following  report ; — 

The  committee  to  whom ,  were  referred  the 
certificates  of  the  lay  delegates,  have,  according 
to  order,  examined  the  same,  and  report  that  the 
following  persons  have  been  duly  elected  lay 
delegates  to  this  Convention  : — 

Edward  Valentine,  jr.,  Augusta  parish,  Au- 
gusta county  ;  Fordyce  F.  Bowen,  Henrico  par- 
ish, Henrico  county  ;  Yeamans  Smith,  Saint 
George's  parish,  Fredericksburg  ;  John  G.  Will- 
iams, Monumental  Church,  Richmond;  Thomas 
L.  Latane,  South  Farnham  parish,  Essex  ;  Hugh 
Montgomery,  Bristol  parish,  Petersburg  ;  Balda 
M*Daniel,  Russell  parish,  Bedford  county  ;  Seth 
Ward,  St.  Paul's  Church,  Lynchburg;  Philip 
Nelson  and  Obed  Waite,  Frederick  parish,  Fred- 
erick ;  Carter  Berkeley,  St.  Martin's  parish, 
Hanover  and  Louisa  counties ;  Edmund  Penn 
*ttd  Richard  S.  Ellis,  Lexington  parish,  Am- 


herst ;  Edmund  Berkeley,  Kanawha  parish,  Kan- 
awha county  ;  Hugh  Nelson,  Fredericksville  par- 
ish, Albemarle  county  ;  Thomas  L.  Robertson, 
Christ  Church,  Norfolk. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Hugh  Nelson, 

Resolved,  That  the  rules  of  order  adopted 
by  the  last  Convention  for  the  government  of 
their  proceedings,  be  the  rules  of  proceeding 
during  the  present  Convention  ;  which  rules  are 
as  follow  : — 

1.  The  business  of  every  day  shall  be  intro- 
duced with  the  morning  service  of  the  church. 

2.  When  the  president  takes  the  chair,  no 
member  shall  continue  standing,  or  shall  after- 
ward stand  up,  except  to  address  the  chair. 

3.  No  member  shall  absent  himself  from  the 
service  of  the  house,  unless  he  have  leave  or 
be  unable  to  attend. 

4.  When  any  member  is  about  to  speak  in  de- 
bate, or  deliver  any  matter  to  the  house,  he 
shall,  with  due  respect,  address  himself  to  the 
president,  confining  himself  strictly  to  the  point 
m  debate. 

6.  No  member  shall  speak  more  than  twice 
in  the  same  debate  without  leave  of  the  house. 

6.  A  question  being  once  determined  shall 
stand  as  the  judgment  of  the  house,  and  shall 
not  be  again  drawn  into  debate  during  the  same 
session,  unless  with  the  consent  of  two  thirds 
of  the  house. 

7.  While  the  president  is  putting  any  ques- 
tion, the  members  shall  continue  in  their  seats, 
and  shall  not  hold  any  private  discourse. 

8.  Every  member  who  shall  be  in  ihe  house 
when  any  question  is  put,  shall,  on  a  division,  be 
counted,  unless  he  be  personally  interested  iij 
the  decision. 

9.  No  motion  shall  be  considered  as  before  the 
house  unless  it  be  seconded,  and,  when  required, 
reduced  to  writing. 

10.  When  any  question  is  before  the  house,  it 
shall  be  determined  upon  before  any  new  thing  is 
introduced,  except  the  question  of  adjournment. 

11.  The  question  on  a  motion  of  adjourn- 
ment shall  be  taken  before  any  other,  and  with- 
out debate. 

12.  When  the  house  is  about  to  rise,  every 
member  shall  keep  his  seat  until  the  president 
shall  leave  his  chair. 

On  motion.  Resolved,  That  the  Convention 
will,  during  its  present  session,  adjourn  each  day 
at  half  past  2  o'clock. 

The  Convention  proceeded  to  the  appointment 
of  a  trustee  of  the  Theological  School,  in  the 
place  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Norris,  deceased,  where- 
upon the  Rev.  Mr.  Keith  was  elected. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  William  H.  Wilmer, 
D.  D.,  the  Rev.  William  Meade,  the  Rev.  Dan- 
iel Stephens,  D.  D.,  the  Rev.  Franklin  G.  Smith, 
the  Rev.  Nicholas  H.  Cobbs,  Mr.  Philip  Nel- 
son, Mr.  Hugh  Nelson,  Mr.  Seth  Ward,  and  Dr. 
Carter  Berkeley,  be  a  committee  to  take  into 
consideration  the  state  of  the  church  in  this  dior 
cess,  and  report  thereupon  to  this  Conventioij, 


CONVENTION  OF  1826. 


187 


Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  Reuel  Keith,  the  Rev. 
Frederick  W.  Hatch,  the  Rev.  Henry  W.  Du- 
cachet,  the  Rev.  Robert  B.  Croes,  Mr.  Robin- 
son, Mr.  Valentine,  and  Mr.  Penn,  be  a  commit- 
tee to  examine  the  parochial  reports. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  Mr.  Jackson,  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Lippit,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Page,  the  Rev. 
E.  C.  M'Guire,  the  Rev.  John  P.  M'Guire,  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Cook,  Mr.  Waite,  and  Mr.  Latane,  be 
la  committee  to  examine  the  accounts  of  the 
treasurer  of  the  fund  for  the  permanent  support 
of  the  episcopate  in  this  diocess. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  E.  C.  M'Guire,  Dr. 
Berkeley,  and  Mr.  Philip  Nelson,  be  a  commit- 
tee to  examine  the  treasurer's  accounts. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  Dr.  Wilmer,  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Keith,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Lee,  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Gunter,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Chevers,  Mr.  Bowen, 
and  Mr.  Yeamans  Smith,  be  a  committee  to  ex- 
amine the  state  of  the  fund  for  the  support  of 
the  widows  and  orphans  of  deceased  clergy- 
men. 

The  Convention  proceeded  to  the  election,  by 
ballot,  of  a  standing  committee  of  the  church  in 
Jhis  diocess  for  the  ensuing  year  : — whereupon 
the  following  gentlemen  were  duly  elected,  viz.  : 
the  Rev.  William  H.  W^ilmer,  the  Rev.  Daniel 
Stephens,  the  Rev.  E.  C.  M'Guire,  Dr.  Carter 
Berkeley,  Mr.  Hugh  Nelson,  and  Mr.  Philip 
jNelson. 

The  bishop  having  retired,  Mr.  Hugh  Nelson 
yvas  called  to  the  chair. 

Resolved,  That  the  Rev.  Mr.  Silas  C.  Free- 
jman  be  invited  to  attend  the  sittings  of  this 
.Convention. 

Resolved,  That  the  Convention  will  meet-each 
day  during  its  session  at  the  hour  of  9  o'clock 
A.  M. 

And  then,  on  motion,  the  Convention  adjourn- 
.ed  until  to-morrow  morning,  9  o'clock. 

Friday,  May  19,  1826. 

The  Convention  met  according  to  adjourn- 
ment, and  was  opened  with  prayer  by  the  Right 
Rev.  Bishop  Moore. 

The  Rev.  John  H.  Wingfield^  of  Portsmouth 
parish,  Norfolk  county,  appesared  and  took  his 
seat. 

The  parochial  reports  were  handed  in  and 
read,  and  referred  to  the  conmiittee  upon  paro- 
chial reports. 

The  standing  committee  of  the  diocess  for  the 
last  year  made  a  report  of  their  proceedings 
during  the  year,  which  was  read. 

The  session  was  then  suspended,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  attending  divine  service  by  the  Rev. 
}/[r.  liippit,  and  a  sermon  by  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Stephens. 

A  letter  was  received  and  read,  from  Will- 
iam Leigh,  Esq.,  upon  the  subject  of  the  de- 
vise to  the  church  by  Evan  Ragland,  deceased  ; 
and,  on  motion,  the  same  was  referred  to  the 
committee  upon  the  state  of  the  church. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Wilmer,  from  the  committee 
)pn  the  state  of  the  church,  presented  a  report, 
which,  on  vabtion,  was  laid  upon  the  table. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  E.  C.  M'Guire,  from  ihe  com^ 
pnittee  appointed  to  examine  the  treasurer's  ac- 


counts, presented  a  report,  which  was  read  and 
accepted. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  treasurer  be 
directed  to  send  to  the  General  Convention,  by 
the  bishop,  the  sum  of  twenty-six  dollars,  as  the 
quota  required  by  a  resolution  of  the  last  Gen- 
eral Convention,  for  the  purpose  of  defraying 
the  contingent  expenses  of  the  same. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Wilmer,  from  the  committee 
to  whom  was  referred  the  examination  of  the 
accounts  of  the  treasurer  of  the  funds  of  the 
widows  and  orphans  of  deceased  clergymen 
of  the  Episcopal  Church  of  Virginia,  made  the 
following  report : — 

The  committee  on  "  the  fund  for  the  relief 
of  distressed  widows  and  orphans  of  clergy- 
men," have,  according  to  order,  had  tlie  subject 
committed  to  them  under  consideration^  and  beg 
leave  to  report,  that  the  account  of  the  treasurer, 
rendered  to  the  Convention,  has  been  examined 
by  them,  and  found  to  be  correct. 

The  committee  would  beg  leave  to  call  the 
attention  of  the  Convention  to  the  importance 
of  this  fund,  and  the  duty  of  cherishing  it. 
Some  years  ago,  it  was  resolved  by  the  Con- 
vention that  the  subscribers  should  be  released 
from  their  past  arrearages,  by  paying  up  the  en- 
suing current  annuities.  Very  few  subscrip- 
tions, however,  have  since.  :>een  received,  and  a 
general  indifference,  it  would  seem,  prevails 
upon  the  subject.  The  committee  would  there- 
fore recommend,  that  some  one  person  should 
be  appointed,  whose  business  it  shall  be,  at  each 
Convention,  to  make  a  personal  call  on  the  sub- 
scribers for  their  dues,  and  to  obtain  furthejr 
subscriptions  to  the  fund. 

It  appears  also  to  your  committee,  that  the 
constitution  of  the  society  requires  some  modi- 
fication, adapted  to  the  present  state  of  its  con- 
cerns. They  would  therefore  recommend  to 
the  Convention  the  adoption  of  the  following 
resolutions ; — 

Resolved,  That  the  Rev.  Edward  C.  M'Guire 
be  appointed  to  aid  the  standing  committee,  as 
agent  for  obtaining  and  collecting  subscriptions 
to  "  the  fund  for  the  relief  of  distressed  widows 
and  orphans  of  clergymen." 

Resolved,  That  the  standing  committee  to 
whom  the  management  of  this  fund  is  commit- 
ted, be  requested  to  revise  the  constitution  of 
the  society,  and  to  report  to  the  next  Convention 
whether  any,  and  if  any,  what  amendments,  are 
necessary  for  the  better  effectuation  of  the  ob- 
jects of  the  sofciety. 

On  motion,  The  above  report  was  accepted, 
and  the  resolutions  were  adopted. 

The  secretary   received  the   following  con- 
tributions from  sundry  parishes  of  this  diocess 
for  the  "  Contingent  Fund  :"-^ 
Abingdon  and  Ware  parishes,  -      $15  00 

Town  and  parish  of  Suffolk,  -  -  20  00 
Henrico  parish,  -  -  -  -  15  00 
Christ  Church,  Fairfax  parish,  -         30  00 

Lynnhaven  parish.  Princess  Anne,  -  10  00 
Christ  Church,  Norfolk,  -    •     ^         30  00 

Russell  parish,  Bedford,  .-  .  30  00 


Amount  carried  forward,  $150  00 


188 


CONVENTION  OF  1826. 


$150  00 

13  00 

15  00 

S4  00 

15  00 

23  50 

30  00 

30  00 

12  76 

25  00 

20  00 

30  00 

15  00 

a,  20  00 

10  00 

30  00 

30  00 

Amount  brought  forward, 
Kanawha  and  Cabell  parishes, 
Hungar's  parish,  Northampton, 
St.  James's  parish,  Mecklenburg,     - 
Lexington  parish,  Amherst  county. 
Trinity  Church,  Portsmouth  parish, 
Frederick  parish,  Frederick  county, 
St.  Anne's  parish,  Essex, 
South  Farnham,  Essex, 
St.  George's  parish,  Fredericksburg, 
St.  Paul's  Church,  Alexandria, 
Bristol  parish,  Petersburg, 
Norborne  parish,  Berkeley, 
St.  Martin's  parish,  Hanover'  and  Louisa,  20  00 
Augusta  parish,  Augusta  county, 
Monumental  Church,  Richmond,      - 
Donation  by  a  gentleman, 

$493  25 

Resolved,  That   the   old   subscribers  to  the 

Widows'   Fund   be   discharged    from   all   past 

claims,  and  be  entitled  to  the  benefits  of  the 

fund,  by  paying  their  ensuing  annual  dues. 

And  then  the  Convention  adjourned  until  to- 
morrow morning,  9  o'clock. 

Saturday,  May  20,  1826. 

The  Convention  met  according  to  adjourn- 
ment, and  was  opened  with  prayers  by  the 
Right  Rev.  Bishop  Moore. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Keith,  from  the  committee  to 
whom  were  referred  the  parochial  reports,  pre- 
sented the  following  report : — 

The  committee  on  the  parochial  reports  have 
had  the  same  under  consideration,  have  ex- 
amined and  condensed  them,  and  are  now  pre- 
pared to  hand  them  over  to  the  secretary  for 
publication,  or  to  dispose  of  them  otherwise,  as 
the  Convention  may  be  pleased  to  direct. 

R.  Keith,  Chairman. 

Whereupon,  it  was  Resolved,  That  these  re- 
ports be  published  as  condensed  by  the  com- 
mittee. 

PAROCHIAL    REPORTS. 

St.  James's  parish,  Northam,  Ooochland  coun- 
ty, and  Raleigh  parish,  Amelia  county.  Efforts 
are  now  making  to  revive  the  church  in  these 
parishes.  For  twenty  er  thirty  years  they  have 
been  destitute  pf  the  services  of  the  Episcopal 
Church.  The  success  which  has  attended  the  ex- 
ertions but  very  recently  made,  authorizes  hopes 
that  our  interests  will  rapidly  gain  strength,  and 
our  liturgy  again  clothe  the  devotions  of  many  dis- 
ciples. In  the  parish  of  St.  James  there  are  two 
buildings  which  had  been  suffered  to  decay ;  one 
has  been  put  in  tolerable  repair,  and  the  other 
will  shortly  be  rebuilt.  In  these  churches  divine 
service  is  regularly  celebrated. 

One  of  the  buildings  in  Raleigh  parish  is  also 
about  to  be  repaired,  and  the  services  of  the 
churcli  will  be  performed  twice  a  month.  The 
people  express  great  dehght  at  the  prospect,  and 
manifest  zeal  for  the  prosperity  of  the  church ; 
the  spiritual  condition  of  these  parishes  may  be 
inferred  from  the  foregomg  statement. 

Monumental  Church,  Richmond.  Communi- 
cants about  140.  The  Sunday  School  connected 
with  this  parish  is  in  a  flourishing  condition,  con- 
sisting of  more  than  one  hundred  children,  and, 
through  the  laudable  exertions  of  several  young 


ladies  and  gentlemen,  the  fonner  of  whom  have 
devoted  much  time  to  the  prosecution  of  their  un- 
dertaking, bids  fair  to  become  a  fruitful  nursery 
of  pure  nnd  undefiled  religion.  The  Education 
Society  has  contributed  liberally  during  the  past 
year  to  the  funds  of  the  parent  institution,  and  has 
now  at  its  disposal  one  hundred  and  fifty  dollars. 
A  Bible  class  of  young  men  has  been  formed,  the 
members  of  which,  though  few  in  number,  pursue 
their  studies  with  zeal  and  diligence,  and  in  the 
course  of  the  ensuing  season  it  is  contemplated 
to  revive  the  female  class,  the  exercises  of  which, 
from  various  causes,  have  of  late  been  suspended. 
Church  on  Richmond  Hill.  This  congregation 
is  gradually  improving,  and  its  present  prospects 
are  favourable.  The  minister  has  contested  the 
claims  of  the  overseers  of  the  poor  to  the  glebe- 
lands  in  this  parish,  and  succeeded  in  obtaining  a 
decree  of  the  chancellor  in  favour  of  the  church. 
The  Sunday  School  attached  to  this  church  is  in 
a  highly  flourishing  condition.  Communicants 
about  thirty — baptisms  twenty-seven — marriages 
seventeen. 

Trinity  Church,  Portsmouth.  There  has  been 
very  little  change  in  the  state  of  this  parish  since 
the  last  Convention.  The  congiegation  has  some- 
what increased,  and  seems  to  be  generally  a  little 
more  serious  and  attentive.  Meetings  have  been 
established  in  the  week  at  private  houses  for 
prayer  and  exhortation,  which  appear  to  be  viewed 
with  interest.  There  is  a  catechetical  class  of 
about  twenty-five  children,  who  manifest  con- 
siderable interest  in  the  instructions  the  rector 
imparts  to  them  on  the  catechism,  collects,  and 
articles  of  the  church.  Marriages  six — baptisms 
nine — communicants  fifteen — funerals  seven. 

Since  last  October,  the  rector  has  had  under 
his  charge  the  destitute  parish  of  Lynnhaven,  in 
the  county  of  Princess  Anne,  in  which  he  has 
preached  regularly  once  a  month.  The  congre- 
gations of  late  have  been  for  the  most  part  very 
small  and  irregular.  Baptisms  four — one  funeral 
— communicants  not  known. 

St.  Martin's  parish,  Hanover,  has  experienced 
but  little  change  since  the  last  Convention.  It 
has  lost  some  communicants  by  removals  and 
deaths,  but  the  number  added  keeps  up  about  the 
same  amount.  In  addition  to  the  societies  before 
existing,  there  is  one  auxiliary  to  the  Bible  So- 
ciety of  Virginia.  Communicants  forty-seven — 
baptisms  six — marriages  five — funerals  seven. 

Staunton,  Augusta  parish.  The  state  of  this 
parish  is  not  materially  different  from  what  it  was 
at  the  last  report.  Communicants  about  sixteen — 
marriages  nine — baptisms  four — funerals  two. 

St.  James's  parish,  Mecklenburg,  continues 
much  in  the  same  state  as  when  last  reported. 
The  past  year  has  been  one  of  deep  affliction :  sev- 
eral  have  been  removed  by  death,  and  a  few  have 
been  added  to  our  communion.  Baptisms  thirty- 
six— marriages  three— communicants  forty-three 
— deaths  three. 

In  Halifax  the  prospects  appear  to  brighten. 
The  number  of  communicants,  though  small,  are 
sincerely  attached  to  the  doctrines  and  worship 
of  our  church.  By  the  liberality  of  the  ladies  of 
his  parish,  the  rector  has  been  constituted  a  fife 
member  of  the  Education  Society.  Communi- 
cants eight— one  death. 

The  rector  of  Hungar's  parish  reports,  that 
since  his  induction,  the  congregations  have  been 
very  attentive ;  that  there  appears  to  be  a  grow- 
ing attachment  to  the  services  of  the  church,  and 
that  there  is  reason  to  believe  that  the  church,  by 
the  blessing  of  God,  will  revive.  Baptisms  six- 
teen— funerals  twenty-five — communicants  about 
twenty — died  and  removed  since  last  report,  seven. 


CONVENTION  OF  1826. 


189 


Christ  Church,  Fairfax  parish.  During  the  past 
year,  this  church  has  been  deeply  Mfflicte  .1  by  the 
death  of  its  excellent  and  highly -respected  pastor. 
The  present  rector  entered  upon  his  duties  in 
November  last,  since  which  time  there  have  been 
three  additions  to  the  sacrament — five  baptisms 
— two  marriages — ^four  funerals.  The  Sunday 
School  and  Bible  class  of  children  belonging  to 
the  congregation,  and  the  Female  Education  So- 
ciety of  the  two  churches  in  town,  continue  to 
flourish,  and  the  Bible  class  of  ladies  lately  estab- 
lished promises  to  do  well. 

Russell  parish,  Bedford  county.  The  rector  of 
this  parish  reports,  that  the  intejests  of  the  church 
are  slowly,  but,  he  trusts,  steadily  advancing.  Du- 
ring the  past  year  two  houses  of  public  wor- 
ship have  been  erected.  The  congregations  are 
higtily  respectable  and  very  attentive.  Though 
his  labours  have  not  been  signally  blessed,  yet, 
in  the  confidence  of  the  gospel  promises,  he 
feels  encouraged  to  perseverance.  Baptisms  thir- 
ty-six. 

Norbome  parish,  Berkeley  county.  Number 
of  communicants  eighty — baptisms,  since  12th  of 
Marc  h  last,  seven.  This  parish  has  been  without 
a  minister  for  the  Inst  three  years,  during  which 
time  it  was  visited  by  a  neighbouring  clergyman, 
who  administered  the  communion,  when  several 
new  communicants  were  added,  and  a  Female 
Auxiliary  Education  Society  was  originated.  The 
present  incumbent  feels  encouraged  by  the  atten- 
tion of  his  people  to  the  minibiration  of  the  word, 
and  sees  nothing  to  check  the  hope  that  his  labour 
may  be  blessed  to  the  production  of  spiritual 
fruits. 

Report  of  Kanawha  and  Cabell  parishes.  The 
minister  reports  that  he  has  been  regularly  preach- 
ing at  the  mouth  of  Cole  and  at  Charlestown,  in 
the  county  of  Kanawha,  and  at  Barboursville  and 
Guyandotte,  in  the  county  of  Cabell,  at  which 
places  the  congregation  have  varied  from  100  to 
150.  Serious  and  anxious  attention  has  been  paid 
to  the  services  of  the  sanctuary,  and  some  few 
have  opened  their  hearts  to  receive  the  truth  as 
it  is  in  Jesus.  The  number  of  baptisms  twenty- 
four — deaths  thirteen — marriages  two.  At  the 
mouth  of  Cole  an  edifice  has  been  erected  for 
divine  worship,  chiefly  through  the  liberality  of 
one  family ;  it  is  called  Bangor  Church, 

The  minister  of  Lexington  parish,  Amherst 
county,  reports,  that  the  congregation  of  St. 
Luke's  Chapel,  though  small,  is  an  interesting 
one.  The  Lord  hath  been  pleased  to  Iticss  the 
preaching  of  his  word  to  such  a  degree,  that  at  the 
last  communion  season  a  number  came  forward, 
and,  as  is  trusted,  becaifte  worthy  partakers  of  that 
holy  ordinance.  At  the  beginning  of  the  year 
there  was  not  one  communicant  in  this  congrega- 
tion :  seven  have  united  with  the  church  since,  and 
there  are  four  or  five  more  who  have  expressed 
their  wish,  and  will  probably  become  members  on 
the  first  opportunity.  There  is  a  great  anxiety  in 
this  people  to  have  the  preaching  of  the  gospel 
continued  unto  them,  and  their  prayers  and  exer- 
tions will  be  made  to  obtain  a  successor  to  their 
present  minister,  who  is  about  to  resign  his  charge 
over  them.  The  state  of  religion  in  the  congrega- 
tion of  St.  Matthew's  Church  is  low,  nor  are  the 
prospects  very  flattering.  There  are,  however,  a 
few  individuals  who  seem  anxious  to  continue  a 
minister  among  them,  and  to  make  exertions  to 
effect  that  object.  In  this  congregation  there  are 
as  yet  no  communicants. 

The  congregation  at  New-Glasgow  does  not 
much  differ  from  that  last  mentioned,  except  that 
here  there  are  three  or  four  communicants.  Fu- 
nerals in  the  parish  nine,  of  which  two  were  in- 


fants—baptisms, seven  white  children,  besides 
four  or  five  coloured  ones. 

The  rector  of  Christ  Church,  Norfolk,  reports, 
that  he  entered  upon  the  duties  of  his  office  im- 
mediately on  his  removal  to  the  diocess  in  Decem- 
ber last.  Since  that  time,  a  period  of  five  months, 
there  have  been  twenty-nine  baptisms  (iii  three 
cases  of  adults) — throe  marriages — eight  funer- 
als— eight  admissions  to  the  cc  mmuniou,  making 
the  present  number  of  communicants  about  180. 

The  Sunday  School  is  still  large  and  flourish- 
ing. Besides  this,  150  children,  male  and  female, 
attend  the  catechetical  examinations  and  lectures 
of  the  minister  after  divine  service  on  Sunday 
afternoons. 

The  state  of  this  church,  as  to  temporal  matters, 
is  very  encouraging.  The  congregation  is  thought 
to  be  larger  than  it  has  ever  heretofore  been,  and 
the  attendance  unusually  regular.  A  hberal  leg- 
acy, recently  bequeathed,  has  nearly  disencum- 
bered the  church  of  debt ;  and  there  is  good  reason 
to  hope  that  all  claims  against  it  will,  before 
another  year,  be  entirely  settled.  As  to  spiritual 
concerns,  there  is  cause  for  thankfulness.  The 
blessing  of  God  has  in  some  measure  attended  the 
ministration  of  the  word — a  few  souls  have  been 
born  to  God  of  the  Holy  Ghost — and  many,  it  is 
hoped,  are  seriously  concerned  for  their  souls,  and 
anxiously  desiring  the  influences  of  the  Spirit  of 
all  grace. 

Contribution  to  the  Education  Society,  -  $158 
Subscriptions  to  the  Theological  Seminary,  65 
Subscriptions  to  the  Contingent  Fimd,      -        30 

$253 

Frederick sville  parish.  In  the  course  of  his 
ministry  during  the  year  past,  the  rector  acknowl- 
edges, with  lively  gratitude  to  the  great  Head  of 
the  church,  an  increased  state  of  prosperity  in  the 
condition  of  his  charge ;  and,  in  dependance  upon 
the  same  source  from  which  past  blessings  hare 
flowed,  cherishes  a  lively  hope  of  future  n^ercies 
to  the  church. 

There  have  been  added  to  the  number  of  com- 
municants since  the  last  Convention  about  twenty 
n^vv  members,  of  whom  the  best  hopes  are  enter- 
tained. The  church  edifice  has  been  neatly  fin- 
ished, and  every  arrangement  whereby  the  public 
services  of  the  sanctuary  may  be  conducted  with 
proper  "decency  and  order,"  has  been  made  by 
the  liberality  of  those  who  attend  upon  this  minis- 
try. A  hberal  donation,  specially  appropriated  by 
F.  W.  Gilmer,  Esq.,  the  late  lamented  Law  Pro- 
fessor of  the  university,  for  the  purchase  of  com- 
munion plate  "  for  the  church  of  his  fathers,"  has 
been  received,  and  applied  agreeably  to  his  wishes. 
Catechetical  instructions  are  regularly  imparted. 
A  reviving  spirit  of  piety  and  zeal  has  clearly  man- 
ifested itself  among  the  congregation  at  Walker's 
Church,  and  several  persons  have  recently  been 
added  to  that  communion. 

The  Female  Auxiliary  Education  Society  is 
flourishing  beyond  our  most  sanguine  expecta- 
tions, and  much  is  the  church  indebted  to  the  ex- 
cellent ones  who  have  in  charge  that  most  inter- 
esting institution. 

The  attendance  of  many  of  the  students  of  the 
university  upon  public  worship  is  uniformly  reg- 
ular, orderly,  and  respectful,  and  among  them  are 
to  be  discerned  those  of  whom,  under  God,  it  may 
be  expected,  that  they  will  hereafter  "shine  as 
lights  in  the  Christian  world."  The  rector  ac- 
knowledges, with  gratitude  to  Him  from  whom  all 
good  thoughts  "  do  proceed,"  the  active  benevo- 
lence on  the  part  of  those  ladies  of  his  parish  by 
whom  he  has  been  constituted  a  life  member  of 
the  Education  Society,  and  most  earnestly  does 


190 


CONVENTION  OF  1826. 


he  pray  that  God  may  reward  this  expression  of 
their  regard  in  the  augmented  glory  of  their  future 
state.  Baptisms  about  ten,  three  adults — mar- 
riages eight — funerals  six — communicants  about 
fifty. 

St.  Paul's  Church,  Lynchburg.  The  minister, 
on  reviewing  the  course  and  results  of  his  labours 
during  the  past  j;ear,  finds  but  little  that  can  give 
satisfaction.  There  may  besome  among  his  little 
flock  who  have  become  more  sensible  of  the  need 
and  the  preciousness  of  a  Saviour ;  some  few,  he 
humbly  trusts,  who  are  more  confirmed  and 
strengthened  in  the  Christian  faith.  The  neat 
and  appropriate  edifice  which  was  opened  for  the 
first  time  to  receive  this  Convention,  and  which 
was  consecrated  on  the  first  day  of  its  session,  is 
an  evidence  that  the  people  of  this  parish  are  not 
deficient  either  in  public  spirit  or  in  zeal  for  Our 
beloved  Zion.  In  thhigs  outward  and  visible,  we 
are,  though  in  our  infancy,  a  flourishing  congrega- 
tion :  in  other  respects,  if  we  may  cherish  any 
hope,  it  must  be  with  trembling. 

During  the  past  year  this  church  has  been 
called  to  mourn  the  death  (a  death,  however,  too 
full  of  the  Christian  hopes  and  consolations  to  be 
mourned)  of  one  whose  amiableness  and  purity  of 
manners,  whose  elevated  rank  in  society,  whose 
ardent  attachment  to  the  church  and  splendid 
liberality  in  its  advancement,  made  her  the  orna- 
naent  and  support  of  our  suffering  cause — the  late 
Mrs.  Sarah  Cabell,  Marriages  three  —  burials 
seven. 

Suffolk  parish,  Nansemond  county.  The  min- 
ister reports,  that  the  prospects  of  the  church  are 
encouraging.  One  of  the  churches  in  the  lower 
parish  has  been  repaired  at  a  considerable  expense. 
The  church  in  the  town  of  Suffolk  has,  within  the 
last  twelve  months,  been  put  in  very  neat  repair. 
A  considerable  sum  has  been  subscribed,  with  the 
view  of  rebuilding  the  church  on  the  south  side 
of  the  Nansemond  river;  which,  together  with 
some  additional  funds,  which  of  right  belong  to  the 
church,  and  it  is  expected  will  be  paid,  will  en- 
able the  vestry  to  accomplish  the  laudable  design 
of  putting  the  said  church  in  good  order.  The  con- 
gregation generally  are  supplied  with  prayer-books, 
and  take  part  in  the  service.  The  minister  takes 
great  pleasure  m  stating,  that  he  has  received 
very  important  aid  in  the  discharge  of  his  duties 
by  the  assistance  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Keeling ;  in 
consequence  of  which,  he  is  enabled  to  have^  the 
serviced  of  the  church  regularly  performed,  both 
in  town  and  country,  every  Sunday. 

There  has  been  recently  established  in  the  town 
of  Suffolk  a  Sunday  School,  which  is  well  at- 
tended, and  bids  fair  to  do  well.  It  is  impossible 
at  this  time  to  report  the  number  of  communi- 
cants, as  the  Lord's  Supper  has  been  administered 
in  our  churches  but  twice  within  the  last  twenty 
years.  Marriages  five — baptisms  twenty-two,  in- 
cluding one  adult — funerals  twenty-four. 

The  rectbr  of  St.  Anne's  and  South  Famham 
parishes  reports,  that  his  labours  commenced  in 
August  last.  When  he  first  located  himself  here, 
there  was  much  to  discourage  the  friends  of  reli- 
gion and  the  church ;  but  he  has  reason  to  bless 
God  that  the  prospect  is  brightening.  The  church 
in  St.  Anne's  is  now  repairing  to  a  considerable 
extent,  and  its  congregation  is  very  interesting. 
A  work  of  grace  seems  to  be  going  on  among  the 
people,  and  some  blessed  fruit  has  already  been 
produced.  A  few  souls  have  been  born  from  on 
high,  and  not  only  rejoice  greatly  in  God  their 
Saviour,  but  adorn  his  doctrine  in  their  life  and 
conversation,  while  others  manifest  a  deep  sensi- 
bility on  the  subject  of  thvine  and  eternal  things. 
Ir  South  Farnham,  the  church  (which  is  npt  ex- 


clusively Episcopal)  has  been  standing  for  a  few 
years  in  an  unfinished  state,  but  is  now  about  to 
be  completed.  Though  the  prospect  of  spiritual 
improvement  is  not  so  flattering  in  this  parish  as 
in  St.  Anne's,  yet  it  is  not  without  promise.  Some 
cases  of  religious  concern,  and  other  circumstan- 
ces, induce  the  rector  to  anticipate  better  days. 
As  the  sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper  has  not 
been  administered  in  either  of  his  parishes,  the 
number  of  communicants  is  not  known.  Mar- 
riages, in  both,  two — baptisms  five — burials  eight. 

St.  Paul's  Church,  Alexandria.  The  rector  re- 
ports that  no  material  allerarion  has  taken  place 
in  the  affairs  of  the  congregation  since  the  last 
Convention. 

The  Sunday  School  attached  to  the  church 
numbers  172  children,  and  continues  to  flourish 
under  the  zealous  and  praisewortliy  exertions  of 
its  teachers.  The  class  which  has  been  formed  of 
the  children  of  the  congregation,  for  the  study  of 
the  Bible,  is  still  continued,  and  prospers.  A 
school  has  been  opened,  also,  one  evening  in  the 

week,  for  teaching  adults,   upwards   of of 

whom  regularly  attend.  The  Femae  Society  for 
the  improvement  of  the  female  peor  of  the  town, 
before  reported,  has  upwards  of  a  hundred  on  its 
list  of  beneficiaries,  and  continues  to  exert  a  sue- 
cessful  and  salutary  influence  upon  these  interest- 
ing ot>jects  of  its  bounty  The  teachers,  as  well 
as  the  children  in  this  society,  consist  of  the  va» 
rious  denominations  of  Christians.  By  means  of 
their  benevolent  exertions,  many  of  these  children 
have  apparently  already  been  rescued  from  idle- 
ness, poverty,  and  misery,  and  placed  in  a  way  to 
become  respectable  and  useful  members  of  socie- 
ty. The  rector  has  also  instituted  a  weekly  lec- 
ture to  the  female  part  of  the  congregation,  the 
design  of  which  is  to  give  a  consecutive  histori- 
cal and  practical  exposition  of  the  Bible.  It  is 
well  attended,  and  the  hope  is  indulged  that  it  will 
be  useful. 

The  Episcopal  Church  of  Fredericksburg. 
This  church  is  in  a  prosperous  and  flourishing 
state.  The  numerical  increase  of  the  congrega- 
tion has  been  considerable  during  the  past  year. 
The  services  of  the  sanctuary  have  been  more 
fully  attended,  especially  in  the  afternoon,  than  at 
any  previous  period  of  the  rector's  ministry  among 
this  people.  Of  the  increase  of  real  religion,  the 
rector  cannot  speak  so  confidently — some,  indeed, 
have  been  added  to  the  church  during  the  past 
year,  whom  he  has  good  reason  to  believe  will  be 
eternally  saved — but  there  is  much  reztson  to  re- 
gret that  so  few  out  of  so  large  a  congregation 
have  given  themselves  up  to  the  Lord. 

Much  zeal  is  shown  by  the  people  of  God  in 
promoting  the  interests  of  virtue  and  piety.  The 
several  charitable  institutions  connected  with  the 
church  enjoy  a  large  measure  of  their  care  and 
attention.  'i"he  Sunday  Schools  are  especially 
cherished  by  them  with  warm  and  affectionate  con- 
cern. Baptisms  twenty-five— marriages  twelve — ■ 
funerals  thirteen — communicants  upwards  of  100. 

Frederick  parish.  The  rector  of  this  parish  re- 
ports, that  during  the  past  year  the  congregation 
at  Winchester  has  succeeded  in  obtaining  the  ser- 
vices of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Jackson,  late  of  Baltimore, 
who  is  now  assistant  minister  of  the  parish.  The 
prospects  of  usefulness  in  the  congregation  at 
Winchester  are  flattering.  The  attendance  on  di- 
vine worship  is  very  good,  and  attachment  to  their 
minister  strong.  One  Sunday  in  each  month,  thB 
Rev.  Mr.  Jackson  officiates  to  a  very  attentive 
country  congregation  at  Mill  Creek,  on  the  borr 
ders  of  Berkeley  county. 

The  labours  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Meade  are  now  mor«i 
confined  to  the  Chapel  congregation,  and  the  plai^ 


CONVENTION  OF  1826. 


191 


tations  in  the  neighbourhood  thereof.  The  attend- 
ance at  the  chapel,  with  but  lew  exceptions,  is 
very  punctual,  and  the  worship  devoutly  con- 
ducted. 

The  number  of  communicants  in  the  whole 
parish  is  about  one  hundred  and  ten ;  the  bap- 
tisms during  the  last  year  have  been  eight,  the  fu- 
nerals nine,  and  the  marriages  five.  The  Sunday 
School  in  Winchester  is  still  in  operation.  That 
belonging  to  the  Chapel  congregation  has  ceased, 
notwithstanding  the  most  persevering  efforts  of 
the  teachers,  from  not  being  able  to  procure  the 
attendance  of  the  children,  'I'wo  Female  Auxil- 
iary Education  Societies  exist  in  the  parish,  and 
contribute  very  largely  to  the  support  of  that  hi- 
stitution.  During  the  past  year,  the  ladies  in  Win- 
chester have  made  the  rector  of  the  parish  a  life 
member  of  the  Education  Society,  by  the  payment 
of  thirty  dollars,  and  those  of  the  Chapel  congre- 
gation have  niade  him  a  life  member  of  the  Amer- 
ican Bible  Society,  by  the  payment  of  the  same 
sum,  for  which  evidences  of  their  regard  he  feels 
most  truly  grateful  to  them,  and  to  that  Being 
who,  he  trusts,  inspired  such  affection  in  their  bo- 
Boms. 

The  missionary  meetings  mentioned  in  a  for 
mer  report  are  still  continued,  and  excite  the  same 
interest  as  at  first. 

In  the  congregation  of  Winchester,  a  weekly 
lecture  is  held  on  one  evening  of  each  week,  at 
some  private  house,  and  a  Bible  class  of  young  la- 
dies is  in  operation,  both  of  wl4ch  proniise  to  be 
useful. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Jackson,  from  the  committee 
appointed  to  examine  the  state  of  the  fund  for 
the  permanent  support  of  the  episcopate  in  this 
diocess,  presented  a  report,  which  was  read  and 
approved. 

The  conunittee  to  whom  was  referred  the  ac- 
count of  the  treasurer  of  the  fund  for  the  support 
of  the  episcopate  in  this  diocess,  beg  leave  to  re- 
port, That  during  the  last  year  there  has  been  re- 
ceived into  the  treasury  the  sum  of  one  hundred 
and  ninety  dollars  and  sixteen  cents,  including  a 
balance  of  the  former  year  of  nine  dollars  and 
sixty-six  cents— and  that  there  has  been  invested 
in  profitable  bank-stock  the  sum  of  one  hundred 
and  sixty-five  dollars,  leaving  a  balance  in  the 
hands  of  the  treasurer  of  twenty^five  dollars  and 
sixteen  cents. 

The  whole  amount  invested  for  this  fund  ap- 
pears to  be  the  sum  of  $3,900,  consisting  of 

54  shares  of  stock  in  Farmers'  Bank  of 

Alexandria,  at  par,  -        -        -        ^2,700  00 
6  do.  do.  Bank  of  Alexandria,  at  par,  1,200  00 

$3,900  00 
AH  which  is  respectfully  submitted. 

J.  E.  Jackson,  Chairman. 
Lynchburg,  May  19,  1826. 

The  following  report  of  the  committee  on  the 
ctate  of  the  church,  which  had  been  laid  upon 
the  table,  was  called  up  and  approved  :— 

The  committee  on  the  state  of  the  church  beg 
leave  to  report.  That  the  first  subject  which  has 
come  under  their  consideration  is  the  fund  which 
was  recommended  by  the  last  Convention  to  be 
raised  for  the  support  of  the  bishop's  assistant, 
The  comimittee  regret  to  be  obliged  to  report,  that 
from  various  causes,  a  very  small  sum  has  been 
raised  for  this  object ;  but  when  they  recollect  the 
different  measures  and  resolutions  which  have 
been  adopted,  and  the  pledges  which  have  been 
given  on  this  subject  for  the  last  three  or  four 


years,  they  consider  this  Convention  bound  in 
good  faith  to  make  another  effort  to  raise  the  sum 
of  five  hundred  dollars,  which  is  due  to  the  rea- 
sonable expectations  of  the  bishop  and  the  as- 
sistant for  the  past  year.  It  is  therefore  recom^ 
niended,  that  the  following  estimate  of  the  sev- 
eral sums  which  the  committee  have  considered 
to  be  a  reasonable  assessment  on  the  different  par- 
ishes be  spread  upon  the  journals,  and  that  the 
ministers  and  vestries,  or,  if  there  be  no  minister, 
the  vestry  alone,  be  recjuested  forthwith  to  endeav- 
our  to  collect  the  same,  and  transmit  the  different 
sums  to  the  bishop. 


Leeds  parish. 

Town  and  parish  of  Suffolk, 
Russell  parish,  Bedford, 
St.  Martin's  parish,  Hauover, 
Shelburne  parish, 


-  il5 

-  20 

-  15 

-  20 
15 


Hungar's  parish,    -..,,-  lo 

Henrico  parish,      -        -        -        ,        ,        -  20 

Fredericksville  parish,   -        -        .        -        -  20 

St.  Andrew's  parish, 15 

Frederick  parish, 30 

St.  George's  parish, 20 

South  Farnham  parish,  Essex,      -        .        -  15 

Christ  Church,  Fairfax  parish,      -        -        -  30 

Lynchburg  parish,         -        -        -        -        -  20 

St.  James's  parish,  Mecklenburg,  -        -        -  130 

Augusta  parish,  Staunton,     -        -        -        -  IQ 

Bristol  parish, 30 

St.  Paul's  Church,  Alexandria,      -        -        -  20 

Portsmouth  parish, lo 

Hamilton  parish,  Fauquier,    -       -       -       -  10 

Gloucester  coUnty,         --'•'-  15 

Norborne  parish,  Berkeley,    -        -        -        -  15 

Christ  Church,  Norfolk,        -        -       -        -  3Q 

Accomack  county, -  15 

Amherst  county,    -        -        -        -        -        -  15 

Kanawha  county, lo 

Culpepper,     -        -        -,-        -        -        -iQ 

Orange,          -        .        -        -        -        -        .  iQ 

Romney,        --►-.-.  5 

Goochland,    -. 10 

Amelia,  -        -        -.,        -        ,        .        -10 

Louisa  county,      -,.,,.  10 

Wheehng,      -        r        ,        ,        -        ..        -  iQ 
St.  Anne's  parish,  Essex,       -        ,       ,       ,15 

The  committee  further  report.  That,  from  all 
the  information  they  have  been  able  to  acquire  in 
relation  to  the  sentiments  of  the  members  gener- 
ally on  this  subject,  they  are  constrained  to  de- 
clare, that  it  would  be  improper  to  encourage  the 
hope  that  such  a  sum  can  be  raised  in  future  for 
the  purpose  above  mentioned ;  at  the  same  time, 
the  committee  are  well  aware  of  the  duty,  and  in- 
deed necessity,  of  raising  something  which  shall 
aid  the  bishop  in  the  employment  of  an  assistant. 
The  congregation  of  which  the  bishop  is  rector 
cannot  consent  to  relinquish  his  services  to  the  di- 
ocess without  a  suitable  supply,  nor  is  it  reason- 
able that  the  bishop  should  be  at  the  entire  ex- 
pense of  that  supply,  while  he  is  performing  la- 
borious duties  throughout  the  diocess  ;  it  is  there- 
fore recommended  that  the  sum  of  three  hundred 
dollars  be  appropriated  to  the  bishop  for  his  epis- 
copal services,  and  that  the  several  vestries  be  re- 
quested to  raise  the  following  sums  from  their  sev- 
eral parishes,  in  addition  to  their  quota  to  the  con- 
tingent fund,  which  is  raised  for  the  general  ex 
penses  of  the  church. 

Leeds  parish, $10 

Town  and  parish  of  Suffblk,  -        -        -    15 

Russel  parish,  Bedford,  -        -        -        -        -10 
St.  Mai  tin's  parish,  Hanover,        -»       •       =    XO 


192 


CONVENTION  OF  1826. 


Shelburne  parish, 

Hungar's  parish,    - 

Henrico  parish, 

Fredericksville  parish,  - 

St.  Andrew's  parish, 

Frederick  parish, 

St.  George'*^  parish, 

South  Farnham  parish,  Essex, 

Christ  Church,  l*  airfai  parish, 

Lynchburg  parish, 

St.  James's  parish,  MecklenBurg, 

Augusta  parish,  Staunton,     - 

Bristol  parish, 

St.  Paul's  Church,  Alexandria, 

Portsmouth  parish, 

Hamilton  parish,  Fauquier,    - 

Gloucester  county, 

Norborne  parish,  Berkeley,    - 

Christ  Church,  Norfolk, 

Accomack  county, 

Amherst  county,    - 

Kanawha  county,  - 

Culpepper      .... 

Orange,  .... 

Romney, 


.$10 

-  10 
.  15 
>■  10 
.  10 

-  15 

-  15 

-  10 

-  20 

-  10 

-  10 

-  10 


-        -  10 

.  10 

-  10 
.  10 

-  10 

-  20 
.  10 

-  10 

-  10 
.        .  10 

.  10 

.  5 

Goochland, 10 

Amelia,                  10 

Louisa, •        -  10 

Wheeling,      ...        -        -        -        -  10 

St.  Anne's  parish,  Essex,      -       -       -       -  10 
All  which  is  respectfully  submitted. 

W.  H.  WiLMER,  Chairman. 

Resolved,  That  the  secretary  of  the  Conven- 
tion, as  soon  as  practicable,  extract  from  the  re- 
port of  the  committee  that  part  which  relates 
to  the  fund  for  the  bishop's  assistant,  and  pub- 
lish the  aan^e  in  a  circular,  to  be  addressed  to 
those  ministers  and  vestries  whose  parishes  have 
not  contributed  to  the  above-mentioned  fund, 
calling  upon  them  to  pay  a  speedy  attention  to 
the  same. 

The  following  sums  were  paid  towards  the 
support  of  the  bishop's  assistant : — 

Frederick  parish,  Frederick  county,  -  $30 

Town  and  parish  of  Suffolk,  -  -     20 

Trinity  Church,  Portsmouth  parish,  -     10 
St.  Martin's  parish,  Hanover  and  Louisa 

counties,  -         -        -        -  -.20 

Augusta  parish,  Augusta  county,      -  -    -10 

Donation  by  Miss  Peachy  Gilmer,    -  -       6 

Donation  by  a  gentleman  of  Albemarle,  -     30 

Fredericksville  parish,     -        -        -  -     20 

$145 

The  Rev.  William  H.  Wilmer,  from  the  com- 
mittee on  the  state  of  the  church,  to  whom  was 
referred  the  letter  of  Mr.  William  Leigh,  re- 
ported the  following  resolution,  which  was  adopt- 
ed by  the  Convention  : — 

Resolved,  That  John  Nelson  and  William 
Leigh,  Esqrs.,  who  were  appointed  by  the  last 
Convention  trustees  in  behalf  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Convention,  to  settle  and  adjust  the 
claim  accruing  to  the  church  under  the  will  of 
Evan  Ragland  deceased,  be,  and  they  are  here- 
by authorized,  to  receive  and  to  recover  all  such 
property  as  may  be  assigned  to  them  as  trustees 
aforesaid.  And  they  are  further  authorized  to 
aell  at  public  sale  or  otherwise,  as  in  their  dis- 
cretion may  seem  best,  whatever  property,  real 


or  personal,  may  be  recovered  and  received  by 
them  ;  and  they  are  authorized  to  retain  in  their 
hands  all  bonds  or  money  which  may  arise 
from  any  sale  made  as  aforesaid,  as  trustees, 
subject  to  the  directions  of  the  Convention  of 
the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  which  shall 
be  made  in  conformity  to  the  will  of  the  said 
testator,  and  for  the  purpose  of  fulfilling  the 
same.  And  the  aforesaid  trustees  are  autho* 
rized  to  make  and  execute  all  deeds  and  convey- 
ances which  may  be  necessary  to  carry  into  ef- 
fect any  sale  of  real  property  made  in  pursuance 
of  the  authority  vested  in  them. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  William  Meade,  from  the  board 
of  trustees  of  the  Theological  School,  presented 
the  following  report,  which  was  approved  : — 

Report  of  the  Board  of  Trustees  of  the  Theological 
School  of  Virginia,  to  the  Convention  of  the  Dio- 
cess  assembled  m  Lynchburg,  May  ]iith,  1826. 

In  performing  this  annual  duty,  the  trustees  have 
first  to  record  a  dispensation  of  Providence  which 
has  created  a  vacancy  in  the  board  by  the  death  of 
a  beloved  brother,  who  departed  this  hfe  in  Au- 
gust last.  In  the  decease  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  N  or- 
ris, the  diocess  of  Virginia  has  lost  one  of  the 
earliest  and  best  of  those  ministers  whom  Provi- 
dence raised  up  to  bear  the  heat  and  burden  of 
reviving  our  fast  expiring  church,  and  our  sem- 
inary is  called  to  part  with  an  old  and  constant 
friend. 

Just  as  he  was  preparing  to  perform  some  fur- 
ther duty  assigned  him  by  the  board  at  it§  last 
meeting,  it  pleased  the  great  Head  of  the  church 
to  call  him  to  a  higher  service  and  greater  honour 
in  the  church  above.  Instead,  however,  of  com- 
plaining against  the  ways  of  Him  who  does  all 
things  well,  we  have  great  cause  for  thankfulness 
that  his  place  has  been  suppUed  in  such  a  manner 
as  to  give  perfect  satisfaction  to  the  bereaved  con- 
gregation, and  to  gratify  all  the  frieii'.ls  of  our 
school, — who  rejoice  in  the  circumstance,  that  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Keith  has  succeeded  to  the  pastoral 
charge  of  our  beloved  brother,  without  rehnquish- 
ing  Uiose  special  attentions  to  our  young  candi- 
dates for  the  ministry  which  we  have  cause  to 
prize  so  highly.  The  hoard  has  also  to  report  the 
successful  execution  of  a  duty  assigned  it  at  the 
last  Convention,  viz. : — the  appointment  of  another 
professor,  to  aid  in  those  various  and  important  la- 
bours required  of  such  as  undertake  the  prepara- 
tion of  pious  youths  for  the  gospel  ministry.  They 
are  rejoiced  to  assur-e  the  Convention,  that  in  se- 
lecting the  Rev.  Mr.  Lippil,  who  was  known  to 
them  by  a  former  residence  of  some  years  in  this 
diocess,  and  recommended  by  others  well  quahfied 
to  judge  of  his  fitness,  they  have  secured  to  the 
school  the  entire  services  of  one  who  is  aUke  ac- 
ceptable to  the  students  under  his  care,  and  to  the 
professors  with  whom  he  is  associated  in  this  im- 
portant work.  The  board  cannot  refrain  from  an 
expression  of  their  high  delight  in  the  assurance 
that  a  gracious  Providence  has  guided  and  directed 
them  in  every  arrangement  which  has  been  made, 
so  as  to  deepen  the  conviction  that  the  underta- 
king is  acceptable  to  the  great  Head  of  the  church, 
and  that  as  good  a  prospect  of  usefulness  is  held 
out  to  the  diocess  from  this  its  favourite  institution, 
as  its  most  sanguine  friends  could  reasonably  hope. 
But  they  forbear  all  further  congratulations  of  this 
kind,  until  they  have  presented  a  brief  history  of 
its  internal  operations  since  their  last  report.  Re- 
ferring to  that  report  for  all  past  proceedings,  and 
taking  up  the  subject  from  the  beginning  of  the 
present  session,  they  now  report,  that  the  class 


CONVENTION  OF  1826. 


198 


attending  the  Professor  of  Ecclesiastical  History 
has  during  this  session  gone  through  Mosheim's 
Ecclesiastical  History,  with  reference  to  the  col- 
lateral authors,  has  commenced  Potter  on  Church 
Government,  and  expects  to  complete  that  work, 
together  with  Hooker's  Ecclesiastical  Polity,  du- 
Ting  the  present  session.  This  class,  in  addition  to 
recitations  in  the  above-mentioned  text-books,  has 
also  been  exercised  in  writing  original  disserta- 
tions on  the  prominent  points  of  their  course  of 
study ;  and  the  members  in  rotation,  one  day  in 
each  week,  have  read  the  service  and  an  original 
sermon,  when  their  performance  has  been  subject- 
ed to  the  criticism  of  all  the  students,  and  on  the 
following  week  the  professors  by  turns  have  ana- 
lyzed and  criticised  the  discourses.  The  second 
class  has,  during  this  period,  been  engaged  under 
the  Professor  of  Sacred  Literature  in  the  critical 
study  of  the  Epistles,  and  to  the  Professor  of  SyS^ 
tematic  Divinity  has  recited  twice  in  each  week, 
on  such  subjects  as  have  been  previously  appoint- 
ed, references  being  made  to  the  authors  who  have 
written  with  most  ability  on  the  several  subjects, 
the  preference  being  given  to  those  recommended 
by  the  House  of  Bishops.  This  class,  also,  has 
been  engaged  in  writing  dissertations  on  theologi- 
cal subjects.  The  third  class  has  been  engaged 
in  the  critical  study  of  the  Old  and  New  Testa- 
ments in  the  original  languages,  and  of  the  Jewish 
Antiquities.  The  members  of  this  class  have  read 
sixteen  chapters  of  Genesis  and  ten  Psalms  in  He- 
brew, and  the  four  gospels  in  Greek.  They  have 
also  gone  through  the  first  volume  of  Home's  In- 
troduction to  the  Sacred  Scriptures,  have  read  the 
princi;)al  part  of  Pndeaux's  Connexions,  and  will 
complete  Butler's  Analogy  and  Paley's  Evidences 
by  the  close  of  the  session.  They  have  also  been 
engaged  in  writing  essays  on  the  most  important 
arguments  for  revealed  rehgion.  Let  it  not  how- 
ever be  imagined,  that  the  students  of  this  semina- 
ry are  only  exercised  in  furnishing  their  minds 
with  the  knowledge  which  shall  quahfy  them  to 
explain  and  defend  the  sacred  writings.  Besides 
those  devotional  exercises  which,  on  the  part  of  the 
professors,  daily  precede  the  theological  recita- 
tions, the  students  are  required  each  morning,  at 
the  rising  of  the  sun,  to  assemble  together,  and  by 
turns,  in  the  presence  of  one  of  the  professors,  in- 
voke the  blessing  of  Almighty  God.  They  have 
also  divided  the  town  and  suburbs  into  districts, 
and  in  humble  imitation  of  those  first  disciples 
who  preached  the  gospel  to  the  poor,  and  of  Him 
"who  went  about  doing  _good,"  have  resolved  to 
visit  the  needy  and  afflicted  at  their  own  homes, 
to  inquire  into  their  spiritual  condition,  to  estabhsh 
prayer-meetings  at  the  most  suitable  places,  to  ex- 
hort all  to  attendance  on  public  worship,  and  espe- 
cially to  beseech  parents  to  send  their  children  to 
the  Sunday  Schools  which  are  established  in  the 
town.  The  students  themselves  are  diligent  and 
faithful  in  applying  a  part  of  each  Sabbath  to  the 
useful  and  sacred  labours  of  the  Sunday  School 
By  such  exercises  have  they,  during  the  past  year, 
been  preparing  themselves  for  those  more  perfect 
and  extensive  duties  in  which  they  hope  soon  to 
be  engaged.  A  goodly  number  have  already  en- 
tered upon  their  labours,  and  we  feel  a  pleasing 
assurance  that  those  who  have  witnessed  their 
first  public  essays  in  the  ministry,  and  especially 
those  congregations  who  have  eagerly  embraced 
the  offered  opportunity  of  securing  their  perma- 
nent services,  will  require  no  further  evidences  of 
the  value  of  an  institution  which  has  now  for 
three  years  only  had  its  existence  in  our  diocess. 
Within  this  period  twelve  youn^  men,  who  received 
either  in  whole  or  in  part  their  education  at  this 
school,  have  entered  upon  the  ministry  of  the  word, 

N 


eight  of  whom  are  now  within  the  bounds  of  our 
diocess,  the  remaining  four  having  chosen  other 
portions  of  our  land  as  the  scene  of  their  first  la- 
bours of  love.  Of  the  twenty  students  who,  during 
the  present  session,  have  been  engaged  in  these 
preparatory  exercises,   seven  will  probably  offer 
themselves  for  ordination  in  the  course  of  the  pres- 
ent year.    Others,  however,  are  ready  to  supply 
their  places,  giving  exercise  to  the  charity  and 
encouragement  to  the  hopes  of  the  church.    An 
increasing  demand  on  the  part  of  the  church  will 
produce  an  increasing  supply  of  ministers  from 
the  great  Head  thereof.    He  who  has  put  it  into 
the  hearts  of  those  already  mentioned  to  enter 
upon  this  work,  will  put  it  into  the  hearts  of  more, 
and  thrust  them  forth  into  the  service,  so  that 
there  be  no  famine  of  the  word.   The  Holy  Ghost, 
whose  office  it  is,  will  never  be  weary  with  moving 
and  calling  to  the  ministry  of  the  word,  and  ma- 
king that  word  effectual  to  the  conversion  of  sin- 
ners ;  nor  need  we  ever  fear  that  the  Lord  of  the 
harvest  will  fail  to  send  forth  more  labourers  into 
it,  if  we  fail  not  to  supplicate  his  grace  by  impor- 
tunate prayers.  Our  beginning,  it  is  true,  is  small, 
when  compared  with  the  great  need  of  our  church 
and  country ;  but  let  us  not  forget  Him  who  makes 
the  latter  end  of  good  designs  greatly  to  increase, 
and  has  promised  to  those  who  weary  not  in  their 
well-doing  that  in  due  season  they  shall  reap.   We 
expect  not  a  rapid  extension  of  our  church,  nor  an 
immediate  victory  over  those  many  obstacles  which 
rise  up  against  us.    We  shall  be  satisfied  to  make 
a  gradual  and  sure  advance  in  the  esteem  of  the 
wise  and  pious,  by  means  of  the  good  sense,  good 
conduct,  and  undoubted  zeal  and  piety  of  those 
who  serve  at  the  altar.    We  must  labour  by  in- 
creasing the  literary  qualifications  of  our  young 
ministers,  to  keep  pace  with  the  hterary  progress 
of  our  country,  and  thus  recommend  rehgion  and 
the  church  of  our  fathers  to  the  understandings  as 
well  as  to  the  hearts  of  men.    Such  a  slow  but 
sure  advance  in  the  affection  and  confidence  of  the 
pious,  in  the  esteem  of  the  wise  and  sober-minded, 
and  in  the  respect  of  the  educated  portion  of  the 
community,  we  feel  happily  assured  our  church  is 
already  making,  and  partly  by  means  of  the  insti- 
tution over  which  this  board  is  appointed  to  pre- 
side.   It  is  therefore  that  we  rejoice  over  it,  and 
call  upon  the  friends  of  religion  and  our  church  to 
render  thanks  to  God  for  that  degree  of  prosperity 
which  it  has  pleased  hhn  to  grant  to  it.  We  should 
never  contemplate  this  school  without  the  liveliest 
emotions  of  gratitude  to  the  great  Head  of  the 
church,  who  hath  raised  it  up  in  our  timfe  of  need. 
To  what  quarter  can  we  look  for  a  supply  of 
preachers  to  repair  our  desolations  but  to  this? 
Whither  can  our  vacant  parishes  turn  their  eyes 
with  the  assured  hope  of  a  certain  and  suitable 
supply  but  to  this  ?  Here  it  is  that  our  pious  youths 
may  equip  themselves  with  the  whole  armour  of 
God,  and,  being  thoroughly  furnished  unto  every 
good  work,  become  workmen  who  need  not  be  asha- 
med.   Here  it  is  that  by  mutual  prayer,  and  holy  in- 
tercourse, and  sacred  studies,  they  may  grow  up  in 
Christian  love,  and  form  a  bond  of  union  never  to  be 
broken.    To  this  institution  will  the  hearts  of  our 
people  be  drawn ;  over  it  will  the  prayers  of  the  pi- 
ous be  offered ;  to  it  will  the  alms  of  the  generous 
be  given,  as  to  that  which,  under  God,  seems  hkely 
to  prove  such  a  blessing  to  his  church. 

But  while  we  thus  rejoice  in  the  pleasing  prospect 
which  appears  before  us,  it  becomes  our  duty  to 
mention  one  circumstance  which  must  be  a  source 
of  serious  apprehension,  and  should  excite  to  the 
most  diligent  exertion  on  the  part  of  its  friends,  lest 
that  apprehension  be  realized.  The  amount  of 
our  fonds  is  still  small  when  compared  witJi  tkp 


194 


CONVENTION  OF  1826. 


demands  of  such  an  institution.  By  the  report  of 
our  treasurer  which  is  annexed,  it  will  be  per- 
ceived that  our  funded  capital  is  yet  something 
less  than  ten  thousand  dollars,  the  annual  interest 
of  which  is  insufficient  for  the  support  of  one  pro- 
fessor, while  we  need  and  actually  possess  the  ser- 
vices of  three.  The  generosity  of  individuals,  and 
the  untiring  zeal  of  our  Female  Auxiliary  Educa- 
tion Societies,  have  thus  far  enabled  us  to  supply 
this  deficiency  in  some  small  degree  ;  but  it  must 
be  evident  that  the  institution  can  never  be  consid- 
ered as  standing  on  a  sure  and  permanent  founda- 
tion, until  we  have  a  much  larger  capital  on  which 
to  rely.  Although  it  has  pleased  Providence  to 
direct  so  many  pious  youths  to  our  school,  and  en- 
able us  thus  far  not  to  disappoint  their  hopes  of 
suitable  instruction,  yet  are  we  far- behind  other 
institutions  of  the  kind  in  our  own  and  other  de- 
nominations, as  to  those  pecuniary  resources  which 
are  necessary  to  command  the  permanent  services 
of  duly  qualified  professors.  The  General  Sem- 
inary located  in  New-York,  which  has  thus  far 
scarcely  exceeded  our  own  in  the  number  of  its 
pupils,  has  received  more  than  one  hundred  thou- 
sand dollars.  The  diocess  of  Ohio  is  enabled  to 
commence  the  operations  of  its  seminary  with  the 
sum  of  thirty  thousand  dollars,  almost  entirely 
bestowed  by  pious  individuals  in  England.  And 
can  it  be  expected,  without  further  donations  from 
those  to  whom  our  seminary  naturally  looks  for 
aid,  that  we  shall  always  be  able  to  ensure  those 
services  and  those  advjuitages  which  it  now  pos- 
sesses ?  Would  it  not  be  a  most  sinful  tempting 
of  God,  and  a  most  ungrateful  return  for  those 
signal  favours  granted  to  our  first  efforts,  not  to 
put  forth  all  our  strength  for  the  completion  of  a 
work  thus  happily  begun,  and  not  to  call  upon  the 
pious  and  wealthy  of  our  communion  to  help  on 
so  interesting  a  cause  by  those  means  which  Provi- 
dence has  so  richly  supplied  to  them?  Surely  we 
may  now  confidently  call  upon  all  to  witness  the 
truth  of  those  arguments  with  which  we  first  ad- 
dressed them,  and  to  behold  the  fruits  and  profits 
of  their  first  contributions.  We  feel  a  pleasing 
assurance  that  there  is  an  increasing  interest  in 
this  cause  arising  from  the  good  already  done,  and 
we  record  with  much  satisfaction  the  generosity 
of  two  individuals  during  the  last  year,  who,  on 
coming  to  pay  their  promised  contributions,  begged 
to  be  permitted  to  double  the  sum,  in  consideration 
of  the  importance  of  the  object  and  the  benefit 
already  arising  from  it.  And  are  there  none  among 
our  original  subscribers  who  are  able  and  willing 
to  renew  their  first  works,  seeing  such  fruit  from 
them  already  ?  Are  there  none  others  among  the 
many  friends  of  our  church  scattered  through  the 
state,  who  have  never  y^  ventured  any  thing  in 
this  enterprise  of  piety,  but  who  are  wiUing  and 
able  to  assist  so  good  a  work  ?  We  feel  well  as- 
sured that  there  are  many  such,  who  only  require 
to  be  properly  informed  of  our  need,  to  afford  a 
generous  contribution  to  objects  we  recommend. 
We  call  therefore  upon  all  the  ministers  of  our 
church  to  do  their  duty,  and  present  this  subject 
in  all  the  magnitude  of  its  importance  to  every 
member  of  their  charge. 

While  our  sisters  and  mothers  are  so  zealously 
and  effectually  subserving  the  cause,  by  raising 
funds  for  the  education  of  poor  and  pious  youths 
in  our  seminary ;  while  they  have  never  yet  suffer- 
ed a  worthy  object  to  go  unaided  ;  while  they  have 
thus  far  actually  contributed  to  the  support  of  the 
teachers  also  ;  surely  it  is  within  the  power  of  the 
wealthy  gentlemen  of  our  church  to  raise  a  pei- 
manent  fund  which  shall  place  our  school  on  a 
sure  foundation,  and  enable  us  always  to  com- 
mand the  services  of  the  ablest  ministers  in  tibe 


church,  and  remunerate  them  with  a  suitable  sup- 
port. 

All  which  is  respectfully  submitted  by  the 
board. 

The  session  was  then  suspended,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  attending  divine  service  by  the  Rev. 
Henry  W.  Ducachet,  and  a  sermon  by  the  Rev. 
William  Meade. 

The  standing  committee  appointed  on  Thurs- 
day last  tendered  their  resignation  to  the  Con- 
vention, which  was  received. 

The  Convention  then  proceeded  to  a  new  elec- 
tion, by  ballot,  of  a  standing  committee  of  the 
church  in  this  diocess  for  the  ensuing  year  : — 
whereupon  the  following  gentlemen  were  duly 
elected,  viz.  :  the  Rev.  Wm.  H.  Wilmer,  D.  D., 
the  Rev.  John  Dunn,  the  Rev.  Reuel  Keith,  the 
Hon.  Bushrod  Washington,  Edmund  J.  Lee, 
Esq.,  and  Mr.  John  Hooff. 

The  Convention  proceeded  to  the  election,  by 
ballot,  of  eight  delegates,  to  represent  this  dio- 
cess in  the  next  General  Convention  of  the  Prot- 
estant Episcopal  Church  of  the  United  States  ; 
whereupon  the  following  gentlemen  were  duly 
elected,  viz.  :-— Rev.  WiUiam  H.  Wilmer,  D.  D., 
Rev.  William  Meade,  Rev.  Edward  C.  M'Guire, 
Rev.  Frederick  W.  Hatch,  Dr.  Carter  Berkeley, 
Mr.  Philip  Nelson,  Mr.  James  M.  Garnett,  and 
Mr.  WilHam  Mayo. 

Resolved,  That  the  next  Convention  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church  of  the  Diocess  of 
Virginia  be  held  in  the  town  of  Fredericksburg, 
on  the  third  Thursday  in  May  next. 

Resolved,  That  if  it  be  ratified  by  the  next 
Convention,  the  second  article  of  the  consti- 
tution be  amended  by  striking  out  after  the  word 
"  the,"  in  the  first  line,  all  that  follows  to  the 
word  "  within,"  in  the  third  line  ;  and  substi- 
tuting the  words,  "the  regularly  officiating  min- 
isters and  the  clerical  professors  of  the  Theo- 
logical School  of  Virginia,  residents." 

On  motion.  Resolved,  That  the  Convention 
do  now  adjourn  until  5  o'clock  this  evening. 

Saturday  Aftkrnoon,  May  20. — The  Con- 
vention met  according  to  adjournment. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  treasurer  pay 
to  such  of  the  delegates  appointed  by  this  Con- 
vention as  shall  attend  the  General  Convention 
the  sum  of  fifty  dollars  each,  to  defray  their  ex- 
penses in  attending  the  same. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  treasurer  pay 
to  the  secretary  his  expenses  incurred  in  attend- 
ing this  Convention. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  treasurer  pay 
to  the  doorkeeper  of  this  Convention  the  sum 
of  three  dollars,  for  his  services  rendered  du- 
ring the  present  session. 

On  motion.  Resolved,  unanimously.  That  the 
thanks  of  this  Convention  be  tendered  to  the 
citizens  of  this  place,  for  their  kind  and  hospita- 
ble attention  to  the  members  of  the  Convention 
during  its  session. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  unanimously,  That  the 
thanks  of  this  Convention  be  tendered  to  the 
ministers  of  the  Presbyterian,  Methodist,  and 
Baptist  churches  in  this  place,  for  the  liberal  and 
kind  offer  of  their  churches  for  the  use  of  the 
Convention. 


CONVENTION  OF  1827. 


195 


')n  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  thanks  of  the 
Convention  be  presented  to  the  secretary  and 
treasurer  for  their  faithful  services. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  Tliat  750  copies  of  the 
Journal  of  this  Convention  be  printed,  and  dis- 
tributed by  the  secretary  among  the  parishes, 
under  the  superintendence  of  the  bishop. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  Rev.  Wm. 
H.  Wilmer,  D.  D.,  the  Rev.  William  Meade, 
the  Rev.  Edward  C.  M'Guire,  Dr.  Carter  Berke- 
ley, and  Mr.  Philip  Nelson,  be,  and  they  are  here- 
by nominated  to  the  General  Convention,  as 
trustees  of  the  General  Theological  Seminary. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  secretary  of  the 


board  of  trustees  of  the  Theological  School  of 
Virginia  be  requested  to  furnish  to  the  secre- 
tary of  this  Convention,  so  far  as  he  can,  the 
names  of  >  the  subscribers  to  the  school,  with 
their  several  amounts  of  subscriptions,  in  order 
to  their  being  inserted  on  the  journals. 

And  then  the  Convention  adjourned,  to  meet 
again  in  the  town  of  Fredericksburg,  on  the 
third  Thursday  in  May  next. 

Richard  Channing  Moore, 
Bishop  of  the  Prot.  Epis.  Church  of 
Virginia. 
Teste,       John  G.  Williams,  Secretary. 


Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of  a  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  of  the  Diocess  of 
Virginia,  which  assembled  in  the  tovm  of  Fredericksburg,  on  Thursday,  the  I7th  of  May,  1827. 


This  being  the  day  and  place  appointed  for 
the  annual  meeting  of  the  Convention  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  Diocess  of 
Virginia,  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Moore,  D.  D., 
with  s.everal  clergymen  and  lay  deputies,  attend- 
ed divine  service  in  St.  George's  Church. 

Morning  prayer  was  read  by  the  Rev.  Will- 
iam Jackson,  and  a  sermon  preached  by  the 
Rev.  Henry  W.  Ducachet,  M.  D. 

After  divine  service,  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop 
Moore  took  the  chair  as  president  of  the  Con- 
vention. 

The  following*  clergymen,  entitled  to  seats  in 
this  Convention,  appeared,  viz. : — 

The  Rev.  William  H.  Wilmer,  D.  D.,  and 
President  of  William  and  Mary  College,  Bruton 
parish,  Williamsburg ;  the  Rev.  Edward  C. 
M'Guire,  St.  George's  parish,  Fredericksburg; 
the  Rev.  Frederick  W.  Hatch,  Fredericksville 
parish,  Albemarle  county;  the  Rev.  Reuel  Keith, 
Christ  Church,  Alexandria,  parish  of  Fairfax ; 
the  Rev.  Charles  H.  Page,  Lexington  parish, 
Amherst  county;  the  Rev.  Robert  B.  Croes, 
assistant  minister  of  the  Monumental  Church, 
Richmond  ;  the  Rev.  Henrv  W.  Ducachet,  M. 
D.,  Christ  Church,  Norfolk  ;""  the  Rev.  Franklin 
G.  Smith,  St.  PaulV  Church,  Lynchburg  parish, 
Lynchburg ;  the  Rev.  Nicholas  H.  Cobbs,  Rus- 
sell parish,  Bedford  county  ;  the  Rev.  William 
F.  Lee,  St.  James's  parish,  Northam,  Goochland 
county,  and  Raleigh  parish,  Amelia  county  ;  the 
Rev.  John  P.  M'Guire,  St.  Anne's  and  South 
Farnham  parishes,  Essex  ;  the  Rev.  Johannes  E. 
Jackson,  Frederick  parish,  Frederick  county ; 
the  Rev.  John  T.  Brooke,  Norborne  parish, 
Berkeley ;  the  Rev.  Edward  R.  Lippit,  Profes- 
sor in  the  Theological  School,  Alexandria  ;  the 
Rev.  George  A.  Smith,  St.  Stephen's  Church, 
Culpepper  county  ;  the  Rev.  John  Grammer, 
Bath  parish,  Dinwiddie  ;  the  Rev.  William  D. 
Cairns,  Ware  and  Abingdon  parishes,  Glouces- 
ter county ;  the  Rev.  WilUam  H.  Hart,  Henrico 
parish,  Henrico  county ;  the  Rev.  Alexander 
Jones,  St.  Andrew's  parish,  Jefferson  county; 
the  Rev.  William  G.  H.  Jones,  parish  of  New- 
port, Isle  of  Wight ;  the  Rev.  John  H.  Wing- 
field,  Portsmouth  parish,  Norfolk  county;  the 
N2 


Rev.  Leonard  H.  Johns,  St.  Margaret's  parish, 
Caroline  county ;  the  Rev.  John  Armstrong, 
Wheeling,  Ohio  county,  and  St.  John's  Church, 
Brooke  county;  the  Rev.  Hugh  C.  Boggs  ;  the 
Rev.  William  Jackson,  St.  Paul's  Church,  Alex- 
andria ;  the  Rev.  Josias  Clapham,  Washington 
parish,  Westmoreland  ;  the  Rev.  John  Cooke, 
St.  Martin's  parish,  Hanover  and  Louisa  coun- 
ties. 

Ordered,  That  the  Hon.  Hugh  Nelson  and 
John  G.  WilUams,  Esq.  be  a  committee  to  ex- 
amine the  certificates  of  appointments  of  the  lay 
delegates  ;  who  then  withdrew,  and  after  a  short 
time  returned  and  presented  the  following  re- 
port : — 

The  committee  to  whom  were  referred  the 
certificates  of  the  lay  delegates,  have,  according 
to  order,  examined  the  same,  and  report  that 
the  following  persons  have  been  duly  elected  lay 
delegates  to  this  Convention : — ^ 

Dr.  Carter  Berkeley,  St.  Martin's  parish, 
Hanover  and  Louisa  counties  ;  Edward  Valen- 
tine, jr.,  Augusta  parish,  Augusta  county ;  Need- 
ham  L.  Washington  and  Richard  Stuart,  St. 
Paul's  parish,  King  George  county ;  Samuel 
Slaughter,  St.  Stephen's  Church,  Culpepper 
county ;  the  Hon.  Hugh  Nelson,  Fredericksville 
parish,  Albemarle  county  ;  Lewis  Berkeley  and 
Thomas  B.  Beatty,  Shelburne  parish,  Loudoun 
county  ;  Augustine  L.  Dabney,Ware  and  Abing- 
don parishes,  Gloucester  county ;  John  G.  Will- 
iams, Monumental  Church,  Richmond ;  Mallo- 
ry  M.  Todd,  parish  of  Newport,  Isle  of  Wight ; 
Robert  E.  Steed,  Christ  Church,  Norfolk;  Mus- 
coe  Garnett,  St.  Anne's  parish,  Essex  county; 
John  Hooif,  St.  Paul's  Church,  Alexandria; 
Hugh  C.  M'Nemara,  Henrico  parish,  Henrico 
county ;  Strother  Jones,  Obed  Waite,  and  Philip 
Nelson,  Frederick  parish,  Frederick  county ; 
Robert  B.  Butt,  Trinity  Church,  Portsmouth 
parish  ;  Thurmer  Hoggard,  Lynnhaven  parish, 
Princess  Anne  county;  John  Nelson,  St.  James's 
parish,  Mecklenburg  county  ;  Francis  Nelson, 
Raleigh  parish,  Amelia  county  ;  Thomas  With- 
ers, jr.,  Bath  parish,  Dinwiddie  county ;  Thomas 
B.  Lippit,  parish  of  Bristol,  Petersburg;  Nahum 
Osgood,  St.  Paul's  Church,  Lynchburg;  Ger- 


196 


CONVENTION  OF  1827. 


rard  Alexander,  Russell  parish,  Bedford  county ; 
William  Boiling,  St.  James's  parish,  Northam, 
Goochland  county,  William  M.  Blackford,  Nor- 
borne  parish,  Berkeley;  Edmund  Penn,  Lex- 
ington parish,  Amherst  county  ;  the  Hon.  Will- 
iam Browne,  Bruton  parish,  James  City  county ; 
Richard  Croxton,  parish  of  South  Farnham,  Es- 
sex county;  John  Gray,  St.  George's  parish, 
Fredericksburg. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Hugh  Nelson, 

Resolved,  That  the  rules  of  order  adopted  by 

the  last  Convention  for  the  government  of  their 

proceedings,  be  the  rules  of  proceeding  during 

the  present  Convention,  which  are  as  follows : — 

1.  The  business  of  every  day  shall  be  intro- 
duced with  the  morning  service  of  the  church. 

2.  When  the  president  takes  the  chair,  no 
member  shall  continue  standing,  or  shall  after- 
ward stand  up,  except  to  address  the  chair. 

3.  No  mernijer  shall  absent  himself  from  the 
service  of  the  house  unless  he  have  leave,  or  be 
\mable  to  attend. 

4.  When  any  member  is  about  to  speak  in 
debate,  or  deliver  any  matter  to  the  house,  he 
shall,  with  due  respect,  address  himself  to  the 
president,  confining  himself  strictly  to  the  point 
in  debate. 

5.  No  member  shall  speak  more  than  twice 
in  the  same  debate  without  leave  of  the  house. 

6.  A  question  being  once  determined  shall 
stand  as  the  judgment  of  the  house,  and  shall 
not  be  again  drawn  into  debate  during  the  same 
session,  unless  with  the  consent  of  two  thirds 
of  the  house. 

7.  While  the  president  is  putting  any  ques- 
tion the  members  shall  continue  in  their  seats, 
and  shall  not  hold  any  private  discourse. 

8.  Every  member  who  shall  be  in  the  house 
when  any  question  is  put,  shall,  on  a  division, 
be  counted,  unless  he  be  personally  interested 
in  the  decision. 

9.  No  motion  shall  be  considered  as  before 
the  house  unless  it  be  seconded,  and,  when  re- 
quired, reduced  to  writing. 

10.  When  any  question  is  before  the  house, 
it  shall  be  determined  upon  before  any  new  thing 
is  introduced,  except  the  question  of  adjourn- 
ment. 

11.  The  question  on  a  motion  of  adjourn- 
ment shall  be  taken  before  any  other,  and  with- 
out debate. 

12.  When  the  house  is  about  to  rise,  every 
member  shall  keep  his  seat  until  the  president 
shall  leave  his  chair. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  Robert  B.  Croes, 
the  Rev.  Nicholas  H.  Cobbs,  the  Rev.  John  h! 
Wingfield,  Mr.  Obed  Waite,  Mr.  Gerrard  Alex- 
ander, the  Hon.  William  Browne,  and  Mr.  Thur- 
mer  Hoggard,  be  a  committee  to  examine  the 
parochial  reports. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  William  H.  Wilmer, 
D.  D.,  the  Rev.  William  Meade,  the  Rev.  Will- 
iam H.  Hart,  the  Rev.  Henry  W.  Ducachet, 
Mr.  Philip  Nelson,  Mr.  John  G.  Williams,  Mr. 
Muscoe  Gamett,  and  Mr.  John  Hooff,  be  a  com- 
mittee to  take  into  consideration  the  state  of  the 
church  in  this  diocess,  and  report  thereupon  to 
this  Convention. 


Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  Mr.  Lippit,  the  Rev, 
Edward  C.  M'Guire,  Mr.  Nahum  Osgood,  Mr. 
Hugh  C.  M'Nemara,  Mr.  Robert  E.  Steed,  and 
Mr.  Francis  Nelson,  be  a  committee  to  exam- 
ine the  accounts  of  the  treasurer  of  the  fund  for 
the  permanent  support  of  the  episcopate  in  this 
diocess. 

Ordered,  That  the  Hon.  Hugh  Nelson,  Dr. 
Carter  Berkeley,  Mr.  John  Gray,  and  Mr.  Thom- 
as Withers,  be  a  committee  to  examine  the  treas- 
urer's accounts. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  Reuel  Keith,  the 
Rev.  William  Jackson,  Mr.  Samuel  Slaughter, 
and  Mr.  Augustine  L.  Dabney,  be  a  committee 
to  examine  the  state  of  the  fund  for  the  support 
of  the  widows  and  orphans  of  deceased  clergy- 
men. 

The  Convention  proceeded  to  the  considera- 
tion of  the  following  resolution,  adopted  at  the 
last  Convention,  amendatory  of  the  constitution. 

Resolved,  That  if  it  be  ratified  by  the  next 
Convention,  the  second  article  of  the  constitu- 
tion be  amended  by  striking  out  after  the  word 
"  the,"  in  the  first  line,  all  that  follows  to  the 
word  "  within,"  in  the  third  hne,  and  substituting 
the  words,  "  the  regularly  officiating  ministers 
and  the  clerical  professors  of  the  Theological 
School  of  Virginia,  residents." 

On  motion, 

Resolved,  That  the  said  resolution  be  appro- 
ved and  adopted. 

Resolved,  That  the  ministers  of  the  church 
belonging  to  other  diocesses,  the  students  of  the 
Theological  School,  the  candidates  for  orders, 
and  the  members  of  former  Conventions  now 
present,  be  admitted  to  the  sittings  of  this  Con- 
vention. 

The  bishop  then  delivered  the  following 

PASTORAL  ADDRESS, 

Brethren, — The  indisposition  under  which  1 
laboured  the  last  year,  prevented  me  from  enga- 
ging as  extensively  as  I  should  have  done  in  the 
discharge  of  those  duties  peculiar  to  my  office, 
and  confined  my  episcopal  labours  within  a  smaller 
space  than  they  would  Otherwise  have  occupied. 
Indisposed,  however,  as  I  was,  I  did  not  remain 
altogether  unemployed,  but  devoted  my  attention 
to  those  parts  of  the  diocess  which,  from  their  sit- 
uation, required  the  least  fatigue. 

At  the  meeting  of  the  last  Convention,  I  conse- 
crated to  the  service  of  Almighty  God  the  church 
erected  in  the  town  of  Lynchburg,  under  the  min- 
istry of  the  Rev.  Franklin  G.  Smith,  and  preached 
on  that  occasion;  embracing  in  my  discourse  some 
of  the  peculiarities  of  our  polity  ;  representing  the 
excellences  of  our  liturgy,  and  its  fitness  for  the 
public  worship  of  God :  and  admitted  to  the  priest- 
hood the  Rev.  Mr.  Croes,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Gunter, 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Chevers,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Brooke,  and 
the  Rev.  Mr.  John  M'Guire. 

After  the  adjournment  of  the  Convention  I 
passed  into  the  county  of  Bedford,  and  consecrated 
two  new  churches — churches  owing  their  exist- 
ence to  the  pious  and  disinterested  labours  of  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Cobbs.  Since  the  ordination  of  Mr.  Cobbs 
several  offers  have  been  made  to  him,  by  the  ac- 
ceptance of  either  of  which  his  situation  would 
certainly  have  been  much  improved;  but,  with  a 
magnanimity  of  mind  which  rendered  him  superior 
to  pecuniary  considerations,  and  with  that  regard 
to  the  infant  state  of  the  church  which  reflects  the 


CONVENTION  OF  1827. 


197 


greatest  credit  on  his  piety,  he  declined  them  all, 
and  determined  to  remain  in  his  present  situation. 
I  mention  this  circumstance  not  only  because  it 
is  honourable  to  the  character  of  Mr.  Cobbs,  but 
from  a  hope  that  his  parishioners  will  consider  it 
their  duty  to  use  every  means  in  their  power  to 
contribute  to  the  comfort  of  himself  and  his  fam- 
ily. 

From  Bedford  I  passed  into  Amherst  county, 
and  preached  m  one  of  the  old  churches  ;  and  the 
next  day  1  rode  to  another  place  of  worship,  lately 
erected  at  New-Glasgow,  at  which  place  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Page  preached,  after  which  I  concluded  with 
an  application  to  his  discourse. 

From  Amherst  I  proceeded,  in  company  with  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Croes  and  the  Rev  Mr.  Lee,  to  Char- 
lottesville ;  and  in  that  place  I  consecrated  a  new 
church,  preached,  administered  confirmation  and 
the  Lord's  Supper.  In  the  afternoon  of  the  same 
day  the  Rev.  Mr.  Croes  preached,  and  in  the  even- 
ing the  Rev.  Mr.  Lee  officiated.  The  congrega- 
tions upon  those  occasions  were  large  and  atten- 
tive. 

From  Charlottesville  I  rode  to  Mr.  Hugh  Nel- 
son's, officiated  in  Walker's  Church,  and  returned 
home. 

In  the  beginning  of  July  I  visited  the  church 
in  the  town  of  Norfolk,  where  I  officiated  on  the 
morning  of  the  Sabbath  to  a  large  and  respectable 
auditory;  and  in  the  afternoon  passed  over  to 
Portsmouth,  and  preached  in  that  chiirch  to  an 
attentive  audience.  The  next  day  I  rode  to  the 
town  of  Suffolk,  in  company  with  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Ducachet  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Chevers,  at  which 

{(lace  both  Mr.  Ducachet  and  myself  officiated  to 
arge  and  attentive  congregations. 

Upon  my  return  to  Norfolk  I  took  passage  in  a 
packet,  and  crossed  the  Chesapeake  Bay  into  the 
counties  of  Northampton  and  Accomack.  Upon 
my  arrival  in  Northampton  I  preached  in  the 
courthouse,  and  the  next  day  proceeded,  in  com- 
pany with  the  Rev.  Mr.  Gunter,  to  the  county  of 
Accomack,  and  preached  in  the  village  of  Onan- 
cock,  in  the  Methodist  church.  On  the  Sabbath 
subsequent  I  officiated  in  one  of  the  churches, 
and  administered  the  Lord's  Supper  to  a  number 
of  pious  communicants.  The  congregations  in 
Accomack  are  at  this  time  destitute  of  a  minister, 
and  are  very  anxious  to  obtain  the  services  of  a 
clergyman.  The  parish  is  large,  and  the  people 
highly  respectable.  I  should  conceive  few  places 
m  the  diocess  more  entitled  to  attention,  and  few 
congregations  better  able  or  more  disposed  to  ren- 
der a  faithful  minister  happy. 

From  Accomack  I  returned  to  Northampton, 
and  preached  in  Hungar's  church  to  a  large  and 
respectable  assembly,  and  then  rode  to  the  court- 
house, where  I  again  officiated  to  an  attentive  con- 
gregation. 

In  the  middle  of  July  I  visited  Petersburg,  in 
company  with  the  Rev.  Mr.  Ducachet  and  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Lee ;  at  which  time  I  admitted  to  dea- 
cons' orders  Mr.  John  Grammer,  Mr.  Benjamin 
O.  Peers,  Mr.  Henry  Aisquith,  and  Mr.  Leonard 
H.  Johns ;  and  administered  the  Lord's  Supper. 
The  Rev.  Mr.  Ducachet  preached  in  the  mornmg, 
and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Lee  in  the  evening;  upon  both 
occasions  the  congregations  were  numerous  and 
attentive. 

In  the  month  of  September  I  went  to  the  county 
of  Hanover.  In  that  section  of  the  district  I  passed 
several  days  in  company  with  the  Rev.  Edward 
M'Guire  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Croes.  The  Rev.  Mr. 
Croes  preached  the  first  day ;  on  the  second  the 
Rev.  Mr.  M'Guire  preached  an  ordination  sermon, 
after  which  I  admitted  to  the  priesthood  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Cooke,  and  administered  the  Lord's  Supper. 


On  the  third  day  Mr.  Croes  preached  at  the  house 
of  the  venerable  Mrs.  Nelson,  at  which  time  1 
administered  the  Lord's  Supper  to  herself  and  up- 
wards of  thirty  members  of  her  numerous  connex- 
ion. 

On  the  last  of  September  I  went  to  the  north, 
with  an  intention  to  attend  the  General  Conven- 
tion ;  but,  in  consequence  of  the  most  severe  illness 
with  which  I  was  ever  visited,  I  was  not  only  pre- 
vented from  carrying  into  effect  that  design,  but 
also  from  returning  to  this  diocess  until  the  month 
of  March.  I  should  deem  myself  deficient  in  grat- 
itude to  the  inhabitants  of  Hartford,  in  Connecti- 
cut, and  wanting  in  respect  to  Virginia,  whose 
adopted  son  those  people  considered  me,  were  I 
not  thus  publicly  to  acknowledge  the  wieight  of 
obligation  under  which  their  kindness  has  placed 
me.  The  attentions  of  Mr.  Samuel  Tudor  and 
lady,  of  that  city,  were  the  attentions  of  children 
to  a  parent.  Language  is  too  feeble  to  express 
the  affectionate  treatment  I  received  at  their  hands; 
and  while  memory  retams  its  seat  in  my  mind,  1 
can  never  forget  them.  May  the  Almighty  God 
remember  them  for  good,  and  prove  their  friend  in 
every  time  of  need. 

In  the  month  of  March  I  held  an  ordination  in 
the  Monumental  Church  in  the  city  of  Richmond  ; 
on  which  occasion  the  Rev.  Mr.  Croes  delivered 
a  discourse,  proving  satisfactorily  and  conclusively 
the  ministerial  office  of  deacons,  and  enforcing 
their  duties ;  after  which  I  admitted  to  the  holy 
order  of  deacons  Mr.  George  Kirke. 

The  secretary,  brethren,  will  produce  to  the 
Convention  a  letter  from  the  secretary  of  the  Gen- 
eral Convention,  on  the  subject  of  certain  proposed 
alterations  in  the  liturgy  of'^  the  church.  It  is  my 
duty  to  mention,  not  only  to  the  members  of  this 
Convention,  but  also  to  the  members  of  the  church 
throughout  the  diocess  of  Virginia,  the  fears  with 
which  my  mind  is  impressed  on  this  important 
subject.  The  church  has  hitherto  prospered  in  the 
use  of  the  liturgy  as  it  has  been  handed  down  to 
us  by  our  fathers.  That  uniformity  of  worship 
which  has  distinguished  us  as  a  society,  should 
the  proposed  alterations  be  carried  into  effect,  will 
be  destroyed.  Instead  of  uniting  in  the  same  de- 
votional exercises  as  we  hitherto  have  done,  every 
clergyman  will  have  it  in  his  power  to  select  his 
own  lessons,  and  to  read  such  portions  of  the 
Psalms  of  David  as  he  pleases,  by  which  means 
the  pubhc  worship  of  God  in  these  particulars  will 
be  as  various  as  the  constitutions  of  our  minds. 
The  old  members  of  the  church,  who  have  been 
taught  to  view  the  liturgy  through  a  medium  the 
most  sacred,  will  be  grieved.  The  guards  to  uni- 
formity being  once  removed,  one  innovation  will 
succeed  another,  until  the  people  will  lose  that 
reverence  for  our  incomparable  services  by  which 
they  have  been  actuated,  and  the  church  receive 
the  most  vital  injury. 

When  we  reflect  upon  the  general  esteem  in 
which  the  liturgy  is  viewed  by  the  reflecting  and 
considerate  of  other  denominations,  our  opinion 
of  its  excellence  should  be  strengthened  and  in- 
creased. The  celebrated  Dr.  Clarke,  of  the  Meth- 
odist society,  has  declared,  that  the  liturgy  of  the 
church  is  second  to  no  volume  except  the  sacred 
writings;  and  the  Rev.  Robert  Hall,  of  the  Baptist 
society,  has  expressed  himself  in  similar  language. 
To  touch  a  matter  of  so  much  consequence  with- 
out the  deepest  reflection — to  alter  a  service  of 
such  acknowledged  worth  without  years  of  pray- 
erful consideration,  should  not  be  ventured  on. 
When  we  enter  the  threshold  of  this  inquiry  we 
should  take  the  shoes  from  off  our  feet,  as  the 
ground  whereon  we  tread  is  holy  ground.  The 
church  in  Virginia  will  never  be  induced,  I  trust 


19b 


CONVENTION  OF  1827. 


and  pray,  to  depart  from  her  prescribed  forms ;  but 
will  defend  the  liturgy  in  all  its  integrity,  and  prove 
to  the  Christian  world  that  we  reverence  the  opin- 
ions of  our  fathers,  and  are  satisfied  with  that  sys- 
tem of  doctrine  which  they  venerated,  and  which 
they  so  highly  valued. 

Such,  brethren,  are  the  outlines  of  the  views  I 
entertain  of  the  contemplated  measure  :  I  should 
have  considered  myself  deficient  in  duty  to  the 
church  committed  to  my  care  by  you  and  by 
heaven,  did  I  not  raise  my  warning  voice  in  behalf 
of  the  liturgy,  and  thus  express  the  fears  which 
have  disturbed  my  quiet. 

Since  our  last  meeting  we  have  been  deprived 
of  the  labours  of  our  affectionate  brother,  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Dunn.  The  humiUty  for  which  he  was  dis- 
tinguished, the  fidelity  with  which  he  laboured, 
and  the  evangelical  views  he  entertained  on  the 
subject  of  religion,  endeared  him  to  us  all.  His 
death  was  marked  with  the  strongest  features  of 
resignation  to  the  will  of  the  Almighty,  and  his 
views  of  that  rest  which  remaineth  for  the  people 
of  God  comforted  him  in  his  last  moments,  and 
rendered  the  termination  of  his  life  truly  triumph- 
ant. He  has  entered,  I  trust,  into  the  joy  of  his 
Lord,  and  now  rests  in  peace  on  the  bosom  of  his 
God. 

In  the  beginning  of  the  present  month  I  visited 
the  county  of  Goochland,  in  company  with  the 
Rev.  Messrs.  Meade,  Cooke,  Croes,  and  Johns. 

Although  the  present  incumbent  has  been  set- 
tled in  that  parish  but  one  year,  still  the  church, 
the  concerns  of  which  had  been  dormant  for  thirty 
years,  now  discovers  a  state  of  energy  of  no  in- 
considerable character.  The  people,  animated 
by  the  laborious  efforts  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Lee,  have 
repaired  one  of  the  old  churches,  and  put  it  in  com- 
plete order.  Agreeably  to  their  request,  I  conse- 
crated it  to  the  service  of  God,  and  confirmed 
twelve  persons.  We  all  preached  in  succession 
to  large  and  attentive  auditories.  The  Holy  Com- 
munion was  administered  the  day  after  I  left  the 
parish  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Meade,  and  the  church 
was  joined  by  several  new  members. 

On  the  last  Sunday  I  visited  the  church  on 
Richmond  Hill,  which  is  under  the  superintend- 
ence of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Hart,  upon  which  occasion 
I  preached  to  a  very  large  congregation,  and  ad- 
ministered the  rite  of  confirmation  to  nineteen 
persons.  It  is  with  great  pleasure  I  mention  the 
present  prosperous  state  of  that  church.  The 
church  has  been  put  in  complete  repair,  through 
the  efforts  of  a  few  spirited  gentlemen,  and  is 
second  in  its  internal  appearance  to  very  few  of 
the  churches  in  this  diocess. 

With  my  prayers  to  Heaven  that  our  Conven- 
tional proceedmgs  at  this  time  may  be  as  distin- 
guished by  that  peace  and  harmony  which  have 
characterized  our  former  deliberations,  I  now  con- 
clude this  address. 

Richard  Channing  Moore. 

The  secretary  then  presented  to  the  Conven- 
tion the  following  letter,  received  by  him  from  the 
secretaries  of  the  House  of  Bishops  and  House 
of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies. 
To  the  Secretary  of  the  Convention  of  the  Diocess  of 
Virginia. 
New-York,  December  20,  \82G. 

Sir,— We  have  the  honour  of  transmitting  to 
you,  to  be  communicated  to  your  Convention,  the 
following  extracts  from  the  Journal  of  the  pro- 
ceedings of  the  late  General  Convention  of  our 
church. 

Extract  from  the  Journal  of  the  House  of  Bishops. 
*'0n  motion  of  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Hobart, 


"  Resolved,  That  the  House  of  Bishops  propose 
the  following  preambles  and  resolutions  to  the 
House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  : — 

"  The  House  of  Bishops,  deeply  solicitous  to 
preserve  unimpaired  the  liturgy  of  the  church, 
and  yet  desirous  to  remove  the  reasons  alleged, 
from  the  supposed  length  of  the  service,  for  the 
omission  of  some  of  its  parts,  and  particularly  for 
the  omission  of  that  part  of  the  communion  office 
which  is  commonly  called  the  ante-communion, 
do  unanimously  propose  to  the  House  of  Clerical 
and  Lay  Deputies  the  following  resolutions,  to  be 
submitted  to  the  several  State  Conventions,  in 
order  to  be  acted  upon  at  the  next  General  Con- 
vention, agreeably  to  the  eighth  article  of  the  con- 
stitution. 

"  L  Resolved,  That  in  '  The  order  how  the 
Psalter  is  appointed  to  be  read,'  the  following  be 
added  to  the  fourth  paragraph — '  or  any  other 
Psalm  or  Psalms,  except  on  those  days  on  which 
proper  Psahns  are  appointed  :'  so  that  the  whole 
paragraph  will  read  as  follows : — '  The  minister, 
instead  of  reading  from  the  Psalter  as  divided  for 
daily  morning  and  evening  prayer,  may  read  one 
of  the  selections  set  out  by  this  church,  or  any 
other  Psalm  or  Psalms,  except  on  those  days  on 
which  '  proper  Psalms'  are  appointed. 

"  2.  Resolved,  That  in  '  The  order  how  the  rest 
of  the  Holy  Scripture  is  appointed  to  be  read,' 
the  following  be  inserted  after  thelSfth  paragraph : 
— '  The  minister  may,  at  his  discretion,  instead  of 
the  entire  lessons,  read  suitable  portions  thereof, 
not  less  than  fifteen  verses.  And  on  other  days 
than  Sundays  and  holydays,  in  those  places  where 
morning  and  evenmg  prayer  is  not  daily  used,  he 
may  read  other  portions  of  the  Old  and  New 
Testaments  instead  of  the  prescribed  lessons  ;  it 
being  recommended,  that  unless  circumstances 
render  it  inexpedient,  on  the  stated  prayer  days 
of  Wednesdays  and  Fridays,  the  lessons  for  those 
days,  or  for  one  of  the  mtervening  days,  be  read.' 

"The  bishops,  in  the  use  of  the  oflSce  of  con- 
firmation, finding  that  the  preface  is  frequently 
not  well  suited  to  the  age  and  character  of  those 
who  are  presented  for  this  holy  ordinance,  unani- 
mously propose  the  following  resolution: — 

"  3.  Resolved,  That  after  the  present  preface  in 
the  office  of  confirmation,  the  following  be  in- 
serted, to  be  used  instead  of  the  former,  at  the 
discretion  of  the  bishop  : — '  It  appears  from  Holy 
Scripture,  that  the  apostles  laid  their  hands  on 
those  who  were  baptized  ;  and  this  ordinance, 
styled  by  the  Apostle  Paul  the  "  laying  on  of 
hands,"  and  ranked  by  him  among  the  principles 
of  the  doctrine  of  Christ,  has  been  retained  in  the 
church,  under  the  name  of  confirmation ;  and  is 
very  convenient  and  proper  to  be  observed,  to  the 
end  that'  persons  being  sufficiently  instructed  in 
what  they  promised,  or  what  was  promised  for 
them  in  their  baptism,  and  being  in  other  respects 
duly  qualified,  may  themselves,  with  their  own 
mouth  and  consent,  openly,  before  the  church, 
ratify  and  confirm  the  same;  and  also  promise, 
that  by  the  grace  of  God  they  will  evermore  en 
deavour  themselves  faithfully  to  observe  such 
things  as  they,  by  their  own  confession,  have  as- 
sented unto.' 

"  And  to  correct  the  injurious  misapprehension 
as  to  the  meaning  of  certain  terms  in  the  firs^ 
collect  in  the  office  of  confirmation,  the  bishops 
unanimously  propose  the  following  resolution  : — 

"  4.  Resolved,  That  after  the  first  collect  in  the 
office  of  confirmation,  the  following  be  inserted, 
to  be  used  at  the  discretion  of  the  bishop,  instead 
of  the  first  collect : — '  Almighty  and  everliving 
God,  who  hast  vouchsafed  in  baptism  to  regener 
ate  these  thy  servants  by  water  and  the  Holy 


CONVENTION  OF  1827. 


199 


Ghost,  thus  giving  them  a  title  to  all  the  blessings 
of  thy  covenant  of  grace  and  mercy  in  thy  Son 
Jesus  Christ,  and  now  dost  graciously  confirm 
unto  them,  ratifying  the  promises  then  made,  ail 
their  holy  privileges  ;  grant  unto  them,  we  be- 
seech thee,  O  Lord,  the  renewing  of  the  Holy 
Ghost ;  strengthen  them  with  the  power  of  this 
divine  Comforter ;  and  daily  increase  in  them  thy 
manifold  gifts  of  grace,  the  spirit  of  wisdom  and 
understanding,  the  spirit  of  counsel  and  ghostly 
strength,  the  spirit  of  knowledge  and  true  godli- 
ness ;  and  till  them,  O  Lord,  with  the  spirit  of  thy 
holy  fear,  now  and  for  ever.    Amen.' 

"  And  whereas,  in  the  opinion  of  the  bishops, 
there  is  no  doubt  as  to  the  obligation  of  ministers 
to  say,  on  all  Sundays  and  other  holydays,  that 
part  of  the  communion  office  which  is  commonly 
called  the  ante-communion,  yet,  as  the  practice 
of  some  of  the  clergy  is  not  conformable  to  this 
construction  of  the  rubric  on  this  point,  the  House 
of  Bishops  propose  the  following  resolution  : — 

"5.  Resolved,  That  the  following  be  adopted 
as  a  substitute  for  the  first  sentence  in  the  rubric, 
immediately  after  the  communion  office  :— 

"  '  On  all  Sundays  and  other  holydays  shall  be 
said  all  that  is  appointed  at  the  communion  unto 
the  end  of  the  gospel,  concluding  divine  service, 
in  all  cases  when  there  is  a  sermon  or  commu- 
nion, and  when  there  is  not,  with  the  blessing.'  " 

Extract  from  the  Journal  of  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies. 

■'  The  resolutions  received  from  the  House  of 
Bishops  on  the  subject  of  the  Psalter,  &c.,  being 
under  consideration,  it  was  Resolved,  That  this 
house  concur  in  the  resolutions  of  the  House  of 
Bishops." 

Extract  from  the  Journal  of  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies. 

"  Resolved,  by  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay 
Deputies,  the  House  of  Bishops  concurring.  That 
it  be  made  known  to  the  several  State  Conven- 
tions of  this  church,  that  it  is  proposed  to  con- 
sider of  and  determine  on,  at  the  next  General 
Convention,  the  propriety  of  altering  the  second 
clause  of  the  eighth  article  of  the  constitution  of 
this  church,  by  adding  the  words,  '  or  the  articles 
of  religion,'  after  the  words,  '  other  offices  of  the 
church.' " 

Extract  from  the  Journal  of  the  House  of  Bishops. 

"  A  resolution  was  received  from  the  House  of 
Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  proposisg  to  make 
known  to  the  several  State  Conventions  a  prop- 
osition to  consider  of  and  determine  on  the  ex- 
pediency of  altering  the  second  clause  of  the 
eighth  article  of  the  constitution  of  this  church; 
which  was  concurred  in  by  this  house." 

We  certify  the  above  to  be  true  extracts  from 
the  Journal  of  the  House  of  Bishops,  and  the  Jour- 
nal of  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies, 
respectively,  in  the  General  Convention  of  1826. 
William  H.  De  Lancey,  Secretary  of  the 

House  of  Bishops. 

Benjamin  T.  Onderdonk,  Secretary  of  the 

House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies, 

On  motion.  Resolved,  That  the  said  letter  be 
referred  to  a  select  committee. 

The  president  then  appointed  the  Rev.  Henry 
W.  Ducachet,  M.  D.,  the  Rev.  Wm  H.  Hart, 
the  Rev.  Reuel  Keith,  Mr.  Hugh  Nelson,  Mr. 
John  Gray,  Mr.  Robert  E.  Steed,  and  Mr.  Ger- 
rard  Alexander,  on  said  committee. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  Mr.  Lewis  Berke- 


ley have  leave  of  absence  for  the  remainder  of 
the  session  of  the  Convention. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  Convention 
meet  each  day  at  9  o'clock,  A.  M.  during  its 
session. 

And  then,  on  motion,  the  Convention  ad- 
journed until  to-morrow  morning,  9  o'clock. 

Friday,  May  18,  1827. 

The  Convention  met  according  to  adjourn- 
ment, and  was  opened  with  prayer  by  the  Rev. 
Dr.  Wilmer. 

The  bishop  being  absent,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Wil- 
mer, on  motion,  was  called  to  the  chair. 

The  Rev.  William  Meade,  of  Frederick  par- 
ish, Frederick  county,  and  the  Rev.  William 
Marshall,  of  Leed's  parish,  Fauquier  county, 
appeared  and  took  their  seats. 

Mr.  George  Fayette  Washington,  a  lay  dele- 
gate of  the  parish  of  Norborne,  Berkeley  county, 
and  Mr.  Robert  Slaughter,  a  lay  delegate  of 
the  parish  of  St.  Mark's,  Culpepper  county,  ap- 
peared and  took  their  seats. 

The  parochial  reports  were  handed  in  and 
read,  and  referred  to  the  committee  upoii  paro- 
chial reports. 

The  session  was  then  suspended,  for  the 
purpose  of  attending  divine  service  by  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Hart,  and  a  sermon  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Keith, 
after  which  the  Convention  again  met. 

The  bishop  appeared  and  took  his  seat  as 
president  of  the  Convention. 

Mr.  Obed  Waite  presented  a  petition,  signed 
by  the  members  of  the  congregation  of  the 
Episcopal  church  at  Winchester,  praying  that 
the  church  at  Winchester  may  be  hereafter 
known  by  the  name  of  Christ  Church,  Win- 
chester, and  formed  into  a  separate  parish,  to 
be  called  the  parish  of  Frederick,  Winchester, 
and  received  as  such  into  the  Convention. 

On  motion.  Resolved,  That  the  prayer  of  the 
petitioners  is  reasonable,  and  that  the  same  be 
granted. 

A  motion  was  made  and  seconded,  that  the 
Convention  come  to  the  following  resolution  : 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  on  parochial 
reports  be  discharged,  and  that  the  reports  be 
spread  on  the  Journal,  as  read  to  the  Conven- 
tion ;  and,  on  the  question  being  put  thereupon, 
it  was  rejected. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  Mr.  John  Gray 
have  leave  of  absence  from  the  Convention  for 
the  remainder  of  this  day. 

The  secretary  received  the  following  contri- 
butions from  sundry  parishes  of  this  diocess  for 
the  Contingent  Fund  : — 

Fredericksville  parish,  Albemarle  county,  $15  00 
Christ   Church,  Alexandria,    parish  of 

Fairfax, 30  00 

Lexington  parish,  Amherst  county,      -  20  00 
Christ  Church,  Norfolk,     -         -         -  30  00 
Russell  parish,  Bedford  county,          -  30  00 
St.  James's  parish,  Noriham,  Gooch- 
land,    - 10  00 

St.  Anne's  parish,  Essex,           -        -  30  00 


Amount  carried  forward, 


$165  00 


200 


CONVENTION  OF  1827. 


Amount  brought  forward,  $165  00 
South  Farnham  parish,  Essex,  -  10  00 
Frederick  parish,  Frederick  county,  30  00 
Christ  Church,  Norbome  parish,  Berke- 
ley county,  -  -  -  -  5  25 
St.  Stephen's  Church,  Culpepper  county,  20  00 
St.  Mark's  parish,  Culpepper  county,  15  00 
Bath  parish,  Dinwiddie,  -  -  -  30  00 
"Ware  and  Abingdon  parishes,  -  -  15  00 
Henrico  parish,  Henrico  county,  -  15  00 
St.  Andrew's  parish,  Jeiferson  county,  15  00 
Portsmouth  parish,  Norfolk  county,  -  20  00 
St.-Margaret's  parish,  Caroline  county,  27  27 
St.  Paul's  Church,  Alexandria,  -  22  00 
Washington  parish,  Westmoreland,  -  8  00 
St.  Paul's  parish,  King  George  county,  15  06 
Donation  by  Mr.  Richard  Stuart  of  King 

George, 5  00 

St.  Martin's  parish,  Hanover  and  Louisa,  20  00 

Augusta  parish,  Augusta  county,         -  10  00 

Shelburne  parish,  Loudoun  county,      -  20  00 

Monumental  Church,  Richmond,          -  30  00 

St.  James's  parish,  Mecklenburg  county,  24  00 

Bristol  parish,  Petersburg,           -         -.  30  00 

Bruton  parish,  James  city,           -         -  30  00 

St.  George's  parish,  Fredericksburg,    -  20  00 

$601  58 

The  following  sums  have  been  received  since 
the  last  Convention  towards  the  support  of  the 
bishop's  assistant  for  the  year  ending  in  May, 

Bristol  parish,  Petersburg,          -  -  $30  00 

St.  George's  parish,  Fredericksburg,  -  20  00 

St.  James's  parish,  Mecklenburg,  -  20  00 

Russell  parish,  Bedford,     -         -  -  15  00 

Louisa  county,  by  Rev.  Mri  Crawford,  10  00 

St.  Paul's  Church,  Alexandria,    -  -  20  00 

St.  Anne's  parish,  Essex,           -  -  15  00 

$130  00 
The  following  sums  were  paid  towards  the 
support  of  the  bishop's  assistant  for  the  year 
ending  May,  1827  : — 

Frederick  parish,  Frederick  county,  -  $20  00 
Louisa  county,  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Craw- 
ford, -  -  -  -  .  -  10  00 
Russell  parish,  Bedford  county,  -  10  00 
Bristol  parish,  Petersburg,  -  -  20  00 
St.  Paul's  Church,  Alexandria,  -  10  00 
St.  James's,  Mecklenburg,  -  -  10  00 
Fredericksville  parish,  Albemarle,.  -  10  00 
Lexington  parish,  Amherst  county,  -  10  00 
Christ  Church,  Norfolk,  -  -  -  20  00 
St.  James's  parish,  Northam,  Gooch- 
land,       10  00 

St.  Anne's  parish,  Essex,            -         -  10  00 

South  Farnham  parish,  Essex,            -  10  00 

Norbome  parish,  Berkeley,          -         .  12  00 
Norbome  parish,  Christ  Church,  Berke- 

„>y,       - 6  00 

Ware  and  Abingdon    parishes,  Glou- 

cester,            -         .         .        .         -  10  00 

Portsmouth  parish,  Norfolk  county,     -  10  00 


Amount  carried  forward, 


$187  00 


Amount  brought  forward,  $187  00 

St.  Martin's  parish,  Hanover  and  Louisa 

counties,        -         -         -         -         -     10  00 

Lynnhavenparish,  Princess  Anne  county,  10  00 

Shelburne  parish,  Loudoun  county,      -     10  00 

St.  Paul's  Church,  Lynchburg,             -     10  00 

St.  Mark's  parish,  Culpepper  county,          9  00 

$236  00 

On  motion.  Resolved,  That  the  Convention 
do  now  adjourn  until  to-morrow  morning,  9 
o'clock. 

Saturday,  May  19,  1827. 

The  Convention  met  according  to  adjourn- 
ment, and  was  opened  with  prayer  by  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Meade. 

The  bishop  being  absent,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Wil- 
mer  was  called  to  the  chair. 

Mr.  P.  Hansbrough  produced  a  certificate 
of  his  appointment  as  a  lay  delegate  for  the 
parish  of  St.  Mark's,  Culpepper  county  (Mr 
Robert  Slaughter  having  retired),  and  Mr. 
Festus  Dickinson  produced  a  certificate  of  his 
appointment  as  a  lay  delegate  for  the  parish  of 
St.  Margaret's,  Caroline  county  ;  which  certifi- 
cates being  read,  were  approved  in  conformity 
with  the  canons,  whereupon  they  took  their 
seats  as  members  of  this  Convention. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Croes,  from  the  committee  to 
whom  were  referred  the  parochial  reports,  pre- 
sented the  following  report : — 

The  committee  on  the  parochial  reports  have 
had  the  same  under  consideration,  and  have  con- 
densed them  as  far  as  in  their  opinion  they 
could  do  it  with  propriety.  They  much  regret 
that,  after  the  numerous  expressions  of  disappro- 
bation on  the  part  of  this  house,  of  statements 
long,  minute,  and  tedious,  and  not  tending,  ac- 
cording to  the  language  of  the  canon,  "  to  throw 
light  on  the  state  of  the  parishes,"  they  should 
have  been  compelled,  in  any  instance,  to  curtail 
or  amend. 

They  humbly  trust  that  the  members  of  the 
Convention  will  bear  in  mind  the  delicacy  and 
difficulty  of  the  charge  with  which  the  commit- 
tee have  been  intrusted,  and  duly  appreciate  the 
motives  which  have  actuated  them  in  the  alter- 
ations they  have  made.  They  therefore  re- 
spectfully submit  the  reports,  as  amended,  to 
be  disposed  of,  as  the  Convention  may  think 
proper.  Robt.  B.  Croes,  Chairman. 

Whereupon  it  was  Resolved,  That  these  re- 
ports, as  condensed  by  the  committee,  be  insert- 
ed on  the  Journal. 

St.  Martin's  parish,  Hanover.  During  the  last 
year  it  has  pleased  A  mighty  God  to  add  to  his 
httle  flock  in  St.  Martin's  parish  eighteen  com- 
municants, which  makes  the  present  number 
sixty-four.  We  have  had  six  baptisms,  eight 
funerals,  and  one  marriage.  Our  Bible  Society, 
which  consists  of  seventy-five  members,  raises  an- 
nually about  $100.  The  Education  Society,  which 
has  sixty  members,  about  $70.  Our  Sunday 
School,  though  not  large,  promises  much  useful- 
ness. John  Cooke. 

Christ  Church,  Fairfax  parish,  Alexandria. 
Baptisms  twenty — funerals  four — marriages  eight 
— additions  to  the  communion  three. 

Reubl  Keith,  Rector. 


CONVENTION  OF  1827. 


201 


The  lay  members  from  St.  Paul's  parish,  in  the 
county  of  King  George,  state,  that  their  parish  is 
without  a  minister,  and  ihat  with  the  exception 
of  the  ladies,  among  whom  there  are  many  bright 
Christians,  and  all  of  them  much  concerned  for 
their  souls,  reUgion  has  greatly  dechned. 

Richard  Stuart, 
N.  L.  Washington. 

St.  Paul's  Church,  Alexandria.  The  present 
rector  has  had  charge  of  his  congregation  only 
three  months— no  material  change  has  taken  place 
within  that  time.  He  found  the  congregation  and 
the  various  schools  and  societies  connected  with 
it,  as  reported  to  preceding  Conventions,  in  a  very 
prosperous  state.  The  Sunday  Schools  contain 
about  two  hundred  and  thirty  scholars.  A  large 
number  of  children  are  formed  into  Bible  classes, 
which  promise  much  usefulness,  besides  which  a 
Bible  class  for  adult  females,  under  the  care  of  the 
rector,  has  been  recently  established.  The  female 
Charitable  School  for  the  instruction  of  the  poor 
children  in  domestic  employment,  continues  to  ex- 
ert a  very  beneficial  influence  ;  it  contains  about 
one  hundred  pupils,  and  meets  every  Saturday. 
Upon  the  whole,  we  have  reason  to  bless  God  for 
the  promising  appearance  in  this  part  of  his  vine- 
yard ;  and  humbly  trust,  from  the  very  serious  at- 
tention that  IS  manifested  by  many,  that  there 
will  ere  long  be  a  great  ingathering  of  souls  to 
God. 

During  the  past  year  this  congregation  has  li- 
quidated a  debt  of  upwards  of  ^3,000,  leaving  it 
now  almost  entirely  free  from  encumbrances. 

Since  the  late  rector  resigned  his  charge,  there 
have  been  six  added  to  the  communion,  four  bap- 
tized, one  of  whom  was  an  adult,  and  three  fu- 
nerals. Wm.  Jackson,  Rector. 

Leed's  parish,  Fauquier  county.  This  parish 
formerly  stood  connected  with  that  of  Hamilton 
in  the  same  county.  It  has  within  the  last  year 
effected  the  maintenance  of  a  distinct  rector. 
There  are  three  places  of  worship,  but  as  yet  no 
church  is  exclusively  appropriated  to  the  Episcopal 
services.  The  congregations  are  small,  the  people 
being  very  much  divided  in  their  predilection  for 
the  Episcopal,  Presbyterian,  Methodist,  and  Bap- 
tist denominations.  The  rector  has,  however, 
flattered  himself  with  the  discovery  of  some  en- 
largement in  the  number  attending  his  preaching. 
Owing  to  the  rector's  not  having  it  in  his  power 
to  administer  the  communion,  the  number  of  com- 
municants is  not  precisely  known.  Baptisms 
eight.  Wm.  L.  Marshall. 

Newport  parish.  Isle  of  Wight.  The  minister 
reports,  that  the  church  under  his  care,  which  for 
more  than  twenty  years  has  been  in  a  state  of  di- 
lapidation and  destitute  of  gospel  ordmances,  be- 
gins to  rear  her  head,  her  courts  again  receive  the 
worshipping  multitude,  and  her  prospects  are  dai- 
ly brightening  with  increasing  numbers— devout 
attention  to  ordinances,  and  a  more  earnest  solici- 
tude upon  the  subject  of  religion.  He  also  reports, 
with  deep  regret,  that  one  of  his  churches  has  been 
consumed,  no  doubt  by  the  hands  of  an  incendi- 
ary. Baptisms  three — marriages  three— funerals 
four. 

Since  last  February  he  has  had  under  his  care 
the  church  in  Suffolk,  Nansemond  county,  where 
he  has  also  been  encouraged  by  an  enlarged  and 
attentive  congregation.  Wm.  G.  H.  Jones. 

Bath  parish,  Dinwiddle  county.  The  rector  of 
this  parish  was  ordained  a  deacon  in  July  last,  and 
immediately  commenced  his  labours  ;  preaching 
on  two  Sundays  in  each  month  in  Sapony  Church, 
in  the  county  of  Diuwiddie,  one  Sunday  in  Red 
Oak  Church,  in  the  county  of  Brunswick,  and 
the  remaining  Sunday  in  the  courthouse  at  Hicks' 


ford,  in  Greensville  county.  Sapony  Church  was 
in  a  good  state  of  repair,  and,  by  the  exertions  of  a 
minister  of  the  Presbyterian  communion  (who 
preaches  monthly  in  Red  Oak  Church),  funds  had 
been  provided  for  repairing  that  hou^e,  which  have 
been  so  applied  as  to  render  its  condition  now 
comfortable.  The  situation,  however,  of  the  people 
among  whom  he  officiated,  was  most  discouraging. 
The  rector  of  Bath  parish  has  been  enabled,  how- 
ever, by  God's  grace,  to  persevere  in  his  efforts  to 
make  known  the  unsearchable  riches  of  the  love 
of  God  m  Christ  Jesus  to  his  perishing  fellow- 
mortals,  and  to  build  the  church  of  the  Redeemer 
in  this  spiritual  wilderness,  notwithstanding  the 
difficulties  which  obstruct  his  progress.  He  suc- 
ceeded, by  the  divine  blessing,  in  inducing  a  few 
who  profess  a  partiality  to  the  Episcopal  Church, 
to  organize  a  congregation  at  Sapony  Church  in 
March  last,  by  electing  a  vestry,  and  he  was  at 
the  same  tune  chosen  their  rector.  Since  that 
event  he  has  been  enabled  to  use  the  services  of 
the  church  with  regularity :  the  members  of  the 
congregations  have  been  supplied  with  prayer- 
books,  and  they  unite  generally  and  audibly  with 
the  minister  in  the  use  of  the  Uturgy. 

No  opportunity  having  yet  occurred  for  the  ad- 
ministration of  the  sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Sup- 
per in  his  congregation,  the  rector  is  unable  to 
state  with  certainty  the  number  of  those  who 
would  partake  of  that  holy  ordinance.  From  the 
best  information  he  has  procured,  he  supposes  the 
number  would  be  seven.  Baptisms,  four  children, 
one  white  and  three  coloured— funerals  four — 
marriages  four— catechumens  seven. 

John  Grammer. 

The  rector  of  Trinity  Church,  Protestant  par- 
ish, presents  his  report  to  the  Convention  this 
year  with  the  liveliest  feeling  of  gratitude  to  the 
great  Head  of  the  church  for  the  fruit  that  has 
been  granted  to  his  humble  labours  within  the 
course  of  the  last  twelve  months.  He  ha;?  been 
blessed  with  the  pleasing  satisfaction  of  beholding 
an  increasing  interest  on  the  subject  of  religion 
among  his  charge,  manifested  by  an  accession  of 
several  families  to  his  congregation,  by  a  more  reg- 
ular attendance  on  the  public  ministrations  of  tlie 
word,  by  a  greater  number  of  persons  taking  an 
active  part  in  the  services  of  the  sanctuary,  and 
by  more  devotion  in  the  manner  in  which  those 
services  are  conducted.  But  that  which  proves 
to  him  most  satisfactorily  the  increase  of  religious 
feeling  among  his  people,  is  the  conversion,  the 
true  conversion,  he  trusts,  of  three  individuals  of 
his  small  charge  within  the  last  six  weeks,  and 
the  inquiring  state  in  which  about  half  a  dozen  or 
more  are  at  this  time.  These  have  all  given  pos- 
itive evidence  of  the  strivings  of  the  spirit  of  grace 
upon  their  hearts,  and  the  prevailing  effect  which 
it  has  had  upon  them,  by  their  inquiring  the  way 
to  Zion,  and  resolving  not'to  give  over  tlwiir  search 
after  God  until  they  have  found  him  to  the  peace 
and  salvation  of  their  souls. 

Within  a  few  months  a  Bible  class  has  been 
formed,  composed  at  present  of  twenty-seven 
members,  and  increasing  daily.  The  exercises 
are  well  attended,  and,  it  is  hoped,  not  without  a 
considerable  beneficial  influence.  Very  recently 
a  Sabbath  School  has  been  organized  also  in  this 
parish,  which  promises  to  be  productive  of  much 
good.  There  are  twelve  teachers  and  eighty 
scholars.  The  rector  of  this  church  further  re- 
ports, that  at  the -close  of  the  last  year  he  ceased 
his  regular  monthly  ministrations  in  the  parish  of 
Lynnhaven ;  so  that  that  people  are  now  without 
a  minister  to  break  to  them  the  bread  of  hfe.  Mar- 
riages six — baptisms  sixteen— communicants  fif- 
teen— funerals  eight. 


202 


CONVENTION  OF  1827. 


In  closing  his  report,  the  rector  of  Trinity 
Church  begs  the  members  of  this  Convention,  m 
their  prayers  ibr  the  spread  of  the  gospel  and  in- 
crease of  true  religion  generally,  to  remember 
that  portion  of  God's  vineyard,  in  particular,  of 
which  he  is  placed  in  charge.  All  which  is  re- 
spectfully submitted. 

John  H.  Winofield. 

St.  George's  Church,  Fredericksburg.  The 
minister  of  this  church  has  pleasure  in  reporting 
it  as  being  in  a  prosperous  condition.  The  con- 
gregation during  the  past  year  has  always  been 
large,  regvilar,  and  attentive ;  and  is  still  increasing 
in  numbers.  The  influence  of  the  gospel  has  been 
realized  to  a  very  encouraging  extent  during  that 
period.  For  the  greater  part  of  the  year,  but  few 
mdications  of  a  beneficial  minisfration  of  the  word 
and  doctrine  gladdened  our  hearts ;  but  He  who 
has  said,  "  In  the  morning  sow  thy  seed,  and  in  the 
evening  withhold  not  thine  hand,"  at  length  in  his 
faithfulness  remembered  us,  and  granted  us  some 
reviving  proofs  of  his  grace  and  love.  Several  of 
our  number  being  thus  graciously  visited,  have 
been  called  out  of  darkness  into  marvellous  light, 
while  others  are  anxiously  inquiring  what  they 
must  do  to  be  saved. 

There  are  two  flourishing  Bible  classes  under 
our  care.  From  this  method  of  religious  instruc- 
tion we  have  found  much  important  advantage  to 
arise,  and  think  that  no  small  share  of  the  recent 
spiritual  improvement  of  the  congregation  may  be 
ascribed  to  it. 

The  Sunday  Schools  belonging  to  the  church 
are  still  in  a  most  flourishing  state.  The  number 
of  scholars,  male  and  female,  amounts  to  two  hun- 
dred and  fifty. 

The  Fredericksburg  Common  Prayer-Book  and 
Tract  Society  is  still  in  active  and  successful 
operation. 

The  Female  Education  Society,  auxiliary  to 
the  Education  Society  of  Virginia  and  Maryland, 
is  still  lealous  for  the  object  of  its  formation,  and 
contributes  its  proportion  to  the  funds  of  the  pa- 
rent institution. 

A  Female  Domestic  Missionary  Society  has  ex- 
isted among  us  for  several  years.  Several  mis- 
sionaries have  in  that  lime  been  employed,  and 
the  gratifying  assurance  enjoyed  of  much  irnpor- 
tant  good  done  by  them  m  some  of  our  adjoining 
parishes.  The  society  is  now  anxious  to  employ 
a  missionary. 

The  Charity  Schools  connected  with  the  church 
are  of  a  highly  interesting  character  ;  they  ar^  two 
in  number,  one  of  males,  the  other  of  females. 
About  forty-five  children  are  educated  in  them, 
some  of  whom  are  clothed  and  boarded.  These  ex- 
cellent institutions  share  largely  of  the  spiritual 
care  and  pecuniary  assistance  of  the  congregation, 
while,  as  objects  of  general  favour  and  of  general 
good,  they  derive  from  other  sources  a  part  of  their 
support.  Baptisms  during  the  past  year  sixteen 
(one  adult)— communicants  one  hundred— mar- 
riages twelve — funerals  nine. 

Edward  C.  M'Guire. 

Washington  parish,  Westmoreland.  The  parish 
is  not  in  as  good  a  state  as  when  last  reported. 
There  is  an  apparent  indifference  towards  the  in- 
terests of  the  church,  except  by  a  few  who  are 
still  attached  to  her  doctrines  and  worship,  and 
who,  it  is  trusted,  are  growing  in  grace  and  in  the 
knowledge  of  their  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ. 
Baptisms  twenty-two — funerals  twelve — commu- 
nicants eight — marriages  eleven. 

JosiAS  Clapham. 

St.  Mark's  parish,  Culpepper  county.  Commu- 
nicants About  forty-five,  two  having  removed  and 
two  being  added  since  the  last  Convention :— mar- 


riages three — baptisms  ten,  one  of  which  was  an 
adult — funerals  three. 

George  A.  Smith. 

Chapel  congregation  in  the  parish  of  Frederick, 
The  attendance  upon  divine  worship  is  punctual, 
and  the  conduct  of  the  members  correct.  It  is  a 
matter  of  lamentation,  that  during  the  past  year 
only  one  communicant  has  been  added.  The 
number  of  baptisms  has  been  sixty,  forty-eight  of 
which  were  coloured  children,  twelve  whites. 
'I'he  missionary  meetings  are  still  well  attended, 
and  a  considerable  fund  arises  therefrom.  , 

William  Mkade. 

Christ  Church,  Fredericksville  parish.  Though 
nothing  pecuUarly  striking,  in  a  religious  point  of 
view,  has  occurred  in  this  charge  since  the  last 
Convention,  it  is  manifest  that  the  interests  of  re- 
ligion and  of  the  church  are  gradually  improving 
under  the  blessing  of  the  Most  High. 

Several  members  have  been  added  to  our  com- 
munion during  the  last  year ;  indeed,  scarcely  one 
sacramental  occasion  is  remembered  when  some 
new  converts  from  sin  and  the  world  have  not 
been  gathered  into  the  fold  of  Jesus  Christ. 

Upon  the  whole,  it  is  with  fervent  and  devout 
gratitude  to  our  Divine  Head,  that  the  rector  per- 
ceives a  gradual  state  of  improvement  in  his  par- 
ish, the  continuance  of  which  he  has  no  reason  to 
doubt.  His  congregations  are  orderly,  devout, 
and  attentive  to  the  word  preached ;  in  that  of 
Charlottesville  there  are  constantly  to  be  seen 
from  fifty  to  sixty  interesting  youths,  members  of 
the  University  of  Virginia,  whose  attention  and 
good  conduct  on  all  religious  occasions,  and  the 
private  expressions  of  whose  personal  kind  re- 
gard for  the  rector,  ought  to  be  acknowledged,  as 
IS  here  done,  with  gratitude.  Many  difficulties 
and  discouragements  have  attended  our  progress 
hitherto,  but  they  are  gradually  vanishing,  or  be- 
coming less  formidable.  The  cause  is  God's,  and 
the  work  is  his.  It  must  prosper ;  be  the  glory 
his.  Communicants  about  fifty— baptisms  twelve 
— funerals  ten.  F.  W.  Hatch. 

Lexington  parish,  Amherst  county.  The  min- 
ister was  received  into  this  parish  immediately 
after  the  last  Con-yention.  Since  then  he  has 
regularly  officiated  in  three  different  churches  in 
the  county,  and  often  in  private  houses  during 
the  week.  The  attendance  upon  the  Sabbath 
day  has  been  generally  very  good ;  upon  some 
occasions  the  churches  have  been  filled  to  over- 
flowing. St.  Matthew's,  which  was  in  a  ruinous 
state,  has  been  repaired,  and  is  now  very  comfort- 
able for  public  worship.  It  is  believed  that  St. 
Luke's  will  in  the  course  of  the  present  year  be 
repaired,  or  else  a  new  one  built.  The  church  at 
New-Glasgow  remains  in  the  same  condition  in 
which  it  was  found.  The  Episcopal  communi- 
cants are  twenty-seven,  eleven  of  whom  have  been 
added  during  the  past  year :  including  those  of 
other  denominations  who  commune,  and  are  ap- 
parently friendly,  the  whole  number  would  not  be 
less  than  sixty. 

In  two  of  the  congregations  there  is  a  Bible 
class,  consisting  of  from  ten  to  fifteen  members. 
The  children  have  been  occasionally  catechised. 
Baptisms  thirteen — marriages  two. 

By  the  repeated  deaths  of  parishioners,  the 
minister  has  been  admonished  to  work  the  work 
of  the  Lord  while  it  is  day,  and  to  exhort  all  to 
flee  from  the  wrath  to  come. 

The  ladies  of  the  parish  have  contributed  $30 
to  make  the  minister  a  life  member  of  the  Educa- 
tion Society. 

May  it  please  God,  by  the  influences  of  the  Holy 
Ghost,  to  put  into  the  hearts  of  many  to  devote 
themselves  unreservedly  to  him,  which  is  their 


CONVENTION  OF  1827/ 


203 


reasonable  service.  If  the  ministrations  can  be 
regularly  continued,  it  is  believed  that  religion 
will  flourish,  and  the  interests  of  the  church  V^e 
revived  in  Lexington  parish. 

Charles  H.  Page. 

The  churches  under  the  care  of  the  rector  of  St. 
Andrew's  parish,  Jefferson  county,  are  much  in  the 
same  condition  as  when  last  reported.  If  there  is 
any  circumstance  which  indicates  an  improve- 
ment and  affords  any  encouragement,  it  is  the  in- 
crease of  the  congregations  ;  they  now  are  large, 
and  generally  as  full  as  can  be  conveniently  accom- 
modated ;  they  are  also  attentive  to  the  preach- 
ing of  the  word  of  God ;  and  occasionally  one  or 
two  persons  have  been  added  to  the  church  of  such 
as  we  may  hope  will  be  saved.  Three  of  those 
who  have  taken  up  the  cross  of  Christ,  and  pro- 
fessed to  the  world  that  they  are  his  disciples  by 
obeying  his  word  and  uniting  themselves  to  his 
church,  are  young  men  of  sincere  piety  and  much 
promise,  who  are  anxious  to  preach  the  gospel, 
and  who  are  now  preparing  with  zeal  and  diligence 
to  enter  the  seminary  of  Alexandria :  one  will 
probably  be  entered  at  the  commencement  of  the 
next  session,  and  the  other  two  a  year  from  that 
period.  It  is,  however,  a  subject  of  lamentation 
and  sorrow  with  the  pastor  and  the  pious  nnder 
his  charge,  that  there  is  a  great  and  general  indif- 
ference prevalent  in  this  parish  to  the  truths  of 
the  gospel,  and  that  but  few  are  turned  from  the 
error  of  their  ways.  An  Auxiliary  Education  So- 
ciety is  still  existing.  Baptisms  twenty— mar- 
riages seven — additions  to  the  communion  eight — 
whole  number  of  communicants  in  all  the  congre- 
gations, about  one  hundred  and  ten. 

Alex.  Jones. 

St.  Margaret's  parish,  Caroline.  This  parish 
has  been  in  a  destitute  state  for  the  last  thirty 
years,  till  within  six  months  past.  Like  many  of 
the  old  churches  in  the  diocess,  this  was  fast  sink- 
ing to  ruin,  when,  about  a  year  ago,  subscriptions 
were  obtained  sufficient  to  repair  the  fallen  wall, 
and  secure  the  exterior  of  the  building.  Much  is 
yet  necessary  to  be  done  to  make  it  comfortable, 
and  we  hope  ere  long  it  will  be  made  so.  We 
are  encouraged  to  hope  the  work  of  grace  has  been 
commenced  and  carried  on  in  the  hearts  of  some 
of  our  congregation.  The  number  of  those  who 
are  decided  in  their  attachment  to  the  doctrines 
and  worship  of  our  church  is  yet  small,  but,  we 
hope,  will  increase.  Service  has  been  held  at  the 
church  and  at  the  Bowling  Green  regularly  since 
last  November,  and,  with  the  assistance  of  some 
of  the  brethren  from  other  counties,  the  commu- 
nion has  been  administered  twice  ;  at  the  first 
celebration  twelve  persons  united  themselves  to 
the  communion,  and  we  trust  also  to  the  Saviour ; 
at  the  second  season,  on  the  6th  of  the  present 
month,  ten  joined  us,  and  we  now  number  twenty- 
two.     Baptisms  four— marriages  three. 

L.  H.  Johns. 

The  rector  of  Bruton  parish,  Williamsburg,  re- 
ports, that  the  condition  of  the  church  under  his 
charge  is  somewhat  improving.  The  building  has 
been  repaired — the  congregation  attend  regularly 
upon  public  worship.  An  increasing  attention  to 
the  order  and  services  of  the  church  is  manifest- 
ed, and  the  hope  is  entertained  that  the  pure 
religion  of  Jesus  Christ  is  gaining  ground.  A 
kind  feeling  towards  the  church  prevails  among 
the  various  denominations  of  Christians,  and  the 
rector  deems  it  matter  of  advantage  to  the  church, 
as  well  as  of  duty  and  inclination,  to  cherish  and 
reciprocate  this  catholic  spirit.  There  is  a  flour- 
ishing Sunday  School  attached  to  the  congrega- 
tion, consisting  of  one  hundred  and  fifteen  schol- 


ars, which  does  honour  to  the  Zealand  piety  of  its 
teachers. 

The  number  of  communicants  belonging  to  the 
church  is  about  thirty,  ten  of  whom  have  been 
added  lately.  Baptisms  twelve — marriages  ten — 
funerals  three,  William  H.  Wilmer. 

'I'he  rector  of  Christ  Church,  Norfolk,  reports 
to  the  Convention,  that,  since  their  last  session, 
there  have  been  baptized  by  him  and  in  his  parish 
fifty-seven  persons,  of  whom  three  were  adults. 
There  have  been  eight  marriages,  and  thirty  fu- 
nerals. The  number  of  communicants  is  at  pres- 
ent one  hundred  and  eighty-seven,  of  whom 
twelve  have  been  received  during  the  past  year. 
At  the  bishop's  visit  in  July  last,  twenty-two  per- 
sons were  confirmed  by  him.  The  Sunday  School, 
just  separated  from  a  union  with  the  Methodist 
school,  numbers  twenty-two  teachers  and  one 
hundred  and  fifteen  scholars,  and  is  at  this  time 
in  a  peculiarly  promising  condition.  The  cate- 
chetical examinations  and  lectures  of  the  rector, 
after  divine  service  on  Sunday  afternoons,  are  at- 
tended by  a  very  large  number  of  children,  male 
and  female.  And  the  weekly  evening  lectures, 
from  house  to  house,  also  continue  to  command 
interest. 

A  Bible  class  was  instituted  in  January  last, 
which  numbers  about  one  hundred  members. 
About  thirty  of  these,  principally  ladies  of  the 
congregation,  of  all  ages,  from  fifteen  upwards, 
take  an  active  part  in  the  exercises,  and  appear 
to  be  deeply  interested  in  the  study  of  the  sacred 
Scriptures. 

The  rector  regrets  to  state,  that,  in  the  exten- 
sive fire  which  broke  out  in  Norfolk  on  the 
morning  of  the  9th  of  March  last,  the  stately  and 
commodious  church  belonging  to  the  congrega- 
tion was  destroyed.  Providentially,  there  had 
been  effected  upon  the  building  an  insurance  for 
$12,000,  and  another  upon  the  organ  for  $2,000. 
There  will  be  no  difficulty  in  rebuilding  the 
church,  as  the  sum  recovered  upon  the  policies, 
added  to  the  liberal  contributions  of  the  members 
of  the  parish,  will,  it  is  believed,  be  amply  suffi- 
cient to  erect  a  spacious  and  even  handsome  edi- 
fice. Arrangements  have  been  made  for  the 
building  of  a  new  church  ;  and  its  erection  will, 
by  divine  permission,  be  immediately  commenced. 

Amid  all  the  distresses  and  inconveniences, 
however,  under  which  we  labour,  we  have  reason 
to  thank  God  and  take  courage.  There  never  has 
been,  during  the  ministry  of  the  incumbent,  so 
much  interest  in  religion  in  this  parish  as  exists 
at  this  time.  A  deep  solemnity  pervades  the 
minds  of  many ;  and  we  have  had  the  delightful 
satisfaction  of  seeing  some  few  converted  from 
their  impenitence,  and  turned  to  the  love  and  ser- 
vice of  God. 
During  the  past  year  there  have  been 

contributed  by  the  parish  to  the  Edu- 
cation Society,     -        -        -        -        -  $192  27 
Thirty  dollars  of  which  were  paid  to 

constitute  the  rector  a  life  member  of 

the  society. 
The  bishop's  assistant's  salary,       -        -      20  00 
The  contingent  fund  of  the  diocess,        -      30  00 
The  Theological  Seminary  (balance,  of 

a  subscription), 10  00 

$252  27 
Henry  W.  Ducachkt. 
I  have  been  settled  over  the  united  parishes  of 
Abingdon  and  Ware  for  a  period  little  exceeding 
a  year.  Every  thing  evinces  that  the  effort  to 
revive  the  church  in  this  section  of  Virginia  will 
assuredly  succeed.  Our  temporal  prospects  are 
as  favourable  as  could  possibly  be  expected  or  de- 


204 


CONVENTION  OF  1827. 


sired.  In  spiritual  things,  however,  we  have  not 
yet  found  that  which  should  at  all  authorize  us  to 
rejoice.  For  the  want  of  proper  assistance,  we 
have  been  enabled  to  celebrate  the  sacrament  of 
the  Lord's  Supper  but  once.  We  then  numbered 
forty  communicants,  only  fifteen  of  whom  may  be 
certainly  considered  as  members  of  the  Episcopal 
church.  This  fact,  however,  evinces  the  favoura- 
ble disposition  of  other  denominations,  which  we 
are  glad  to  witness,  and  which  we  will  affection- 
ately encourage.  Our  Sunday  Schools,  of  which 
we  have  several,  are  flourishing.  Our  auxiliary 
Education  Society  (recently  formed)  made  a  very 
liberal  remittance  to  the  parent  institution ;  and 
our  general  prospects,  we  leei  constrained  to  hope, 
are  favourable. 

Smce  my  settlement  in  this  county  I  have  per- 
formed divine  service  in  Yorktown  every  fort- 
night, as  the  weather  permitted  my  crossing  the 
river.  The  population  in  that  place  is  thin,  in 
consequence  of  which  my  congregations  thfere 
have  been  small.  The  generality  of  the  people, 
however,  appear  to  be  pleased  with  the  services 
of  the  church,  and  I  would  fain  believe  my  labours 
among  them  have  not  been  in  vain. 

Since  the  time  of  my  settlement  in  Gloucester 
the  number  of  marriages  has  been  eight — bap- 
tisms eight — burials  five. 

Wm.  D.  Cairns. 

St.  Anne's  and  South  Farnham  parishes,  Es- 
sex county.  In  reviewing  the  labours  of  the  past 
year,  and  reflecting  upon  his  present  prospects, 
the  rector,  though  he  sees  cause  to  mourn  as  well 
as  rejoice,  has  much  to  encourage  him,  and  kindle 
the  purest  gratitude  to  that  blessed  Lord  and 
Master  who  hath  called  him  to  the  work  of  the 
ministry.  Much  is  there  around  him  which  re- 
tards the  progress  of  the  church,  and  the  spread 
of  pure  godliness  among  the  people.  But  still  he 
is  warranted  m  stating,  and  to  the  glory  of  God's 
grace  be  it  recorded,  that  the  pleasure  of  the 
Lord  has,  in  some  degree,  prospered  in  his  hands. 
The  church  of  the  livihg  God  is  arising  in  her 
glory,  she  is  laying  her  foundations  broad  and 
deep.  The  increase  in  the  number  of  those  who 
frequent  the  sanctuary,  and  other  things  to  which 
we  cannot  give  any  tangible  form,  show  that 
there  is  a  gradual  and  permanent  advancement  in 
this  heavenly  cause.  The  word  preached  has,  in 
some  few  cases,  been  made  the  power  of  God 
unto  salvation.  About  ten  souls,  it  is  believed, 
have  been  renewed  by  the  Holy  Ghost :  the  image 
of  their  Saviour  is  upon  them,  and  he  who  has 
been  made  the  minister  of  God's  grace  unto  them 
looks  forward  to  the  day  of  our  Lord  with  a 
triumphant  hope  that  they  will  then  appear  as  his 
crown  of  rejoicing.  At  this  time  there  are  others 
who  appear  to  be  under  the  influ^ce  of  saving 
grace,  and,  it  is  hoped,  will  soon  join  themselves 
unto  the  Lord. 

The  repairs  mentioned  in  the  last  report  have 
progressed  nearly  as  far  as  was  anticipated,  and 
we  are  not  without  hope  that  they  will  soon  be 
entirely  finished.  Should  this  be  the  case,  the 
church  in  St.  Anne's  will  have  undergone  a 
thorough  repair,  and  be  in  every  respect  a  neat 
a.nd  commodious  building. 

Present  number  of  communicants  in  both  par- 
ishes thirty-three  (one  servant) — marriages  three 
— baptisms  seventeen  (one  adult) — burials  ten. 
John  P.  M'Guire. 

Henrico  parish.  It  is  with  gratitude  to  the 
great  Author  of  every  blessing  that  the  rector  is 
^^nabled  to  represent  the  state  of  this  church  as 
flourishing,  and  its  prospects  highly  flattering. 
An  increasing  zeal  for  vital  religion  has  beert 
manifest  during  the  past  year,  and  numbers  have 


been  added  to  the  church  of  such  as,  we  hum- 
bly trust,  shall  be  saved.  The  Sunday  School 
of  this  church  is  in  constant  and  successful  opera- 
tion. It  numbers  one  hundred  and  ninety  scholars, 
and  twenty-two  teachers.  The  happy  influence 
of  this  school  is  apparent  in  every  department 
of  the  church.  Many  of  the  teachers  have  been 
hopefully  converted  unto  God,  and,  together  with 
many  of  their  scholars,  seem  to  be  deeply  impres- 
sed with  concern  for  the  welfare  of  their  immortal 
souls.  Nothing  but  the  experience  of  the  past 
year  could  have  convinced  the  rector  of  the  vast 
extent  of  benefit  to  be  derived  from  a  well-con- 
ducted Sunday  School.  Through  the  exertions 
of  the  teachers,  aided  by  the  congregation,  the 
interior  of  the  church  has  lately  been  painted, 
and  otherwise  much  improved.  The  rector  has 
held  regular  lectures  during  the  week,  and  attend- 
ed a  large  Bible  class,  both  of  which,  he  has  rea- 
son to  believe,  have  been  productive  of  much 
good.  Communicants  thirty-three,  ten  of  whom 
have  joined  within  the  year  past. 

There  are  many  communicants  residing  within 
the  neighbourhood  of  Richmond,  who  have  been 
heretofore  reported,  but  are  not  included  in  the 
above  list.  And  it  is  worthy  of  remark,  that  of 
the  ten  who  have  lately  joined,  five  are  teachers 
of  the  Sunday  School  ;  and  that  of  the  nineteen 
who  have  lately  received  confirmation,  eleven  are 
attached  to  the  same  school.  Marriages  fifteen — 
baptisms,  six  adults,  seventeen  infants. 

Wm.  H.  Hart. 

Raleigh  parish,  Amelia  county.  Since  the  last 
Convention  the  affairs  of  this  parish  have  assu- 
med a  more  encouraging  aspect.  Although  the 
minister  cannot  say  that  many  have  operJy  taken 
the  side  of  the  Lord,  yet  the  increased  serious- 
ness exhibits  a  pleasing  contrast  with  the  care- 
lessness which  prevailed. 

The  church  has  been  comfortably  repaired,  and 
the  congregations  are  respectable  and  attentive — 
and,  upon  the  whole,  there  is  good  ground  for 
hope  that  the  church  will  again  become  strong  in 
this  parish.  The  communion  has  not  been  ad- 
ministered here  for  a  number  of  years.  The  bap- 
tisms are  two — one  funeral. 

St.  James's,  Northam,  Goochland  county.  Prov- 
idence has  in  some  degree  blessed  the  minis- 
terial  labours  in  this  parish.  Since  the  last  year 
ten  have  been  added  to  the  church ;  and  there 
are  others  whose  hard  hearts  the  Lord  hath  bro- 
ken, and  who  are  anxious  to  confess  him  before 
men.  One  of  the  churches  has  been  repaired, 
and  in  this  the  congregation  is  respectable  in 
numbers.  Animating  hopes  are  entertained  of 
success  in  the  efforts  which  are  now  making  to 
beat  down  the  prejudices,  which  in  this  parish 
are  very  strong,  against  our  liturgy,  and  generally 
against  our  polity.  Baptisms  sixteen— marriage's 
three — deaths  two — communicants  nineteen. 

William  F.  Lee. 

Christ  Church,  Winchester.  During  the  past 
year  the  town  of  Winchester  has  been  seriously 
afflicted  by  sickness,  and  removal  by  death  of 
several  valued  members  of  our  church.  It  is 
hoped  that  these  afflictions  have  been  in  some 
degree  sanctified  by  that  kind  Hand  which  sent 
them,  and  have  produced  a  deeper  seriousness, 
and  an  increasing  attention  to  the  means  of  grace, 
among  those  who  are  attached  to  the  church. 

A  Bible  class  is  continued  in  successful  opera- 
tion, and  promises  much  usefulness. 

The  Sunday  School  contains  about  fifty  schol- 
ars, but  may  be  considered  as  in  a  languishing 
state,  owing,  perhaps,  in  a  great  degree,  to  the 
congregation  not  being  duly  impressed  with  the 
importance  of  the  school.    The  weekly  lecture. 


CONVENTION  OF  1827. 


205 


which  is  held  from  house  to  house,  is  well  attend- 
ed, and  the  benevolent  institutions  which  have 
been  formed  continue  to  receive  unremitting  at- 
tention. 

The  ladies  of  the  congregation  have,  by  their 
benevolent  exertions  during  the  past  year,  con- 
stituted their  pastor  a  life  member  of  the  Educa- 
tion Society,  and  also  a  life  member  of  the  Amer- 
ican Tract  Society.  Communicants  forty-three 
— baptisms  nine — marriages  five — deaths  sixteen. 

The  rector  also  reports,  that  Christ  Church,  in 
the  parish  of  Norborne,  at  which  he  preaches 
once  a  month,  is  well  attended,  although  his 
hands  have  not  been  strengthened,  nor  his  heart 
made  glad  by  an  increase  of  communicants,  the 
precise  number  of  which  he  has  not  been  able  to 
ascertain.  J.  E.  Jackson. 

Bristol  parish,  Petersburg.  No  occurrences  of 
any  great  importance,  with  respect  to  the  state  of 
the  church  in  this  parish,  have  taken  place  since 
the  last  communication  that  was  made  to  the  Con- 
vention. I  have  the  satisfaction  to  remark,  that 
there  is  no  faUing  off  in  the  attendance  of  the  in- 
habitants on  their  religious  duties,  but  rather 
some  improvement  in  that  respect :  public  wor- 
ship is  generally  well  attended  .  the  number  of 
communicants  is,  indeed,  not  numerous,  only 
about  forty  or  forty -five.  There  was  a  society  of 
females  formed  two  or  three  years  ago,  styled  the 
"  Female  Episcopal  Society  of  Petersburg,"  aux- 
iliary to  the  society  in  Alexandria.  Since  its 
formation,  it  has  carried  on  the  object  intended 
successfully ;  considerable  sums  of  money  have 
been  remitted  to  the  parent  society.  Marriages 
in  twelve  months,  nine — baptisms  twenty-four — 
funerals  thirteen.  Anorew  Syme. 

St.  Paul's  Church,  Lynchburg.  This  congre- 
gation has  enjoyed  the  privilege  of  an  appropriate 
place  of  worship  only  since  the  last  meeting  of 
the  Convention,  at  which  time  St.  Paul's  Church 
was  consecrated.  The  stated  religious  services 
during  the  past  year,  besides  those  on  Sunday 
morning  and  evening,  have  consisted  of  lectures 
on  Wednesday  evening  in  the  church,  and  on 
Friday  evening  in  private  houses ;  all  of  which 
have  been  generally  well  and  devoutly  attended, 
and  in  all  the  church  hturgy  is  undeviatingly 
used. 

A  Sunday  School  Society  was  formed  in  Sep- 
tember, for  the  support  of  a  Sunday  School  in  the 
church,  which  has  already  been  highly  useful, 
and  gives  promise  of  lasting  good  as  a  nursery  of 
piety  and  scriptural  knowledge.  The  society  has 
lately  become  an  auxiliary  to  the  General  Epis- 
copal Sunday  School  Union.  In  November  an 
excellent  organ  was  opened  in  the  church,  at  an 
expense  of  twelve  hundred  dollars,  which  has 
been  defrayed  almost  exclusively  by  the  young 
gentlemen  of  Lynchburg.  On  Christmas-day  a 
society  of  young  ladies  was  constituted,  in  aid  of 
the  Domestic  and  Foreign  Missionary  Society  of 
the  Episcopal  Church,  which  has  become  respon- 
sible for  the  support  of  a  heathen  child  in  the 
Mission  School  at  Green  Bay.  Its  contributions, 
though  small,  will,  it  is  trusted,  be  regular  and 
permanent.  The  rector  is  deeply  pained  to  report, 
that  out  of  so  large  and  interesting  a  congregation 
as  that  to  which  he  ministers,  only  fourteen  per- 
sons have  yet  publicly  professed  their  faith  in 
Christ  by  partaking  of  the  holy  communion.  Sun- 
day scholars  sixty — baptisms  five — marriages  two 
— burials  nine.  F.  G.  Smith. 

Norborne  parish,  Berkeley  county.  The  rec- 
tor reports  about  ten  baptisms,  ^nd  eight  persons 
added  to  the  communion  during  the  last  year. 
The  Female  Education  Society  has  not  diminish- 
ed in  numbers  or  zeal,  and  the  Union  Sunday 


School,  with  vyhich  the  parish  is  connected,  has 
recommenced  its  operations. 

The  spiritual  improvement  of  the  congregation 
during  the  last  year  is  encouraging,  and  the  zeal 
of  some  members  of  the  communion  is  worthy  of 
remark,  and  calls  for  gratitude  to  God. 

John  T.  Brooke. 

Monumental  Church,  Richmond.  Communi- 
cants (thirteen  added)  about  one  hundred  and 
fifty — baptisms  (of  adults  one,  of  children  twenty- 
four)  twenty-five — Sunday  scholars  about  one 
hundred  and  thirty-five. 

The  spiritual  concerns  of  this  parish,  it  is  be- 
lieved, are  improving.  An  increased  attention  to 
religion  has  within  a  few  months  manifested 
itself,  especially  among  the  younger  members  of 
the  congregation  ;  and  on  the  approaching  cele- 
bration of  the  communion  it  is  expected  that 
several  persons  will  come  forward,  and  for  the 
first  time  testify  their  love  to  their  Saviour,  by 
partaking  of  those  symbols  v/hich  were  designed 
to  be  means  of  grace,  and  pledges  to  assure  us  of 
God's  acceptance. 

The  Sunday  School  is  flourishing.  This  school 
(in  conjunction  with  that  of  Henrico  parish,  con- 
stituting the  Richmond  Episcopal  Sunday  School 
Society)  has  lately  become  auxiliary  to  the  very 
important  institution  lately  established  by  the 
members  of  the  General  Convention,  entitled, 
"  The  General  Protestant  Episcopal  Sunday  School 
Union."*'  To  the  credit  ol  the  male  teachers  of 
the  Richmond  Union  it  ought  to  be  mentioned 
that,  in  the  course  of  the  past  year,  they  have 
published  an  edition  of  the  Rev.  Titus  Strong's 
very  popular  Letters,  entitled,  "  A  Candid  Exam- 
ination of  the  Episcopal  Church,"  which  have 
been  extensively  distributed  through  the  diocess, 
and  produced  the  good  etfect  of  exciting  a  spirit 
of  inquiry  to  the  claims  of  our  communion,  and  of 
strengthening  the  attachment  of  many  to  the 
faith  and  order  of  the  gospel,  as  maintained  by 
apostolic  and  primitive  men. 

Richard  Channixg  Moore. 

Russell  parish,  Bedford  county.  In  this  parish 
the  interests  of  the  church  are  gradually  but  per- 
manently improving.  The  prejudices  against  our 
forms  are  rapidly  subsiding  ;  the  confidence  of  the 
public  is  regained,  and  the  affections  of  thp  young, 
particularly,  are  secured.  The  congregations  are 
always  seriously  attentive,  and  it  is  believed  that 
the  spirit  of  God  is  silently  but  effectually  per- 
forming the  work  of  grace  on  the  hearts  of  many. 
Though  the  gain  to  the  church  has  been  rather 
in  the  way  of  moral  weight  than  of  numerical 
accession,  yet  since  the  last  Convention  six  com- 
municants have  been  added,  and  three  or  four 
more  will  be  received  the  next  communion.  By 
the  erection  of  two  churches  in  a  small  and  infant 
parish,  the  congregations  have  not  hitherto  been 
enabled  to  contribute  to  those  objects  which  have 
so  many  claims  upon  our  charities.  But  for  the 
future  better  things  may  be  expected.  The  ladies 
of  one  of  the  churches  (St.  Stephen's)  have,  by  a 
contribution  of  $135,  constituted  their  minister  a 
life  member  of  the  Education  Society  :  in  the 
same  church  an  available  auxiliary  will  immedi- 
ately be  organized.  In  each  of  the  churches  a 
Bible  class  has  been  formed,  with  the  prospect  of 
good.  Baptisms  thirty-one — marriages  eight — fu- 
nerals eight— communicants  sixteen. 

Nicholas  H.  Cobes. 
St.  Stephen's  Church,  Culpepper  county.    The 
present  minister  of  this  church  has  officiated  in  it 
twice  in  every  month  since  December  last.    The 


*  See  on  another  page  of  this  Journal  the  re- 
port of  the  committee  on  the  state  of  the  church. 


206 


CONVENTION  OF  1827. 


Rev.  Mr.  Woodville  officiates  regularly  once  a 
month,  and  has  administered  the  sacrament  of 
the  Lord's  Supper  twice  since  December.  The 
congregations  are  generally  considerable  in  num- 
ber and  attentive.  A  Sunday  School  is  in  suc- 
cessful operation,  and  a  Female  Education  So- 
ciety has  for  some  lime  contributed  regularly  to 
the'  funds  of  the  parent  institution.  The  minister 
of  St.  Stephen's  has  also  preached  twice  in  each 
month  at  Orange  courthouse,  where  the  congre- 
gations have  been  large  and  attentive,  and  pros- 
pects encouraging.  Number  of  communicants 
not  known.  G.  A.  Smith. 

The  congregation  in  the  town  of  Wheeling  is 
gradually  improving,  and  its  present  prospects  are 
favourable.  Last  winter  the  evening  lectures  of 
the  rector  were  better  attended  than  they  had 
been  for  two  years  back.  Communicants  thirty- 
seven — baptisms  thirteen— marriages  fifteen. 

In  March,  1825,  the  rector  took  charge  of  St. 
John's  Church,  in  Brooke  county,  twenty-five 
miles  from  Wheeling.  St.  John's  Church  had 
stood  in  an  unfinished  state  for  twenty-five  years  ; 
the  congregation  had  been  very  much  neglected. 
In  the  fall  of  the  year  1825  the  church  was  fin- 
ished, and  it  is  a  source  of  gratification  to  know 
that  the  congregation  is  very  large,  and  a  work 
of  grace  seems  to  be  going  on  among  the  people. 
Communicants  thirty-four. 

I  preach  part  of  my  time  in  the  town  of  Wells- 
burg,  sixteen  miles  from  Wheeling,  in  Brooke 
county.  The  congregation  is  large  and  very  at- 
tentive. We  have  no  church  in  Wellsburg,  but 
I  hope  It  will  not  be  long  before  we  shall  have  one. 
John  Armstrong. 

Mr.  Hugh  Nelson,  from  the  committee  ap- 
pointed to  examine  the  treasurer's  accounts, 
made  a  report,  which  was  read,  and  is  as  fol- 
lows : — 

The  committee  on  the  treasurer's  accounts 

beg  leave  to  report,  that  they  have  had  the  same 

under  consideration,  and  find  them  to  be  correct. 

On  motion.  Resolved,  That  the  said  report 

be  received  and  approved. 

Mr.  Dabney,  from  the  committee  to  whom 
was  referred  the  examination  of  the  accounts 
of  the  treasurer  of  the  funds  of  the  widows  and 
orphans  of  deceased  clergymen  of  the  Episcopal 
Church  of  Virginia,  made  the  following  report : — 
The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the 
examination  of  the  "  fund  for  the  relief  of  dis- 
tressed widows  and  orphans  of  clergymen," 
have,  according  to  order,  had  the  same  under 
consideration,  and  beg  leave  to  report  ihe  fol- 
lowing as  a  correct  statement  rendered  by  the 
treasurer. 

The  fund  for  the  relief  of  the  widows  and  or- 
phans of  deceased  clergymen  of  the  Episcopal 
Church  of  the  Diucess  of  Virginia,  in  account 
vxith  John  Hooff,  treasurer.  Dr. 

1826,  Aug.  14. 
To  cash  paid  Dr.  Wilmer  for  Mrs. 

Whitaker,  -         -         -  $20  00 

Nov.  15. 

To  cash  paid  for  two  shares  of  stock 
of  the  Farmers'  Bank  of  Alexan- 
dria, at  $41  50  per  share,  -         83  00 
Balance  in  the  hands  of  the  treasu- 
rer,                                    -  129  73 


$232  73 


1826,  May  4.  Cr. 
By  old  amount  per  balance,      -        -       $6  61 

Aug.  16. 

One  quarter's  dividend  on  three  per 

cent,  stock,         -        -         -        -        15  28 

Oct.  3. 

Dividend  on  "sixty-five  shares  of  Far- 
mers' Bank  of  Alexandria,  at  $1  25 
per  share,  -         -         -         -         81  25 

1827,  April  3. 

Do.  on  sixty-seven  shares  of  ditto,  83  75 

April  5. 

Three  quarter's  dividend  three  per 

cent.  U.  S.  stock,        -         -         -         45  84 


$232  73 


The  funds  are  as  follows : — 
United  States  three  per  cent,  stock,  $2,037  78 
One  share  of  stock,   Bank  of  Vir- 
ginia (par),          -         -         -         -       100  00 
Sixty-seven   shares  of    stock,    Far- 
mers'  Bank   of    Alexandria,    par 
value,         .         .         -         _         .    3,350  00 
Robert  Andrews's  executor's  note, 
balance  bearing  interest  from  the 
day  of ,       -         -         - 


Cash  on  hand,    - 


405  00 

$5,892  78 
129  73 


$6,022  51 

The  committee  are  pleased  to  observe  that 
this  fund  is  in  a  state  of  gradual  increase.  The 
objects  of  its  bounty  are  at  present  but  few, 
and  it  is  hoped  that,  should  the  dispensation  of 
Providence  afflict  the  church  by  the  removal  of 
any  of  God's  labourers  in  the  holy  ministry, 
their  widows  and  children  will  not  be  exposed 
to  comfortless  want,  nor  be  forced  to  rely  for 
support  on  the  reluctant  charity  of  the  world. 
All  which  is  respectfully  submitted. 

Reuel  Keith,  Chairman. 

On  motion,  the  above  report  was  accepted. 

The  special  committee  to  whom  were  refer- 
red the  communication  from  the  secretaries  of 
the  House  of  Bishops  and  of  the  House  of  Cler- 
ical and  Lay  Delegates  to  the  secretary  of  this 
Convention,  presented  a  report. 

On  motion.  Resolved,  That  the  said  report 
be  laid  upon  the  table. 

The  proceedings  of  the  standing  committee 
since  the  last  Convention  were  read. 

The  session  was  then  suspended,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  attending  divine  service  by  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Croes,  and  a  sermon  by  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Tyng  of  Maryland. 

On  motion.  Resolved,  That  the  treasurer  of 
this  Convention  pay  to  the  secretary  of  the 
House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Delegates  the  assess- 
ment upon  this  diocess,  for  the  purpose  of  de- 
fraying the  contingent  expenses  of  the  last  Gen- 
eral Convention. 

Resolved,  That  the  next  Convention  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church  of  the  dioCess  of 
Virginia  be  held  in  the  town  of  Petersburg,  on 
the  third  Thursday  in  May  next. 


CONVENTION  OF  1827. 


207 


The  Rev.  Mr.  Lippit,  from  the  committee 
appointed  to  examine  the  state  of  the  fund  for 
the  permanent  support  of  the  episcopate  in  this 
diocess,  presented  the  following  report : — 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the 
account  of  the  treasurer  of  the  fund  for  the 
support  of  the  episcopate  in  this  diocess, 

Report,  That  in  consequence  of  the  treasurer 
not  having  forwarded  his   accounts,  they  have 
nothing  special  to  present  to  the  Convention. 
E.  R.  LiPPiT,  Chairman. 
On  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  said  report 
be  received. 

The  Convention  then  proceeded  to  the  elec- 
tion, by  ballot,  of  eight  delegates,  to  represent 
this  diocess  in  the  next  General  Convention  of 
the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  of  the  Uni- 
ted States  :  whereupon  the  following  gentlemen 
were  duly  elected,  viz.  : — Rev.  William  H. 
Wilmer,  D.  D.,  Rev.  William  Meade,  Rev. 
Edward  C.  M'Guire,  Rev.  Reuel  Keith,  Dr. 
Carter  Berkeley,  Mr.  Philip  Nelson,  Mr.  James 
M.  Garnett,  and  Mr.  Hugh  Nelson. 

The  bishop  appeared  and  took  his  seat  as 
president  of  the  Convention. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  treasurer  pay 
to  the  doorkeeper  of  this  Convention  the  sum 
of  five  dollars  for  his  services. 

On  motion.  Resolved,  unanimously,  That  the 
thanks  of  this  Convention  be  tendered  to  the 
citizens  of  this  place,  for  their  kind  and  hospita- 
ble attentions  to  the  members  of  the  Conven- 
tion during  its  session. 

On  motion.  Resolved,  unanimously.  That  the 
thanks  of  this  Convention  be  tendered  to  the 
ministers  of  the  Presbyterian,  Methodist,  and 
Baptist  churches  in  this  place,  for  the  liberal 
and  kind  offer  of  their  churches  for  the  use  of 
the  Convention. 

The  Convention  proceeded  to  the  election, 
by  ballot,  of  a  standing  committee  of  the 
church  in  this  diocess  for  the  ensuing  year  : — 
whereupon  the  following  gentlemen  were  duly 
elected,  viz.  : — the  Rev.  Reuel  Keith,  the  Rev. 
Edward  R.  Lippit,  the  Rev.  William  Jackson, 
the  Hon.  Bushrod  Washington,  Mr.  John  Hooff, 
and  Edmund  J.  Lee,  Esq. 

On  motion.  Resolved,  That  the  thanks  of  the 
Convention  be  presented  to  the  secretary, and 
treasurer  for  their  faithful  services,  and  that  the 
treasurer  pay  to  the  secretary  his  expenses  in- 
curred in  attending  this  Convention. 

On  motion.  Resolved,  That  800  copies  of  the 
Journal  of  this  Convention  be  printed,  and  dis- 
tributed by  the  secretary  among  the  parishes, 
under  the  superintendence  of  the  bishop. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  that  the  bishop  of  this 
diocess,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Wilmer,  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Hart,  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Grammer,  be  appointed 
a  committee  to  arrange  and  publish,  in  the  form 
of  a  tract,  such  an  edition  of  the  constitution 
and  canons  of  the  church  in  this  diocess,  with 
such  remarks  explanatory  of  the  form  of  govern- 
ment and  polity  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  as  they  may  deem  necessary,  and  dis- 
tribute the  same  when  published  among  the  dif- 
ferent parishes  in. this  diocess. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  sum  of  sixty- 


four  dollars  be  appropriated  to  the  bishop  for  the 
support  of  his  assistant  out  of  the  contingent 
fund,  to  make  up,  with  the  sum  paid  in  for  that 
purpose  during  the  present  Convention,  the  sum 
of  $300,  in  pursuance  of  the  pledge  made  by 
the  last  Convention. 

On  motion.  Resolved,  That  the  several  par- 
ishes of  this  diocess  be  required  to  pay  annu- 
ally the  same  sums  which  were  assessed  upon 
them  for  the  payment  of  the  bishop  for  his  epis- 
copal services  during  the  last  year,  and  that 
said  assessment  be  again  spread  upon  the 
Journals  of  this  Convention. 

Leed's  pari.sh,     -        -        -  -  $10  00 

Town  of  Suffolk,         -        -  -  7  50 

Parish  of  Suffolk,        -         .  -  7  50 

Russell  parish,  Bedford,       -  -  10  00 

St.  Martin's  parish,  Hanover,  -  10  00 

Shelburne  parish,         -         -  -  10  GO 

Hungar's  parish,          -         -  -  .  10  00 

Henrico  parish,            -         -  -  15  00 

Fredericksville  parish,          -  -  10  00 

St.  Andrew's  parish,  -         -  -  10  00 

Frederick  parish,         -         -  -  15  00 

St.  George's  parish,    -         -  -  15  00 

South  Farnham  parish,  Essex,  -  10  00 

Christ  Church,  Fairfax  parish,  -  20  00 

Lynchburg  parish,       -         -  -  10  00 

St.  James's  parish,  Mecklenburg,  10  00 

Augusta  parish,  Staunton,    -  -  10  00 

Bristol  parish,     -         -         -  -  20  00 

St.  Paul's  Church,  Alexandria,  -  10  00 

Portsmouth  parish,      -         -  -  10  00 

Hamilton  parish,  Fauquier,  -  10  00 

Gloucester  county,      -         -  -  10  00 

Norborne  parish,  Berkeley,  -  10  00 

Christ  Church,  Norfolk,   '   -  -  20  00 

Accomack  county,       -         -  -  10  00 

Amherst  county,          -         -  -  10  00 

Kanawha  county,         -         -  -  10  OO 

Culpepper,          -         -         -  -  10  00 

Orange, 10  00 

Romney,    -----  6  00 

Goochland,         -         -         -  -  10  00 

Amelia,               -         -         -  -  10  00 

Louisa,               -         -         -  -  10  00 

Wheeling,           -         -         -  -  10  00 

St.  Anne's  parish,  Essex,  ,-  -  10  00 
The  Rev.  Dr.  Wilmer,  from  the  cornmittee 

on  the  state  of  the  church  in  this  diocess,  pre- 
sented the  following  report  : — 

The  committee  on  the  state  of  the  church  beg 
leave  to  report  to  the  Convention  the  result  of 
their  deliberations  on  such  subjects  as  have  pre- 
sented themselves  to  their  attention  on  this  occa- 
sion. 

The  very  destitute  state  of  many  of  our  par- 
ishes has  long  been  a  subject  of  solicitude  and  re- 
gret with  the  friends  of  the  church,  and  efforts 
have  from  time  to  time  been  devised  for  provi- 
ding a  remedy  for  this  evil.  Among  other  meas- 
ures it  was  formerly  proposed  that  the  state  should 
be  laid  off  in  districts,  and  assigned  to  the  several 
ministers  of  the  diocess,  whose  duty  it  should  be, 
at  stated  seasons,  to  visit  and  administer  the  offi- 
ces of  the  church  in  their  several  districts.  From 
whatever  cause  this  plan  has  miscarried,  your 
committee  are  of  opinion  that  there  are  no  insu- 
perable obstacles  in  the  way  of  its  accomplish- 


208 


CONVENTION  OF  1827. 


ment,  and  that  it  is  eminently  calculated  to  pro- 
mote the  interests  of  the  church  and  of  religion. 
They  therefore  recommend  to  the  Convention 
the  adoption  of  the  following  resolution : — 

Resolved,  That  the  bishop  be  respectfully  re- 
quested to  lay  off  the  diocess  in  districts,  and  to 
assign  to  each  district  two  or  more  ministers, 
whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  meet  in  association  at 
the  places  assigned  them  twice  in  the  year,  for  the 
purpose  of  preaching  and  administering  the  ordi- 
nances of  the  church  to  the  people. 

Your  committee  beg  leave  also  to  call  the  at- 
tention of  the  Convention  to  the  General  Prot- 
estant Episcopal  Sunday  School  Union,  estab- 
lished by  the  members  of  our  church  at  the  meet- 
ing of  the  last  General  Convention.  The  object 
of  this  society  is  to  facilitate  the  purchase,  at 
cheap  rates,  of  books  suitable  to  our  Sunday 
Schools,  and  to  establish  and  cherish  soundness 
and  harmony  in  principle  and  practice  among 
those  who  are  destined,  when  we  are  gone  from 
the  world,  to  take  our  places  in  society  and  in  the 
church  of  God.  Under  the  impression  that  such 
an  object  is  highly  desirable  and  important,  your 
committee  beg  leave  to  recommend  to  the  Con- 
vention the  adoption  of  the  following  resolution : — 

Resolved,  That  the  General  Protestant  Episco- 
pal Sunday  School  Union  be  recommended  to  the 
patronage  and  support  of  the  members  of  our 
church  in  this  diocess. 

All  which  is  respectfully  submitted. 

Wii.MAM  H.  WiLMER,  Chairman. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  said  report 
be  received,  and  the  resolutions  recommended 
by  the  committee  adopted. 

The  standing  committee,  in  pursuance  of  the 
resolution  of  the  last  Convention,  presented 
the  following  laws  and  regulations  for  the  gov- 
ernment of  the  society  for  the  relief  of  dis- 
tressed widows  and  orphans  of  clergymen. 

Laws  for  the  management  of  the  funds  and  payment 
of  the  annuities  of  the  society  for  the  relief  of  the 
undows  and  children  of  the  clergy  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church  in  Virginia. 

1.  The  contributors  to  this  fund  shall  he  ar- 
ranged in  classes,  agreeably  to  their  annual  contri- 
butions, and  each  contributor  shall  abide  by  that 
class  which  he  at  first  entered,  except  on  the  fol- 
lowing conditions.  If  he  desire  to  go  from  a 
lower  to  a  higher  class,  he  shall  pay  the  differ- 
ence between  his  former  and  his  new  rate  of  sub- 
scription for  all  the  years  during  which  he  has 
paid  the  smaller  sum,  together  with  interest 
thereon.  If  he  change  from  a  higher  to  a  lower, 
he  shall  be  repaid  the  difference  between  his  two 
rates  of  subscription  during  the  term  of  his  sub- 
scribing, without  any  interest  thereupon. 

2.  Every  person  entering  the  society  shall  pay 
one  dollar  and  a  half  for  every  year  lie  has  ex- 
ceeded the  age  of  thirty. 

3.  The  first  contribution  shall  be  paid  in  ad- 
vance :  that  is,  on  the  person's  becoming  a  mem- 
ber of  the  society. 

4.  Each  contributor  shall  pay  his  annual  con- 
tribution to  the  society  on  or  before  the  Thursday 
in  Whitsun-week  every  year,  under  the  penalty  of 
twelve  and  a  half  per  cent,  per  annum,  on  his 
original  subscription,  for  each  year's  default ;  and 
whensoever  the  penalties  sh.iU  amount  to  the 
whole  sum  heretofore  subscribed  by  him,  this 
sum  shall  be  forfeited  to  the  society,  and  he  be  no 
longer  considered  as  a  contributor,  except  he  shall 
afterward  comply  with  such  terms  as  to  the  so- 
ciety may  appear  equitable  and  expedient. 

6.  Should  any  member  choose  to  withdraw 


from  the  society,  he  shall  receive  no  compensation 
for  the  money  which  he  has  contributed  ;  but  h^ 
widow  and  children  shall  be  entitled  to  ten  per. 
cent,  upon  the  money  contributed.  And  any  con- 
tributor removing  from  tlie  state,  although  he  can 
no  longer  be  considered  as  a  member  of  the  so- 
ciety, may  remain  a  contributor,  and  he,  and  after 
his  death  his  wife  and  children,  shall  be  treated 
as  is  directed  by  the  laws  of  the  society.  But  if 
it  should  be  inconvenient  fur  him  after  his  removal 
to  continue  his  subscription,  he  shall  then  be  re- 
paid the  sum  which  he  shall  have  advanced,  pen- 
alties excepted,  with  legal  interest  on  each  contri- 
bution during  the  time  the  society  shall  have  used 
the  money. 

6.  Every  contributor  who  shall  marry  more 
than  once  shall  pay  one  year's  contribution  extra- 
ordinary at  every  such  marriage. 

7.  There  shall  be  four  different  sums ;  any  one 
of  which  subscribers  may  contribute,  viz. :  five, 
ten,  fifteen,  and  twenty  dollars,  w^hich  shall  be 
called  four  classes. 

8.  If  a  clergyman  die  before  he  shall  have  com- 
pleted five  annual  payments,  his  family  shall  be 
entitled  to  an  annuity  of  three  times  his  annual 
contribution ;  if  he  have  paid  five,  and  less  than 
ten,  they  shall  receive  an  annuity  of  four  times 
his  annual  contribution  ;  if  ten,  and  less  than  fif- 
teen, they  shall  be  paid  an  annuity  of  five  times 
his  annual  contribution  ;  and  if  fifteen,  or  up- 
wards, they  shall  then  receive  an  annuity  of  six 
times  his  annual  contribution. 

9.  Annuities  shall  be  paid  widows  during  life, 
unless  they  marry  again  ;  in  which  case  their  an- 
nuities shall  cease  and  fall  to  their  children  en- 
tirely if  they  have  any,  agreeably  to  the  laws  of 
the  society ;  and  children,  if  males,  shall  enjoy 
annuities  until  they  be  twenty-one  years  old;  if 
females,  so  long  as  they  remain  unmarried. 

10.  If  there  be  a  child  and  no  widow,  such  child 
shall  be  entitled  to  the  whole  annuity  during  the 
time  that  he  or  she  continues  to  be  an  annu- 
itant ;  but  if  there  be  more  than  one  child  and  no 
widow,  the  annuity  shall  be  equally  divided 
among  them  till  they  severally  marry,  or  exceed 
the  age  of  annuitants,  which  annuity  shall  be  laid 
out  in  their  education  or  apprenticeship,  with  the 
advice  of  such  guardians  or  executors  as  the 
father  may  have  nominated ;  and  if  none  such 
shall  have  been  nominated  by  the  father,  then  in 
such  manner  for  the  benefit  of  the  child  or  chil- 
dren as  the  society  shall  direct. 

11.  If  there  be  a  widow  and  one  child,  the  an- 
nuity shall  be  equally  divided  between  them  du- 
ring the  time  which  they  shall  be  respectively  en- 
titled to  it ;  and  if  there  be  a  widow  and  two  or 
more  children,  the  widow  shall  have  one  third 
during  her  widowhood :  the  remainder  shall  be 
equally  divided  among  the  children,  or  apportioned 
in  such  manner  among  the  annuitants  as  the 
father  shall  direct  by  his  last  will. 

12.  The  donations  already  made  and  those 
that  may  hereafter  be  made  to  the  society  shall 
constitute  a  separate  fund,  the  benefit  of  which 
shall  be  apphed  to  the  relief  of  such  families  of 
the  members  of  the  society  as  require  peculiar 
assistance ;  and  as  it  cannot  be  ascertained  what 
annuity  such  a  fund  may  yield,  it  shall  remain  with 
the  society  to  apply  this  money  as  the  necessity 
of  the  case  shall  to  them  appear  to  require. 

13.  The  society  shall  have  power  to  alter  the 
annuities  to  the  rate  of  interest  that  can  be  ob- 
tained, but  no  alteration  shall  take  place  from  a 
supposition  that  there  are  too  few  annuitants  for 
the  funds. 

Rules  for  the  transaction  of  the  business  of  the  society. 
1.  At  every  annual  meeting  there  shall  be  chosen 


CONVENTION  OF  1828. 


209 


a  president,  treasurer,  and  secretary,  who  shall 
remain  in  office  tillthe  next  annual  election.  The 
bishop,  if  he  be  a  member  of  the  socipty,  shall  be 
president. 

2.  On  urgent  occasions,  fhe  president  shall  notify 
the  secretary  to  call  special  meetings  of  the  so- 
ciety. 

3.  The  treasurer  shall  manage  the  funds  and 
pay  the  annuities  agreeably  to  the  direction  of  the 
society,  and  by  the  advice  of  such  counsellor  or 
counsellors  as  he  shall  be  directed  to  consult.  He 
shall  give  bond  in  sach.sum  as  the  society  shall 
judge  necessary  for  the  security  of  their  funds. 

4.  The  secretary  shall  takedown  minutes  of  the 
proceedings  of  the  society,  and  record  them  in  a 
book  to  be  kept  for  the  purpose.  lie  shall  faith- 
fully preserve  all  papers  and  accounts  committed 
to  his  care,  and  deliver  them  to  his  successor. 

On  motion.  Resolved,  That  the  said  laws  and 
regulations  be  approved  and  adopted. 

The  Rev.  William  Me&de,  from  the  board  of 
trustees  of  the  Theological  School,  presented  a 
report,  which  was  read^  as  follows  : — 

Report  of  the  Board  of  Trustees  of  the  Theological 

School  of  Virginia  to  the  Convention,  assembled  in 

Fredericjtsburg,  May  nth,  1827. 

The  board  do  not  consider  it  necessary  to'  detail 
in  this  report  the  different  studies  in  which  the 
young  candidates  for  the  ministry  have  been  en- 
gaged during  the  present  year,  as  they  are' the 
same  which  have  been  mentioned  in  former  com- 
munications. Since  our  last  report,  five  of  the 
students  in  this  school  have  entered  upon  the  dis- 
charge of  those  high  and  holy  duties  for  which 
they  had  been  preparing,  and  are  now,  we  trust, 
giving  good  evidence  that  their  time  has  not  been 
mispent,  or  their  studies  unprofitable.  Tvwo  others 
are  now  about  to  receive  their  commission,  and 
enter  upon  the  same  duties. 

During  the  present  session  ten  young  men  have 
been  pursuing  their  studies  in  our  institution,  and, 
from  applications  already  made,  we  have  reason 
to  expect  that  not  less  than  fifteen  wiU  enter  it  on 
the  ensuing  session.  We  are  annually  experien- 
cing the  beneficial  effects  of  our  school,  in  the 
supply  of  vacant  churches,  and  in  the  collection 
of  congregations,  in  places  where  almost  all  vesti- 
ges of  the  church  were  gone.  The  importance  of 
continuing  and  increasmg  our  efforts  to  render 
this  institution  as  efUcient  as  possible,  is  more  and 
more  deeply  felt  by  those  into  whose  hands  its 
management  iss  intrusted,  and  indeed  by  all  its 
friends  and  supporters. 

At  the  late  meeting  of  the  board  a  subject  of  no 
small  importance  came  under  consideration,  and 


led  to  a  decision  which  we  deem  it  propei"to  com- 
niunicat'e  to  this  Convention.  From  the  first  open- 
ing of  the  school,  very  serious  inconveniences 
were  found  to  attend  the  residence  of  the  students 
and  professors  in  a  town.  The  expense  of  living 
is  necessarily  greater,  and  many  interruptions  to 
their  studies  are  almost  unavoidable.  The  want 
of  a  buililing  exclusively  devoted  to  their  use,' and 
where  they  may  live  in  the  most  retired  manner, 
and  in  the  simplest  way,  has  been  deeply  felt, 
and  often  expressed  by  the  professors.  It  is  be- 
lieved that  the  institution  has  already  suffered, 
and  may  suffer  still  more,  from  the  want  of  sucij 
an  establishment. 

Accordingly,  the  board  have  determined  to  pur- 
chase or  erect,  in  some  healthy  situati6n .  near 
Alexandria,  but  withm  the  State  of  Virginia,  a 
house  or  houses  sufficiejitly  large  to  accommodate 
two  professors  and  twenty  students.  A  commit- 
tee has  been  appointed  to  execute  this  important 
duty,  and  will  repair  to  Alexandria  in  the  course 
of  the  following  month  format  purpose. 

It  has  also  been  deemed  important  that  the  un- 
divided  services  of  two  professors,  besides  such 
assistance  as  the  officiating  ministers  in  Alexan- 
dria can  render,  shall  be  given  to  the  students, 
and,  accordingly,  arrangements  can  and  will  be 
made  for  such  ^pply. 

The  board  are  happy  to  inform  the  Convention, 
that  although  they  have,  during  the  past  year, 
been  deprived  of  the  valuable  services  of  the  Rev. 
Dr.  Wilmer,  which  had  been  so  faithfully  and 
generously  rendered  from  the  commencement  of 
the  school,  yet  they  expect  to  receive  from^his 
worthy  successor  in  St.  Paul's  Church,  the  Rev, 
Mr.  w^illiam  Jackson,  very  important  assistance 
in  the  department  of  pastoral  theology,  which  ha» 
been  assigned  to  his  care. 

From  the  report  of  the  treasurer,  which  is  an» 
nexed,  it  will  be  perceived  that  our  funds  are 
still  altogether  unworthy  the  magnitude  of  the 
object  for  which  they  were  raised,,  and  of  the 
ability  of  those  from  whom  we  may  reasonably 
expect  support.  The  board  would  again  press 
the  duty  of  more  and  larger  contributions,  and 
would  take  further  steps  for  the  obtaining  of  the 
same  ;  but  as  a  special  contributioti  will  be  so» 
licited  for  the  purchase  or  erection  of  the  above, 
mentioned  buildings,  and  as  that  duty  is  confided 
to  the  management  of  a  select  committee,  it  is 
thought  best  for  the  present  to  forbear  any  new 
effort  for  the  increase  of  the  funded  capital,  leav- 
ing it,  however,  open  to  the  contributions  of  the 
living,  and  the  bequests  of  the  dying. 

All  which  is  respectfully  submitted  by  the 
board.         '       Richard  Channing  Moore, 

President, 


Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of  a  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  of  the  Diocess  of 
Virginia,  which  assembled  in  the  town  of  Petersburg,  on  Thursday,  the  Ibthof  May^  1838, 


Thursday,  May  15,  1828. 

This  being  the  day  and  place  appointed  for 
the  annual  meeting  of  the  Convention  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  diocess  of 
Virginia,  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Moore,  D.  D., 
with  several  clergymen  and  lay  delegates,  at- 
tended divine  service  in  the  Episcopal  church  in 
this  tov*n. 

Morning  prayers  were  read  by  the  Right  Rev. 
Bishop  Moore,  and  a  sermon  preached  by  the 
Rev,  William  Meade,  D.  If. 

After  divine  service  the  Kight  Rev.  Bishop 


Moore  took  the  chair  as  president  of  the  Con- 
vention. 

The  following  clergymen,  entitled  to  seat*  in 
this  Convention,  appeared,  viz.  :• — 

The  Rev.  William  Meade,  D.  D.,  Frederick 
parish,  Frederick  county  ;  the  Rev.  Edward  C. 
M'Guire,  St.  George's  parish,  Fredericksburg  ; 
the  Rev.  Reuel  Keith,  D.  D.,  Christ  Church, 
Alexandria,  parish  of  Fairfax  ;  the  Rev.  Charles 
H.  Page,  Lexington  parish,  Amherst  county ; 
the  Rev.  Robert  B.  Groes,  assistant  minister 
of  the  MonumentaJ   Church,  Richmond;   tK9 


210 


CONVENTION  OF  1828. 


Rev.  Henry  W.  Ducachet,  M.  D.,  Christ 
Church,  Norfolk  ;  the  Rev.  Wilham  F.  Lee,  St. 
James's  parish,  Northarii,  Goochland  county, 
Raleigh  parish,  Amelia,  and  Manchester,  parish, 
Chesterfield  ;  the  Rev.  John  P.  M'Guire,  St. 
Anne's  and  South  Farnham  parishes,  Essex 
county  ;  the  Rev.  Johannes  E.  Jackson,  Christ 
Church,  Frederick  parish,  Frederick  county  ; 
the  Rev.  John  T.  Brooke,  Norborne  parish, 
Berkeley  county  ;  the  Rev.  Edward  R.  Lippit, 
Professor  in  the  Theological  School  of  this  dio- 
cess  near  Alexandria ;  the  Rev.  George  A. 
Smith,  St.  Stephen's  Church,  Culpepper  county ; 
the  Rev.  John  Grammer,  Bath  parish,  Dinwid- 
die  county  ;  the  Rev.  Wilham  H.  Hart,  Henri- 
co parish,  Henrico  county ;  the  Rev.  WiUiam 
G.  H.  Jones,  parish  of  Newport,  Isle  of  Wight ; 
the  Rev.  John  H.  Wingfield,  Portsmouth  parish, 
Norfolk  county  ;  the  Rev.  Andrew  Syme,  Bris- 
tol parish,  Petersburg ;  the  Rev.  Hugh  C. 
Boggs  ;  the  Rev.  William  Jackson,  St.  Paul's 
Church,  Alexandria ;  the  Rev.  John  Cooke, 
§t.  Martin's  parish,  Hanover  and  Louisa  coun- 
ties ;  the  Rev.  George  Lemon^  Hamilton  and 
Leeds  parish,  Fauquier  county  ;  the  Rev.  Mark 
L.  Chevers,  Elizabeth  City  parish,  Elizabeth 
City  county  ;  the  Rev.  Thomas  Jackson,  Shel- 
burne  parish,  Loudoun  county ;  the  Rev. 
Frederick  W.  Hatch,  '  Fredericksville  parish, 
Albemarle  county ;  the  Rev.  Jacob  Keeling, 
Suffolk,  Nansemond  county  ;  the  Rev.  William 
D.  Cairns,  Ware  and  Abingdon  parishes,  Glou- 
cester county  ;  the  Rev.  WiUiam  Steele,  St. 
James's  parish,  Mecklenburg  county  ;  the  Rev. 
Ira  Parker,  SuflfoJk ;  the  Rev.  Adam  Empie, 
rector  of  Bruton  parish,  and  President  of  Will- 
iam and  Mary  College,  Williamsburg  ;  the  Rev. 
Leonard  H.  Johns,  St.  Margaret's  parish,  Caro- 
line county. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Philip  Nelson,  Dr.  Carter 
Berkeley,  and  Mr.  John  G.  Williams,  be  a  com- 
mittee to  examine  the  certificates  of  lay  dele- 
gates;  who  then  withdrew,  and  after  a  short 
time  returned,  and  presented  the  following  re- 
port : — 

'  The  committee  to  whom  were  referred  the 
certificates  of  the  lay  delegates,  have,  according 
to  order,  examined  the  same,  and  report,  that 
the, following  persons  have  been  duly  elected 
lay  delegates  to  this  Convention  : — 

.Dr.  Robert  B.  Butt,  Portsmouth  parish ; 
Thurmer  Hoggard,  Lynnhaven  parish,  Princess 
Anne  county ;  Mallory  M.  Todd,  Newport, 
Isle  of  Wight ;  John  Grammer,  parish  of  Bris- 
tol, Petersburg ;  Gen.  William  H.  Brodnax, 
Bath  parish  ;  Thomas  L.  Robertson,  St.  Ste- 
phen's Church,  Culpepper  county ;  William  B. 
Page,  Christ  Church,  Winchester ;  Beverley 
Davies,  Lexington  parish,  Amherst  county ; 
Thomas  L.  Latane,  South  Farnham  parish,  Es- 
feex  county  ;  Willia:m  Mayo  and  John  G.  Will- 
iams, Monumental  Church,  Richmond  ;  Hugh 
C.  M'Nemara,  Henrico  parish,  Henrico  county  : 
Walker  W.  Webb,  Bruton  parish,  Williams- 
burg ;  Gerrard  Alexander,  Russell  parish,  Bed- 
ford county  ;  Col.  William  Boiling,  St.  James's 
parish,  Northam,  Goochland  county  ;  William 
Coffield,  St.  Paul's  Church,  SufToIk  \  the  Hon. 


Hugh  Nelson,  Fredericksville  parish,  Albemarle 
county  ;  James  B.  Nichols,  St.  Paul's  Church, 
Alexandria ;  Philip  Nelson,  Frederick  "parish, 
Frederick  county ;  John  Southgate,  Christ 
Church,  Norfolk  ;  N.  Osgood,  St.  John's  Church, 
Moore's  parish,  Campbell  cotinty  ;  Westwood 
S.  Armistead,  St.  John's  Church,  EUzabeth  City 
parish  ;  Robert  P.  Waring,  St.  Anne's  parish, 
Essex  county  ;  Seth  Ward,  St.  Paul's  Church, 
Lynchburg ;  Lewis  Berkeley,  jr.,  Shelburne 
parish,  Leesburg,  Loudoun  county  ;  John  Nel- 
son, St.  James's  parish,  Mecklenburg  county  ; 
Nelson  Berkeley,  St.  Margaret's  parish,  Caro- 
line county ;  Thomas  Smith,  St.  Paul's  parish, 
King  George  county  ;  William  M.  Blackford, 
St.  George's  parish,  Fredericksburg ;  Dr.  Car- 
ter Berkeley,  St.  Martin's  parish,  Hanover  and 
Louisa  counties ;  John  Gray,  Hamilton  parish, 
Fauquier  county ;  Thomas  Nelson,  Norborne 
parish,  Martinsburg,  Berkeley  county  ;  Lewis 
Berkeley,  Norborne  parish,  Berkeley  cpunty. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  following 
rules  of  order,  adopted  by  the  last  Convention 
for  the  government  of  their  proceedings,  be  the 
rules  of  proceeding  during  the  present  Conven- 
tion. 

1.  The  business  of  every  day  shall  be  intro- 
duped  with  the  morning  service  of  the  church. 

2.  When  the  president  takes  the  chair,  no 
member  shall  continue  standing,  or  shall  after- 
vsrard  stand  up,  except  to  address  the  chair. 

3.  No  member  shall  absent  himself  from  the 
service  of  the  house  unless  he  have  leave,  or 
be  unable  to  attend. 

4.  When  any  member  is  about  to  speak  in 
debate,  or  deliver  any  matter  to  the  house,  he 
shall,  with  due  respect,  address  himself  to  the 
president,  confining  himself  strictly  to  the  point 
in  debate. 

5.  No  member  shall  speak  more  than  twice 
in  the  same  debate  without  leave  of  the  house. 

6.  A  question  being  once  determined  shall 
stand  as  the  judgment  of  the  house,  and  shall 
not  be  again  drawn  into  debate  during  the  same 
session,  unless  with  the  consent  of  two  thirds 
of  the  house. 

7.  While  the  president  ia  putting  any  ques- 
tion, the  members  shall  continue  in  their  seats, 
and  shall  not  hold  any  private  discourse. 

8.  Every  member  who  shall  be  in  the  house 
when  any  question  is  put,  shall,  on  a  division, 
be  counted,  unless  he  be  personally  interested 
in  the  decision. 

9.  No  motion  shall  be  considered  as  before 
the  house  unless  it  be  seconded,  and,  when  re- 
quired, reduced  to  writing. 

10.  When  any  question  is  before  the  house,  it 
shall  be  determined  on  before  any  new  thing  is 
introduced,  except  the  question  of  adjournment. 

11.  The  question  on  a  motion  of  adjourn- 
ment shall  be  taken  before  any  other,  and  with- 
out debate. 

12.  When  the  house  is  about  to  rise,  every 
member  shall  keep  his  seat  until  the  Resident 
shall  leave  his  chair. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  John  H.  Wingfield, 
the  Rev.  Robert  B.  Croes,  the  Rev.  George 
Smith,  Mr.   William   B.   Page,   Mr.  Gerrard 


CONVENTION  OF  1828. 


2U 


Alexander,  and  Mr.  Thurmer  Hoggard,  be  a 
committee  to  examine  the  parochial  reports. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  Wm.  Meade,  D.  D., 
the  Rev.  Henry  W.  Ducachet,  the  Rev.  Edward 
C.  M'Guire,  the  Rev.  Wm.  H.  Hart,  the  Rev. 
Wm.  Jackson,  the  Hon.  Hugh  Nelson,  Mr. 
William  Mayo,  Mr.  Robert  P.  Waring,  Mr. 
John  Souihgate,  and  John  G.  Williams,  be  a 
committee  to  take  into  consideration  the  state 
of  the  church  in  this  diocess,  and  report  there- 
upon to  this  Convention. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  Edward  R.  Lippit, 
the  Rev.  John  M'Guire,  the  Rev.  William  F. 
Lee,  Mr.  Francis  Nelson,  Mr.  Hugh  C.  M'Ne- 
mara,  and  Mr.  Mallory  M.  Todd,  be  a  commit- 
tee to  examine  the  accounts  of  the  treasurer  of 
the  fund  for  the  permanent  support  of  the  epis- 
copate in  this  diocess. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  Andrew  Syme,  the 
Rev.  John  Grammer,  the  Rev.  Frederick  W. 
Hatch,  and  John  Grammer,  sen.,  be  a  commit- 
tee to  examine  the  treasurer's  accounts. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  Reuel  Keith,  the  Rev. 
Johannes  E.  Jackson,  Mr.  Seth  Ward,  and  Mr. 
Nelson  Berkeley,  be  a  committee  to  examine  the 
state  of  the  fund  for  the  support  of  the  widows 
and  orphans  of  deceased  clergymen. 

The  bishop  then  delivered  the  following 

PASTORAL  ADDRESS. 

Another  year,  brethren,  has  revolved  over  us, 
and  we  are  again  favoured  with  an  opportunity  of 
meeting  together  in  the  council  of  the  church,  to 
deliberate  on  such  measures  as  may,  with  the 
blessing  of  heaven,  advance  the  interest  of  reli- 
gion in  general,  and  of  our  own  community  in 
particular.  We  have  received  many  mercies  de- 
serving our  utmost  gratitude  to  the  Almighty  ; 
and  we  have  some  bereavements  to  lament,  which 
should  awaken  in  our  minds  the  uncertainty  of 
human  life,  and  excite  us  to  more  unwearied  dili- 
gence in  the  cause  of  God  our  Saviour. 

In  casting  our  eye  around  us,  and  surveying  the 
members  of  which  this  Convention  is  composed, 
we  look  in  vain  for  several  individuals  who  at 
this  time  the  last  year  constituted  a  part  of  our 
ecclesiastical  body,  and  who  we  had  reason  to 
hope  would  have  been  spared  to  meet  with  us  on 
this  occasion,  and  to  assist  us  in  our  religious  de- 
liberations. The  venerable  Mr.  Armstrong,  who 
at  an  advanced  age  came  from  Wheeling,  to  wit- 
ness the  progress  of  the  church,  died  a  few  days 
after  his  return  home.  Though  the  place  at 
which  we  convened  was  distant  from  his  abode 
several  hundred  miles,  still  the  pleasure  he  expe- 
rienced at  the  Convention  was  so  great,  that  he 
declared,  prior  to  his  departure  from  Fredericks- 
burg, that  the  unity  of  sentiment  which  distin- 
guished our  proceedings,  and  the  vital  piety  which 
marked  the  discourses  he  heard,  had  more  than 
repaid  him  for  all  his  toil  and  fatigue.  He  left  us 
with  renewed  desires  to  discharge  his  duty,  and 
with  the  conviction  on  his  mind  that  God  was 
with  us  of  a  truth.  He  now  rests  from  his  labours, 
and,  I  trust,  is  reaping  the  reward  of  a  life  devoted 
to  the  cause  of  his  Redeemer. 

In  touching  on  the  subject  of  the  bereavement 
we  have  experienced  in  the  death  of  our  beloved 
Wilmer,  it  is  impossible  for  me  to  find  language 
sufficiently  strong  to  express  that  sense  of  his  loss 
which  fills  my  mind.  He  was  one  of  those  who 
first  called  ray  attention  to  this  diocess  ;  and  of 
the  three  clergymen  who  corresponded  with  me 

02 


on  that  subject,  one  only  now  remains.  He,  I 
trust,  will  be  spared  to  assist  you  with  his  counsel 
when  my  head  will  be  slumbering  in  the  tomb. 

To  the  usefulness  of  Dr.  Wilmer  we  must  all 
subscribe.  He  was  a  man  of  business  and  of 
piety.  He  loved  his  God,  and  the  interest  of  the 
church  was  near  his  heart.  As  a  preacher  he  was 
faithful,  energetic,  eloquent.  He  was  the  friend 
of  evangelical  rehgion,  and  considered  that  the 
strictest  regard  to  the  public  order  of  the  church 
was  perfectly  compatible  with  the  most  animated 
social  worship,  in  the  houses  of  his  parishioners 
and  friends.  His  private  meetings  formed,  in  his 
opinion,  the  nursery  of  the  church,  and  were 
blessed  to  the  edification  and  comfort  of  his  con- 
gregation. He  was  always  ready  to  discharge  his 
duty.  Like  the  Apostle  Paul,  he  not  only  taught 
his  people  publicly,  but  went  from  house  to  house, 
exhorting  them  to  prepare  to  meet  their  God, 
His  fidelity  in  the  discharge  of  his  duty  met  my 
warmest  approbation  ;  and  if  it  is  your  wish,  my 
brethren  of  the  clergy,  to  give  an  account  of  your 
stewardship  with  joy,  oh,  let  me  entreat  you  all  to 
"  go  and  do  likewise," 

Upon  the  adjournment  of  the  Convention  last 
May  I  visited  the  county  of  Culpepper,  and  ad- 
mitted to  the  priesthood  the  Rev.  Mr.  Smith,  upon 
which  occasion  the  Rev.  Mr.  Jackson,  of  Win- 
chester, preached,  and  Mr.  Woodville  and  Mr. 
Jackson  assisted  at  the  ordination  ;  after  which  I 
administered  the  Lord's  Supper  to  a  number  of 
pious  communicants.  So  great  was  the  sensation 
produced  on  the  minds  of  two  young  ladies  on  that 
occasion,  that,  after  I  had  left  the  church,  I  was 
called  back,  in  order  to  aiford  them  an  opportu- 
nity of  commemorating  the  death  and  sufferings 
of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 

After  remaining  at  home  a  short  time,  I  went 
to  Norfolk  in  the  month  of  June,  to  assist  in 
laying  the  corner-stone  of  Christ  Church  in  that 
place ;  which  duty  was  performed  in  connexion 
with  the  rector,  Dr.  Ducachet,  and  several  of  the 
clergy  in  that  neighbourhood.  I  preached,  on  the 
morning  of  the  Sabbath  in  the  old  church  to  a 
very  large  auditory,  and  confirmed  fourteen  per- 
sons. In  the  afternoon  I  crossed  the  river  to 
Portsmouth,  and  preached  in  the  church  belonging 
to  the  parish  of  Mr.  Wingfield,  and  confirmed  ten 
persons. 

Having  discharged  my  duty  in  those  places,  I 
repaired  to  Hampton,  which  parish  is  supermtend- 
ed  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Chevers.  I  preached  there 
to  a  large  and  respectable  congregation,  and  con- 
firmed twenty-two  persons.  The  church  in  Hamp- 
ton had  been  in  a  state  of  ruin  for  many  years,  but 
the  inhabitants  have  now  rendered  it  fit  for  ser- 
vice ;  and  when  the  repairs  are  completed,  it  will 
form  a  place  of  worship  inferior  to  very  few  in  the 
diocess. 

From  Hampton  I  went  to  the  county  of  Glou- 
cester, and  admitted  to  the  priesthood  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Cairns.  Upon  that  memorable  occasion  the 
Rev.  Dr.  Wilmer  preached,  and,  in  conjunction 
with  the  Rev.  Mr.  Chevers,  united  in  the  ordina- 
tion of  Mr.  Cairns.  The  sacrament  of  the  Lord's 
Supper  was  administered,  and  thirteen  persons 
were  confirmed.  A  day  or  two  subsequent  to  the 
above  ministrations,  I  rode  to  Abingdon  Church  in 
the  same  county,  and  preached  to  a  small  but  at- 
tentive congregation. 

Having  completed  my  duties  in  Gloucester,  I 
crossed  the  river  to  Yorktown,  and  preached  to 
a  very  respectable  and  serious  congregation.  I 
then  passed  on  to  Williamsburg,  at  which  place  I 
remained  a  week,  attending  during  my  stay  the 
examination  of  the  students  of  the  college,  ^nd 
witnessing  yvith  great  satisfaction  the  reeuscita* 


212 


CONVENTION  OF  1828. 


tion  of  that  seftiinary,  and  the  acceptability  of  the 
labours  of  onr  deceased  friend,  not  only  as  presi- 
dent of  the  college,  but  as  rector  of  the  parish 
also.  I  preached  in  the  church  on  the  Sabbath, 
administered  the  Lord's  Supper  to  a  large  number 
of  communicants,  and  confirmed  eleven  persons ; 
after  which  I  returned  home,  wheie  I  remained  a 
few  days.    ^ 

In  July  I  visited  Petersburg,  in  company  with 
the  Rev.  Dr.  Ducachet  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Cjoes,  at 
■which  place  we  all  preached  in  succession  to  re- 
spectable congregations.  Dr.  Ducachet,  Mr.  Syme, 
and  myself,  then  passed  on  to  Sapony  Church, 
where  I  preached  on  Saturday ;  and  on  Sunday,  as- 
sisted by  the  two  clergymen  just  named,  I  admit- 
ted to  the  priesthood  the  Rev.  John  Grammer. 
Dr.  Ducachet  preached  the  ordination  sermon, 
after  which  I  administered  the  Lord's  Supper,  and 
confirmed  nime  persons.  In  the  afternoon  of  the 
Sabbath  the.  Rev.  Mr.  Syme  preached ;  we  then 
bid  the  people  farewell. 

After  the  performance  of  my  duties  in  Dinwid- 
dle, I  visited  the  county  of  Brunswick,  in  compa- 
ny with  the  Rev.  Mr.  Grammer,  and  preached  in 
Red  Oak  Church  to  a  small  assembly,  I  then 
passed  on  to  Mecklenburg,  preached  to  an  atten 
tive  congregation  in  St.  James's  Church,  and  ad- 
ministered the  Lord's  Supper  to  a  number  of  pious 
communicants.  From  Mecklenburg  I  went  into 
the  county  of  Halifax,  preached  on  a  week  day 
in  a  church  near  Clark's  ferry  to  an  attentive  peo- 
ple ;  and  on  the  following  Sabbath  preached  in 
the  Masons'  Hall,  near  the  courthouse,  to  a  large 
assembly,  and  administered  the  Lord's  Supper. 
On  my  way  from  Halifax  I  visited  Mrs.  Nelson, 
the  amiable  and  pious  relict  of  the  late  Major  John 
Nelson,  and  administered- the  Lord's  Supper  to 
that  venerable  lady  and  her  daughter-in-law  ;  af- 
ter which  I  again  returned  to  Richmond,  arid  on 
my  way  home  lectured  in  Dinwiddle  at  a  private 
house. 

In  the  month  of  October  I  went  down  James 
river  to  the  Isle  of  Wight  county,  where  I  was 
joined  by  the  Rev.  Dr,  Ducachet,  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Wingfield,  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Grammer.  On  Sun- 
day I  admitted  to  the  priesthood  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Jones,  administered  the  Lord's  Supper  to  a  large 
number  of  pious  communicants,  and  confumed 
fourteen  persons.  The  ordination  sermon  was 
delivered  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Wingfield,  and  the  at- 
tending clergy  united  with  me  in  the  imposition 
of  hands.  During  our  stay  at  that  place,  Dr.  Du- 
cachet and  Mr.  Grammer  preached  in  a  Methodist 
church  in  Smithfield  to  pious  and  attentive  audi- 
tories. On  my  return,  I  read  prayers  and  preach- 
ed in  two  of  our  old  churches  in  Surry  county,  to 
small  but  attentive  congregations.  To  that  dis- 
trict, in  connexion  with  Prince  George  county,  it 
is  my  intention  to  send  a  missionary  ;  through 
whose  labours  I  hope  for  a  revival  of  the  church, 
and  the  restoration  of  her  excellent  form  of  wor- 
ship. 

In  the  month  of  October  I  also  went  into  the 
county  of  Chesterfield,  and  consecrated  one  of  the 
old  churches,  which  had  been  repaired  through  the 
laudable  exertions  of  Mrs.  Thweat,  the  excellent 
consort  of  Archibald  Thweat,  Esq.    The  congre- 

fation  was  large,  and  the  behaviour  of  the  people 
evout  and  exemplary.    The  Rev.  Mr.  Lee  offi- 
ciates in  that  parish  a  part  of  his  time. 

In  November  I  visited  the  counties  of  Essex 
and  Carolihe.  In  Essex  I  preached  twice  on  a 
■week  day,  in  the  town  of  Rappahannock ;  and  on 
tlie  second  day  of  my  stay  m  that  place,  I  preached 
and  administered  the  Lord's  Supper  to  a  deeply 
interesting  congregation.  On  the  following  Sat- 
urday and  Sunday  I  preached  at  Vautere  Church, 


St.  Anne's  parish :  administered  the  Lord's  Sup- 
per, and  confirmed,  in  the  two  places,  twenty-one 
persons.  Vauters  Church  is  in  handsome  order, 
and  reflects  .great  credit  on  the  Rev.  Mr.  John 
M'Guire  and  the  people  of  his  charge, 
'  In  February  I  again  went  down  the  river  to  Nor- 
folk, at-which  place  I  preached  on  Sunday  morn- 
ing, to  a  very  large  assembly,  and  confirmed  two 
persons  ;  and  in  the  afternoon  I  preached  in  Ports- 
mouth, and  confirmed  six  persons.  On  Tuesday 
I  visited  the  town  of  Suflblk,  in  Nansemond  coun- 
ty, in  company  with  the  Rev.  Dr.  Ducachet,  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Wingfield,  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Chevers, 
upon  which  evening  I  preached  to  a  large  and  at- 
tentive congregation.  The  next  day  I  admitted  to 
the  priesthood  the  Rev.  Mr.  Keeling,  on  which 
occasion  the  Rev.  Dr.  Ducachet  preached,  who, 
with  the  other  attending  clergymen,  united  with 
me  in  the  imposition  of  hands.  On  Thursday 
I  visited,  in  company  with  the  Rev.  Mr,  Wing- 
field, Rev.  Mr.  Chevers,  and  Rev.  Mr.  Jones,  the 
old  parish  church  of  St.  John's,  in  Chuckatuck  ; 
at  which  place  we  met  with  a  large  and  respecta- 
ble congregation.  The  service  was  read  by  Mr. 
Jones  and  Mr,  Wingfield;  and  a  discourse  was  de- 
livered by  myself ;  after  which  1  confirmed  five 
persons. 

On  Saturday  I  crossed  from  Norfolk  to  Hamp- 
ton, with  the  Rev,  Mr.  Chevers,  and  lectursd  in 
the  evening  at  the^  house  of  Mrs.  Armistead  to  a 
numerous"  and  attentive  "auditory.  On  Sunday, 
the  24th,  I  preached  in  the  church,  administered 
the  holy  communion,  and  confirmed  two  persons. 
In  the  afternoon  I.  visited  Fortress  Monroe,  and 
preached  to  a  large  congre^tion,  consisting  of  the 
citizens  of  that  place,  and  also  of  the  military. 
The  order  which  pervaded  the  military  during  the 
time  of  divine  service,  reflected  the  greatest  cred- 
it iipon  the  bfficers  of  the  garrison ;  for  whose  po- 
lite attention  during  my  stay  at  the  fortress  I  re- 
turn, thus  publicly,  my  sincere  thanks. 

A  few  weeks  since  I  held  an  association  in  Pe 
tersburg,  at  which  time  the  Rev.  Mr.  Grammer, 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Hart,  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Croes  at- 
tended. We  all  officiated  in  the  church  in  suc- 
cession, and  on  the  afternoon  previous  to  our 
departure  I  lectured  at  the  house  of  Mr.  John 
Grammer,  sen.,  to  as  large  an  assembly  as  could 
be  accommodated  ^ 

Last  week  I  visited  the  county  of  Goochland, 
in  company  with  the  Rev.  Dr.  Meade  and  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Cooke;  at  which  time  I  admitted  to  the 
priesthood  the  Rev.  Wm.  F.Lee.  The  ordina- 
tion sermon  was  delivered  by  Dr.  Meade,  who,  in 
conjunction  with  Mr.  Cooke,  united  in  the  imposi- 
tion of  hands.  ladministered  the  Lord's  Supper 
to  a  large  nimiber  of  communicants,  and  confirm- 
ed thirteen  persons. 

Since  the  last  Convention  I  have  held  a  confirm- 
ation in  my  own  church,  at  which  time  I  imposed 
my  hands  on  sixty  persons. 

Having  thus  furnished  the  Convention  with  a 
geneiral  view  of  my  episcopal  visitations,  I  must 
now  call  their  attention  to  a  subject  of  the  first  im- 
portance to  the  ecclesiastical  concerns  of  this  di- 
ocess  :  a  subject  on  which  the  advancement  of  the 
church  in  Virginia  and  the  supply  of  our  vacant 
parishes  very  much  depend. 

At  the  time  in  which  the  General  Convention 
determined  on  the  location  of  the  Theological  Sem- 
inary in  the  diocess  of  Connecticut,  it  was  per- 
fectly understood  that  the  resolution  then  adopted 
should  not  be  considered  so  exclusive  in  its  oper- 
ation as  to  prevent  the  establishment  of  a  Theo- 
logical School  in  any  diocess  disposed  to  counte- 
nance such  a  measure.  By  virtue  of  this  under- 
standing, the  church  in  Virginia  determined  on  the 


CONVENTION  OF  1828. 


213 


establishment  of  a  Diocesan  School  within  the 
limits  of  its  own  jurisdiction  :  in  which  a  system  of 
instruction  is  pursued  in  unison  with  that  course 
prescribed  by  the  House  of  Bishops. 

To  promote  this  object,  subscriptions  were  open- 
ed, money  was  raised,  and  the  school  set  in  op- 
eration. The  experiment,  though  commenced 
with  very  limited  means,  has  so  far  succeeded 
that  the  friends  of  the  institution  have  determined 
to  apply  to  this  Convention  for  their  sanction  and 
support  in  the  further  prosecution  of  their  de- 
sign. The  individual  through  whose  instrumen- 
tality the  school  was  first  set  in  motion  has  con- 
sented, should  the  Convention  countenance  the 
undertaking,  to  engage  with  all  his  energies  in  the 
work,  and  to' go  in  person  through  this  state  to 
raise  a  fund  for  the  permanent  establishment  of  a 
Theological  School  in  the  Diocess  of  Virginia. 

When  the  attempt  was  first  made  in  this  dio- 
cess, my  mind  was  impressed  with  considerable 
doubt  as  to  the  utility  of  the  measure,  from  an  ap- 
prehension that  it  might  interfere  with  the  General 
Seminary  at  the  north  j  but,  jufter  the  most  serious 
reflection,  the  doubts  I  entertained  have  been  re- 
moved, and  my  mind  is  now  satisfied  with  a  full 
conviction  of  the  necessity  of  the  undertaking. 
The  church  in  Virginia  is  now  favoured  with  the 
labours  of  several  of  her  native  sons,  who  have 
been  educated  in  her  own  school,  who  it  is  prob- 
able would  not  have  gone  to  a  distant  seminary 
for  theological  instruction ;  and  others  are  pre- 
senting themselves  under  similar  circumstances, 
who,  I  trust,  will  prove  equally  useful. 

Strangers  who  come  from  distant  parts  of  the 
United  States,  while  devoting  themselves  to  the 
pursuits  of  theology,  will  acquire  a  knowledge  of 
the  members  of  our  community ;  and  from  an  in- 
timacy formed  during  their  studies  with  the  peo- 
ple at  large,  will  be  more  generally  useful  and 
acceptable  than  they  otherwise  would  be.  Five 
or  six  individuals  of  this  description  will  be  ad- 
mitted to  holy  orders  on  Sunday  next,  all  of  whom 
are  disposed  to  labour  in  this  part  of  the  vine- 
yard; whose  assistance,  in  all  probability,  would 
not  have  been  secured  to  us  had  they  been  edu- 
cated elsewhere. 

The  Bible  Society  of  Virginia,  at  one  of  their 
late  meetings,  entered  into  a  resolution  to  supply 
every  family  in  this  state,  destitute  of  a  Bible, 
with  a  copy  of  the  Holy  Scriptures  in  the  course 
of  two  years.  To  effect  this  sacred  purpose  an 
address  has  been  published,  in  which  the  atten- 
tion of  the  different  ecclesiastical  bodies  of  all  de- 
nominations of  Christians  in  Virginia  has  been 
called  to  the  point :  an  address  which  now  lies 
on  the  table,  and  will  be  put  into  the  hands  of 
such  members  of  the  Convention  as  may  be  dis- 
posed to  further  the  design. 

To  enforce  the  propriety  and  necessity  of  the 
measure,  by  those  arguments  of  which  the  sub- 
ject admits,  would  be  unnecessary  in  an  assembly 
of  Protestant  Christians.  We  all  believe  the  sa- 
cred Scriptures  to  be  the  word  of  God,  and  to 
pontain  all  things  necessary  to  salvation.  "  It  is 
a  lamp  to  our  feet  and  a  light  to  our  paths  ;"  and 
in  all  things  essential  to  the-  salvation  of  immor- 
tal souls  is  so  plain,  "  that  the  wayfaring  man, 
though  a  fool,  need  not  err  therein." 

Before  I  conclude,  there  is  one  more  point  to 
which  I  think  it  my  duty  to  call  the  attention  of 
this  Convention  :  and  as  a  year  must  necessarily 
elapse  before  a  final  determination  of  the  question 
can  take  place,  we  shall  have  full  time  allowed  us 
for  reflection  and  consideration. 

Although  my  labours  the  past  year  have  been 
equal  to  the  labours  of  any  preceding  twelve 
months,  still,  from  my  advanced  age,  it  is  impossi- 


ble for  me  to  calculate  upon  a  long  continuance 
of  such  effort  and  exertion.  It  is  my  wish,  pro- 
vided the  Convention  should  think  proper,  so  to 
alter  the  constitution  of  the  church  as  to  admit 
of  the  consecration  of  either  a  suffragan  or  an 
assistant  bishop  in  this  diocess.  It  was  proposed 
several  years  ago,  in  consequence  of  the  great  ex- 
tent of  this  diocess,  to  divide  it  into  two  parts,  in 
order  that  the  parishes  might  receive  episcopal 
visitations  more  frequently  than  is  prescribed  by 
the  canons.  As  this  purpose  can  be  secured  by 
the  appointment  of  a  suffragan  or  an  assistant 
bishop,  I  would  recommend  it  to  the  Convention 
so  to  alter  the  constitution  as  to  secure  the  con- 
templated measure.  It  is  my  sincere  desire  that 
a  bishop  should  be  appointed  during  my  life  ;  and 
as  such  an  appointment  can  now  be  made  with 
perfect  unanimity,  it  is  expedient  that  it  should  be 
done.  It  will  give  me  pleasure  to  unite  in  labour 
with  the  man  of  your  choice.  It  will  render  me 
happy,  in  the  hour  of  my  departure,  to  know  the 
individual  to  whorh  I  am  to  resign  the  arduous 
duties  of  the  episcopate :'  to  whose  care  this 
peaceful,  quiet  diocess  shall  be  committed.  May 
the  Almighty  direct  us  in  all  our  doings  with  his 
most  gracious  favour,  and  further  us  with  hjs  con- 
tinual help. 

Richard  Channing  Moore. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Hugh  Nelson, 

Resolved,  That  the  members  of  this  Conven- 
tion will  wear  crape  on  the  left  arm  during  the 
session,  and  for  thirty  days  thereafter,  in  token 
of  their  high  respect  for  the  late  Dr.  Wilmer,  and 
that  the  secretary  be  requested  to  cause  to  be 
procured,  out  of  the  contingent  fund,  as  much 
crape  as  may  be  necessary  for  the  use  of  the 
clergy. 

The  president  of  the  Convention  presented  a 
communication  from  the  board  of  managers  of 
the  Bible  Society  of  Virginia. 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Meade, 

Resolved,  That  the  said  communication  be^ 
referred  to  a  select  committee. 

The  president  then  appointed  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Meade,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Keith,  the  Rev.  Mi'.  Le- 
mon, and  Mr.  Westwood  S.  Armistead,  on  said 
committee.  . 

The  president  having  retired,  Mr.  Hugh  Nel- 
son was  called  to  the  chair. 

The  secretary  received  the  following  contri- 
butions, from  sundry  parishes  of  this  diocess,  for 
the  Contingent  Fund  : —  , 

Portsmouth  parish,  Norfolk  county,  -  $10  00 
Lynnhaven  parish,  -  -  -.  -  12  00 
Bristol  parish,  Petersburg,  -         -     30  00 

Newport  parish.  Isle  of  Wight,  -  -  10  00 
Bath  parish,  Dinwiddie,  -  -  -  15  00 
St.  Stephen's  Church,  Culpepper  county,  20  00 
Christ  Church,  Winchester,  -  -  15  00 
Lexington  parish,  Amherst  county,  -  10  00 
South  Farnham  parish,  Essex  county,  16  00 
Monumental  Church-,  Richmond,  -     30  00 

Henrico  parish,  Henrico  county,  -     15  00 

Bruton  parish,  Williamsburg,  -  -  15  00 
Russell  parish,  Bedford  county,  -  -  30,00 
St.  James's  parish,  Northam,  Goochland,  10  OO 
St.  Paul's  Church,  Suffolk,  •  -  -  10  00 
Fredericksville  parish,  Albemarle,  -  15  00 
St.  Paul's  Church,  Alexandria,  -         -     20  00 


Amount.carried  f<Slrward, 


$283  00 


214 


CONVENTION  OF  1828. 


Amount  brought  forward, 


$283  00 


Frederick  parish,  Frederick  county,     -     20  00 
Christ  Church,  Norfolk,      -         -         -     30  00 
St.  John's  Church,  Ehzabeth  City,      -     15  00 
St.  Anne's  parish,  Esse^  county,         -     20  00 
St.  Paul's  Church,  Lynchburg,    -         -     10  00 
Shelburne  parish,    Leesburg,    Jjoudoun 

county,  -         '         r         -         -     20  00 

St.  James's  parish,  Mecklenburg,         -     14  00 
St.  Margaret's  parish,  Caroline,  -         -       7  60 
Christ  Church,  Norborne  parish,  Berke- 
ley county,     -        -         -         -         -       5  00 

St.  Paul's  parish.  King  George  county,     30  00 
St.  George's  parish,  Fredericksburg,    -     20  00 
St.  Martin's  parish,  Hanover  and  Louisa 

counties^        -         -        "        -        -     20  00 
Haipilton  parish,  Fauquier  county,       -     12  50 
Ware  and  Abingdon  parishes,  Glouces- 
ter,       -         -         -         -         -         -     15  00 

B-aleigh  parish,  Amelia,      -        -        -     10  00 


8532  10 

The  foUowmg  sums  were  paid  towards  the 
support  of  the  bishop's  assistant  for  the  year 
ending  May,  1828  : — 

Portsmouth  parish,  Norfolk  county,  -  $10  00 
Newport  parish,  Isle  of  Wight,  -  -  10  00 
Bristol  parish,  Petersburg,  -  -  -  20  00 
Christ  Church,  Winchester,  -  -  7  60 
Lexington  parish,  Amherst  county,  -  5  00 
St.  James's  parish,  Northam,  Goochland 

county,  -         -         -         -         -     10  00 

St.  Paul's  Church,  Suflfolk,  -  -  10  00 
Frederick  parish,  Frederick  county,  -  10  00 
Christ  Churfih,  Norfolk,  -  -  -  20  00 
St.  John's  Church,  Elizabeth  City,  -  5  00 
St.  Anne's  parish,  Essex  county,  ^  10  00 
St.  James's  parish,  Mecklenburg,  -  10  00 
Christ  Church,  Norborne  parish,  Berke- 
ley county,  -  -  -  -  2  12 
St.  Martin's  parish,  Hanover  and  Louisa 

counties,  r  r  r  -  -  10  00 
Ware  and  Abingdon  parishes,  Glouces- 
ter county,  -  -  -  -  -  10  00 
Raleigh  parish,  Amelia,  -  -  ,  -  10  00 
Fredericksville  parish,  Albemarle,  -  iO  00 
Shelburne  parish,  Leesburg,  Loudoun 
V  county,  -        -  •      .-       r        "     10  00 


$179  62 

-On  motion,  Uesolved,  That  the  Convention 
do  now  adjourn  until  to-morrow  morning,  9 
o'clock. 

Friday,  May  16,  1828. 
The  Convention  met  according  to  adjourn- 
ment, and  was  opened  with  prayer  by  the  Right 
Rev.  Bishop  Moore. 

.  The  Rev.  Edward  W.  Peet,  of  St.  Paul's 
'  parish,  King  Georg*  xounty,  appeared  and  took 
nis  seat. 

Mr.  Augustine  L.  Dabney,  a  lay  delegate  of 
Abingdon  and  Ware  parishes ;  Mr.  Benj.  L. 
Meade,  a  lay  delegate  of  the  parish  of  Raleigh, 
Amelia  county  ;  and  Mr.  Gordon  Coleman  and 
}At.  Wm.  Clark,  lay  delegates  of  Antrim  parish, 
Halifax  county,  appeareaand  took  their  seats. 


On  motion.  Resolved,  That  the  candidat«i 
for  orders  now  present  be  admitted  to  the  sit- 
tings of  this  Convention. 

The  parochial  reports  were  handed  in  and 
read,  and  referred  to  the  committee  upon  paro- 
chial reports. 

The  session  was  then  suspended,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  attending  divine  service  by  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Lee,  and  a  sermon  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Edward 
C.  M'Guire,  after  which  the  Convention  again 
met. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Meade,  from  the  committee  to 
whom  was  referred  the  communication  from  the 
board  of  managers  of  the  Bible  Society,  &c., 
made  the  following  report : — .. 

Whereas  the  Bible  Society  of  Virginia  have 
resolved,  in  dependance  on  the  divine  blessing, 
to  endeavour  to  supply  the  destitute  parts  of  the 
state  with  copies  of  the  sacred  volume  adequate 
to  existing  wants  ;  and  whereas  the  board  of 
managers  for  said  society  have  addressed  a  cir- 
cular to  the  various  ecclesiastical  bodies  of  the 
state,  requesting  their  countenance  and  co-oper- 
ation, which  circular  has  been  presented  to  this 
Convention  by  our  venerable  bishop,  with  a 
strong  and  zealous  recommendation  of  its  great 
and  important  object ;  therefore, 

Resolved,  That  this  Convention  do  most  fully 
approve  of  the  holy  enterprise  of  said  society, 
and  earnestly  recommend  it  to  the  patronage 
and  aid  of  the  various  parishes  and  churches  of 
this  diocess.     And, 

Resolved  further.  That  the  members  of  thi« 
Convention  will,  in  their  individual  capacity, 
promote  the  accomplishment  of  the  above-men- 
tioned truly  Christian  purpose,  according  to  their 
means  and  opportunities. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  report  of  the 
committee  be  received,  and  that  the  same  be 
unanimously  approved. 

On  motion.  Resolved,  That  the  members  of 
the  former  Conventions  now  present  be  admit- 
ted to  the  sittings  of  this  Convention. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Cairns  have  leave  of  absence  from  the  Conven- 
tion for  the  remainder  of  this  day. 

The  Convention  proceeded  to  the  election,  by 
ballot,  of  a  standing  committee  of  the  church 
in  this  diocess  for  the  ensuing  year ;  where- 
upon the  following  gentlemen  were  duly  elect- 
ed, viz. : — the  Rev.  Reuel  Keith,  D.  D.,  the 
Rev.  Edward  R.  Lippit,  the  Rev.  William  Jack- 
son, the  Hon.  Bushrod  Washington,  Mr.  John 
HoofF,  and  Mr.  Gerrard  Alexander. 

The  president  having  retired,  Mr.  William 
Mayo  was  called  to  the  chair. 

The  Convention  proceeded  to  the  election  of 
two  trustees  of  the  Theological  School  of  Vir- 
ginia, to  supply  the  vacancy  occasioned  by  the 
death  of  the  Rev.  William  H.  Wilmer  and 
the  Rev.  Oliver  Norris  ;  whereupon  the  Rev. 
John  Grammer  and  the  Rev.  John  P.  M'Guire 
were  unanimously  elected. 

A  resolution,  relative  to  the  removal  of  com- 
municants from  one  parish  to  another  m  this  di- 
ocess, was  offered,  and,  on  motion,  the  same  waa 
laid  upon  the  table. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Syme,  from  the  committee  ap. 


CONVENTION  OF  1828. 


ma 


pointed  to   examine  the  treasurer's   accounts, 
made  a  report,  which  was  read,  and  is  as  follows  : 

The  crommittee  on  the  treasurer's  accounts 
beg  leave  to  report,  that  they  have  examined  the 
same,  and  find  them  to  be  correct. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  •  That  the  said  report 
be  received  and  approved.         '  .-     -^ 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  Convention 
do  now  adjourn  until  to-morrow  morning,  half 
past  8  o'clock. 

Saturday,  May  17,  1828. 

The  Convention  met  according  to  adjourn- 
ment, and  was  opened  with  prayer  by  the  Right 
Rev.  Bishop  Moore. 

The  Rev.  Henry  W.  Ducachet,  from  the 
committee  on  the  state  of  the  church  in  this  di- 
ocess,  presented  the  following  report : — 

The  committee  on  the  state  of  the  church  re- 
spectfully report  to  the  Convention,  that  they  have 
deliberated  on  the  matters  referred  to  their  con- 
sideration, and  have  unanimously  agreed  in  the 
following  report : — 

There  is  only  one  subject  which  they  have 
thought  it  necessary  to  bring  to  the  notice  of  the 
members  of  this  house;  and  this  was  suggested 
by  the  address  of  our  Right  Rev.  Diocesan  at  the 
opening  of  the  present  session.  The  great 'extent 
of  the  diocess  renders  it  impossible  for  any  one 
person  satisfactorily  and  efficientlj  to  discharge 
the  duties  of  the  episcopate,  when  it  is  neces- 
sary, as  at  present,  that  the  bishop  should  have  a 
parochial  charge..  The  destitute  condition  of  a 
great  portion  of  the  church  in  this  state  renders 
it  absolutely  necessary  that  the  visits  of  the  bishop 
should  befrequent  to  every  section  of  the  diocess, 
and  that  he  should  spend  among  the  people  con- 
-siderable  time  at  every  visitation.  Under  present 
circumstances,  this  is  plainly  impossible.  Few 
of  the  churches  can  be  visited  more  than  once  a 
year,  and  the  remote  situation  of  many  of  them, 
added  to  the  inconvenient  access  to  them,  some- 
times renders  even  this  uncertain.  Our  venera- 
ble and  beloved  diocesan,  with  all  the  exertions 
prompted  by  his  love  for  the  church,  and  his  zeal 
for  God,  finds  it  utterly  impossible,  as  he  himself 
has  often  said,  and  has  with  so  much  earnestness 
and  affection  informed  this  Convention,  and  again 
more  particularly  your  committee,  to  perform  as 
he  desires,  and  as  he  knows  to  be  necessary,  the 
weighty  and  numerous  duties  of  his  office.  It 
is  his  desire  (which  the  committee  think  at  all 
times  entitled  to  the  highest  respect,  and  to  the 
deliberate  attention  of  the  members  of  the  dio- 
cess) that  a  suitable  person  be  appointed  and  con- 
secrated to  relieve  him,  in  the  character  of  a 
suffragan  or  assistant,  of  some  of  the  cumber- 
some duties  of  the  episcopate  ;  and  to  give  to  the 
church  that  attention  and  that  activity  for  which, 
in  its  present  situation,  and  from  the  increasing 
infirmities  of  age,  he  finds  himself  inadequate. 
Your  committee  cannot  but  regret  that  any  im- 
pediment should  exist  to  the  immediate  gratifica- 
tion of  the  reasonable  wishes  of  our  Right  Rev. 
father,  and  the  speedy  execution  of  the  excellent 
thought  which  he  has  suggested.  The  sixth  act 
of  the  constitution  of  the  church  in  this  diocess 
expressly  declares,  that  "  there  shall  be  but  one 
bishop"  to  superintend  its  concerns.  This  pro- 
vision was  doubtless  wise  at  the  time  the  consti- 
tution was  framed ;  but  as  the  circumstances  of 
the  church  have  so  greatly  changed  since  that 
period,  it  is  obviously  no  longer  necessary  or  expe- 
dient. The  constitution  forbids,  however,  the 
liasty  alteration  of  emy  of  its  provisions ;  your 


conmiittee,  therefore,  respectfully  propose  the 
adoption  of  the  following  resolution  : — 

Resolved,  That,  agreeably  to  the  provisions  of 
the  13th  article  of  the  constitution,  notice  be 
transmitted  to  the  several  vestries  of  the  parishes 
of  the  diocess,  that  it  is  proposed  at  the  next  Con- 
vention to  annul  and  abolish  the  first  sentence  of 
the  sixth  article  of  the  constitution,  and  so  to  alter 
the  said  article  that  it  may  read  thus : — 

"  The  bishop  shall  be  president  erf  the  Conven- 
tion ;  in  which  character  it  shall  be  his  duty  to 
give  to  the  Convention,  as  often  as  he  may  deem 
expedient,  a  general  view  of  the  state  of  the 
church  ;  to  call  special  Conventions  at  whatever 
times  and  places  he  may  think  necessary ;  to  pre- 
serve order  during  the  time  of  session  ;  to  put  the 
question,  collect  the  votes,  and  declare  the  decision. 
He  may  make  any  motion  which  he  shall  judge 
conducive  to  the  good  of  the  church,  but  shall  not 
enter  into  debate ;  and  he  may  deliver  his  senti- 
ments on  any  subject  after  it  has  been  discussed 
before  a  vote  thereon.  Whenever  it  shall  be  ne- 
cessary for  the  bishop  to  visit  any  part  of  this  dio- 
cess, he  shall  be  authorized  to  call  a  clergyman 
from  any  part  of  the  diocess  to  supply  his  place  in 
the  duties  of  his  parochial  charge  for  not  more 
than  tvfo  Sundays."  All  which  is  respectfully- 
submitted. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  resolution 
recommended  by  the  committee  be  adopted. 

And,  on  motion.  Resolved,  That  the  report 
of  the  committee  be  amended  by  striking  out 
from  the  words  "unanimously  agreed"  to  the 
word  "  resolution,"  in  the  last  line,  and  insert, 
in  lieu  thereof,  "  to  recommend  the  adoption  of 
the  following  resolution." 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Lippit,  from  the  committee 
appointed  to  examine  the  state  of  the  fund  for 
the  permanent  support  of  the  episcopate  in  this 
diocess,  presented  a  report,  which  was  read  and 
approved. 

The  committee  on  the  episcopal  fund  report, 
that  they  have  examined  the  treasurer's  account, 
and  find  it  correct;  and  that  the  fund  at  present 
consists  of 

54  shares  of  Farmers'  Bank  of  Alex- 
andria, cost         -         -         -         .  $2,700 
6  shares  of  Bank  of  Alexandria,  cost    1,200 
3  shares        do.  do.      cost       330 


Nominal  amount  of  fund,     -         -     4,230 
Present  value  of  do.,  -         -  $3,600 

E.  R.  Lippit,  Chairman. 
The  Rev.  Dr.  Keith,  from  the  committee  to 
whom  was  referred  the  examination  of  the  ac- 
counts of  the  treasurer  of  the  fund  for  the  re- 
lief of  the  widows  and  orphans  of  deceased 
clergymen  of  the  Episcopal  Church  of  Virginia, 
made  the  following  report  : — 

The  committee  on  the  Widows'  Fund  beg 
leave  to  report,  that  they  have  examined  the 
treasurer's  account,  and  find  it  correct. 

Reuel  Keith,  Chairman, 
The  funds  are  as  follows  :~r- 
United  States  3  per  cent,  stock,         $2,037  78 
1  share  Bank  of  Virginia  stock,  at  par,   100  00 
67  shares  Farmers'  Bank  Alexandria 

stock,  at  par,     -         -         -        -     3,350  00 


Amount  carried /orward. 


$5,487  78 


216 


CONVENTION  OF  1828. 


Amount  brought  forward,  $5,487  78 

Robert    Andrews's    executor,    Rich- 
mond, balance  of  note  with  int't,  -     405  00 
3  shares  of  Alexandria  Bank  stock,  at 

par,     -        -         -        -        -         -     600  00 


Balance  on  hand, 


6,493  78 
85 


86,493  63 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  sard  report 
be  received  and  approved.  -  t 

On  motion.  Resolved,  That  the  secretary  be 
instructed  to  correspond  with  Mr.  Andrews 
6n  the  subject  of  the  balance  due  from  the  es- 
tate which  he  represents  to  the  Widows'  Fund  ; 
and,  if  deemed  expedient  by  him,  to  procure 
from  the  treasurer  of  the  fund  the  evidence  of 
the  debt,  and  send  the  same  to  some  trustwor- 
thy person  in  Louisiana  for  collection. 

On  motion.  Resolved,  That  the  first  rule 
of  order  for  the  government  of  the  Conven- 
tion be  amended,  by  striking  out  the  words, 
*'  the  morning  service  of  the  church,"  and  insert- 
ing, in  lieu  thereof,  the  word  "  prayer." 

The  session  was  then  suspended,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  attending  divine  service  by  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Ducachet,  and  a  sermon  by  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Empie  ;  after  which  the  Convention  again  met. 

Mr.  Gerrard  Alexander  tendered  his  resigna- 
tion as  a  member  of  the  standing  committee, 
which  being  accepted,  the  Convention  proceeded, 
by  ballot,  to  supply  the  vacancy  ;  whereupon 
Mr.  Edmund  J.  Lee  was  unanimously  elected. 

The  committee  to  whom  were  referred  the 
parochial  reports  presented  the  following  report, 
which  was  accepted  : — 

The  committee  to  whom  were  referred  the 
parochial  reports  to  be  condensed  for  publica- 
tion have  discharged  that  duty,  and  beg  leave 
unanimously  to  recommend  that  the  said  reports, 
as  now  condensed,  be  spread  upon  the  Journal 
of  the  Convention. 

John  H.  Winopield,  Chairman. 

Russell  parish,  Bedford  county.  The  rector 
reports  to  the  Convention  that  the  interests  of  the 
church  continue  slowly  to  advance.  Thirteen 
hew  members  have  been  enrolled  ;  but,  from  una- 
voidable circumstances,  four  of  these  have  not  yet 
communed.  Besides  his  Sabbatical  ministrations 
in  his  two  churches  he  has  for  some  time  past 
officiated  on  Saturdays,  in  various  and  remote 
parts  of  the  county,  and  has  been  pleased  to  find  a 
general  kind  feeling  manifested  towards  him.  In 
this  extension  of  his  labours  he  preaches  in  Lib- 
erty, a  decent  village  in  the  interior  of  the  county,; 
where,  if  he  could  attend  on  the  Sabbath,  he  has 
i-eason  to  believe  the  Lord  would  bless  his  minis- 
trations to  some  permanent  good.  In  this  village 
We  have  no  house  of  worship ;  'but  the  masons, 
who  are  erecting  a  neat  brick  edifice  for  the  pur- 
poses of  a  lodge,  have  very  kindly  determined  to 
furnish  and  set  apart  the  lower  room  exclusively 
for  divine  worship,  and  to  give  to  us  the  priority 
Of  its  use.  This  act  of  liberality  calls  for  the 
more  thankfulness,  as  it  was  purely  gratuitous — 
being  done  without  either  the  solicitation  or  the 
knowledge  of  your  minister.  Baptisms,  of  adults 
three,  of  infants  twenty-two — burials  four — mar- 


riages Jnne — communicants  (two  having  died  and 
two  removed)  twenty-eight. 

Nicholas  H.  Cobbs. 

Frederick  parish.  By  an  act  of  the  last  Coiv- 
vention,  the  church  of  Winchester  being  separa- 
ted from  the  parish,  and  formed  into  a  new  one 
called  Winchester  parish,  the  parish  of  Frederick 
now  contains  only  two  congregations,  that  of  the 
Chapel  and  that -of  Wickliffe  Church.  The  latter, 
being  on  the  border  of  the  adjoining  county,  is 
under  the  pastoral  care  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Jones  ;  the 
Chapel  congregation  alone  is  under  the  pastoral 
care  .of  the. minister  of  Frederick  parish.  The 
communicants  belonging  to  it  are  between  forty 
and  fifty  ;  the  baptisms  during  the  last  year  hdve 
been  twelve ;  the  attendance  on  the  services  of 
the  church,  with  very  few  exceptions,  is  punctual ; 
the  worship  of  the  congregation  is  conducted 
with  becoming  reverence,  and  the  conduct  of  its 
members  such  as  to  afford  a  pleasing  hope  to  their 
minister  that  there  is  a  goodly  number  who  are  of 
those  who  shall  finally  be  saved. 

William  Meade. 

Christ  Church,  Winchester.  The  general  state 
of  affairs  in  the  congregation  is  somewhat  pleas- 
ing and  hopeful.  There  has,  during  the  past  year, 
been  an  accession  of  hearers  and  communicants, 
and  it  is  hoped  an  increase  of  vital  piety  ;  the 
meetings  for  social  prayer  continue  to  be  well  at- 
tended; the  Sunday  School  is  still  in  operation, 
but  not  flourishing,  owing  to  the  want  of  a  suita- 
ble place  for  holding  the  school,  to  the  want  of 
teachers  in  the  male  department,  and  particularly 
to  the  want  of  engagedness  in  the  congregation  in 
benevolence  of  this  description  ;  the  catechetical 
instruction  of  the  children  of  the  congregation 
and  of  the  Sunday  School  has  been  uninterrupted- 
ly continued  every  first  Sunday  iii  the  month ;  and 
the  benevolent  societies  which  have  been  formed 
continue  to  be  efficient  in  their  exertions  to  aid  in 
the  general  philanthropy  which  characterizes  the 
day  in  which  we  live. 

It  gives  the  rector  pleasure  to  state,  that  since 
the  last  Convention,  some  important  changes  have 
taken  place  in  the  temporal  affairs  of  the  parish. 
The  old  church,  which  for  some  time  had  been 
too  small  and  inconvenient  for  the  congregation, 
has  been  taken  down,  and  the  lot,  together  with 
the  small  grave-yard  attached  to  it,  has  been  sold, 
and  a  portion  of  the  proceeds  appropriated  for  the 
erection  of  a  new  church,  which  is  now  com- 
menced upon  a  foundation  of  forty-seven  feet  by 
sixty-five.  There  has  been  a  disinterment  of  the 
remains  in  the  old  burying-ground,  which  have 
been  removed  to  a  new  one,  which  has  been  kindly 
presented  to  the  church  and  congregation  by  the 
heirs  of  the  late  General  Wood's  estat§.  Com- 
municants forty-six — marriages  three— baptisms 
eight— deaths  ten.  . 

The  rector  also  reports,  that  the  interesting  con- 
gregation which  assembles  in  Christ  Church,  Nor- 
borne  parish,- is  well,  attended,  and  as  prosperous  as 
can  be  expected  from  the  limited  means  enjoyed, 
being  favoured  but  once  a  month  with  public  wor- 
ship.     '  J.  E.  Jackson. 

Lexmgton  parish.  The  minister  reports,  that 
the  principal  part  of  his  time  has  been  devoted  to 
the  same  three  churches  in  which  lie  has  been 
labouring  from  the  period  of  his  induction  to  the 
parish. 

Through  the  blessing  of  Almighty  God,  in  im- 
parting the  Holy  Ghost  to  those  who  were  dead 
in  trespasses  and  in  sins,  in  St.  Luke's  two,  in 
St.  Mark's  four,  in  St.  Matthew's  ten,  making  in 
all  sixteen,  have  presented  themselves,  he  trusts, 
a  living  sacrifice,  holy  and  acceptable  unto  God. 

Commencing  in  March,  the  minister  has  preach- 


CONVENTION  OF  1828. 


217 


led  monthly,  in  a  church  near  New-Marke^,  in  Nel- 
son county,  with  the  prospect  of  being  useful.  He 
has  made  one  visit  to  Rocktish,  in  Nelson,  where 
he  found  an  old  Episcopal  church  mouldering  to 
decay,  and  a  few  aged  friends  of  our  Zion,  and  dis- 
ciples of  the  Lord,  lamenting  their  depnvation  of 
the  ordinances  of  the  gospel.  In  this  county 
there  are  some  two  or  three  places  where  an  Epis- 
copal minister  of  popular  talents  and  laborious 
self-denying  habits  would  be  favourably  received. 

In  August  last  he  visited  Campbell  and  Halifax 
counties,  in  company  with  the  Rev  Mr.  Cobbs,  to 
preach,  and  to  obtain  subscriptions  for  the  Theo- 
logical School.  In  Lexington  parish  there  have 
been  twelve  baptisms,  three  marriages,  and  six 
funerals.  The  children  of  the  different  congrega- 
tions have  been  occasionally  catechised  ;  there 
have  been  three  Sunday  Schools  conducted  by 
members  of  the  different  churches,  containing  each 
from  thirty  to  forty  pupils.  In  behalf  of  the  Theo- 
logical Seminary,  a  subscription  of  three  hundred 
and  forty  dollars  has  been  obtained.  For  addi- 
tions to  the  communion,  the  minister  has  cause 
humbly  to  adore  the  great  Head  of  the  church, 
and  to  beheve  that  with  some  there  is  an  increas- 
ing solicitude  for  the  happiness  of  the  soul ;  but 
for  the  greater  part,  who  are  hastening  to  destruc- 
tion, he  has  still  to  pray,— Lord,  spare  thy  people, 
and  save  thy  heritage,  the  purchase  of  the  Re- 
deemer's blood. 

Charles  H.  Pace. 

St.  James's  Church,  Leesburg.  The  rector  hav- 
ing been  resident  in  this  parish  but  a  few  months, 
is  not  able  to  give  a  statement  satisfactory  to  this 
Convention.  He  is  sorry  to  say  that  there  has 
been  an  addition  of  only  one  to  the  communion  of 
the  church ;  and  not  having  been  furnished  with 
a  record,  he  cannot  exhibit  the  present  number. 
Two  funerals— four  marriages— nine  baptisms,two 
of  which  were  coloured  childrenv 

It  is  with  pecdliar  pleasure  he  would  mention, 
that  the  ladies  of  the  congregation  have  consti- 
tuted him  a  life  member  of  the  American  Tract 
Society  ;  that  the  Sunday  School  is  in  a  very  pros- 
perous condition ;  and  from  the  good  attendance 
Upon  his  ministry,  he  is  encouraged  to  hope,  that 
in  the  end  it  will  appear  that  his  labour  is  not  in 
vain.  Thomas  Jackson. 

Hamilton  and  Leeds  parishes,  Fauquier.  The 
rector  reports  that  he  resumed  his  present  charge 
on  the  first  of  April  last,  and  it  is  with  heartfelt 
satisfaction  and  gratitude  to  God  that  he  is  en- 
abled to  say,  that  after  an  absence  of  more  than 
five  years,  he  found  those  of  whose  real  conver- 
sion to  God  he  had  formerly  entertained  good 
hope,  still  walking,  with  scarcely  an  exception,  in 
the  straight  and  narrow  way  of  life,  and  giving 
satisfactory  evidence  of  growth  in  grace  and  in 
the  knowledge  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus 
Christ.  The  church  in  Fauquier  has  been  much 
weakened,  by  various  causes,  within  the  last  five 
years,  and  particularly  by  the  removal  of  some  of 
her  most  valuable  members  by  the  hand  of  death. 
But  from  present  indications  it  is  hoped  that  her 
losses  will  be  more  than  repaired,  and  that  she 
will  become  a  vigorous  and  fruitful  branch  of  the 
diocess  of  which  it  is  her  happiness  to  be  a  part. 
The  rector  has  not  yet  had  an  opportunity  to 
ascertain  the  number  of  communicants.  He  has 
baptized  one  infant.  In  Hamilton  parish  there  is 
a  small  Education  Society. 

i  George  Lemon. 

Fredericksville  parish,  Albemarle  county.  The 
present  condition  of  this  parish  presents  nothing 
very  striking  or  peculiarly  interesting  to  vary  the 
report  made  of  its  state  at  the  last  Convention  of 
the  church.    Still  the  rector  humbly  trusts  that 


the  divine  blessing  has  not  been  utterly  refused 
his  labours.  During  the  year  past  four  or  five 
communicants  have  bteen  added,  and  one  has  been 
removed  by  death. 

An  increased  attention  is  given  to  the  service, 
and  attachments  to  our  worship  and  doctrines  are 
forming  and  growing. 

Since  January  last  the  rector  has  been  engaged 
in  officiating  regularly,  twice  a  month,  at  the  Uni- 
versity of  Virginia,  where  the  congregations  are 
large,  respectful,  and  attentive,  and  the  services 
are  maintained  with  decency  and  propriety.  This 
arrangement  resulted  from  a  request  of  the  faculty 
of  that  institution,  communicated  through  their 
chairman,  T.  T.  Lomax,  Esq; 

It  should  be  mentioned  in  this  place  that,  during 
the  last  summer,  by  the  pious  exertions  and  lib- 
eral contributions  of  the  members  of  Walker's 
Church,  their  house  of  worship  has  undergone  a 
thorough  repair,  and  is  rendered  in  its  arrange- 
ments neat  and  commodious. 

The  rector  has  officiated,  during  the  past  year, 
generally  once  a  month,  in  Louisa ;  where,  by  the 
very  friendly  aid  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Crawford,  he 
trusts  some  good  may  be  effected  and  souls  saved 
through  the  mercy  of  God  in  Christ  Jesus. 

There  is  in  this  parish  a  Sunday  School,  as  well 
as  an  Education  Society  ;  and  the  rector  has  re- 
newed his  weekly  evening  lecture,  which  had  for 
some  time  been  suspended.  Communicants  about 
fifty — baptisms,  infants  ten,  adults  (one  of  which 
was  by  immersion)  two — marriages  eight. 

Fred.  W.  H^tch. 

Norborne  parish,  Berkeley  county.  Number 
of  communicants  about  eighty — baptisms  during 
the  last  year  seven.  The  rector  humbly  trusts 
that  the  spiritual  .state  of  his  communion  has  im- 
proved during  the  past  year,  but  is  unable  to  re- 
port any  who  have  come  out  for  the  first  time  with 
the  important  inquiry  of  "  What  must  we  do  to  be' 
saved  ?"  The  Union  Sunday  School,  which  is  con- 
nected with  one  of  the  congregations,  has  increas- 
ed in  numbers  and  zeal.  John  T.  Brooke. 

St.  Stephen's  Church,  Culpepper  county;  The 
condition  of  this  church  has  improved  since  the 
last  Convention.  Nine  members  have  been  added 
to  the  communion,  and  the' attendance  on  divine 
-service  has  been  full  and  regular.  Little  indeed 
has  been  done,  compared  with  the  work  which 
remains  ;  but  even  this  day  of  small  things  affords 
an  occasion  for  thankfulness,  and  a  pleasing  hope 
of  subsequent  improvement;  Communicants  thir- 
ty-six— baptisms  three,  one  of  whom  is  an  adult. 
G.  A.  Smith. 

St.  Thomas's  parfsh.  Orange  <;ounty.  There  is 
no  vestry  in  this  parish,  and  the  churches  which 
existed  there  some  years  since  have  been  destroy- 
ed. Divine  service  is  held  twice  a  month  in  the 
courthouse,  and  the  congregations  continue  to  be 
full  and  attentive.  Since  the  last  Convention 
three  persons  have  been  admitted  to  the  com- 
munion, and  a  Sunday  School  has  been  organized, 
which  is  well  attended.     Communicants  twelve. 

G.  a.  SMITft. 

Christ  Church,  Alexandria.  In  consequence  of 
the  location  of  the  Theological  School  in  the  coun- 
try, and  the  removal  of  the  rector,  he  has  been  re- 
leased by  the  vestry  from  the  discharge  of  4II 
parochial  duties  except  that  of  preaching  one 
half  the  time,  and  the  Rev.  George  Griswold  has 
been  engaged  as  his  assistant,  and  resides  in  town 
wjth  the  congregation.  The  Sunday  School,  Sat- 
urday School,  and  Education  Society  connected 
with  this  church,  are  all  in  a  very  prosperous  con- 
dition. Communicants  added,  two — baptisms 
twelve — marriages  four — funerals  five. 

Reuel  Keith. 


218 


CONVENTION  OF  1828. 


St.  Paul's  Church,  Alexandria.  The- rector  re- 
ports, with  pleasure  and  gratitude,  the  continued 
peace,  hamiony,  and  prosperity  of  his  charge. 
All  opportunities  of  public  and  social  worship  are 
well  attended.  The  Sunday  School  and  Bible 
classes  are  very  prosperous.  Eleven  persons  have 
been  added  to  the  communion  sinc'e  the  last  Con- 
vention ;  and  many  are  at  present  very  seriously 
inquiring  after  the  way  of  salvation.  There  have 
been  two  adult  and  twenty-seven  infant  baptisms, 
twenty-one  funerals,  sixteen  marriages.  The  Fe- 
male Education  Society,  supported  by  this  and 
Christ  Church,  has  contributea  to  the  funds  of  the 
parent  institution  during  the  past  year  upwards  of 
$500.  William  Jackson. 

St.  George's  Church,  Fredericksburg.  This 
church  is  in  a  state  of  undiminished  prosperity. 
Through  the  past  year  many  tokens  of  the  kind 
and  gracious  remembrance  of  the  Lord  have  been 
vouchsafed  us.  There  has  been  a  very  general 
attention  among  the  people  to  the  things  of  God. 
A  deep  impression  was  made  on  tha minds  of  our 
community,  by  the  services  and  ministrations  of 
the  last  Convention,  and  some  fruit  has  been 
gathered  into  the  church,  of  which  the  seed  was 
no  doubt  sown  at  that  season.  While  there  have 
been  «ome  valuable  additions  to  the  communion 
since  that  period,  there  are  also  others  who  give 
good  evidence  of  "  repentance  towards  God,"  and 
of  a  sincere  desire  to  know  what  they  "  must  do 
to  be  saved." 

The  several  religious  and  benevolent  institu- 
tions connected  with  the  church,  viz.,  the  Com- 
mon Prayer-Book  and  Tract  Society,  the  Female 
Education  Society,  the  Charity  School  and  Bible 
-classes,  are  in  a  state  of  prosperity,  but  especially 
the  Female  Domestic  Missionary  Society,  which 
is  still  dispensing  rich  blessings  around  us.  Du- 
ring the  few  years  of  its  existence  it  has  engaged 
in  its  cause  five  missionaries,  whose  labours  have 
been  instrumental  of  good  in  many  places,  but 
especially  in  the  settlement  of  three  useful  minis- 
ters in  as  many  destitute  parishes. 

The  Sunday  Schools  are  in  a  flourishing  con- 
dition— the  number  of  scholars  registered  is  250. 
Baptisms  twenty-nine  (one  adult) — marriages  five 
— communicants  104. 

Edward  C.  M'Guire. 

St.  Martin's  parish,  Hanover  and  Louisa.  The 
rector  of  St.  Martin's  parish  regrets,  that  ardent 
devotion  and  active  zeal  do  not  exist  in  it  to  the 
extent  of  his  wishes  ;  yet  he  hopes  that,  upon  the 
whole,  it  is  in  a  state  of  improvement.  During 
the  past  year  the  congregations  have  been  larger 
and  more  attentive  than  usual.  We  have  now  two 
Sunday  Schools  in  existence,  which  number  about 
sixty  teachers,  principally  young  persons,  and  up- 
wards of  150  scholars.  Ten  communicants  have 
been  added  to  the  church,  and  several  others  seem 
to  be  deeply  impressed  with  the  importance  of 
that  subject,  who  are  expected  shortly  to  join  us. 
The  communicants  are  now  seventy-four — funer- 
als fourteen — marriages  four — baptisms  two. 

John  Cooke. 

St.  Margaret's  parish,  Caroline.  Since  the  last 
Convention  we  have  reason  to  hope  that  a  good 
work  has  been  continued  in  this'  parish,  though, 
perhaps,  not  so  extensively  as  during  the  year  of 
revival  of  the  church.  Our  congregation  labours 
under  great  inconvenience  with  respect  to  com- 
fortable accommodations  at  the  church,  as  it  is 
still  very  much  out  of  repair ;  and  during  the  wet 
weather  of  last  winter  we  frequently  were  obliged 
to  abandon  it  entirely.  Since  the  return  of  good 
weather,  the  number  has  been  as  large  as  usual ; 
and  we  believe  there  is  an  increasing  concern 
asaong  many  of  them  for  a  knowledge  of  the  truth 


as  it  is  in  Jesus.  It  affords  us  pleasure  to  obserre 
that  a  Bible  class  has  been  formed,  containing 
eleven  members,  who  manifest  great  anxiety  to 
search  the  Scriptures  in  the  most  profitable  man- 
ner. A  Sunday  School  also  was  commenced  on 
the  last  Sunday  in  March,  and  they  reported  on 
Sunday,  the  4th  of  the  present  month,  fifty  schol- 
ars. The  communion  has  only  been  administered 
once  since  last  spring.  One  new  member  has 
been  added.  One  of  the  former  number  has  re- 
moved from  the  parish,  so  that  the  present  num- 
ber is  the  same  as  in  the  last  report.  Communi- 
cants twenty-two — baptisms  one — marriages  five. 
Leonard  H.  Johns. 

St.  James's  parish,  Northam,  Goochland  county. 
The  rector  of  this  parish  reports,  that  there  has 
been  some  improvement  in  the  prospects  of  the 
church  during  the  last  year.  The  extensive  field 
in  which  he  labours  prevents  him  from  devoting 
to  this  congregation  the  attention  which  its  neces- 
sities demand  and  its  growth  encourages.  He 
has  under  his  charge  congregations  in  Raleigh 
parish,  Amelia,  and  Manchester  parish,  Chester- 
field, whose  prospects  are  flattering.  During  the 
last  year  there  have  been  seven  baptisms,  one 
marriage,  five  deaths,  and  ten  additions  to  the 
communion.  The  whole  number  of  communi- 
cants is  about  thirty. 

William  F.  Lee. 

Monumental  Church,  Richmond.  Since  the  last 
Convention,  twenty-one  communicants  have  been 
added,  six  have  been  removed,  and  two  have  died ; 
present  number  is  165.  Sixty  persons  have  been 
confirmed.  Of  baptisms  there  have  been  forty — 
three  of  adults,  and  thirty-seven  of  infants.  The 
Sunday  School,  which  is  in  connexion  with  the 
General  Protestant  Episcopal  Sunday  School 
Union,  and  pursues  the  system  of  instruction 
recommended  by  that  society,  is  more  flourishing 
than  at  any  former  period.  The  number  of  schol- 
ars is  177.  The  superintendents  and  teachers 
are  active  and  diligent  in  the  discharge  of  their 
duties,  and  manifest  a  more  than  ordinary  interest 
in  the  welfare  of  the  school  of  which  they  have 
the  supervision.  A  s  an  evidence  of  the  favourable 
regard  which  is  bestowed  upon  this  institution,  it 
ought  to  be  mentioned,  that  through  the  hberality 
of  a  few  individuals,  a  very  respectable  library  has 
lately  been  formed,  and  that  the  first  superintend- 
ent has  just  contracted  for  the  erection  of  a 
building,  to  cost  $800,  for  the  use  of  the  school- 
one  half  of  which  he  advances  on  his  own  respon- 
sibility. In  addition  to  this  mode  of  instruction, 
religious  knowledge  is  communicated  by  the  as- 
sistant minister,  through  the  medium  of  Bible  and 
catechetical  classes,  who  meet  once  every  week ; 
the  senior  class  of  ladies,  consisting  of  twenty 
members  ;  the  junior  class  of  males  and  females, 
between  the  ages  of  eleven  and  sixteen,  consisting 
of  fifty ;  and  the  class  of  catechumens,  consisting 
of  about  twenty-five.  A  meeting  is  held  every 
week  in  a  private  house,  in  which  a  short  service 
from  the  liturgy  is  used,  and  a  lecture  delivered. 
As  the  rector  has  discovered  great  advantages  to 
attend  such  social  meetings,  he  begs  leave  to  rec- 
ommend the  observance  of  them  to  all  the  clergy 
of  the  diocess. 

Richard  Channing  Moore. 

Henrico  parish,  Richmond.  The  condition  of 
this  congregation  continues  to  improve,  and  it  is 
believed  that  the  interests  of  vital  religion  are 
gaining  ground.  The  Sunday  School  continues 
to  be  well  attended,  and  it  is  evidently  doing  much 
important  good.  It  is  composed  of  120  scholars 
and  fifteen  teachers.  Communicants  forty-one— 
marriages  thirteen— baptisms  twenty-eight. 

WiLLUM  H.  Habt, 


CONVENTION  OF  1828. 


219 


St.  Paul's  parish,  King  George  county.  The 
rector  reports  that  he  has  performed  regular  ser- 
vices in  this  parish  since  the  commencement  of 
this  year.  It  is  evidently  in  a  depressed,  but  no 
longer  in  a  declining  state.  The  congregations 
were  small  at  first,  but  have  been  gradually  in- 
<:reasing — they  are  now  large  and  attentive.  He 
has  officiated  alternately  at  St.  Paul's  and  Lamb's 
Creek  ;  in  the  latter  parish  a  Sunday  School  has 
been  commenced,  which  promises  much  useful- 
ness. The  number  of  communicants  in  both  is 
about  thirty.  Edward  W.  Peet. 

St.  Anne's  and  South  Farnham  parishes,  Essex 
county.  These  parishes,  taken  together,  present 
a  prospect  in  some  respects  less,  and  in  others 
more  encouraging,  than  when  the  last  report  was 
made.  St.  Anne's,  though  a  few  have  been  added 
to  the  communion  since  that  time,  has,  it  is  fear- 
ed, suffered  some  declension  in  its  spiritual  state. 
Much  good  wil  result,  it  is  hoped,  from  a  Female 
Bible  class,  formed  since  the  last  Convention,  and 
a  Sunday  School  in  his  immediate  neighbourhood. 
This  school,  though  not  attached  to  the  Episcopal 
Church,  is  at  present  conducted  solely  by  mem- 
bers of  her  communion.  It  has  been  in  existence 
now  about  seven  or  eight  years ;  and  though  the 
number  is  much  reduced,  at  one  period  had  up- 
wards of  150  scholars,  several  of  whom  have  join- 
ed the  communion  of  the  church,  and  of  other  de- 
nominations of  Christians. 

The  spiritual  state  of  South  Farnham  has,  it  is 
helieved,  much  improved  since  the  last  report. 
The  congregation  has  increased  in  numbers  and 
attention  to  the  services  of  the  sanctuary.  A  few 
have  been  added  to  the  communion,  and  others 
would  have  been  but  for  want  of  an  opportunity. 
Within  the  past  year  two  Bible  classes  have  been 
formed,  and  a  small  Sunday  School,  conducted 
principally  by  members  of  the  Episcopal  congre- 
gation. In  the  two  parishes  there  is  a  small  Ed- 
ucation Society. 

Since  August  last,  the  pastor  of  St.  Anne's  and 
South  Farnham  has  preached  twice  a  month 
in  Lunenburg  parish,  Richmond  county.  The 
church  which  formerly  stood  in  this  county  has 
fallen  to  the  ground,  and  the  services  are  now  per- 
formed in  the  courthouse.  Though  there  is  no  reg- 
ularly organized  congregation  in  this  parish,  yet 
the  number  who  attend  the  stated  ministrations, 
the  Christian  zeal  of  some,  the  anxiety  of  many  to 
have  the  word  preached  frequently  among  them, 
and  the  recent  formation  of  a  large  Sunday 
School,  afford  the  most  pleasing  hopes. 

Communicants  in  both  parishes,  deducting  one 
removal,  thirty-nine  (one  coloured) — baptisms  in 
both  parishes  and  in  the  neighbourhood,  eighteen 
(one  aduk,  nine  coloured) — one  marriage — buri- 
als three.  John  P.  M'Guiee. 

Abingdon  and  Ware  parishes.  I'he  rector  of 
the  churches  in  Gloucester  reports,  that  nothing 
■very  special  has  occurred  in  either  of  his  parishes 
since  the  last  Convention.  Two  members,  in  the 
course  of  the  year,  have  been  added  to  his  com- 
munion, and  one  removed  by  death,  making  the 
present  number  nineteen.  Baptisms  thirteen — 
marriages  five — burials  five.  The  venerable 
church  in  Abingdon  parish  has  been,  during  the 
past  winter,,  thoroughly  repaired,  and  the  rector 
takes  this  opportunity  of  acknowledging,  with 
thankfulness,  the  zeal  which  his  people  have 
manifested  in  the  completion  of  that  object. 

Wm.  D.  Cairns. 

Bruton  parish,  Williamsburg.  The  rector  re- 
ports, during  the  last  five  months,  one  funeral, 
two  baptisms,  three  marriages,  and  eight  new 
communicants.  The  whole  number  of  communi- 
cants is  thirty-eight. 


In  compliance  with  the  45th  canon  of  the  Gen- 
eral Convention,  he  would  further  add,  that  the 
adult  members  of  the  church  are  about  140 — chil- 
dren 100 — catechumens  fifty — and  that,  besides 
the  pupils  of  William  and  Mary,  thecoi^regation 
comprises  about  thirty  adults  who  are  not  mem- 
bers of  our  church. 

The  rector  delivers  one  weekly  lecture  in  the 
church,  which  is  well  attended.  Several  of  the 
female  members  of  the  congregation  meet  togeth- 
er once  a-  week,  at  private  houses,  for  religious 
exercises.  They  support  a  Bible  Society,  and 
also  a  Working  Society,  the  avails  of  which  con- 
stitute a  fund  for  the  poor  of  the  town.  The  Sun- 
day School  consists,  at  present,  of  ninety-three. 

A.  Empie, 

Elizabeth  City  parish.  It  is  with  gratitude  to 
the  Author  of  all  good,  that  the  rector  is  en- 
abled to  report  the  state  of  his  charge  as  encour- 
aging. He  ministers  statedly  on  the  Sabbath  to 
two  congregations,  viz.,  at  Fortress  Monroe  and 
Hampton. 

The  congregation  at  the  fortress  is  numerously 
attended,  and  consists  of  the  military  and  citizens, 
and  their  families,  who  have  very  generally  con- 
tributed to  the  support  of  the  gospel.  Their  uni- 
form attendance  upon  the  stated  services  of  the 
church  affords  the  pleasing  hope  that  the  ordi- 
nances of  religion  have  not  been  dispensed  in  vain. 
Several  have  united  themselves  to  our  communion 
in  the  sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper. 

A  Sunday  School  has  been  established,  which 
promises  well. 

At  Hampton,  where  the  church  has  been  dor- 
mant for  more  than  twenty  years,  we  have  good 
hope,  from  what  we  have  witnessed,  that  this  por- 
tion of  our  Zion  will  ere  long  "be  divested  of 
her  weeds,  and  arrayed  in  the  attire  of  joy."  But 
twelve  months  since  and  the  church  was  almost 
in  ruins  ;  now,  however,  by  the  blessing  of  God 
upon  the  untiring  exertions  and  liberal  contribu- 
tions of  her  friends,  this  ancient  edifice  has  been 
so  far  repaired  as  to  admit  the  congregation 
within  its  walls  to  "worship  the  Lord  in  the 
beauty  of  hohness."  The  services  of  the  church 
have  met  with  a  favourable  reception,  and,  judg- 
ing from  the  past,  we  are  induced  to  beUeve  there 
is  a  growing  attachment  to  her  doctrines,  disci- 
pline, and  worship. 

The  spiritual  concerns  of  the  church  are  in 
some  degree  flattering.  Twenty-four  have  re- 
ceived the  rite  of  confirmation  from  our  beloved 
diocesan,  the  most  of  whom  have  become  commu- 
nicants. The  weekly  lectures,  both  at  this  place 
and  the  fortress,  are  mteresting. 

A  Sunday  School,  which  numbers  upwards  of 
one  hundred  scholars,  and  patronised  by  the  dif- 
ferent denominations,  has  been  for  some  time 
past  in  successful  operation. 

At  the  request  ot  a  few  families  in  Charles 
parish,  York  county,  I  have  for  some  months 
past  performed  divine  service,  and  preached,  from 
house  to  house,  every  fortnight,  on  Saturdays — 
and  it  affords  me  great  satisfaction  to  state  to  the 
Convention,  that  the  services  have  been  numer- 
ously attended ;  and  as  a  vestry  has  been  recently 
chosen,  and  exertions  are  making,  the  hope  is  en- 
tertained that  the  love  for  our  church  may  yet  re- 
vive in  this  parish.  Communicants  thirty-two — 
baptisms  fifty,  including  three  cases  of  adults — 
marriages  five— funerals  nine. 

Mark  L.  Chevers. 

Hungar's  parish,  Northampton  county.  The 
rector  thanks  God  that  union,  peace,  and  concord 
now  reign  in  the  different  churches  Under  his 
charge.  Two  Bible  Societies  and  a  Missionary 
SjQciety  have  been  formed.    C6mmunicants  twed- 


2^ 


CONVENTION  OF  1828. 


ty-eight  (added  since  lagt  report  eight)— baptisms 
thirty — marriages  twenty-three — funerals  sixteen. 
Stephen  Selby  Guntkr. 
St.  James's  parish,  Mecklenburg.  Though  a 
few  have  been  added  to  our  communion,  yet,  in 
consequence  of  removal  and  death,  there  is  no  in- 
crease of  numbers.  Communicants  about  forty — 
baptisms  twenty-r-marriages  three— funerals  ten. 
In  Halifax  the  prospect  is  more  pleasmg ;  the 
church  has  been  organized.  It  is  believed  that 
several  hundred  dollars  have  been  subscribed  to 
the  Theological  Seminary.  The  people  .of  this 
parish  are  anxiously  desirous  to  secure  the  ben- 
efits of  religious  instruction,  by  having  a  clergy- 
man settled  among  them.  Communicants  ten — 
baptisms  five  (one  adult)— funerals  two-^mar- 
riages  three.  William  Steel. 

Bath  parish,  Dinwiddle  county.  The  rector  of 
this  parish  has  continued  to  preach  during  the 
past  year  at  the  places  mentioned  in  his  report  to 
the  last  Convention.  He  has  not  succeeded,  how- 
esver,  in  organizing  any  regular  congregation  .du* 
ring  that  period.  The  one  which  was  previously 
formed  at  Sapony  Church  has  improved  as  much 
as,  from  the  circumstances  of  the  people,  could 
have  been  expected.  The  services  of  the  church 
have  at  this  place  been  engaged  in  with  a  degree 
of  regularity  and  solemnity  which  is  not  often  ex- 
ceeded by  old  congregations.  The  prejudices 
against  our  forms  of  worship  are  gradually  giving 
place  to  more  correct  feeling ;  and  in  many  cases 
the  beauty  and  advantages  of  our  excellent  liturgy 
are  beginning  to  be  perceived  and  appreciated. 
This  parish  was  visited  in  July  last  by  our  vener- 
able diocesan  and  two  of  our  clerical  brethren, 
when  the  rector  was  admitted  to  priest's  orders, 
and  the  rite  of  confirmation  was  administered  to 
nine  persons.  The  services  were  continued  at 
the  church  for  three  days;  were  well  attended, 
and  were  particularly  interesting ;  and  there  is 
great  reason  to  believe  that  the  exhibition  which 
was  then  made  of  the  spirit  and  character  of  our 
church,  had  a  greater  effect  in  conciliating  the 
favourable  regard  of  the  people,  than  could  have 
been  produced  by  the  efforts  of  an  individual  min- 
ister m  the  course  of  several  years.  The  sacra- 
ment of  the  Lord's  Supper  was  on  that  occasion 
administered,  and  received  by  fourteen  members 
of  that  congregation;  one  half  of  whom  were 
then,  for  the  first  time,  admitted  to  the  commu- 
nion of  the  Episcopal  Church.  There  is  a  Sab- 
bath School,  and  also  a  Biblie  class  of  adults,  con- 
nected with  Sapony  Church;  and  although  both 
of  them  are  quite  small,  yet  their  existence  is  an 
evidence  of  an  increasing  attention  to  the  subject 
of  religion,  which  affords  some  encouragement  to 
their  pastor.    At  the  other  places  at  which  he 

^ministers  regularly,  the  rector  of  this  parish  has 
not  had  the  same  cause  for  encouragement  as  at 
Sapony :  public  worship  is  but  thinly  attended ; 
and  the  services  of  our  church  are  so  much  dis- 
regarded, that  he  has  as  yet  been  unable  to  use 
the  liturgy  with  any  tolerable  degree  of  regularity. 
There  is,  however,  generally,  within  the  sphere  of 

-his  regular  ministrations,  an  improvement  in  the 
external  character  of  those  who  attend  public  wor- 
ship, which,  although  not  very  great,  is  yet  suffi- 
cient to  prevent  him  from  fainting  in  despair. 
Some  few  individuals,  it  is  hoped,  are  seriously 
inquiring  the  way  to  ZionT  and  four  have  been 
admitted  to  the  communion.  During  the  last 
month,  the  rector  of  this  parish  has  engaged  to 
spend  one  week  in  each  month  in  the  service  of 

.  the  Female  Missionary  Society  of  Petersburg. 
His  plan  is  to  preach  during  that  week  at  two 
places  in  the  county  of  Sussex,  at  one  in  Surry, 
•t  one  in.Prince  George,  and  at  Dinwiddie  court- 


house. He  has  spent  one  week  on  this  circuit, 
and  is  convinced,  from  the  observation  he  has 
made  and  the  information  obtained,  that  no  sec- 
tion of  our  state  stands  more  in  need  of  minis- 
terial labours  ;  and  there  is  great  reason  to  believe 
that  a  faithful,  active,  prudent  clergyman,  who 
would  officiate  in  this  section,  would  receive  a 
very  comfortable  support.  The  number  of  com- 
municants in  the  Sapony  congregation  is  fifteen — 
there  have  been  five  baptisms  (four  of  infants 
and  one  adult)— seven  funerals — and  five  mar- 
riages. J.  Grammer. 

Bristol  parish,  Petersburg.  It  is  with  great 
satisfaction  that  the  rector  is  enabled  to  state  to 
the  Convention,  that,  by  the  blessing  of  God,  this 
parish  is  in  a  state  of  considerable  improvement 
as  regards  their  religious  interests.  Their  attend- 
ance on  the  public  worship  and  the  ordinances  of 
religion  is  more  regular  than  in  some  former 
years  ;  there  have  been  added  lately  eight  or  ten 
communicants,  who  appear  to  be  pious  and  well 
disposed. 

The  society  of  ladies,  auxiliary  to  the  Education 
Society,  for  the  assistance  of  young  men  designed 
for  the  ministry,  have  been  very  assiduous  and 
very  successful  in  promoting  the  interests  of  the 
association  ;  they  have  been  enabled  to  transmit 
very  considerable  sums  of  money  to  the  parent 
society.    _ 

The  Sunday  scholars  lielonging  to  our  church 
in  this  toWn  are  not  numerous ;  on  which  ac- 
count they  have  been  united  with  the  Methodist 
Society  scholars  for  a  considerable  length  of  time : 
the  united  school  is  prosperous ;  the  teachers,  se- 
lected from  both  congregations,  are  very  attentive 
to  their  respective  duties.  Marriages  since  last 
Convention  twelve — baptisms  twenty-nine-*-bu- 
rials  sixteen.  Andrew  Syme. 

St.  Luke's  Church,  parish  of  Newport.  The 
rector  reports  that  he  has  not  had  any  increase  in 
this  congregation  since  the  last  Convention ;  but 
he  takes  pleasure  in  stating,  that  there  appears  to 
be  a  spirit  pervading  the  minds  and  hearts  of  his 
people  which  presages  "better  things;"  there  is 
a  greater  degree  of  seriousness  manifested  on  the 
part  of  members  of  the  church  than  has  hitherto 
appeared,  and  a  tenderness  under  the  ministration 
of  the  word  which  proves  that  the  Spirit  of  the 
Lord  is  secretly,  but,  we  trust,  surely  at  work  upon 
the  heart.  For  these  favourable  signs  the  liveliest 
gratitude  is  felt  to  the  great  Head  of  the  church. 
There  have  been  nine  baptisms  (one  adult) — 
eight  funerals— one  marriage. 

The  rector  also  reports,  in  reference  to  this 
church,  that  about  300  dollars  have  been  subscri- 
bed towards  its  repairs ;  the  materials  have  been 
purchased,  the  workmen  employed,  and  he  ex- 
pects soon  to  see  this  (the  oldest  church  in  Vir- 
ginia now  standing)  put  a  in  comfortable  condition. 
William  G.  H.  Jones. 

St.  Paul's  Church,  Suffolk.  This  church  is 
under  the  care  of  the  rector  of  St.  Luke's  Church. 
Since  the  last  Convention  he  has  had  reason  here 
to  praise  God  and  take  courage.  Fifteen  mem- 
bers have  been  added  to  the  communion.  The 
attendance  at  church  is  generally  respectable  and 
regular,  and  the  conduct  of  the  members  during 
worship  highly  reverent.  Three  adult  baptisms — 
communicants  tvyenty.      William  G.  H.  Jones. 

Suffolk,  May  1.^,  1828.  I  have  not  held  a  parish 
for  a  considerable  time.  The  churches  in  the 
counties  of  Nansemond  and  Isle  of  Wight  being 
(until  veiy  late)  destitute  of  ministers,  I  con- 
sidered that  I  could  promote  the  interest  of  reli-* 
gion  better  by  extending  my  labours  to  them  all, 
than  by  confining  them  to  a  single  church.  Agree- 
ably to  the  request  of  the  bishop,  An  association  of 


CONVENTrON.^F  1828. 


221 


ministers,  consisting  of  Mr.  Parker,  Mr.  Jones,  and 
myself,  was  held  in  Sinithfield  on  the  llih  of 
April,  and  at  the  church  in  Surry  on  the  follow- 
ing  day,  where  we  officiated  to  large  and  atten- 
tive congregations.  Baptisms  thirty-one  (nine 
adults),  seven  were  blacks — funerals  nine— mar- 
riages seven.  Jacob  Keeling. 

Trinity  Church,  Portsmouth  parish.  There 
have  been  added  to  the  communion,  since  the  last 
report,  eight  mdividuals.  There  are  several  others 
belongmg  to  this  charge  who  are  deeply  impressed 
with  the  necessity  and  importance  of  religion,  but 
who  have  not  yet  obtained  that  satisfaction  in  their 
own  minds,  with  respect  to  the  change  of  heart, 
which  they  think  is  necessary  to  warrant  them  in 
making  an  open  profession  of  being  on  the  Lord's 
side.  The  pleasing  hope  is,  however,  confidently 
indulged,  that  it  will  not  be  very  long  before  some 
of  these  individuals  will  be  added  to  the  list  of 
worthy  communicants.  The  temporal  condition 
of  this  congregation,  the  rector  is  also  happy  to 
state,  has  much  improved  within  the  last  year. 
The  pews  have  all  been  rented  out  but  two,  and 
measures  are  now  taking  for  adding  side  galteries 
to  the  church,  in  which  to  erect  others. 

There  are  attached  to  the  congregation  several 
societies ;  the  most  important  of  which  are  a 
Sunday  School,  a  Bible  class,  and  a  Female 
Working  Society  ;  all  of  which,  it  is  believed,  are 
exerting  a  beneticial  influence.  Our  weekly  lec- 
tures are  still  kept  up,  and  it  is  hoped,  from  the 
attendance  on  them,  that  they  are  not  wholly  with- 
outiheir  good  effects.  Blarriages  three — baptisms 
nine,  two  of  which  were  adults — present  number 
of  communicants  twenty -four — funerals  six. 

John  H.  Wingfield. 
Christ  Church,  Norfolk.  The  rector  reports  to 
the  Convention  that,  during  the  past  year,  he  has 
administered  baptism  to  twenty-six  persons,  of 
whom  three  were  adults— there  have  been  twelve 
marriages— twenty-nine  burials — and  eighteen  per- 
sons admitted  to  the  communion,  making  the  pres- 
ent number  of  communicants  one  hundred  and 
ninety-four.  At  the  bishop's  visit  in  June  last, 
sixteen  were  confirmed.  The  Bible  class  is  in 
about  the  same  condition  as  last  reported.  The 
Sunday  School  numbers  one  hundred  and  fifty- 
eight  scholars  and  twenty-two  teachers.  The 
corner-stone  of  the  new  church  was  laid  by  the 
Right  Rev.  the  Bishop  on  the  20th  of  June  last. 
The  edifice  is  nearly  completed,  and  will  be  ready 
for  consecration,  it  is  hoped,  in  July  ensuing.  Its 
dimensions  are  96  feet  by  65.  It  is  built  of  brick, 
with  a  large  vestry-room  in  the  rear,  and  a  steeple 
calculated  for  a  clock  and  bell,  and  115  feet  in 
height. 

During  the  last  year  there  have  been  con- 
tributed by  the  parish  to  the  Education 

Society, $584  80 

To  the  bishop's  assistant's  salary,  -  20  00 
The  contingent  fund  of  the  diocess,     -        30  80 


$635  60 
The  rector  rejoices  to  inform  the  Convention 
that  the  affairs  of  the  congregation  are  in  a  pros- 
perous condition ;  and  especially  that  its  spiritual 
state  is,  perhaps,  more  promising  and  satisfactory 
than  it  has  ever  been  during  the  ministry  of  the 
incumbent.  Henry  W,  Ducachet. 

Suffolk,  Va.  Last  summer  I  left  the  diocess 
of  Maryland  and  came  to  this  place,  in  which  I 
have  been  occupied  principally  in  teaching  school. 
But,  during  my  residence  here,  I  ha,ve  frequently 
performed  divine  service.  Since  the  commence- 
ment of  this  year  I  have  superintended  a  Sunday 
School,  which  consists  of  about  thirty  scholars. 
Marriages  three — one  funeral.      Ira  Parker, 


A  resolution  relative  to  the  defraying  the  ex- 
penses of  the  delegates  to  represent  this  diocess 
to  the  General  Convention  was  offered,  and,  on 
motion,  the  same  was  laid  upon  the  table. 

A  motion  was  made  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Duca- 
chet, that  the  Convention  do  now  take  up  and 
consider  the  report  made  to  the  last  Convention 
by  the  special  committee  to  whom  had  been  re- 
ferred the  communication  from  the  secretaries 
of  the  House  of  Bishops  and  of  the  House  of 
Clerical  and  Lay  Delegates  to  the  secretary  of 
this  Convention— which  motion  was  rejected. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  next  Conven- 
tion of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  of  the 
diocess  of  Virginia  be  held  in  the  town  of 
Charlottesville,  on  the  Wednesday  before  the 
third  Thursday  in  May  next. 

The  president  having  retired,  Mr.  H.  Nelson 
was  called  to  the  chair. 

The    Rev.  Dr.  Meade,  froih   tlie   board  of 
trustees  of  the  Theological  School,  presented 
the  following  report,  which  was  read. 
Report  of  the  board  of  trustees  of  the   Theological 

Seminary  of  Virginia,  to  the  Convention,  held  in 

Petersburg,  May  15,  1828. 

It  will  be  remembered,  that  at  the  last  Conven- 
tion, the  trustees  obtained  leave  to  locate  the  sem- 
inary in  the  neighbourhood  of  Alexandria,  should 
it  be  found  practicable.  In  order  to  ascertain  this, 
a  committee  was  appointed,  with  full  powers  to 
select  an  eligible  site,  to  erect  the  necessary  build- 
ings, and  to  raise  the  funds  for  defraying  the  ex- 
penses of  the  same.  The  committee  accordingly 
repaired  to  Alexandria  in  the  month  of  June,  and 
alter  some  time  spent  in  surveying  the  different 
situations  which  were  offered,  made  a  selection  of 
one,  which,  on  account  of  the  healthiness  of  its 
atmosphere,  the  beauty  of  its  prospect,  and  its 
many  conveniences,  has  given  universal  satisfac- 
tion to  the  professors,  students,  friends,  and  vis- 
iters of  our  seminary.  The  lot  of  land  which  was 
purchased  contained  about  sixty-two  acres,  the 
half  of  which  was  cleared,  well  enclosed,  and  cov- 
ered with  grass.  The  remainder  is  in  young  tim- 
ber, which  will  soon  yield  no  inconsiderable 
allowance  of  fuel.  The  buildings  upon  it  consist- 
ed of  a  new  brick  dwelling-house,  with  all  neces- 
sary out-buildings  for  the  comfort  of  a  family.  A 
well-enclosed  garden  and  promising  young  orchard 
were  also  among  the  improvements  of  the  place. 
The  cost  of  the  establishment  was  five  thousand 
dollars.  This  we  were  enabled  to  pay  at  once, 
by  the  assistance  of  our  treasurer,  Mr.  John  Gray, 
who  kindly  advanced  the  whole,  relying  for  the 
return  of  it  upon  the  collections  to  be  aftei-ward 
made.  It  was  now  necessary  to  erect,  without 
delay,  a  suitable  edifice  for  the  reception  of  the 
students,  and  of  such  person  or  persons  as  should 
be  employed  to  attend  to  their  temporal  comforts. 
Accordingly,  a  brick  house  of  three  stories,  con- 
taining twelve  rooms,  besides  a  basement  story, 
affording  a  dining-room,  kitchen,  and  closets,  was 
immediately  erected,  the  cost  of  which  has  ex- 
ceeded three  thousand  dollars.  This  we  were 
enabled  to  discharge  by  a  loan  from  the  Educa- 
tion Society  of  two  thousand  dollars,  and  a  fur- 
ther advance  from  our  treasurer  and  ever-ready 
friend  Mr.  John  Gray.  To  relieve  ourselves  from 
the  obligations  thus  incurred  a  new  subscription 
was  commenced,  which,  by  the  united  exertions 
of  the  friends  of  the  seminary,  has  already  reached 
the  amount  of  the  debt  which  was  contracted, 
being  somewhat  more  than  eight  thousand  dol- 
lars.   As  this,  however,  is  payable  in  annual  vn- 


222 


CONVENTION  OF  1828. 


stalments  of  two,  three,  and  four  years,  and  the 
interest  on  the  money  advanced  is  still  increasing 
the  debt,  it  is  plain  that  the  present  subscription 
will  not  suffice  to  discharge  the  same  with  the  in- 
terest accruing.  Other  buildings  are  also  neces- 
sary to  complete  the  establishment.  Another 
house  for  the  residence  of  one  of  the  professors, 
who  is  at  present  living  at  an  inconvenient  dis- 
tance, is  very  desirable,  and  a  most  convenient 
situation  presents  itself  on  the  seminary  farm.  So 
soon  as  our  means  will  justify  the  measure,  it  will 
be  also  desirable  to  have  a  building  for  the  pur- 
poses to  which  the  basement  story  is  now  devo- 
ted, but  for  which  it  is  by  no  means  sufficient.  In 
the  same  building  might  be  a  lecture-room  and 
library,  for  which  the  private  apartments  of  our 
present  edifice  are  now  made  to  answer.  These 
additional  buildmgs  will,  of  course,  require  a  large 
increase  of  our  funds,  nor  shall  we  venture  to  pro- 
ceed until  assured  that  the  contributions  of  our 
friends  will  justify  the  undertaking. 

It  becomes  us  also  to  make  a  further  statement 
of  our  pecuniary  concerns,  that  the  members  and 
friends  of  the  church  may  not  be  mistaken  as  to 
our  condition,  and  relax  their  exertions  or  with- 
hold their  charities,  on  the  supposition  that  our 
need  is  not  so  great  as  it  really  is.  Towards  the 
endowment  of  two  professorships,  each  requiring 
not  less  than  fifteen  thousand  dollars,  we  have,  as 
yet,  only  realized  the  sum  of  ten  thousand  seven 
hundred  and  thirty-four  dollars  and  forty-two 
cents.  It  is  true  that  the  unremitting  exertions 
of  the  Female  AuxiUary  Education  Societies  have 
thus  far  enabled  us  to  have  the  services  of  two 
professors,  besides  receiving  all  the  poor  and  pious 
youths  who  have  applied  for  admission  into  the 
jseminary.  But  still  we  cannot  consider  any^n- 
stitution  on  a  sure  and  permanent  basis,  without 
a  fund,  whose  interest  will  suffice  for  the  support 
of  those  officers  who  are  indispensable  to  its  good 
government ;  and  therefore  we  can  never  be  satis- 
fied until  we  have  realized  the  needful  sum. 

In  order  to  raise  this  amount  as  soon  as  practi- 
cable, the  trustees  at  their  present  meeting  have 
appointed  the  Rev.  Dr.  Cobbs,  the  Rev.  Mr. 
M'Guire,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Ducachet,  and  the  Rev. 
Dr.  Meade,  to  solicit  contributions  in  the  State  of 
Virginia,  the  latter  of  whom  will  enter  upon  this 
duty  immediately  after  the  Convention,  and  de- 
vote two  or  three  months  to  the  same. 

The  trustees,  considering  also  how  much  other 
portions  of  our  country  are  likely  to  be  benefited 
by  the  successful  operation  of  our  seminary,  and 
that  it  is  most  reasonable  that  those  portions 
should  render  us  their  aid  in  its  establishment, 
have  requested  the  Rev.  Mr.  Jackson,  of  Alexan- 
dria, the  Rev.  Mr.  Mann,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Tyng,  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Johns,  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Henshaw,  of 
Maryland,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Bedell,  of  Pennsylvania, 
and  the  Rev.  Mr.  M'llvaine,  of  New-York,  to  lend 
us  their  aid  in  soliciting  contributions,  wherever 
their  judgment  or  convenience  may  lead  them. 

Having  presented  this  exposition  of  the  funds, 
the  location,  and  the  buildings  of  our  infant  insti- 
tution, we  now  proceed  to  state  the  pleasing  ac- 
complishment of  those  hopes  which  encouraged 
us  to  choose  its  present  location.  VS^e  have  re- 
alized that  freedom  from  the  many  interruptions 
inseparable  from  a  town,  which  formed  a  strong 
inducement  to  its  removal.  Every  incentive  to 
close  application  to  the  exercises  of  piety  is  fur- 
nished to  the  young  candidate  for  the  ministry. 
On  the  Sabbath  they  either  walk  into  Alexandria 
and  attend  the  public  services  of  the  churches,  or 
remain  at  the  seminary,  where,  for  their  benefit 
and  the  benefit  of  many  families  around,  the  ser- 
vice of  the  church  is  read,  and  a  sermoa  deUvered, 


by  one  of  the  professors.  On  the  evening  of  the 
Sabbath,  and  on  other  evenings  of  the  week,  they 
are  often  piously  and  profitably  engaged  in  visiting 
the  families  in  the  neighbourhood,  praying  with 
them,  reading  the  word  of  God,  and  exhorting 
them  to  holiness.  It  deserves  also  to  be  mention- 
ed, that  they  evince  a  laudable  zeal  in  attending 
to  the  instruction  of  the  children  in  the  several 
Sunday  Schools  which  they  have  established  in 
Alexandria  and  at  the  seminary.  While  thus  en- 
gaged in  these  exercises  which  fit  them  for  the 
practical  duties  on  which  they  are  soon  to  enter, 
we  have  the  assurance  of  the  professors  that  they 
have  not  been  inattentive  to  those  bterary  and 
theological  studies  which  are  necessary  to  qualify 
them  for  the  defence  of  the  faith.  During  the 
past  session  seventeen  students  have  been  under 
the  care  of  the  professors,  though  only  fourteen 
are  to  be  considered  as  properly  members  of  the 
seminary,  the  remaining  three  being  engaged  in 
preparatory  studies,  which  will  qualify  them  to 
enter  at  some  future  period.  It  will  be  most  en- 
couraging indeed  to  the  friends  of  our  institution, 
to  behold  six  of  these  youths,  who  have  been  for 
a  greater  or  lesser  period  of  time  nurtured  in  our 
seminary,  presented  on  the  ensuing  Sabbath  to 
the  bishop  of  our  diocess,  and,  after  receiving  from 
him  the  proper  authority,  proceeding  forth  to  the 
glorious  work  of  preaching  the  everlasting  gospel. 
The  trustees  will  only  add,  that  their  hopes  and 
expectations  as  to  the  expenses  of  hving  have 
been  more  than  realized.  From  the  experience 
of  the  present  year,  they  are  iustified  in  saying 
that  the  sum  of  seventy-five  dollars  is  amply  suf- 
ficient for  the  board  of  each  student,  during  the 
period  of  the  nine  months  which  constitutes  the 
seminary  term. 

In  concluding  their  report,  the  trustees  have  to 
record  the  heavy  loss  sustained  by  the  board  in 
the  death  of  the  lamented  Dr.  Wilmer.  In  this 
as  in  every  other  department  of  usefulness,  he  had 
ever  displayed  a  judgment,  zeal,  and  activity  sel- 
dom to  be  found  united  in  one  individual.  The 
emblems  of  mourning  which  now  designate  the 
members  of  this  Convention,  evince  the  high 
esteem  in  which  his  services  were  held  by  the 
whole  church. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  smn  of  one 
hundred  and  twenty  dollars  and  thirty-seven 
and  a  half  cents  be  appropriated  to  the  bishop, 
for  the  support  of  his  assistant,  out  of  the  Con- 
tingent Fund,  to  make  up,  with  the  sura  paid  in 
for  that  purpose  during  the  present  Conven- 
tion, the  sum  of  three  hundred  dollars,  in  pur- 
suance of  the  pledge  made  by  the  Convention 
in  the  year  1826. 

Resolved,  That  the  treasurer  pay  to  the 
secretary  his  expenses  incurred  in  attending 
this  Convention. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  unanimously,  TTiat  the 
thanks  of  this  Convention  be  tendered  to  the 
ministers  of  the  Presbyterian,  Methodist,  and 
Baptist  churches  in  this  place,  for  the  liberal 
and  kind  offer  of  their  churches  for  the  use  of 
the  Convention. 

On  motion.  Resolved,  That  the  treasurer  pay 
to  the  doorkeeper  of  this  Convention  the  sum 
of  five  dollars  for  his  services. 

On  motion.  Resolved,  unanimously.  That  the 
thanks  of  this  Convention  be  tendered  to  the 
citizens  of  this  place,  for  their  kind  and  hospi- 
table attentions  to  the  members  of  the  Conven- 
tion^ during  its  session. 


CONVENTION  OF  1828. 


223 


On  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  thanks  of  this 
Convention  be  presented  to  the  secretary  and 
treasurer  for  their  faithful  services. 

On  motion.  Resolved,  That  one  thousand 
copies  of  this  Journal  be  printed,  and  distributed 
by  the  secretary  among  the  parishes. 

The  bishop  appeared  and  took  his  seat  as 
president  of  the  Convention. 

The  Convention  proceeded  to  ths  election, 
bv  ballot,  of  eight  delegates,  to  represent  this 
diocess  in  the  next  General  Convention  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church  of  the  United 
States :  whereupon  the  following  gentlemen 
were  duly  elected,  viz.  :  Rev.  William  Meade, 
D.  D.,  Rev.  Reuel  Keith,  D.  D.,  Rev.  Edward 
a  M'Guire,  Rev.  Nicholas  H.  Cobbs,  Dr.  Car- 
ter Berkeley,  Mr.  Phihp  Nelson,  Mr.  Hugh 
Nelson,  and  Mr.  James  M.  Garnett. 

And  then  the  Convention  adjourned,  to  meet 
in  the  town  of  Charlottesville,  on  the  Wednes- 
day before  the  third  Thursday  in  May  next. 
Richard  Channing  Moore, 
Bishop  of  the  P.  E.  Church  of  Virginia. 

Teste,         John  G.  Williams,  Secretary. 

On  Sunday  evening.  May  18th,  the  clergy  and 
laity  of  the  Convention  assembled  round  the  altar, 
when  the  bishop  addressed  and  took  his  leave  of 
them  as  follows  : — 

Brethren, — Agreeably  to  that  practice  which 
has  always  marked  the  close  of  our  Conventional 
labours,  we  surround  the  altar  of  the  Redeemer 
to  express  our  thankfulness  to  him  for  that  unity 
which  has  distinguished  our  proceedings,  and  for 
the  spiritual  blessings  we  have  enjoyed  during  our 
association,  and  also  to  take  an  affectionate  leave 
of  each  other. 

When  we  call  to  view  the  important  concerns 
in  which  we  have  been  engaged,  and  consider  the 
peaceful  spirit  in  which  those  concerns  have  been 
transacted,  how  heartfelt  should  be  the  expression 
of  our  gratitude  to  God !  The  Theological  Semi- 
nary, that  school  of  the  prophets,  that  nursery  of 
the  church,  from  which  we  have  received  so  much 
benefit  and  advantage,  and  from  which  we  have 
reason  to  expect  still  greater  results,  has  received 
from  the  benefactions  of  our  friends  an  impulse 
which,  we  trust,  will  ensure  its  success,  and  render 
it  an  object  of  commanding  importance  not  only 
to  this  diocess,  but  to  our  religious  community  in 
general. 

Seven  ybung  men,  six  of  whom  are  alumni  of 
that  institution,  have  this  day  been  admitted  to 
holy  oi-ders.  Men,  from  whose  labours  parishes 
which  have  been  destitute  for  many  years  will  be 
supplied,  and  the  word  of  life  communicated  to 
those  who  have  looked  lo  us  for  spiritual  help. 
Yes !  the  walls  of  some  of  our  churches,  in  which 
the  voice  of  the  gospel  has  not  been  heard  for 
twenty  years,  will  again  resound  with  the  glad 
tidings  of  salvation,  and  wake  the  prayers  and 
praises  of  our  people.  The  hungry  will  be  fed 
with  the  bread  of  life ;  the  thirsty  will  be  led  to 
the  fountain  of  ever-living  waters  that  they  may 
drink ;  the  cross  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  will  be 
exhibited  to  their  view,  and  poor  weeping  peni- 
tents be  directed  to  Calvary  for  the  salvation  of 
their  immortal  souls.  My  heart  vibrates  with  joy 
at  the  glowing  prospect  presented  to  our  view, 
and  my  soul  rejoices  in  the  prosperity  of  our  Zion. 

When  we  contemplate  the  blessings  with  which 
God  in  his  mercy  hath  favoured  us,  we  have  rea- 
son to  take  courage  and  press  forward  in  the  dis- 
charge of  our  duly.    It  is  by  the  preaching  of  the 


gospel  in  its  purity  that  we  are  to  expect  a  con- 
tinuance of  the  divine  favour.  It  is  the  cross  of 
a  crucified  Jesus  under  which  we  have  rallied ; 
and  while  that  cross  continues  to  form  the  banner 
under  which  we  fight  the  fight  of  faith,  the  bles- 
sing of  God  will  descend  upon  us  in  profusion,  and 
our  preaching  prove  the  savour  of  life  to"  tBose 
who  hear  us.  Yes,  my  brethren,  I  repeat  the  dec- 
laration :  If  we  expect  to  succeed  in  our  ministry, 
and  to  see  the  work  of  the  Lord  prosper  in  our 
hands,  Jesus  Christ,  and  him  crucified,  must  con- 
stitute the  basis  of  all  our  discourses — the  anima- 
ting theme  of  all  our  addresses.  Yes !  my  soul 
warms  at  the  thought.  It  is  the  cross  which 
forms  the  ladder  by  which  the  behever  scales  the 
heavens.  The  cross  is  the  throne  of  grace  from 
which  Jesus  answers  prayer,  and  pronounces  par- 
don and  forgiveness  to  the  poor  penitent.  Carry 
your  people  to  Gethsemane,  and  show  them  the 
precious  Redeemer  under  the  load  of  their  conv- 
plicated  guilt,  sweating  great  drops  of  blood ;  con- 
duct them  to  Calvary,  exhibit  the  Saviour  to  their 
view  as  the  only  propitiatory  sacrifice  for  you ;. 
and  lest  any  of  your  charge  should  doubt  his  mer- 
ciful disposition,  proclaim  to  them  the  soul-enli- 
vening truth— proclaim  to  them  that  the  Lord 
Jesus  wears  on  his  compassionate  bosom  the 
glorious  inscription,  "  not  willing  that  any  should 
perish,  but  that  all  should  come  to  repentance." 
Go  on,  my  beloved  sons  in  the  ministry,  go  on  in 
the  glorious  work  in  which  you  have  engaged, 
and  the  Lord  Jesus  will  assist  you  with  his  grace, 
and  bless  you  with  the  richest  evidences  of  his 
love.  Let  controversy  alone ;  for  it  will  paralyze 
your  minds  and  obstruct  you  my  our  work.  Preach 
the  truth.  Be  attentive  to  your  solemn  vows  of 
conformity  to  our  worship  which  you  have  volun- 
tarily made.  Be  men  of  peace — imitate,  as  far  as 
in  you  lieth,  your  divine  Master.  "  Learn  of  him 
who  was  meek  and  lowly  in  heart,  and  you  will 
find  rest  to  your  souls." 

We  are  now,  my  brethren,  to  part.  Remember 
that  such  is  the  frail  tenure  of  our  earthly  exist- 
ence, that  it  is  scarcely  to  be  expected  we  shall 
ever  meet  again  in  this  world.  The  last  year  took 
two  from  our  number ;  and  before  the  next  twelve 
months  shall  have  revolved  over  our  heads,  others 
may  be  taken  from  our  ranks,  called  lo  give  an 
account  of  their  stewardship.  Strive,  then,  I  be- 
seech you,  to  be  prepared.  Be  much  at  a  throne 
of  grace,  not  only  with  the  people  of  your  charge, 
but  also  in  your  retirement.  When  you  enter 
your  closets,  remember  that  you  are  entering  the 
threshold  of  heaven,  and  say  to  the  world  and  all 
its  delusive  pleasures,  "  Slay  ye  here  while  I  go 
yonder  and  worship."  By  such  a  course  your 
lamps  will  be  always  trimmed,  your  lights  burning 
in  your  hands :  then,  when  the  voice  of  God  shall 
proclaim  the  approach  of  the  bridegroom,  you  will 
be  prepared  to  enter  into  the  everlasting  joy  of  our 

To  the  lay  members  of  the  Convention  I  beg 
leave  to  return  my  sincere  thanks  for  their  kind 
co-operation  and  support.  With  many  of  you  I 
have  met  in  Convention  ever  since  my  residence 
in  Virginia,  and  to  your  labour  the  church  is  in- 
debted for  a  large  portion  of  its  success.  The 
clergy  consider  you  as  co-workers  with  them,  and 
lean  much  on  you  for  your  counsel  and  advice. 
Be  steadfast  and  immoveable,  always  abounding  in 
the  work  of  the  Lord,  and  your  labour  will  not  be 
in  vain  in  the  Lord.  My  brethren,  1  bid  you  all  an 
affectionate  farewell;  and  should  we  never  meet 
in  this  vale  of  tears.  Oh  may  we  meet  in  that  hap- 
py world  prepared  for  the  righteous,  and  enjoy  that 
rest  which  remaineth  for  the  people  of  God.  Breth- 
ren, farefwell.  Richard  C.  Moore^ 


2U 


CONVENTION  OF  1829. 


Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of  the  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  of  the  Diocesa 
of  Virginia,  which  assembled  in  the  town  of  Charlottesville,  on  Wednesday,  the  20th  day  of 
May,  1829. 


This  being  the  day  and  place  appointed  for 
the  annual  meeting  of  the  Convention  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  Diocess  of 
Virginia,  several  clergymen  and  lay  delegates 
attended  divine  seryice  in  the  Episcopal  Church 
in  this  town. 

Morning  prayers  were  read  by  the  Rev.  Adam 
Empie,  and  a  sermon  preached  by  the  Rev.  John 
H.  Wingfield. 

After  divine  service  (the  Right  Rev.  Bishop 
Moore  being  prevented  by  indisposition  from 
attending),  the  Rev.  William  Meade,  D.  D.,  was 
elected,  by  joint  ballot  of  the  clerical  and  lay 
delegates,  in  conformity  with  the  canons  of  the 
church,  president  pro  tempore  of  this  Conven- 
tion, and  accordingly  took  his  seat  as  such. 

The  following  clergymen,  entitled  to  seats  in 
this  Convention,  appeared,  viz.  : — 

The  Rev.  Ebenezer  Boyden,  Augusta  parish, 
Staunton  ;  the  Rev.  Nicholas  H.  Cobbs,  Rus- 
sell pairish,  Bedford  county  ;  the  Rev.  John  Cole, 
officiating  in  Surry  and  Prince  George  coun- 
ties ;  the  Rev.  John  Cooke,  St.  Martin's  parish, 
Hanover  and  Louisa  counties  ;  the  Rev.  Robert 
B.  Croes,  assistant  minister  of  the  Monumental 
Church,  Richmond  ;  the  Rev.  Charles  Dresser, 
Antrim  parish,  Halifa.x  county  ;  the  Rev.  Henry 
W.  Ducachet,  M.  D., Christ  Church,  Norfolk ;  the 
Rev.  James  Doughen,  parish  of  St  James,  Nor- 
thara,  Goochland  county ;  the  Rev.  Adam  Empie, 
rector  of  Bruton  parish,  and  President  of  Will- 
iam and  Mary  College,  Williamsburg  ;  the  Rev. 
Zachariah  H.  Goldsmith,  St.  George's  parish, 
Accomack  county  ;  the  Rev.  John  Grammer, 
Bath  parish,  Dinwiddle  county  ;  the  Rev.  Caleb 
J.  Good,  St.  Margaret's  parish,  Caroline  county  ; 
the  Rev.  Frederick  W.  Hatch,  Fredericksville 
parish,  Albemarle  county ;  the  Rev.  Johannes 
Edward  Jackson,  Christ  Church,  Frederick 
parish,  Frederick  county ;  the  Rev.  William 
Jackson,  St.  Paul's  Church,  Alexandria ;  the 
Rev.  Thomas  Jackson,  Shelburne  parish,  Lou- 
doun county  ;  the  Rev.  William  G.  H.  Jones, 
parish  of  Newport,  Isle  of  Wight ;  the  Rev. 
Reuel  Keiths  D.  D.,  Professor  in  the  Theologi- 
cal School  of  this  diocess  near  Alexandria  ; 
the  Rev.  Ge^orge  Lemon,  Hamilton  and  Leeds 
parishes,  Fauquier  county  ;  the  Rev.  WiUiam 
F.  Lee,  Henrico  parish,  Henrico  county ;  the 
Rev.  William  Meade,  D.  D.,  Frederick  parish, 
Frederick  county ;  the  Rev.  Edward  C.  M'Guire, 
St.  George's  parish,  Fredericksburg  ;  the  Rev. 
John  P.  M'Guire,  St.^Anne's  and  South  Farn- 
ham  parishes,  Essex  ;  the  Rev.  Nahum  G.  Os- 
good, Moore's  parish,  Campbell  county  ;  the 
Rev.  Charles  H.  Page,  Lexington  parish,  Am- 
herst county  •,  the  Rev.  Edward  W.  Peet,  St 
Paul's  parish,  King  George  county  ;  the  Rev. 
John  Philips,  Cumberland  parish,  Lunenburg 
county ;  the  Rev.  G.  A.  Smith,  St.  Stephen's 
Church,  Culpepper  county  ;  the  Rev.  John  H. 
"Wingfield,  Portsmouth  parish,  Norfolk  county. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  WUliam  Mayo,  Dr.  Carter 


Berkeley,  and  Mr.  John  G.  Williams,  be  a  com- 
mittee to  examine  the  certificates  of  lay  delegates ; 
who  then  withdrew,  and,  after  a  short  time,  re- 
turned and  presented  the  following  report : — 

The  committee  to  whom  were  referred  the 
pertificates  of  the  lay  delegates  have,  according 
to  order,  examined  the  same,  and  report,  that 
the  following  persons  have  been  duly  elected 
lay  delegates  to  this  Convention. 

Thomas  Marshall,  Leeds  parish,  Fauquier 
county  ;  Dr.  Hector  Harris,  Hamilton  parish, 
Fauquier  county  ;  Thomas  Withers,  jr.,  I3ristol 
parish,  Petersburg  ;  John  H.  Hill,  St.  Paul's 
Church,  Alexandria  ;  William  H.  Thompson, 
Christ  Church,  Norfolk  ;  Dr.  Carter  Berkeley, 
St.  Martin's  parish,  Hanover  and  Louisa  coun- 
ties ;  Junius  A.  Clay  and  Philip  A.  Boiling, 
Tillotson  parish,  Buckingham  ;  Thomas  Nelson, 
Portsmouth  parish,  Norfolk  county  ;  Obed  Waite, 
Christ  Church,  Winchester ;  Dr.  E.  A.  Mor- 
rison, Bath  parish,  Dinwiddiis  county ;  Philip 
Nelson,  Frederick  parish,  Frederick  county ; 
Edward  B.  Withers,  Moore's  parish,  Campbell 
county ;  Westwood  S.  Armistead,  Elizabeth 
City  parish,  Ehzabeth  City  county  ;  Thurmer 
Hoggard,  Lynnhaven  parish.  Princess  Anne 
county ;  Hugh  Nelson,  Fredericksville  parish, 
Albemarle  county  ;  John  Nelson,  St.  James's 
parish,  Mecklenburg  county  ;  William  Boiling, 
St.  James's  parish,  Northam,  Goochland  county  ; 
Edward  Rouzee-,  Valiter's  Church,  St.  Anne's 
parish,  Essex  county  ;  John  Gray,  St.  George's 
parish,  Fredericksburg  ;  John  G.  Lawrence,  St. 
Margaret's  parish,  Caroline  county  ;  Wm.  Mayo 
and  John  G.  Williams,  Monumental  Church, 
Richmond;  Seth  Ward,  St.  Paul's  Church, 
Lynchburg  ;  Parke  F.  Berkeley,  Antrim  parish, 
Hahfax  county  ;  John  Stuart,  St.  Paul's  parish, 
King  George  county  ;  Walter  W.  Webb,Bruton 
parish,  Williamsburg ;  Isaac  Winston,  St.  Ste- 
phen's Church,  Culpepper  county  ;  Richard  S. 
Ellis,  Lexington  parish,  Amherst  county  ;  Ed- 
mund I.  Lee,  Christ  Church,  Alexandria,  Fair- 
fax parish  ;  Gerrard  Alexander,  Russell  parish, 
Bedford  county ;  John  L.Thomas,Christ  Church, 
Norborne  parish,  Berkeley  county  ;  Benjamin 
B.  Taliaferro,  Henrico  parish,  Henrico  county. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  following 
rules  of  order,  adopted  by  the  last  Convention 
for  the  government  of  their  proceedings,  be  the 
rules  of  proceeding  during  the  present  Con- 
vention :■— 

1.  The  business  of  every  day  shall  be  intro- 
duced with  prayer. 

2.  When  the  president  takes  the  chair,  no 
member  shall  continue  standing,  or  shall  after- 
ward stand  up,  except  to  address  the  chair. 

3.  No  member  shall  absent  himself  from  the 
service  of  the  house  unless  he  have  leave,  or 
be  unable  to  attend. 

4.  When  any  member  is  about  to  speak  in 
debate,  or  deliver  any  matter  to  the  house,  he 
shall,  with  due  respect,  address  himself  to  the 


CONVENTION  OF 


N 


22S 


president,  confining  himself  strictly  to  the  point 
in  debate.  -        - 

5.  No  member  shall  speak  more  than  twice 
in  the  same  debate  without  leave  of  the  house. 

6.  A  question  being  once  determined  shall 
stand  as  the  judgment  of  the  house,  and  shall 
not  be  again  drawn  into  debate  during  the  same 
session,  unless  with  the  consent  of  two  thirds 
of  the  house.  . 

7.  While  the  president  is  putting  Uny  question, 
the  members  shall  continue  in  their  seats,  and 
shall  not  hold  any  private  discourse. 

8.  Every  member  who  shall  be  in  the  house 
when  any  question  is  put,  shall,  on  a  division, 
be  counted,  unless  he  be  personally  interested 
in  the  decision. 

9.  No  motion  shall  be  considered  as  before  the 
house  unless  it  be  seconded,  and,  when  required, 
reduced  to  writing. 

10.  When  any  question  is  before  the  house, 
it  shall  be  determined  upon  before  any  new 
thing  is  introduced,  except  the  question  of  ad- 
journment. 

11.  The  question  on  a  motion  of  adjourn- 
ment shall  be  taken  before  any  other,  and  with- 
out debate. 

12.  When  the  house  is  about  to  rise,  every 
member  shall  keep  his  seat  until  the  president 
shall  leave  his  chair. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  Robert  B.  Croes,  the 
Rev.  Thomas  Jackson,  the  Rev.  George  A. 
Smith,  the  Rev.  John  Cooke,  and  the  Rev. 
William  G.  H.  Jones  be  a  committee  to  ex- 
amine the  parochial  reports. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  Frederick  W.  Hatch, 
the  Rev.  Adam  Empie,  the  Rev.  George  Lemon, 
the  Rev.  Henry  W.  Ducachet,  M.  D.,  the  Rev. 
Nicholas  H.  Cobbs,  Mr.  Gerrard  Alexander,  Mr 
Hugh  Nelson,  and  Mr.  William  H.  Thompson, 
be  a  committee  to  take  into  consideration  the 
state  of  the  church  in  this  diocess,  and  report 
thereupon  to  this  Convention. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Edmund  I.  Lee,  the  Rev. 
Edward  Jackson,  and  Mr  Richard  Ellis,  be  a 
committee  to  examiue  the  accounts  of  the  treas- 
urer of  the  fund  for  the  permanent  support  of  the 
episcopate  in  this  diocess. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  William  F.  Lee,  Mr. 
Obed  Waite,  and  Mr.  Seth  Ward,  be  a  commit- 
tee to  examine  the  treasurer's  accounts. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  William  Jackson,  Mr. 
Thomas  Marshall,  and  the  Rev.  John  P.  M'Guire, 
be  a  committee  to  examine  the  state  of  the 
fund  for  the  support  of  the  widows  and  orphans 
of  deceased  clergymen. 

The   secretary  then   received  the  following 
contributions  from  sundry  parishes  of  this  diocess 
for  the  Contingent  Fund  : — 
Leeds  parish,  Fauquier  county,  -  $15.  00 

Hamilton  parish,  Fauquier  county,       -     15  00 
Bristol  parish,  Petersburg,  -         -     30  00 

Christ  Church,  Norfolk,      -         -         -     30  00 
St.  Martin's  parish,  Hanover  and  Louisa 

counties,  -  -  -  -  -  20  00 
Augusta  parish,  Augusta  county,  -  10  00 
Christ  Church,  Winchester,        -         -     15  00 


-$135  00 

-  15  00 

-  15  26 

-  10  00 

=  15  00 

-     10  00 

S  ,14  00 

Amount  carried  forward, 


$135  00 


Amount  brought  forward, 
Bath  parish,  Dinwiddie  county, 
Frederick  parish,  Frederick  county, 
Moore's  parish,  Campbell  county,. 
Elizabeth   City  parish,  Elizabeth  City 

county, 
Lynnhaven  parish.  Princess  Anne, 
St.  James's  parish,  Mecklenburg  county, 
St,  James'sparish,  Northam,  Goochland , 

county,  -         -  -     -         -         -  ,  10  00 

Vauter's   Church,    St.  Anne's  parish, 

Essex,  -         -         -         -         w  30  00 

St.  George's  parish,  Fredericksburg,  9  30  00 

St.  Margaret's  parish,  Caroline  county,       8  00 

Monumental  Church,  Richmond, 

St.  Paul's  Church,  Lynchburg,    - 

Antrim  parish,  Halifax  county,    - 

St.  Paul's  parish,  King  George  county, 

Bruton  parish,  Wilhamsburg, 

St.  Stephen's  parish,  Culpepper  county, 

Lexington  parish,  Amherst  county, 

Christ    Church,    Alexandria,    Fairfax 

parish,  -         -     .    -      .  - 

Russell  parish,  Bedford  county, 
Christ  Church,  Norborne  parish,  Berke- 
ley county,     -         .         -         -         . 
Henrico  parish,  Henrico  county, 
St.  Mark's  parish,  Culpepper  county,    - 
Newport  parish.  Isle  of  Wight,    - 
Town  of  Suflblk,        -         .         -         . 
Shelburne  parish,  Loudoun  county. 
South  Farnham  parish,  Essex  county, 
Fredericksville  parish,  Albemarle, 

$579  14' 

The  following  sums'  were  paid  towards  the 
support  of  the  assistant  to  the  bishop  in  the 
Monumental  Church,  for  the  year  ending  May, 
1829:— 

Hamilton  parish,  Fauquier  county,  -    $5 

Leeds  parish,  Fauquier  county,,  -  -  5 
Bristol  parish,  Petersburg,  -  -  -  20 
Christ  Church,  Norfolk,  -         -        -     20 

St.  Martin's  parish,  Hanover  and  Louisa 

counties,     -         -         -         -         -         -     10 

Portsmouth  parish,  Norfolk  county,  -    10 

Frederick  parish,  Frederick  county,  -     10 

Elizabeth   City   parish,    Elizabeth   City-    '  :  " 

county,  -  -  -  -  ».'.---& 
St.  James's  parish,  Mecklenburg  county,  '  10 
St.  George's  parish,  Fredericksburg,  -  15 
St.  Stephen's  Church,  Culpepper  county,  -5 
Henrico  parish,  Henrico  county,  ...  .  r  .16 
St.  Mark's  parish,  Culpepper  county,  ~  *  6 
Newport  parish.  Isle  of  Wight,  -  -  5 
Town  of  Suffolk,  -  -  -  -  .,  -  6 
Fredericksville  parish,  Albemarle  coUnty,         5 


30  00 

15  00 

25  00 

15  00 

15  00 

15  50 

15  35 

30  00 

30  00 

5  00 

15  00 

16  00 

10  00 

10  00 

20  00 

10  4 

10  00 

$150 

And  then,  on  motion,  the  Convention  ad- 
journed until  to-morrow  morning,  8  o'clock. 

Thobsday,  May  21,  1829. 

The  Convention  met  according  to  adjourn- 
ment, and  was  opened  with  prayer  by  the  Rev. 
William  Meade. 

The  parochial  reports  were  handed  in  and 


22f6 


CONVENTION  OF  1829. 


read,  and  referred  to  the  committee  upon  pa- 
rochial reports. 

Mr.  Henry  Claggett,  a  lay  delegate  of  the 
parish  of  Shelburne,  Loudoun  county,  and  Mr. 
George  W.  Rothrock,  a  lay  delegate  of  St. 
Paul's  Church,  Suffolk,  appeared  and  took  their 
eeats. 

,  The  Rev.  Frederick  W.  Hatch,  from  the 
committee  on  the  state  of  the  church,  made  a 
report,  which,  on  motion,  was  recommitted,  and 
thereupon  a  letter  from  WiUiam  Leigh,  Esq., 
upon  th^  subject  of  the  devise  of  Evan  Ragland, 
was  rererred  to  the  said  committee. 

The  Rev.  William  F.  Lee,  from  the  committee 
appointed  to  examine  the  treasurer's  accounts, 
made  the  following  report  : — 

The  committee  to  whom  were  referred  for 
examination  the  treasurer's  accounts  have  per- 
formed that  duty,  and  report  that  the  annexed 
account,  showing  a  balance  of  $456  11^  cents 
in  the  hands  of  the  treasurer,  is  correct,  and 
that  the  different  items  are  supported  by  proper 

«  vouchers,  which  are  filed  with  the  account. 

'^      '  William  F.  Lee,  Chairman. 

■  On  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  said  report 
be  received  and  approved. 

The  Rev.  William  Jackson,  from  the  com- 
mittee to  whom  was  referred  the  examination 
of  the  accounts  of  the  treasurer  of  the  fund  for 
the  relief  of  the  widows  and  orphans  of  deceas- 
ed clergymen  of  the  Episcopal  Church  of  Vir- 
ginia, made  the  following  report : — 

The  committee  on  the  Widows'  Fund  beg 
leave  to  report,  that  they  have  examined  the 
treasurer's  account,  and  find  it  correct. 

The  funds  are  as  follows : — 

United  States  three  per  cent,  stock,  $2,037  78 

TA  shares  of  Farmers'  Bank  of  Alex- 
andria stock,  at  par,  -         -     3,700  00 

3  shares  of  Alexandria  bank-stock, 

.     at  par,       -         -         -         -         -        600  00 

.1  share  of  Bank  of  Virginia  stock, 

at  par,      -         -         .         .         .         lOO  00 

Robert  Andrews's  estate,  balance 
of  note,  with  interest  from  30th 
April,  1829,  till  paid,  -        -        399  23 

Cash  on  hand,       -        -        -        -        280  97 

$7,117  98 

Oil  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  said  report 
be  received  and  approved. 

On  motion.  Resolved,  That  a  committee  be 
appointed  to  take  into  consideration  the  laws 
and  regulations  for  the  government  of  the  so- 
ciety for  the  relief  of  distressed  widows  and 
orphans  of  clergymen,  and  make  report  there- 
upon to  the  next  Convention ;  and  the  Rev. 
William  Meade,  the  Rev.  Edward  C.  M'Ouire, 
the  Rev.  Reuel  Keith,  and  Mr.  Edmund  L  Lee, 
were  appointed. 

The  proceedings  of  the  standing  committee 
during  the  last  year  were  read. 

The  session  was  then  suspended,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  attending  divine  service  by  the  Rev. 
Thomas  Jackson,  and  a  sermon  by  the  Rev. 
George  Lemon.     After  which  the  session  was 


resumed,  and  the  Convention  proceeded  to  th«^ 
election,  by  ballot,  of  a  standing  committee  of 
the  church  in  this  diocess  for  the  ensuing  year  ; 
whereupon  the  following  gentlemen  were  duly 
elected,  viz.  : — the  Rev.  Reuel  Keith,  D.  D., 
the  Rev.  Edward  R.  Lippit,  the  Rev.  William 
Jackson,  Mr.  John  Hoofif,  Mr.  Edmund  L  Lee, 
and  Mr.  John  Gray. 

The  following  report  of  the  committee  to 
whom  was  referred  the  communication  from  the 
secretaries  of  the  House  of  Bishops  and  of  the 
House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Delegates,  upon  the 
proposed  alterations  of  the  liturgy,  made  to  the 
Convention  held  in  Fredericksburg  in  the  year 
1827,  was  called  up,  read,  and,  on  motion,  refer- 
red to  the  committee  of  the  whole. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  a  com- 
munication from  the  secretaries  of  the  House  of 
Bishops  and  of  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay 
Deputies,  under  date  of  20th  December,  1826,  re- 
port, that  they  have  attentively  considered  the 
subjects  referred  to  them,  and  that  they  have 
unanimously  agreed  to  recommend  to  the  Con- 
vention the  adoption  of  the  following  resolutions. 

1.  Resolved,  That  any  alterations  in  '*  The  or- 
der how  the  psalter  is  appointed  to  be  read,"  or  in 
"  The  order  how  the  rest  of  the  Holy  Scripture  is 
appointed  to  be  read,"  are,  in  the  opinion  of  this 
Convention,  uncalled  for  by  the  state  of  the 
church,  and  entirely  inexpedient. 

2.  Resolved,  That  the  present  preface  _  to  the 
confirmation  office  having  been  so  long  in  use 
without  being  the  subject  of  frequent  or  great 
complaint,  the  proposed  substitute  for  it  is  un- 
called for  and  inexpedient. 

3.  Resolved,  That  as  the  proposed  collect  m 
the  confirmation  office  seems  to  take  for  granted 
the  truth  of  a  doctrine  about  which  some  differen- 
ces of  opinion  prevail  in  the  church,  and  seems  to 
have  a  tendency  to  produce  dissatisfaction  in  the 
minds  of  some,  and  perhaps  to  lead  to  still  further 
controversy,  it  is  uncalled  for  and  inexpedient. 

4.  Resolved,  That  whereas  the  rubric  imme 
diately  after  the  communion  service  appears,  as 
it  now  stands,  to  be  sufficiently  explicit,  and  the 
proposed  alteration  in  it  seems  to  be  intimately 
connected  with  the  foregoing  proposed  changes,  it 
is  equally  uncalled  for  and  inexpedient. 

5.  Resolved,  That,  as  this  Convention  disap- 

f>roves  of  the  proposed  alterations,  the  delegation 
i^om  this  diocess  to  the  General  Convention  be 
instructed  to  use  their  exertions  to  prevent  their 
adoption. 

6.  Resolved,  That  whereas  the  proposed  ad- 
dition to  the  8th  article  of  the  constitution  of  this 
church,  by  which  the  words,  "  or  the  articles  of 
rehgion,"  are  to  be  inserted  after  the  words,  '*  or 
other  officers  of  the  church,"  seems  to  be  a  rea 
sonable  and  salutary  provision,  this  Convention 
do  entirely  approve  the  same,  and  accordingly  rec- 
ommend It  to  the  support  of  their  representatives. 

All  which  is  respectfully  reported. 
By  order  of  the  committee, 
Henry  W,  Ducachet,  Chairman. 

The  house  then  resolved  itself  into  a  com- 
mittee of  the  whole,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Hatch  in  the 
chair,  and  after  some  time  spent  therein  the 
committee  rose,  reported  progress,  and  asked 
leave  to  sit  again,  which,  on  motion,  was 
granted. 

On  motion.  Resolved,  That  the  Convention 
adjourn,  to  meet  again  at  a  quarter  before  4 
o'clock. 


CONVENTION  OF  1829. 


237 


Thursday  Afternoon,  May  21,  1829. 

The  Convention  met  again  according  to  ad- 
journment. 

Mr.  Peter  M'Vickar,  a  lay  delegate  of  the  par- 
ish of  St.  Andrew's,  appeared  and  took  his  seat. 

The  house  again,  on  motion,  resolved  itself 
into  a  committee  of  the  whole,  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Hatch  in  the  chau: ;  and,  after  some  time  spent 
therein,  rose  and  reported  the  following  pream- 
ble and  resolution,  as  a  substitute  for  the  report 
of  the  committee  to  them  referred  ; — 

The  Convention  of  this  diocess  having  had 
under  long  and  serious  consideration  the  pro- 
posed alterations  in  the  rubric  relative  to  the 
order  of  our  service,  and  also  to  the  proposed 
additions  to  the  confirmation  service,  is  con- 
strained to  express  its  dissent  from  the  proposed 
changes  ;  believing  that  they  are  not  likely  to 
effect  that  most  desirable  end  contemplated  by 
the  advocates  of  the  same.  Therefore,  Resolv- 
ed, That,  zealously  attached  to  the  Book  of 
Common  Prayer  and  other  offices  of  our 
church,  this  Convention  is  desirous  that  no  al- 
teration should  take  place  in  the  same  at  this 
time.  - 

On  motion,  Resolved^  That  the  report  of  the 
committee  of  the  whole'  be  for  the  present  laid 
upon  the  table. 

And  then,  on  motion,  the  Convention  ad- 
journed until  to-morrow  morning,  8  o'clock. 

Friday,  May  22,  1829. 

The  Convention  met  according  to  adjourn- 
ment, and  was  opened  with  prayer  by  the  Rev. 
William  Meade,  D.  D. 

The  Rev.  Franklin  G.  Smith,  of  St.  Paul's 
Church,  Lynchburg,  appeared  and  took  his  seat. 

The  report  of  the  committee  of  the  whole 
was  taken  up,  and,  on  the  question  being  put 
upon  agreeing  to  the  same,  it  was  carried  in 
the  affirmative. 

On  motion,  it  was  then  Resolved,  That  this 
Convention  do  concur  with  the  House  of  Bish- 
ops and  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Dele- 
gates in  General  Convention,  in  the  propriety 
of  the  proposed  amendment  to  the  second  clause 
of  the  eighth  article  of  the  constitution. 

Resolved,  That  the  secretary  do  transmit 
certified  copies  of  the  resolutions  adopted  by 
this  Convention  upon  the  proposed  alterations 
of  the  liturgy,  &c.,  to  the  secretaries  of  the 
House  of  Bishops  and  of  the  House  of  Clerical 
and  Lay  Delegates. 

Mr.  Francis  L  Wiatt,  a  lay  delegate  of  the 
parish  of  South  Farnham,  Essex  county,  api- 
peared  and  took  his  seat. 

The  Rev.  Frederick  W.  IJatch,  from  the 
committee  upon  the  state  of  the  church,  pre- 
sented the  following  report : — -      •. 

The  committee  on  the  state  of  the  church  ask 
leave  of  the  Convention  respectfully  to  report, 
in  part,  that,  having  had  under  consideration 
the  destitute  condition  of  many  of  our  parishes, 
and  the  utter  inadequacy  of  any  existing  means 
of  relief,  they  would  recommend  to  this  Con- 
vention the  establishment  of  a  Diocesan  Mis- 
sionary Society,  to  be  under  the  control  of  the! 

P2 


Conventioi^,  and  the  formation  of  auxiliary  so- 
cieties in  the  different  parishes. 

All  which  is  respectfully  submitted. 

Frederick  W.  Hatch,  Chairman. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  said  report 
be  received  and  approved. 

Resolved,  That  a  committee  of  five  members 
be  appointed  to  prepare  a  constitution  in  con- 
formity with  the  foregoing  report  of  the  com- 
mittee upon  the  state  of  the  church  ;  and  there' 
upon  the  Rev.  Mr.  Ducachet,  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Cobbs,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Croes,  Mr.  John  Gray, 
and  Dr.  Carter  Berkeley,  were  appointed. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  unanimously.  That  the 
Convention  having  received  intelhgence  of  the 
illness  of  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Moore,  deeply 
regret  his  absence,  and  sympathize  with  him  in 
his  affliction. 

Mr.  Edmund  L  Lee,  from  the  committee  ap- 
pointed to  examine  the  state  of  the  fund  for 
the  permanent  support  of  the  episcopate  in  this 
diocess,  presented  the  following  report,  which 
was  read  and  approved  : — ■ 

The  committee  on  the  Episcopal  Fund  report, 
That  they  have  examined  into  the  same,  and  find 
that  on  the  29th  of  April,  1828,  there  were  fifty- 
four  shares  of  the  stock  of  the  Farmers'  Bank  of 
Alexandria,  which, cost -f  2,700,  and  nine  shares  of 
the  stock  of  the  Bank  of  Alexandria,  which  cost 
$1,530,  the  par  value  of  which  is  $1,800,  on  which 
par  value  has  been  paid  for  several  years  past  a 
dividend  of  four  per  cent.  ;  two  of  these  shares 
cost  $100  a  share ;  on  these  two  a  dividend  of 
eight  per  cent,  on  the  money  paid  for  them  has 
been  received  ;  and  one  other  of  them  cost  $130; 
on  this  a  dividend  of  four  per  cent,  on  the  par 
value  has  been  paid,  so  that  on  this  share  more 
than  seven  per  cent,  has  been  the  dividend. 

Since  the  last  Convention,  four  shares  have 
been  purchased  of  the  stock  of  the  Farmers'  Bank 
of  Alexandria,  out  of  the  dividends  which  have 
been  received.  These  cost  $30  a  share,  the  par 
value  of  which  is  $50 ;  the  dividend  on  which  has 
been  four  per  cent. ;  so  that  on  the  actual  cost  a 
dividend  of  more  than  six  per  cent,  is  paid. 

The  amount  of  the  bank-stock  belonging  to  this 
fund,  at  par  value,  is  $4,700,  on  which  a  dividend 
of  at  least  four  per  cent,  will  be  paid,  receivable 
semi-annually,  which  is  immediately  reinvested 
in  stock,  so  that  at  the  end  of  the  year  the  aggre- 
gate  amount  of  the  dividend  is  increased. 

There  is  in  the  hands  of  the  treasurer  of  the 
fund  $6  16.  Two  dividends  are  yet  to  be  re- 
ceived. 

The  committee  further  report,  that  shortly  be- 
fore the  meeting  of  this  Convention,  a  share  of 
stock  of  the  Ashby's  Gap  Turnpike  road,  which 
had  been  some  time  since  given  to  this  fund  by 
the  Rev.  William  Meade,  was  disposed  of  for  fiifty 
dollars ;  upon  this  share  dividends  to  the  amount 
of  eight  dollars  had  accrued :  the  fifty  dollars  and 
the  dividends  are  to  be  vested  in  stock. 

The  whole  amount  of  the  fund  will  be  as  fol- 
lows : — 
Bank- stock,        -        -  -        .    $4,700  00 

Cash, 6  16 

Cash  for  road  share  and  dividend,      -  58  00 

Two  dividends,  -  -        .  72  00 


$4,836  16 
Ed.  1.  Lee,  Chairman. 
The  Convention  then  adjourned   until  half 
past  3  o'clock  P.  M. 


228 


CONVENTION  OF  1829. 


Friday  Afternoon,  May  22,  1829. 

The  Convention  again  met  according  to  ad- 
journment. 

The  Rev.  William  Meade,  president  pro  tem- 
pore of  the  Convention,  being  abssent,  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Lemon  was  called  to  the  chair. 

The  Convention  then,  on  motion,  proceeded 
to  the  consideration  of  the  following  resolution, 
adopted  at  the  last  Convention,  proposing  to 
annul  and  abolish  the  first  sentence  of  the  sixth 
article  of  the  constitution. 

"  Resolved,  That,  agreeably  to  the  provisions 
of  the  13th  article  of  the  constitution,  notice  be 
transmitted  to  the  several  vestries  of  the  par- 
ishes of  this  djocess,  that  it  is  proposed  at  the 
next  Convention  to  annul  and  abolish  the  first 
sentence  of  the  sixth  article  of  the  constitution  ; 
and  so  alter  the  said  article  that  it  may  read 
thus  :  '  The  bishop  shall  be  president  of  the 
Convention  ;  in  which  character  it  shall  be  his 
duty  to  give  to  the  Convention,  as  often  as  he 
may  deem  expedient,  a  general  view  of  the 
state  of  the  church  ;  to  call  special  Conventions, 
at  whatever  times  and  places  he  may  think  ne- 
cessary ;  to  preserve  order  during  the  time  of 
session  ;  to  put  the  question,  collect  the  votes, 
and  declare  the  decision.  He  may  make  any 
motion  which  he  shall  judge  conducive  to  the 
good  of  the  church,  but  shall  not  enter  into  de- 
bate ;  and  he  may  deliver  his  sentiments  on  any 
subject  after  it  has  been  discussed,  before  a  vote 
thereon.  Whenever  it  shall  be  necessary  for  the 
bishop  to  visit  any  part  of  this  diocess,  he  shall 
be  authorized  to  call  a  clergyman  from  any  part 
of  the  diocess  to  supply  his  place  in  the  duties 
of  his  parochial  charge,  for  not  more  than  two 
Sundays.'  " 

And,  on  the  questio'n  being  put  upon  agree- 
ing tp  the  proposed  resolution,  the  same  was 
carried  in  the  affirmative. 

Ayes — The  Rev.  Ebenezer  Boyden,  Nicho- 
las H.  Cobbs,  John  Cole,  John  Cooke,  Charles 
Dresser,  Henry  W.  Ducachet,  Zachariah  H. 
Goldsmith,  Caleb  J.  Good,  Frederick  W. 
Hatch,  William  Jackson,  Reuel  Keith,  George 
Lemon,  Wilham  F.  Lee,  Edward  C.  M'Guire, 
John  P.  M'Guire,  Nahum  G.  Osgood,  Charles 
H.  Page,  Edward  W.  Peetj  John  Philips, 
George  A.  Smith,  Franklin  G.  Smith,  John  H. 
Wingfield ;  Messrs.  Thomas  Marshall,  Hector 
Harris,  John  H.  Hill,  Wm.  H.  Thompson,  Car- 
ter Berkeley,  Junius  A.  Clay,  Philip  A.  Boiling, 
Edward  B.  Withers,  Westwood  S.  Armistead, 
Thurmer  Hoggard,  Hugh  Nelson,  John  Nelson, 
John  Gray,  William  Mayo,  Seth  Ward,  Parke 
F.  Berkeley,  John  Stuart,  Isaac  Winston,  Rich- 
ard S.  Ellis,  Gerrard  Alexander,  Benj.  B.  Ta- 
liaferro, George  W.  Rothrock,  and  Francis  J. 
Wiatt — 45. 

Noes — The  Rev.  Robert.  B.  Croes,  Adam 
Empie,  John  Grammer,  Johannes  Edward  Jack- 
son, Thomas  Jackson,  William  G.  H.  Jones  ; 
Messrs.  Thomas  Withers,  jnn.,  Thomas  Nel- 
son, Obed  Waite,  E.  A.  Morrison,  PhiUp  Nel- 
son, William  Boiling,  John  G.  Williams,  Wal- 
ter W.  Webb,  Edmund  I.  Lee,  John  L.  Thom- 
ap,  and  Henry  Claggett — .17. 


Mr.  Hu^h  Nelson  offered  the  following  reso- 
lution, which,  on  motion,  was  laid  upon  the 
table  :— 

Resolved,  That  this  Convention  deem  it  ex- 
pedient, considering  the  age  and  bodily  infirmi- 
ty of  our  most  venerated  bishop,  to  proceed  to 
the  election  of  an  assistant  bishop,  who  is  not 
to  be  considered  as  entitled  to  the  succession — 
but  that  it  shall  be  the  right  and  duty  of  the 
Convention  of  the  diocess  of  Virginia,  on  the 
demise  of  our  venerated  bishop,  to  proceed  to 
the  election  of  a  principal  bishop,  as  a  successor 
to  the  said  deceased  bishop. 

And  then,  on  motion,  the  Convention  ad- 
journed until  to-morrow  morning,  8  o'clock. 

Saturday,  May  23,  1829. 

The  Convention  met  according  to  adjourn- 
ment, and  was  opened  with  prayer  by  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Lemon. 

The  Rev.  William  Meade,  president  pro 
tempore,  being  absent,  the  Rev.  Edward  C. 
M'Guire  was  called  to  the  chair. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Ducachet,  from  the  committee 
appointed  to  prepare  a  constitution  for  the  es- 
tablishment of  a  Diocesan  Missionary  Society, 
presented  a  constitution,  which,  being  amended, 
was  adopted,  and  is  as  follows  :• — 

CONSTITUTION. 

Art.  I.  This  society  shall  be  called  "The 
Protestant  Episcopal  Missionary  Society  of  the 
Diocess  of  Virginia." 

Art.  II.  The  object  of  this  society  shall  be  to 
procure  and  support  missionaries  within  the 
bounds  of  this  diocess 

Art.  III.  The  brehop  of  the  diocess  shall  be 
ex-officio  the  president ;  and  the  other  officers  shall 
be  a  vice-president,  a  secretary,  a  treasurer,  and 
an  executive  committee,  consisting  of  five  clerical 
and  five  lay  members,  to  be  annually  appointed  by 
the  Convention ;  and  of  this  executive  committee 
the  bishop  shall  be  exofficio  the  president. 

Art.  IV.  The  duty  of  the  executive  committee 
shall  be  to  employ  missionaries,  to  appoint  their 
stations,  to  give  them  such  instructions  as  may 
be  deemed  necessary,  to  provide  for  the  payment 
of  their  salaries,  to  take  all  such  measures  as  may 
promote  the  objects  of  the  society,  and  to  present 
an  annual  statement  of  their  proceedings  to  the 
Convention. 

Art.  V.  The  payment  of  any  sum  not  less  than 
one  dollar  annually  shall  constitute  a  member ; 
the  payment  of  twenty  dollars  shall  constitute  a 
life  member ;  and  the  payment  of  fifty  dollars 
shall  constitute  a  patron. 

Art.  VI.  Any  missionary  society  of  the  Epis- 
copal Church  may  become  an  auxiliary,  by  trans- 
mitting to  the  secretary  a  list  of  its  officers  and  a 
copy  of  Its  constitution  (provided  such  constitution 
do  not  contravene  the  provisions  of  these  articles). 

Art.  VII.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  auxiliary 
societies  to  place  their  funds  at  the  disposal  of  the 
executive  committee. 

Art.  VIII.  The  executive  committee  may, 
when  they  deem  it  expedient,  employ  a  portion  of 
the  funds  of  the  society,  not  exceeding  one  tenth 
part  thereof,  in  supplying  its  missionaries  with 
prayer-books  and  tracts,  and  shall,  in  their  report 
to  the  Convention,  specify  what  books  and  tracts 
have  been  so  distributed. 

Art.  IX.  This  constitution  may  be  altered  by 
a  vote  of  a  majority  of  the  Convention  present 
when  the  alteration  is  proposed. 


CONVENTION  OF  1829. 


229 


The  Convention  then,  on  the  recommenda- 
tion of  the  committee,  adopted  the  following  res- 
olutions :-^ 

Resolved,  That  it  be  the  duty  of  every  min- 
ister of  this  diocess,  to  endeavour  to  form  an 
auxiliary  society  in  the  parish  where  he  offi- 
ciates. 

Resolved,  That  it  be  respectfully  recom- 
mended, that  a  collection  be  annually  made  in 
all  the  churches  in  the  diocess,  for  the  benefit 
of  this  society,  on  the  first  Sunday  in  November. 
Resolved,  That  a  sermon  be  preached  at 
every  Convention  of  the  diocess  in  behalf  of 
this  society,  and  a  collection  made  towards  its 
funds — the  preacher  to  be  appointed  by  the  ex- 
ecutive committee. 

The  Convention  then  proceeded  to  the  elec- 
tion of  the  officers  and  executive  committee  of 
the  Missionary  Society  ;  and  thereupon  the  Rev. 
William  Meade,  D.  D.,  was  elected  vice-presi- 
dent, John  G.  Williams  was  elected  secretary, 
Thomas  Nelson  was  elected  treasurer,  and 
Rev.  E.  C.  M-Guire,  Rev.  H.  W.  Ducachet, 
Rev.  N.  H.  Cobbs,  Rev.  Wm.  Jackson,  Rev. 
George  A.  Smith,  Col.  William  Boiling,  Mr. 
John  Nelson,  Dr.  Carter  Berkeley,  Mr.  Ed- 
mund I.  Lee,  and  Mr.  John  Gray,  were  elected 
the  executive  committee. 

The  Rev.  Wm.  G.  H.  Jones  offered  the  fol- 
lowing resolution,  which,  on  motion,  was  laid 
upon  the  table  : — 

Resolved,  That  the  10th  canon  be  altered  by 
striking  out  the  word  "  eight,"  and  insert,  in 
lieu  thereof,  "  five,"  so  as  to  cause  it  to  read, 
"  On  -every  Easter-Monday,  each  parish  shall 
elect  five  vestrymen  ;  but,  when  it  is  deemed 
expedient,  the  number  may  be  increased  to 
twelve,"  &.C. 

The  Convention  then  proceeded,  on  motion, 
to  the  consideration  of  the  resolution  offered 
yesterday  by  Mr.  Hugh  Nelson,  and,  on  the 
question  being  taken,  the  same  was  carried  iii 
the  affirmative. 

.  Ayes — The  Rev.  Ebenezer  Boyden,  Nicho- 
las H.  Cobbs,  John  Cole,  John  Cooke,  Henry 
W.  Ducachet,  Zachariah  H.  Goldsmith,  John 
Grammer,  Caleb  J.  Good,  Johannes  Edward 
Jackson,  William  Jackson,  Thomas  Jackson, 
WiUiam  G.  H.  Jones,  Reuel  Keith,  George 
Lemon,  William  F.  Lee,  Edward  €.  M'Guire, 
John  P.  M'Guire,  John  Philips,  George  A. 
Smith,  John  H.  Wingfield,  and  Frankhn  G. 
Smith;  Messrs.  Thomas  Marshall,  Hector  Har- 
ris, John  H.  Hill,  William  H.  Thompson,  Car- 
ter Berkeley,  Junius  A.  Clay,  Philip  A.  Boiling, 
Thomas  Nelson,  Obed  Waite,  Philip  Nelson, 
Edward  B.  Withers,  Westwood  S.  Armistead, 
Thurmer  Hoggard,  Hugh  Nelson,  John  Nelson, 
William  Boiling,  John  Gray,  William  Mayo, 
Seth  Ward,  Parke  F.  Berkeley,  John  Stuart. 
Isaac  Winston,  RichardS.  Ellis,  Gerrard  Alex- 
ander, John  L.  Thomas,  Benjamin  B.  Taliafer- 
ro, Henry  Claggett,  George  W.  Rothrock,  and 
Francis  J.  Wiatt — 50. 

Noes — The  Rev.  Robert  B.  Croes,  Charles 
Dresser,  James  Doughen,  Adam  Empie,  Fred- 
erick W.  Hatch,  Nahum  G.  Osgood,  and  Charles 
JI.  Page ;  Messrs.  Thomas  Withers,  jr.,  E.  A. 


Morrison,  John  G.  Williams,  Walter  W.  Webb, 
Edmund  I.  Lee,  and  Peter  M'Vickar — 13. 

The  Convention  then  proceeded,  agreeably 
to  the  resolution  last  adopted  and  the  5th  arti- 
cle of  the  constitution,  to  the  election  of  an 
assistant  bishop,  after  secret  prayer  to  God. 

The  clergy  then  proceeded  to  nominate  and 
appoint,  by  ballot,  some  fit  and  qualified  clergy- 
man for  that  office  ;  and  on  counting  the  ballots 
there  were  found  twenty-five  votes  in  favour  of 
the  Rev.  William  Meade,  D.  D.,  and  two  blank 
ballots  ;  so  that  the  Rev.  William  Meade,  D.  D., 
was  declared  to  be  duly  nominated  and  appoint- 
ed by  the  clergy  :  and  then  the  said  appoint- 
ment was  presented  to  the  order  of  the  lay 
delegates ;  and  upon  a  ballot  being  taken  among 
them,  there  were  found  in  favour  of  the  Rev. 
William  Meade,  D.  D.,  thirty-six  votes,  being 
the  whole  number  of  votes  given  in  :  and  there- 
upon the  Rev.  William  Meade,  D.  D.,  was  de- 
clared to  be  duly  elected. 

On  motion.  Resolved,  That  a  committee  be 
appointed  to  announce  to  the  Rev.  Dr.  Meade 
his  election  to  the  office  of  assistant  bishop  of 
this  diocess  :  and  thereupon  the  Rev.  Henry 
W.  Ducachet  and  Mr.  Hugh  Nelson  were  ap- 
poirHed. 

The  committee  then  retired,  and  after  some 
time  returned  and  reported  that  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Meade  had  consented  to  accept  the  office. 

On  motion  of  Mr  Edmund  I.  Lee,  the  follow- 
ing preamble  and  resolution  were  adopted. 

Whereas  there  exists  a  diversity  of  opinion 
as  to  the  practice  of  having  more  than  one  act- 
ing bishop  in  a  diocess — it  seems  to  this  Con- 
vention to  be  a  subject  of  that  general  charac- 
ter and  importance,  as  to  render  it  proper  for 
the  General  Convention  to  act  upon  it  in  such, 
a  way  as  will  prevent  those  evils  which  may 
result  from  this  practice.  It  is  therefore  Re- 
solved, That  the  delegates  from  this  diocess  io 
the  next  General  Convention  do  bring  the  sub- 
ject before  that  body,  and  use  their  efforts  to 
obtain  the  adoption  of  such  a  general  rule  on 
this  subject  as  shall  have  the  effect  of  regula- 
ting the  number  of  bishops  each  diocess  may 
elect,  and  of  prescribing  the  circumstances  under 
which  a  suffragan,  or  assistant,  or  coadjutor, 
may  be  chosen,  and  also  the  duties  of  such 
bishops. 

The  Convention  proceeded  to  the  election, 
by  ballot,  of  eight  delegates,  "to  represent  this 
diocess  in  the  next  General  Convention  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church  of  the  United 
States :  whereupon  the  following  gentlemen 
were  duly  elected,  viz. : — Rev.  Reuel  Keith, 
D.  D.,  Rev.  Henry  W.  Ducachet,  Rev.  Nicho- 
las H.  Cobbs,  Rev.  Edward  C.  M'Guire,  Mr. 
James  M.  Garnett,  Dr.  Carter  Berkeley,  Mr. 
Hugh  Nelson,  and  Mr.  Philip  Nelson. 

The  members  of  the  Convention  then  pro- 
ceeded to  sign  the  testimonials  in  favour  of  the 
Rev.  William  Meade,  D.  D.,  bishop  elect. 

We,  whose  names  are  underwritten,  fully 
sensible  how  important  it  is  that  the  sacred  of- 
fice of  a  bishop  should  not  be  unworthily  con- 
ferred, and  firmly  persuaded  that  it  is  our  duty 
to  bear  testimony  on  this  solemn  pcgasion  with- 


230 


CONVENTION  OF  1829. 


Out  partiality  or  affection,  do,  in  the  presence 
of  Almighty  God,  testify  that  the  Rev.  William 
Meade,  P.  D.,  is  not,  so  far  as  we  are  informed, 
justly  liable  to  evil  report,  either  for  error  in 
religion  or  for  viciousness  in  life  ;  and  that  we 
do  not  know  or  believe  there  is  any  impediment 
on  account  of  which  he  ought  not  to  be  conse- 
crated to  that  holy  office.  We  do,  moreover, 
jointly  and  severally  declare,  that  we  do  in  our 
consciences  believe  him  to  be  of  such  sufficien- 
cy in  good  learning,  such  soundness  in  the  faith, 
and  of  such  virtuous  and  pure  manners  and 
godly  conversation,  that  he  is  apt  and  meet  to 
exercise  the  office  of  a  bishop  to  the  honour  of 
God  and  the  edifying  of  his  church,  and  to  be  a 
wholesome  example  to  the  fiock  of  Christ. 
Signers  to  the  testimonials  in  favour  of  William 
Meade. 

The  Rev.  Ed.  C.  M'Guire,  George  Lemon, 
Thomas  Jackson,  William  Jackson,  Henry  W. 
Bucachet,  J.  E.  Jackson,  William  F.  Lee,  John 
H.  Wingfield,  John  Grammer,  jr  ,  Reuel  Keith, 
John  P.  M'Guire,  John  Cole,  Frederick  W. 
Hatch,  Charles  Dresser,  Ebenezer  Boyden, 
Nicholas  H.  Cobbs,  John  Cooke,  William  G. 
H.  Jones,  Charles  H.  Page,  George  Archibald 
Smith,  James  Doughen,  Zachariah  H.  Gold- 
smith, John  Philips,  Edward  W.  Peet,  Caleb  J. 
Good,  Nahum  G.  Osgood,  Franklin  G.  Smith, 
Carter  Berkeley,  M.  D.,  William  Boiling,  Phil- 
ip Nelson,  Thomas  Marshall,  Gerrard  Alex- 
ander, Seth  Ward,  Isaac  Winston,  Richard 
Shelton  Ellis,  William  Mayo,  John  Gray,  Ed- 
niund  I.  Lee,  John  G.  WiUiams,  Parke  F. 
Berkeley,  E.  A.  Morrison,  M.  D.,  George  W. 
liothrock,  Thomas  Withers,  jr.,  J.  L.  Thomas, 
Hugh  Nelson,  John  H.  Hill,  John  Nelson,  Benj. 
B.  Taliaferro,  Francis  J.  Wiatt,  Philip  A.  Bol- 
Jing,  W.  W.  Webb,  Hector  Harris,  Junius  A. 
Clay,  William  H.  Thompson,  W.  S.  Armistead, 
Thurmer  Hoggard,  Obed  Waite,  John  Stuart, 
Jildward  B.  Withers,  and  Thomas  Nelson. 

The  Rev.  WiUiam  Meade,  D.  D.,  president 
pro  tempore  of  the  Convention,  appeared  and 
took  his  seat. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  next  Conven- 
tion of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  of  the 
Diocess  of  Virginia  be  held  in  the  town  of  Win- 
chester, on  the  third  Thursday  in  May  next. 

And  then,  on  motion,  the  Convention  adjourn- 
ed until  a  quarter. before  4  o'clock. 

Saturday  Afternoon,  May  23, 1829. 

The  Convention  met  according  to  adjourn^ 
ment. 

Mr.  Edmund  I.  Lee  offered  the  following 
resolution  :— 

There  shall  be  annually  in  the  month  of , 

in  every  church  in  this  diocess,  a  sermon  preached 
by  the  rector  thereof,  on  the  duties  ana  labours 
of  a  bishop ;  in  which  the  minister  shall  lay  before 
his  congregation  the  obUgation  and  necessity  of 
supporting  the  bishop  by  voluntary  contributions, 
so  as  to  relieve  him  from  parochial  labours ;  which 
sermon  shall  be  followed  by  a  collection  m  aid  of 
the  episcopal  fund  estabUshed  by  a  resolution  of 
the  Convention  of  this  diocess  in  the  year  1816. 
The  amount  of  the  collection  in  each  church  shall 
be  forthwith  remitted  by  the  minister  thereof  to 
the  trustees  of  the  said  fund,  and  he  shall  also  re- 


port the  amount  Collected  and  remitted  as  aford 
said  to  the  subsequent  Convention  of  the  diocess, 
which  report  shall  be  entered  on  the  journals  of 
the  same. 

The  management  and  care  of  the  said  fund  shall 
be  vested  in  three  trustees,  two  of  whom  shall  be 
the  church-wardens  for  the  time  being  of  Christ 
Church,  Alexandria,  Fairfax  parish,  and  the  third 
shall  be  appointed  by  the  Convention.  All  monev 
now  in  the  hands  of  the  church-wardens  aforesaid, 
or  which  may  hereafter  be  collected  in  any  way, 
or  which  inay  be  received  as  donations  or  bequests 
for  this  object,  or  be  received  as  dividends  or  in- 
terest on  the  stock  held  by  the  said  church-war- 
dens as  a  part  of  the  said  fund,  shall  be  loaned  out 
upon  security  of  real  estate,  or  invested  in  stock 
of  the  United  States,  or  in  the  stock  of  any  incor- 
porate and  safe  bank,  at  the  discretion  of  the  said 
trustees ;  and  all  securities  and  investments  shall 
be  taken  in  the  names  of  the  said  church-wardens 
for  the  time  being  of  Christ  Church  aforesaid,  and 
their  successors,  in  trust  as  the  Bishops'  Fund.  A 
statement  of  the  said  fund  and  of  the  securities  for 
the  same  shall  be  exhibited  at  every  stated  meet- 
ing of  the  Convention,  signed  by  the  trustees  or  a 
majority  of  them.  The  said  trustees  shall  hold 
their  office  during  the  pleasure  of  the  Conven- 
tion. 

The  fund  which  has  been  raised  and  vested  in 
bank-stock,  or  which  may  be  raised  as  aforesaid 
for  the  support  of  the  bishop,  shall  be  permitted 
to  accumulate  without  diminution  until  its  annual 
amount  shall  become  adequa4;e,  in  the  opinion  of 
the  Convention,  to  the  support  of  the  bishop  ;  and 
then,  by  the  mutual  consent  of  the  bishop  of  the 
diocess  and  of  the  Convention,  he  shall  hold  no 
parochial  charge,  but  shall  devote  his  time  and 
labours  to  those  duties  which  appertain  to  the 
episcopal  office,  and  particularly  shall  visit,  at  least 
once  a  year,  if  practicable,  each  church  and  con- 
gregation in  his  diocess.  If  the  bishop  shall  omit 
to  perform  the  duties  aforesaid  without  a  sufficient 
reason,  to  be  judged  of  by  the  Convention,  it  shall 
be  in  the  power  of  the  Convention  to  withdraw 
the  whole  or  part  of  the  said  annual  income  from 
his  use.  And  whenever  the  principal  sum  shall 
yield  an  annual  interest  adequate  to  the  object 
aforesaid,  the  collections  herein  before  directed  to 
be  made  shall  be  discontinued. 

On  motion.  Resolved,  That  the  said  resolu- 
tion be  indefinitely  postponed. 

Ayes — Rev.  John  Cole,  Charles  Dresser, 
Henry  W.  Ducachet,  John  Grammer,  Frederick 
W.  Hatch,  William  Meade,  Edw.  €.  M'Guire, 
John  P.  M'Guire,  Nahum  G.  Osgood,  Edward 
W.  Peet,  John  Philips,  George  A.  Smith,  John 
H.  Wingfield ;  Messrs.  Hector  Harris,  Thomas 
Withers,  jr.,  William  H.  Thompson,  Carter 
Berkeley,  M.  D.,  Junius  A.  Clay,  Thomas  Nel- 
son, E.  A.  Morrison,  M.  D.,  Philip  Nelson, 
Westwood  S.  Armistead,  Thurmer  Hoggard, 
Hugh  Nelson,  William  Boiling,  William  Mayo, 
Parke  F.  Berlceley,  John  Stuart,  Gerrard  AleXf 
ander,  John  L.  Thomas,  and  George  W.  Roth- 
rock — 31. 

Noes — Rey.  Ebenezer  Boyden,  Nicholas  H. 
Cobbs,  John  Cooke,  Robert  B.  Croes,  James 
Doughen,  Adam  Empie,  Caleb  J.  Good,  Johanr 
nes  Edward  Jackson,  William  Jackson,  Thomas 
Jackson,  Reuel  Keith,  George  Lemon,  Charles 
H.  Page ;  Messrs.  Thomas  Marshall,  Philip  A. 
BoUing,  Obed  Waite,  Edward  B.  Withers,  John 
Nelson,  John  G.  WiUiams,  Seth  Ward,  Walter 
W.  Webb,  Isaac  Winston,  Richard  S.   ElU^, 


CONVENTION  OF  1829. 


231 


Edmund  I.   Lee,  Benjamin  B.  Taliaferro,  and 
Francis  J.  Wiatt — 26. 

The  Rev.  Robert  6.  Croes,  from  the  commit- 
tee on  the  parochial  reports,  presented  the  fol- 
lowing report,  which  was  read  and  received  : — 

The  committee  to  whom  were  referred  the  pa- 
rochial reports  have  discharged  the  duty  commit- 
ted to  them,  and  beg  leave  to  oifer  the  reports,  as 
condensed,  to  be  inserted  on  the  journals  of  this 
Convention. 

Russell  parish,  Bedford  county.  With  unfeigned 
gratitude  to  God,  who,  for  the  display  of  his  glory, 
sometimes  works  by  the  feeblest  instruments,  the 
rector  reports,  that  the  state  of  the  parish  is  more 
interesting  and  encouraging  than  at  any  former 
period.  During  the  past  year  the  spirit  of  the 
Lord  has  been  poured  out  on  the  congregations, 
and  a  number  have  been  brought  to  profess  an  ex- 
perimental knowledge  of  the  truth.  Thirty-two 
members  have  been  added  to  the  communion,  and 
,|in  increasing  spirit  of  prayer  and  zeal  seems  to 
prevail  among  the  people.  Besides  those  already 
added,  there  are  now  fifteen  or  twenty  who  are 
seriously  concerned  about  the  salvation  of  their 
souls,  many  of  whom,  it  is  confidently  believed, 
will  soon  make  a  pubhc  confession  of  theu:  Sa- 
viour. 

From  indications  in  liis  own  parish  and  many 
of  the  circumjacent  counties,  the  rector  is  cheered 
with  the  hope  that  a  day  of  better  things  is  dawn- 
ing on  our  Zion.  In  all  the  southwestern  coun- 
ties of  Virginia  the  field  is  ripe  for  the  harvest, 
and  we  only  need  ministers  of  self-denying  habits 
to  enter  in  and  labour.  Even  four  or  five  mission- 
aries would  be  incalculably  useful,  by  organizing 
congregations,  by  erecting  new  churches,  by  col- 
lecting contributions  to  the  Theological  School, 
and  by  securing  to  our  cause  multitudes  who  in  a 
few  more  years  may  otherwise  be  incorporated 
among  other  denominations.  Baptisms,  of  infants 
twenty-eight,  of  adults  fourteen — burials  eight — 
marriages  eight — communicants,  one  removed,  one 
withdrawn,  total  fifty-eight.  N.  H.  Cobbs. 

Frederick  parish,  Frederick  county.  During 
the  past  year  the  minister  has  occasionally  extend- 
ed his  labours  to  a  distant  part  of  the  county,  and 
feels  grateful  to  the  great  Head  of  the  church  that 
those  labours  have  not  been  altogether  in  vain. 
Nine  new  communicants  have  been  added  to  his 
church  during  the  last  year,  making  the  whole 
number  about  sixty.  Fifteen  children  have  been 
baptized,  four  of  whom  were  coloured.  A  Sunday 
School  has  been  lately  reorganized  in  his  parish 
with  some  prospects  of  usefulness.  The  attend- 
ance of  the  congregation  on  j)ublic  worship  is 
punctual,  and  their  observance  of  the  forms  of  the 
church  regular  and  devout ;  and,  what  is  still  more 
gratifying  to  their  minister,  there  is  the  encoura- 
ging hope  that  a  goodly  number  belong  to  the  in- 
visible church  of  Christ,  and  will  be  found  among 
the  redeemed  on  the  great  day. 

William  Meade. 

Christ  Church.Winchester.  The  affairs  of  this 
part  of  "  Frederick  parish"  still  preserve  a  pleas- 
ing aspect.  The  pubhc  worship  of  God,  as  well 
as  the  subordinate  means  of  grace,  are  well  attend- 
ed. The  Sunday  School  has  revived  with  re- 
doubled energy,  and  the  catechetical  instruction 
of  the  children  of  the  congregation  and  of  the  Sun- 
day School  has  been  uninterruptedly  continued 
on  the  first  Sunday  in  every  month. 

The  benevolent  societies  attached  to  the  con- 
gregation have  p)it  forth  more  than  usual  efforts 
the  past  year,  and  more  than  double  the  amount 
of  funds  have  been  raised  than  in  any  preceding 
year. 


The  new  church  which  was  reported  to  the 
last  Convention  as  having  been  commenced,  19 
now  in  progression,  and  will  be  completed  in  a  few 
weeks. 

During  the  past  year  there  have  been  six  added 
to.  the  communion — four  have  been  called,  it  is 
trusted,  to  exchange  the  church  militant  for  the 
church  triumphant,  and  one  valued  member  has 
removed  to  a  distant  part  of  the  diocess,  leaving 
the  present  number  forty-eight.  There  have  been 
eleven  marriages,  nineteen  baptisms,  and  fifteen 
deaths. 

The  rector  has  also  pleasure  in  stating,  that  the 
church  under  his  care  in  Norborne  parish  yields 
some  fruit  to  his  ministry ;  there  is  a  small  acces- 
sion of  communicants,  but  it  is  hoped  a  consider- 
able increase  of  devotion  to  God  and  love  to  the 
church. 

This  place  of  worship,  which  has  been  built 
many  years,  was  never  finished,  but  exertions  have 
been  made  and  a  sufficient  sum  raised  for  that 
purpose,  which  will  be  completed  in  the  course  of 
the  present  summer.  J.  E.  Jackson. 

St.  Paul's  Church,  Lynchburg.  The  painful 
duty  devolves  upon  the  rector  of  reporting  to  the 
Convention  that  the  Sunday  School  of  this  churcli 
is  in  a  languishing  condition.  The  exercises  of 
the  Bible  class  are  attended  by  a  few  members  of 
the  congregation  with  some  degree  of  interest, 
and,  it  is  hoped,  of  benefit. 

Liberal  contributions  have  been  made  to  the 
funds  of  the  Theological  Seminary.  An  associa- 
tion, under  the  title  of  "  The  Lynchburg  Sewing 
Society,  auxiliary  to  the  Education  Society  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church,"  has  been  formed 
by  a  number  of  ladies,  who  have  prosecuted  their 
benevolent  undertaking  with  much  industry,  zeal, 
and  success.  The  rector  gratefully  acknowledges 
their  goodness  in  making  him  a  life  member  of  the 
society  to  which  theirs  is  auxihary. 

For  the  last  year  and  a  half  a  weekly  prayer- 
meeting  has  been  held  by  female  communicants 
of  this  church,  which  has  excited  the  happiest  in- 
fluence upon  the  spiritual  interests  of  the  congre- 
gation, and  doubtless  heis  contributed  largely  to 
that  increase  of  the  church  during  the  year  past 
which  has  so  far  exceeded  the  accessions  in  any 
former  year.  Communicants,  removed  two,  added 
sixteen,  present  number  thirty-six — baptisms  thir- 
teen, of  adults  six,  of  infants  seven — marriages 
nine — burials  five.  F.  G.  Smith. 

Lexington  parish.  During  the  past  year  there 
has  been  no  remarkable  improvement  in  the  spir- 
itual condition  of  the  congregation.  To  the  num- 
ber of  communicants  sixteen  have  been  added. 

In  the  congregation  in  Nelson  county  there  have 
been  four  new  communicants.  The  ciiildren  of 
the  different  congregations  have  been  occasionally 
catechised.  There  are  two  female  Bible  classes. 
The  ladies  are  about  to  organize  an  Auxiliary  Ed- 
ucation Society.  Upon  reviewing  his  labours  for 
three  years  past,  the  minister  acknowledges  with 
gratitude  the  goodness  of  God.  Marriages  three 
— baptisms  twenty — funerals  eleven— communi- 
cants forty-eight.  Chas.  H.  Page. 

St.  James's  Church,  Leesburg.  It  is  with  grati- 
tude the  rector  reports,  that  he  feels  much  encour- 
aged in  his  labours  in  this  parish.  The  attendance 
upon  his  ministry  is  encouraging,  and  he  has  rea- 
son to  hope  that  the  word  preached  is  not  without 
some  blessed  effect. 

The  Sunday  School,  numbering  seventeen 
teachers  and  about  one  hundred  scholars,  is  in  a 
prosperous  condition,  and  regularly  attended  both 
by  the  teachers  and  scholars.  An  excellent  hbra- 
ry  has  been  purchased  for  the  use  of  the  Sunday 
School.  : 


d32 


CONVENTION  OF  182^. 


"^  A  contribution  has  been  made  to  the  Coloniza- 
|6n  Society.  The  rector  has  been  constituted  a 
life  member  of  the  Education  Society.  And  also, 
by  general  contributions  and  the  e.xertions  of  tlie 
ladies,  a  sufficient  sum  has  been  provided  for  en- 
larging our  church. 

The  rector  officiates  monthly  at  Aldie  and  Mid- 
dleburg,  He  has  also  three  Bible  classes  well 
Attended,  from  which,  by  the  blessmg  of  God,  he 
hopes  much  good  will  result.  Marriages  three — 
burials  seven — baptisms,  two  adults  and  seventeen 
children,  eleven  of  whom  were  coloured. 

Four  persons  have  been  added  to  the  commu- 
pion  of  the  church.  Thomas  .Iackson. 

Hamilton  and  Leeds  parishes.  The  rector  hopes 
that  the  interests  of  religion  and  of  the  church  are 
strengthening  in  the  parishes  committed  to  his 
care.  The  congregation  of  St.  James's  Church, 
Warrenton  (Hamilton  parish),  is,  for  the  greater 
part  of  the  year,  a  large,  and  always  an  attentive 
one.  During  the  last  fall  they  plastered  and 
painted  the  interior  of  their  church,  and  it  is  now 
.one  of  the  most  comfortable  houses  of  worship  in 
the  country.  A  Bible  class  has  been  formed  m 
this  congregation,  and  promises  to  be,  under  God, 
instrumental  of  much  good.  The  number  of  com- 
jBunicants  has  increased. 

The  Cool  Spring  congregation,  Leeds  parish, 
has,  during  the  last  year,  greatly  recovered  from 
its  depressed  state.  The  number  of  its  cotnmunl 
cants,  however,  is  as  yet  but  small,  and  this  small 
number  has  sutlered  a  heavy  bereavement  in  the 
death  of  a  member  whose  increasing  piety  and  zeal 
promised  much  usefulness  to  the  cause  of  God 
and  his  church.  Communicants,  including  both 
parishes,  between  thirty  and  forty — baptisms 
twelve — marriages  nineteen — funerals  nine. 

Gko.  Lemon. 

Fredericksville  parish,  Charlottesville.  The 
state  of  this  parish  is  believed  to  be  constantly 
improving — though  slowly,  yet,  it  is  trusted,  per- 
manently. Our  services  have  been  continued  at 
the  university,  whether  with  any  real  benefit  re- 
piains  yet  to  be  seen. 

A  Sunday  School,  managed  by  able  teachers, 
And  conducted  on  the  most  approved  plan,  has 
been  recently  formed,  in  connexion  with  our  Gen- 
eral Episcopal  Union,  and  consists  of  about  seven- 
ty scholars. 

Six  or  eight  new  communicants  have  been  ad- 
ded, but  by  deaths  and  removals  the  whole  num- 
ber of  communicants  remains  about  the  same  as 
j-eported  at  the  last  Convention.  Baptisms  about 
jtwenty,  of  whom  one  was  an  adult. 

F.  W.  Hatch. 

Tillotson  parish,  Buckingham  county.  This 
parish  was  reorganized  on  the  22d  of  January,  1829, 
during  a  visit  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Hatch  and  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Croes,  who  officiated  in  the  church  at  the 
Merry  Oaks  on  the  21st,  22d,  and  23d  of  the  month. 
The  Rev.  Mr.  Cobbs  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Page  have 
since  visited  the  parish,  and  preached  both  at  the 
Oaks  and  the  courthouse.  The  vestry  have  suc- 
ceeded in  raising  several  hundred  dollars  for  the 
support  of  a  minister,  and  are  extremely  anxious 
to  be  supplied  with  frequent  rehgious  services.  A 
Sunday  School  has  been  organized,  to  be  con- 
ducted in  the  mode  recommended  by  the  General 
Episcopal  Sunday  School  Union.  The  number 
of  communicants  is  about  twenty,  and  there  are 
several  persons  in  addition  who  are  waiting  for  an 
opportunity  to  commemorate  the  love  of  their  Sa- 
viour over  the  symbols  of  his  body  and  blopd. 

Junius  A.  Clay,        )  Vp^trvmPn 
Phimp  a.  Boi.ling,  (  Vestrymen. 

Augusta  parish,  Staunton.  I  have  preached  in 
this  pajrisb  about  four  months.    A  Sunday  School 


of  sixty-five  or  seventy  scholars  has  been  estab* 
l.shed,  for  which  a  good  library  has  been  obtained. 
A  Bible  class  of  about  twenty -five  members  has 
been  lormed. 

A  subscription  lately  commenced  for  raising  a 
sum  to  buiid  a  church  seven  miles  from  Staunton, 
where  I  have  had  service  once  in  three  weeks  for 
some  time  past,  .seems  not  likely  to  fail  in  its  ob- 
ject. At  this  place  Episcopal  services  have  not, 
till  recently,  ever  been  enjoyed. 

The  congregation  in  Staunton  have  subscribed 
a  liberal  sum  for  the  purchase  of  an  organ  for  the 
church. 

Number  of  baptisms  twenty-five — candidates  for 
confirmation  eight — communicants  about  twenty. 

P^BtNEZER   BOYDBN. 

St.  Stephen's  Church,  Culpepper,  and  St. 
Thomas's  parish.  Orange  county.  Since  the  last 
Convention  there  has  been  no  material  change  in 
the  condition  of  these  churches.  'Ihe  rector  has, 
since  last  fall,  preached  once  a  month  at  Stevens- 
burg,  and  occasionally  at  other  places.  His  con- 
gregations have  been  invariably  attentive  and  re- 
spectful during  divine  service,  and  he  hopes  his 
ministry  will  be  the  means  of  leading  some  to  the 
knowledge  of  ihe  truth.  Communicants  in  Cul- 
pepper thirty-four,  in  Orange  thirteen — marriages 
three — funerals  five. 

George  Archibald  Smith. 

St.  Paul's  Church,  Alexandria.  The  afliairs  of 
this  congregation  remain  in  a  highly  interesting 
condition.  Since  the  last  Convention  forty-two 
persons  have  been  confirmed,  and  twenty-five 
added  to  the  communion.  Much  serious  inquiry 
still  prevails  among  us.  Our  various  societies  are 
very  prosperous.  The  Saturday  and  Sunday 
Schools  continue  to  exert  their  happy  influence 
on  the  morals  and  habits  of  the  young,  tiaining 
them  up  to  industrious,  useful,  and  Christian  hves. 
We  have,  besides,  three  Bible  classes  in  operation 
for  those  of  more  advanced  years ;  one  for  males, 
and  two  for  females.  During  the  past  year  there 
have  been  baptisms,  of  adults  two,  children  forty- 
three— marriages  six — funerals  twelve.  The  Sun- 
day School  contains  about  two  hundred  and  fifty 
scholars.  Present  number  of  communicants  is 
about  one  hundred  and  sixty. 

William  Jackson. 

St.  George's  Church,  Fredericksburg.  The 
rector  of  this  church,  in  presenting  his  16th  annual 
report  to  the  Convention,  is  happy  in  being  able 
to  say  that  the  last,  like  the  preceding  years,  has 
been  marked  by  many  cheering  indications  of  the 
continued  goodness  and  favour  of  God  the  Saviour. 
There  has  been  in  that  time  the  usual  attention 
of  the  people  to  the  means  of  grace,  and  an  unu- 
sual number  have  been  added  to  the  church  pf 
such  as,  he  trusts,  will  be  saved.  There  has  also 
been  a  fruitfulness  in  those  good  works  which 
ever  distinguish  and  adorn  the  real  followers  of 
the  Redeemer.  The  various  associations  among 
us  for  religious  and  charitable  purposes  have  been 
actively  engaged  in  furthering  their  several  designs 
of  benevolence  towards  the  souls  and  bodies  of 
men.  The  Prayer- Book  and  Tract  Society,  the 
Female  Missionary  Society,  the  Bible  Society, 
the  Sunday  and  Charity  Schools,  and  especially 
the  Bible  classes,  have  greatly  flourished,  and  dif- 
fused the  choicest  blessings.  Marriages  seven — 
funerals  eleven — baptisms  twenty-five  (five  adults) 
— communicants  one  hundred  and  fourteen. 

Enw.  C.  M'Guire. 

St.  Martin's  parish,  Hanover  and  Louisa.  Since 
the  last  Convention  six  communicants  have  been 
added,  some  have  died,  and  others  haye  removed; 
present  number  seventy — ten  persoi^s  have  been 
confirmed— of  baptisms,  there  have  been  fourteen 


CONVENTION  OF  1829; 


233 


—of  funerals  ten— of  marriages  five.  In  addition 
to  the  Bible,  the  Education,  and  the  two  Sunday 
Sciiool  Societies  which  before  existed,  and  are 
siili  carrying  on  their  useful  operations,  a  number 
of  young  ladies  have  formed  a  Working  Society, 
auxiliary  to  the  Education  Society,  which  contrib- 
utes largely  to  its  funds. 

John  Cooke. 

St.  John's  Church,  Richmond,  Henrico  parish. 
Baptisms  twenty-three— marriages  five— funerals 
eleven— communicants  thirty-six.  The  present 
rector  assumed  this  charge  in  September  last. 
He  would  gratefully  acknowledge  the  blessing  of 
God  upon  his  humble  labours,  interrupted  as  they 
have  been  by  bodily  infirmities  ;  and  he  is  encour- 
aged to  hope  that  the  ripening  fruits  will  soon  be 
more  abundantly  manifested. 

The  weekly  lectures  are  generally  crowded, 
and  by  those  who  seem  deeply  interested  in  the 
truths  of  the  word.  The  Sunday  School  flour- 
ishes, and  has  connected  with  it  a  library  of  near 
two  hundred  volumes.  The  Bible  class,  it  is  trust- 
ed, will  be  the  instrument  oi-  doing  much  good. 
The  Education  Society  promises  to  extend  effi- 
cient aid  to  the  parent  society.  Recently  there 
has  been  formed  a  iMissionary  Society,  auxiliary 
to  the  Domestic  and  Foreign  Missionary  Society 
of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  United 
States,  and  the  members  of  it  have  engaged  with 
zeal  and  spirit  in  the  promotion  of  the  important 
measures  for  which  they  have  associated. 

William  F.  Lee. 

St.  Paul's  and  Brunswick  parishes.  King  George 
county.  The  rector  of  St.  Paul's  parish.  King 
George  county,  reports,  that  during  the  last  year 
he  has  been  unable  to  enjoy  more  than  one  com- 
munion season  ;  at  that  time  there  was  an  acces- 
sion of  five  communicants,  which  makes  the  whole 
number  now  about  thirty.  He  has  administered 
the  holy  rite  of  baptism  to  twenty-two  infants, 
■three  of  whom  were  coloured.  He  has  likewise 
baptized  one  adult ;  marriages  two,  funerals  two. 
He  has  laboured,  by  means  of  weekly  lectures, 
Bible  classes,  &c.,  to  lead  his  people  to  the  saving 
knowledge  of  Christ  crucified.  Since  the  last 
Convention  a  Bible  Society  has  been  formed,  by 
means  of  which  nearly  three  hundred  Bibles  have 
been  distributed  throughout  the  county. 

In  Brunswick  parish,  where  he  labours  one  half 
,of  his  time,  the  number  of  communicants  is  about 
ten.  There  have  been  six  infant  baptisms,  two 
marriages,  and  two  funerals.  The  old  parish 
church,  which  was  in  a  state  of  decay,  has  been 
put  in  complete  repair.  The  Sunday  School  in 
this  parish  has  been  productive  of  much  good. 
The  rector  hopes  that,  through  the  manifold  mer- 
cies of  God,  his  labours  will  not  be  without  per- 
manent blessing.  En.  W.  Peet. 

St.  Anne's  and  South  Farnham  parishes.  The 
pastor  reports  that  there  has  been  no  striking 
change  in  the  condition  of  his  charge  since  the  last 
Convention.  He  confidently  believes,  however, 
that  God's  gracious  blessing  upon  his  ministra- 
tions has  produced  some  general  improvement  in 
the  spiritual  state  of  the  people. 

The  Education  Society,  Sunday  Schools,  and 
Bible  classes,  heretofore  reported,  are  still  in  ex- 
istence. In  reference  to  these  I  will  merely  re- 
mark, that  the  organization  of  some  of  them  has 
lately  been  so  improved  as  to  render  them  more 
powerful  and  efficient  agents  of  the  gospel. 

In  Lunenburg  parish,  Richmond  county  (where 
the  pastor  of  St.  Anne's  and  South  Farnham  still 
preaches  twice  a  month),  the  prospect  for  good  con- 
tinues somewhat  cheering.  The  Sunday  School 
in  that  parish,  which  was  suspended  during  the 
winter,  has  been  again  commenced  with  the  most 


flattering  prospects.  Burials  fifteen,  of  which  two 
were  of  commurricants  —  marriages  four  —  bap- 
tisms sixteen,  of  which  two  were  of  adults  and 
three  of  coloured  persons — communicants  forty- 
three  (one  coloured).  J.  P.  M'Guire. 

Antrim  parish,  Halifax  county.  This  parish, 
which  was  reorganized  just  before  the  last  Con- 
vention, through  the  agency  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Steel, 
continued  to  enjoy  his  services  two  Sundays  in  a 
month  until  Christmas ;  since  that  time  my  own 
labours,  which  had  previously  been  divided  be- 
tween four  congregations,  have  been  restricted  to 
three — two  Sundays  in  a  month  being  now  devo- 
ted to  that  which  assembles  in  the  courthouse. 
Although  the  number  of  communicants  has  not 
been  increased  during  the  last  year,  yet  the  pros- 
pects of  the  church  are  brightening.  There  are 
now  Sunday  Schools  connected  with  two  of  the 
congregations,  in  one  of  which,  though  recently 
organized,  more  than  one  hundred  scholars  have 
been  enrolled.  A  considerable  number  of  prayer- 
books  have  been  distributed  during  the  past  year, 
and  the  number  of  those  who  join  in  the  service 
is  increasing.  During  the  last  four  months  a 
weekly  meeting  has  been  held  in  the  neighbour- 
hood of  the  courthouse,  on  the  plan  recommended 
by  the  bishop  in  his  last  year's  parochial  report. 
Number  of  communicants  professedly  Episcopal, 
twelve.  Charles  Dresser. 

St.  John's  Church,  Moore  parish,  Campbell 
county.  The  minister  reports  that,  during  the 
year,  he  has  preached  statedly  to  three  congrer 
gations.  Twice  a  month  at  St.  John's  Church, 
which  has  been  built  within  the  year;  once  a 
month  at  the  courthouse,  and  once  a  month  at 
Brookneal.  The  responses  in  all  the  congregar 
tions  are  now  more  generally  made  than  at  any 
former  period.  During  the  year  between  forty  and 
fifty  prayer-books  have  been  distributed.  Bap- 
tisms nine  (one  adult) — communicants  six — fu- 
nerals two.  N.  G.  Osgood. 

St.  Margaret's  parish,  Caroline  county.  The 
present  minister  having  had  the  charge  of  the 
church  in  this  parish  but  a  little  more  than  four 
months,  is  not  enabled  to  report  any  special  change 
in  the  congregation.  He  officiates  regularly  at 
the  church,  and  once  a  month  at  the  Round  Oak 
meeting-house.  There  appears  to  be  an  increase- 
ing  attachment  to  our  communion  ;  and  the  strong 
prejudice  which  has  existed  for  years  against  it 
is  gradually  giving  place  to  more  enlightened  an4 
liberal  views.  A  Sunday  School,  numbering  up- 
wards of  sixty  scholars,  has  been  established ;  and 
from  the  zeal  of  the  teachers  and  the  attention  of 
the  scholars  much  good  is  anticipated.  A  Bible 
class  also,  consisting  of  ten  or  twelve  ladies,  has 
been  commenced ;  a  majority  of  these  appear  to, 
be  anxiously  seeking  an  experimental  acquaint- 
ance with  the  word  of  eternal  life.  Communi- 
cants (two  added),  twenty-six— baptisms,  one 
adult  (by  immersion).  Caleb  I.  Goon. 

St.  James's  parish,  Northam,  Goochland  county. 
So  recent  has  been  the  present  minister's  connex- 
ion with  this  parish,  that  he  is  unable  to  speak  of 
it  particularly.  The  services  of  the  church  are 
well  attended,  and  an  increasing  interest  in  her 
prosperity  is  manifested.         James  Doughen. 

Cumberland  parish,  Lunenburg  county.  Com- 
municants  eight — funerals  two. 

John  Philips, 

Bath  parish,  Dinwiddle  county,  and  St.  An- 
drew's, Brunswick.  Since  the  last  report  no  im- 
portant change  has  occurred  in  Bath  parish,  and 
the  rector  has  been  constrained  to  mourn  over  the 
apparent  deadness  to  spiritual  things  which  pre- 
vails. There  are,  however,  encouraging  circum- 
stances which  afford  him  grounds  for  hope.    The 


234 


CONVENTION  OF  1829. 


Sunday  School  and  Bible  class,  though  each  very 
small,  exert,  it  is  trusted,  a  beneficial  influence. 

Early  in  the  last  year  the  rector  commenced 
preaching  at  Lawrenceville,  Brunswick,  county ; 
and,  perceiving  a  greater  prospect  of  usefulness  iu 
this  county  than  ih  Greensville,  he  was  constrain- 
ed, though  with  great  reluctance,  to  discontinue 
his  appointments  at  Hicksford.  An  effort  has 
been  made  to  erect  a  church  at  Lawrenceville, 
which  has  proved  so  far  successful  as  to  encour- 
age the  hope  that  it  will  be  ready  for  use  in  July 
next.  On  the  first  Saturday  in  April  last,  an  ex- 
position was  attempted  of  the  constitution  and  pe- 
cuharities  of  our  church  ;  of  the  advantages  of  its 
liturgy,  and  of  the  manner  and  spirit  in  which  it 
should  be  used  ;  after  which  a  vestry  was  elected, 
the  old  parish  of  St.  Andrew's  revived,  and  a  rec- 
tor chosen.  On  that  day  a  large  congregation 
united  for  the  first  time  in  the  regular  service  of 
the  church.  The  present  prospects  of  this  parish 
are  encouraging,  and  it  is  hoped  that  the  undivided 
services  of  a  minister  may  in  a  few  years  be  se- 
cured. Communicants  in  both  parishes  twenty- 
seven  :  one  has  died  during  the  last  year,  and  thir- 
teen have  been  added— baptisms  fifteen— marria- 
ges six — funerals  eleven.  John  Grammer. 

Bristol  parish,  Petersburg.  The  rector  reports 
to  the  Convention  that,  though  no  occurrences  of 
any  great  importance  have  taken  place  in  this  par- 
ish since  the  last  Convention,  he  has  the  satisfac- 
tion to  remark  that  we  are  in  a  state  of  progres- 
sive improvement ;  public  worship  is  well  attend- 
ed ;  and  the  number  of  communicants,  though  not 
so  numerous  as  might  be  expected  or  desired, 
•  from  the  extent  of  the  parish,  increases  every  year ; 
several  members  have  been  added  during  the  pres- 
ent year.  The  Sunday  School  is  now  unconnect- 
ed with  that  of  any  other  denomination,  and  is  in 
a  prosperous  condition.  The  Female  Education 
Society  is  still  assiduous  in  promoting  the  inter- 
ests of  the  parent  society,  as  may  be  seen  in  the 
amount  of  moneys  sent  to  Alexandria  every  year. 
The  female  weekly  prayer-meeting  is  regularly 
attended.  The  Female  Missionary  Society  have 
?dso  been  zealously  engaged  in  endeavouring  to 
supply  the  spiritual  wants  of  the  surrounding 
country.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Grammer  devoted  a  part 
of  his  time  for  four  months  during  the  last  year  to 
the  service  of  this  society ;  and  since  that  time 
they  have  been  enabled  to  engage  the  services  of 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Cole,  who  has  been  employed  by 
them  for  three  months  in  the  county  of  Surry. 
Marriages  six— baptisms  twelve — deaths  nineteen. 
Andrew  Syme. 
In  Surry,  where  our  church  has  scarcely  been 
known  except  to  her  prejudice  for  more  than 
twenty  years,  she  is,  it  is  hoped,  again  reviving, 
and  the  prejudices  in  regard  to  her  are  subsiding. 
Efforts  have  been  made  during  the  past  year  to 
repair  the  churches  in  this  county,  and  to  raise  a 
salary  for  the  present  minister ;  two  of  the 
churches  have  been  partially  repaired,  and,  we 
hope,  before  the  expiration  of  the  present  year,  will 
be  completed.  The  actual  members  of  our  com- 
munion in  this  county  are  but  few,  consequently 
we  have  had  to  encounter  many  difficulties  (some 
of  vvhich  still  exist),  in  establishing  the  regular 
services  of  the  church.  Two  Sunday  Schools 
have  just  been  commenced,  from  which,  by  the 
blessing  of  God,  we  anticipate  much  lasting  good. 
Baptisms  three.  John  Cole. 

Newport  parish.  Isle  of  Wight.  The  recort  of 
St.  Luke's  Church  in  this  parish  reports,  that 
there  have  been  but  few  additions  to  the  commu- 
nion in  that  congregation  during  the  past  year ;  the 
church,  however,  appears  to  be  gradually  rising, 
^d  it  is  hoped  the  time  is  not  far  distant  when 


her  prospects  will  brighten,  and  aflford  cheering  en- 
couragement. 

The  building  has  undergone  considerable  re 
pairs  since  the  last  Convention,  and  in  a  few 
weeks  will  be  placed  in  comfortable  order.  The 
ladies  of  the  congregation  have  contributed  ^30  to 
make  the  rector  a  life  member  of  the  Education 
Society,  for  which  he  makes  his  grateful  aknowl- 
edgments. 

St.  Paul's,  Suffolk.    This  church  is  still  under 
the  care  of  the  rector  of  St.  Luke's ;  there  has 
been  but  little  change  since  the  last  report.     Mar- 
riages five — baptisms  six — funerals  three,  in  both. 
William  G.  H.  Jones. 

Trinity  Church,  Portsmouth  parish.  The  rec 
tor  reports,  that,  as  far  as  he  can  discover,  there 
has  been  but  httle  or  no  change  in  the  spiritual 
condition  of  his  charge  since  the  last  Convention. 
Four  members  have  been  added  to  the  list  of  com- 
municants, while  several  have  removed  from  the 
parish,  which  leaves  the  number  about  the  same 
as  last  reported.  The  congregation  is  as  large  as 
the  number  of  pews  in  the  church  will  admit. 
Liberal  subscriptions,  to  the  amount  of  ^1,800, 
have  been  obtained  for  the  purpose  of  enlarging  the 
church,  to  which  it  is  intended  to  add  a  steeple, 
and  also  a  vestry -room — the  whole  design,  accord- 
ing to  estimate,  will  leave  us  in  debt  about  $1 ,700, 
for  the  liquidation  of  which  we  depend  upon  the 
future  increase  of  our  congregation,  and  the  as- 
sistance of  friends  abroad. 

There  are  in  connexion  with  this  congregation 
a  Bible  class,  Sunday  School,  and  Female  Work- 
ing Society,  all  of  which  it  is  believed  are  effect- 
ing some  good.  Marriages  four— baptisms  nine 
— communicants  twenty-six— funerals  four— fami- 
lies  forty.  John  H.  Wingfield. 

Christ  Church,  Norfolk  (Ehzabeth  River  parr 
ish).  Since  the  last  Convention  there  have  been 
baptized  thirty-two  persons,  of  whom  five  wer« 
adults ;  there  have  been  four  marriages  and  twen- 
ty-four funerals.  Seventeen  have  been  confirm- 
ed, and  thirteen  admitted  to  the  communion,  one 
of  whom,  it  may  be  interesting  to  state,  was  deaf 
and  dumb.  The  present  number  of  communicants 
is  two  hundred  and  two.  The  new  church  was 
consecrated  by  the  Right  Rev.  the  Bishop  on 
Sunday,  9th  of  November  last.  The  old  parish 
church  has  been  appropriated  and  is  to  be  fitted 
up  expressly  for  the  use  of  the  Sunday  School, 
now  m  a  very  encouraging  condition,  numbering 
twenty-two  teachers,  one  hundred  and  ninety 
scholars,  and  upwards  of  three  hundred  volumes 
in  its  library.  The  Auxiliary  Education  Society 
continues  to  flourish;  and  has,  during  the  last 
year,  contributed  to  the  funds  of  the  parent  insti- 
tution $186  50 ;  besides  $60  for  the  outfit  of  a 
beneficiary  from  this  parish.  The  temporal  pros- 
perity of  the  church  is  perhaps  greater  than  it  has 
ever  been  in  past  years;  and,  in  its  spiritual  con- 
cerns, we  are  not  without  pleasing  evidences  of 
the, Lord's  presence  and  blessing. 

Henry  W.  Ducachet. 

Monumental  Church,  Richmond.  Communir 
cants,  six  deceased,  twelve  removed,  nineteen 
added— present  number,  one  hundred  and  seventy. 
Baptisms  in  the  last  ye-ir  about  thirty-five,  of 
which  one  was  of  an  adult.  Sunday  scholars 
one  hundred  and  seventy-five,  diligently  instruct- 
ed by  ten  male  and  nineteen  female  teachers. 
Weekly  services  are  held,  either  in  the  church 
or  the  new  and  commodious  Sunday  School-room. 
The  assistant  minister  continues  his  exercises 
with  the  catechetical  class  and  the  two  Bible 
classes,  the  number  of  members  of  which  is 
about  the  same  as  reported  last  year.  Much 
praise  is  due  to  the  superintendents  and  teacher^ 


CONVENTION  OF  1829. 


235 


of  the  Sunday  School,  who,  by  the  aid  of  the  ex- 
cellent system  of  instruction  provided  by  the  Gen- 
eral Episcopal  Sunday  School  Union,  and  the 
useful  magazines  issued  by  that  society,  have 
been  enabled  very  materially  to  improve  the  gen- 
eral character  and  discipline  of  the  school. 

To'the  credit  of  the  congregation  it  ought  to 
be  mentioned,  that  in  the  course  of  the  last  two 
years  they  have  contributed  at  least  $4,650  for 
purposes  connected  with  the  church,  in  addition 
to  their  ordinary  expenses,  which  are  not  light, 
viz.:  For  finishing  the  monument,  $1,200;  for 
the  Theological  Seminary  and  Education  Socie- 
ty, about  $2,200 ;  for  the  Sunday  School-room, 
$900 ,  and  for  the  Domestic  and  Foreign  Mission- 
ary Society  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church 
in  the  United  States,  $350. 

Richard  Channing  Moore. 
Bruton  parish,  Williamsburg.  The  rector  re- 
ports during  the  last  year  sixteen  baptisms— eight 
marriages,  six  of  which  were  of  coloured  persons 
— and  six  funerals,  two  of  which  were  of  infants, 
and  two  of  the  remaining  adults  belonging  not  to 
the  parish.  Of  the  communicants,  two  have 
died,  and  nine  new  ones  have  been  added,  of 
which  one  is  an  African.  The  present  number  is 
forty-five. 

Through  the  divine  blessing,  the  present  state 
of  religion  in  the  parish  is,  as  we  have  reason  to 
believe,  prornising  and  improving.  A  second 
weekly  meeting  for  religious  exercises  has  lately 
been  established  :  and  as  the  first  is  conducted  by 
the  female,  this  will  be  under  the  management 
of  the  male  communicants.  The  Bible  Society, 
iri  order  to  extend  its  usefulness,  has  resolved  to 
distribute  prayer-books  and  tracts  as  well  as  Bibles 
jn  Williamsburg  and  the  adjoining  counties. 

A.  Empie. 
Elizabeth  City  parish.  The  congregation  at 
Hampton  has  undergone  no  material  change  since 
the  last  report.  Pews  have  been  erected,  and 
arrangements  mad«  for  some  additional  improve- 
ments in  the  church.  During  the  last  month  an 
association,  consisting  of  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Duca- 
chet,  Wingfield,  and  Empie,  was  held,  and  the 
church  was  opened  for  three  successive  days. 

The  rector  still  continues  (as  per  last  report) 
to  minister  to  the  congregation  at  Fortress  Mon- 
roe, composed  of  the  citizens  and  the  military. 
A  considerable  reduction  of  the  military  force  at 
that  post  has  recently  taken  place,  and  conse- 
quently the  congregation  is  materially  diminished. 
The  general  attendance,  however,  at  the  church, 
of  those  who  remain,  together  with  the  citizens, 
is  encouraging,  and  is  considered  as  the  precursor 
of  some  spiritual  good.  The  Sunday  School  is 
still  continued  with  good  success.  Baptisms 
seventeen — conununicants  thirty — ^marriages  six 
— funerals  nine.  M.  L.  Cheveks. 

St.  George's  parish,  Accomack  county.  The 
rector  reports  that  he  has  performed  regular  ser- 
vices in  this  parish  since  July  last.  In  conse- 
quence of  the  parish  being  vacant  for  several  years 
previous  to  his  location,  the  church  has  evidently 
suffered  much.  He  trusts,  however,  that,  under 
the  blessing  of  the  Almighty,  it  will  soon  revive. 
The  congregations  were  small  at  first,  but  have 
been  gradually  increasing.  A  Bible  Society  and 
a  Tract  Society  have  been  formed  within  the  last 
two  months.  Communicants  twenty-eight — bap- 
tisms twenty -three — funerals  three. 

Zacharjah  H.  Goldsmith. 
The   Rev.  Frederick  W.  Hatch,  from   the 
committee  upon  the  state  of  the  church  in  this 
diocess,  presented  the  following  report  and  ac- 
companying resolutions  : — 


The  committee  on  the  state  of  the  church  had 
hoped,  before  making  their  report  to  the  Conven- 
tion, to  have  been  in  possession  of  the  informa- 
tion usually  communicated  by  the  bishop  at  our 
annual  meetings  ;  but,  faiUng  in  this  wish,  and 
being  now  without  any  expectation  of  the  bishop's 
arrival,  they  beg  leave  to  state,  with  a  reference 
to  the  only  source's  of  information  accessible, 

That  they  consider  the  general  condition  of  the 
church  in  this  diocess,  and  its  future  prospects,  as 
flattering  in  a  degree  beyond  what  they  have  been 
at  any  previous  period  since  its  revival. 

To  whatever  quarter  our  attention  is  turned,  we 
are  animated  with  the  view  of  increased  and  still 
increasing  prosperity. 

Our  parishes,  where  regular  ministrations  are 
had,  exhibit,  as  appears  to  your  committee,  evi- 
dences of  improvement  which  call  for  the  fervent 
gratitude  of  all  our  hearts,  and  invite  us  to  re- 
newed efforts  for  the  extension  of  the  Redeemer's 
kingdom  and  the  salvation  of  souls.  In  the  min- 
istry there  is  zeal  and  ardour  regulated  by  pru- 
dence, and  among  the  people  a  warm  attachment 
to  the  oflSces  and  doctrines  of  the  church. 

Ancient  prejudices,  arising  chiefly  from  the 
state  and  condition  of  our  communion  at  the 
period  of  the  disruption  of  those  pohtical  ties  by 
which  we  were  held  in  connexion  with  Englana, 
and  which  there  never  have  been  wanting  efforts 
to  keep  alive  and  to  perpetuate,  are  gradually 
yielding  to  better  feelings  and  convictions  of  truth. 
But,-amid  much  that  is  cheering,  and  by  which 
our  hearts  are  made  glad,  there  is  nevertheless 
what  impresses  our  minds  with  sorrow,  and  de- 
mands our  continued  prayers  to  the  great  Head  of 
the  church. 

There  are  "  waste  places"  which  require  to  be 
rebuilt — there  is  desolation  which  calls  for  our 
tears  and  supplications.  Many  are  destitute  of 
ministrations  winch  in  their  infancy  they  were 
taught  to  love,  and  to  whose  pecuhar  excellence 
their  riper  judgment  bears  decisive  testimony. 

They  call  for  these  ministrations — they  await 
them  with  anxious  and  aching  hearts — with  hearts 
deeply  saddened  by  "  hope  long  deferred."  But 
where  are  the  labourers  to  enter  on  this  ground 
and  gather  in  this  harvest,  who  shall  carry  to 
these  famished  souls  the  bread  of  life  !  The  sup- 
plies from  our  seminary  are  inadequate  to  the  de- 
mands upon  it — foreign  resources  are  uncertain. 
To  the  Missionary  Society  just  established  by  this 
Convention,  do  the  committee  look  with  cheering 
hopes  of  the  needed  relief  in  this  our  deep  ne^ 
cessity. 

The  committee  being  deeply  impressed  with 
the  sense  of  the  propriety  of  preserving  the  Chris- 
tian purity  and  the  proper  dignity  of  the  Conven- 
tions of  this  diocess,  recommend  to  the  Conven- 
tion the  adoption  of  an  amendment  to  the  second 
article  of  the  constitution,  by  adding  to  the  same 
the  following  words  ;  "  and  provided  also,  that 
such  delegate  or  delegates  shall,  previously  to 
taking  his  or  their  seat  in  Convention,  comply 
with  the  subscription  required  of  vestrymen."  In 
conformity  wherewith,  the  committee  reconunend 
the  following  resolutions  : — 

Resolved,  That,  agreeably  to  the  provisions  of 
the  thirteenth  article  of  the  constitution,  notice  be 
transmitted  to  the  several  vestries  of  the  parishes 
in  this  diocess,  that  it  is  proposed  at  the  next 
Convention  to  amend  the  second  article  of  the 
constitution,  by  adding  to  the  same  the  following 
words  ;  "  and  provided  also,  that  such  delegate  or 
delegates  shall,  previously  to  taking  his  or  their 
seat  in  Convention,  comply  with  the  subscription 
required  of  vestrymen." 
In  relation  to  the  devise  made  by  Eyan  E^gr 


^36 


CONVENTION  OF  1826. 


land,  the  committee  recommend  the  adoption  of 
the  following  resolution  : — 

Resolved,  That  William  Leigh,  Esq.  be  re- 
quested to  hold  the  borjds  of  Edmund  Irby  for 
collection,  to  proceed  to  collect  the  money  due 
upon  the  bonds  as  soon  as  the  last  bond  shall  be- 
come due,  and  to  make  a  report  of  his  proceedings 
to  the  next  Convention. 

All  which  is  respectfully  submitted, 

E.  W.  Hatch,  Chairman. 

On  motion^  Resolved,  That  the  said  report  be 
accepted,  and  the  resolutions  adopted. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  leave  of  absence 
for  the  remainder  of  the  session  be  granted  to 
Mr.  Philip  A.  BoUing. 

On  motion.  Resolved,  unanimously.  That  the 
thanks  of  this  Convention  be  tendered  to  the 
minister  of  the  I*resbyterian  church  in  this 
place,  for  the  liberal  and  kind  offer  of  his  church 
for  the  use  of  the  Convention. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  thanks  of  this 
Convention  be  tendered  to  the  citizens  of  this 
place,  for  their  kind  and  hospitable  attentions  to 
the  members  of  the  Convention  during  its  session. 

On  motion.  Resolved,  That  the  thanks  of  this 
Convention  be  presented  to  the  secretary  and 
treasurer  for  their  faithful  services. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  one  thousand 
^copies  of  this  journal  be  printed,  and  distributed 
by  the  secretary  among  the  parishes,  under  the 
superintendence  of  the  bishop. 

Resolved,  That  the  treasurer  pay  to  the  sec- 
retary his  expenses  incurred  in  attending  this 
.Convention. 

Resolved,  That  the  treasurer  pay  to  the  door- 
keeper of  this  Convention  six  dollars  for  his 
services. 

The  Rev.  William  Meade,  from  the  board  of 
^trustees  of  the  Theological  School,  presented 
the  following  report,  which  was  received  : — 

fleport  of  the  Board  of  Trustees  of  the  Theological 
School  of  the  Episcopal  Church  of  Virginia. 

The  trustees  of  this  institution  are  enabled  to 
report,  that  the  blessing  of  Almighty  God  seems 
still  to  attend  all  their  efforts  in  its  behalf.  Within 
the  last  two  years  about  nineteen  thousand  dol- 
lars have  been  added  to  our  former  subscription, 
more  than  eleven  thousand  dollars  of  which  have 
heen  paid  and  applied  to  the  purchase  of  a  farm, 
•  to  the  erection  of  buildings,  and  to  other  pur- 
poses of  the  institution,  What  has  been  sub- 
scribed is  still,  however,  far  from  sufficient  to 
place  our  institution  on  a  sure  and  respectable 
foundation. 

The  treasurer's  account  will  show  the  amount 
of  the  funded  capital,  and  that  it  still  falls  far 
short  of  what  is  needed  for  the  comfortable  sup- 
port of  one  professor.  Relying  upon  that  Provi- 
dence which  has  hitherto  opened  the  hearts  and 
hands  of  so  many  friends,  to  enable  us  to  com- 
mence this  work  and  prosecute  it  to  its  present 
state,  we  still  cherish  the  pleasing  hope  that  it 
■will  increase  more  and  more  each  year  in  useful- 
ness, and  that  its  friends  will  never  permit  it  to 
suffer  for  want  of  those  pecuniary  aids  which  are 
essential  to  its  prosperity. 

During  the  past  year  twenty -seven  candidates 
for  the  ministry  have  been  enrolled  on  the  list  of 
students  at  the  seminary,  though  only  seventeen 
of  these  have  been  pursuing  the  regular  study  of 
divinity,  the  remainder  being  chiefly  engaged  in 
some  prepariatory  studies. 


Of  the  members  of  the  seminary  during  the 
present  session,  one  is  from  North  Carolina,  seven 
from  Virginia,  five  from  Maryland,  three  from 
Pennsylvania,  five  from  New-York,  three  from 
Vermont,  one  from  Connecticut,  and  two  from 
Massachusetts.  "* 

I'he  number  of  the  first  class  at  present  is  seven. 
In  pursuing  the  course  of  studies  marked  out 
by  the  "  Regulations  of  the  Seminary,"  the  gentle- 
men composing  the  first  class  have  read,  on  the 
"  Evidences  of  Revelation,"  about  one  half  of  the 
first  volume  of  '•  Home's  Introduction,"  together 
with  such  other  authors  who  have  discussed  with 
ability  the  subjects  tieated  of  in  the  text-book, 
as  were  designated  by  the  professor.  They  have 
read  critically,  and  with  a  cont-tant  reference  to 
the  most  approved  commentators,  the  wtiole  of 
the  Greek  Harmony  of  the  historical  books  of  the 
New  Testament.  On  the  interpretation  of  tlie 
New  Testament,  they  have  recited  to  the  proles- 
sor  a  very  large  part  ot  the  second  volume  of 
Home's  Introduction,  and  Emesti  on  Interpreta- 
tion, &c. 

About  the  first  of  January  the  class  commenced 
the  study  of  Hebrew,  and  have  read  fifteen  chap- 
ters in  the  book  of  Genesis,  and  are  now  pursuing 
their  studies  by  the  aid  which  the  Hebrew  Chris- 
tomathy  of  Professor  Stuart  aftbrds.  The  class 
have  been  required  to  produce  to  the  profes&or 
once  a  week  ong-inal  compositions  on  the  most  im- 
portant proofs  of  divine  revelation,  and  occasion- 
ally a  critical  dissertation  on  some  difficult  pas- 
sages of  the  New  I'estarnent. 

The  industry  and  general  good  conduct  of  the 
students  have  met  with  the  warm  commendation 
of  the  professors. 

The  second  class  have  read  and  undergone 
satisfactory  examination  on  nearly  the  whole  of 
Mosheiin's  Church  History,  with  reference  to 
Milner,  and  such  other  ecclesiastical  histories  as 
the  hbrary  afforded.  And,  in  addition  to  the  study 
of  ecclesiastical  history,  this  class  has  been  en- 
gaged in  the  critical  study  of  the  Epistles  in  Greek, 
and  of  the  Prophet  Isaiah  m  Hebrew  ;  they  have 
also,  in  accordance  with  the  laws  of  the  institu- 
tion, completed  a  comprehensive  system  of  Scrip- 
tural Divinity,  making  the  Bible  m  its  original 
languages  the  sole  text-book  preparatory  to  the 
examination  of  human  systems  and  the  articles 
of  our  church.  During  the  present  month  an  ex- 
amination of  the  students  has  taken  place,  in  the 
presence  of  the  bishop  and  other  trustees,  which 
proved  creditable  to  instructers  and  pupils.  At 
that  time  three  of  the  candidates  were  admitted 
to  holy  orders  by  the  bishop  of  our  diocess.  From 
this  institution  we  have  already  received  a  num- 
ber of  useful  labourers  in  the  ministry  of  our 
church,  and  to  it  must  we  look  for  those  faithful 
labourers  yet  needed  to  build  up  the  many  waste 
places  of  our  Zion.  We  therefore  most  ear- 
nestly recommend  it  to  the  continued  and  increas- 
ing  prayers  and  charity  of  the  friends  of  the 
church,  and,  above  all,  to  the  protection  and  bles- 
sing of  Heaven. 

Resolved,  That  the  names  of  the  subscribers 
to  the  Theological  School  since  May,  1827,  be 
published  with  the  Journals  of  the  Convention. 

Mr.  Hugh  Mercer  having  resigned  his  office 
as  a  trustee  of  the  Theological  School,  Mr. 
Robert  P.  Waring  was  duly  elected. 

On  motion.  Resolved,  That  the  following  be 
adopted  as  an  additional  canon. 

I'hat  the  election  of  lay  delegates  to  the  Con- 
vention shall  be  certified  either  by  the  chuichr 
wardens  or  by  the  clerk  of  the  vpstiy. 


CONVENTION  OF  1830. 


237 


On  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  sum  of  one 
hundred  and  fifty  dollars  be  appropriated  to  the 
bishop  for  his  episcopal  services  for  the  support 
of  his  assistant  out  of  the  contingent  fund,  to 
make  up,  with  the  sum  paid  in  for  that  purpose 
during  the  present  Convention,  the  sum  of  three 
hundred  dollars^  in  pursuance  of  the  pledge 
made  by  the  Convention  in  the  year  1826. 
On  motion  of  the  Rev.  E.  C.  M'Guire,  it  was 
Resolved,  That  this  Convention,  regarding 
the  intemperate  use  of  ardent  spirits  as  one  of 
the  most  desolating  and  alarming  vices  of  our 
country,  as  presenting  one  of  the  most  formi- 
dable of  all  barriers  to  the  spread  of  the  gospel 
of  our  Lord  and  Saviour — feels  itself  called  upon 
to  express  its  decided  approbation  of  the  efforts 
that  are  making  in  many  sections  of  our  land  to 
arrest  the  progress  of  this  acknowledged  evil, 
and  to  pray  that  abundant  success  may  crown 
the  labours  of  the  Christian,  the  patriot,  and  the 
philanthropist,  in  their  laudable  associations  for 
this  important  purpose. 


Resolved,  That  the  Rev  Reuel  Keith,  the 
Rev,  Nicholas  H.  Cobbs,  the  Rev.  Henry  W. 
Ducachet,  M.  D.,  the  Rev.  Edward  C.  M'Guire, 
Dr.  Carter  Berkeley,  and  Mr.  Philip  Nelson,  be, 
and  they  are  hereby  nominated,  trustees  to  the 
General  Theological  Seminary  of  the  Protestarxt 
Episcopal  Church  of  the  United  States. 

Resolved,  That  the  treasurer  pay  to  the  Rev. 
William  Meade,  D.  D.,  bishop  elect,  and  to  the 
delegates  to  represent  this  diocess  in  the  next 
General  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  of  the  United  States,  the  sum  of  fifty 
dollars  each,  to  defray  their  expenses  in  attend- 
ing the  said  Convention. 

Resolved,  That  the  treasurer  pay  the  quota 
due  from  this  diocess  to  the  General  Conven- 
tion, to  defray  the  expenses  of  the  same. 

And  then,  on  motion,  the  Convention  ad- 
journed, to  meet  in  the  town  of  Winchester,  on 
the  third  Thursday  in  May  next, 

William  Meade,  D,  D.,  President. 

Teste,     John  Gr!  Williams,  Secretary, 


Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of  the  Convention^f  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  of  the  Dioce»r 
of  Virginia,  which  assembled  in  the  town  of  Winchester,  on  Thursday,  the  fiOth  of  May,  1830. 


This  being  the  day  and  place  appointed  for 
the  annual  meeting  of  the  Convention  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church  of  the  Diocess  of 
Virginia,  several  clergymen  and  lay  delegates 
attended  divine  service  in  the  Episcopal  Church 
in  this  town. 

Morning  prayers  were  read  by  the  Rev.  Ed- 
ward C.  M'Guire,  and  a  sermon  preached  by 
the  Rev.  Nicholas  H.  Cobbs. 

After  divine  service  (the  Right  Rev.  Bishop 
Moore  being  absent),  the  Right  Rev.  William 
Meade,  D.  D.,  assistant  bishop  of  the  diocess, 
took  the  chair  as  president  of  the  Convention. 

The  following  clergymen,  entitled  to  seats  in 
this  Convention,  appeared,  viz.  : — 

The  Rev.  Ebenezer  Boyden,  Augusta  parish, 
Staunton  ;  the  Rev.  Nicholas  H.  Cobbs,  Russell 
parish,  Bedford  county  ;  the  Rev.  John  Cole, 
Abingdon  and  Ware  parishes,  Gloucester  ;  the 
Rev.  John  Cooke,  St  Martin's  parish,  Hanover 
and  Louisa  counties  ;  the  Rev.  James  Doughen, 
parish  of  St.  James,  Northam,  Goochland  county  ; 
the  Rev.  Charles  Dresser,  Antrim  parish,  Halifax 
county  ;  the  Rev.  Henry  W.  Ducachet,  M.  D., 
Christ  Church,  Norfolk  ;  the  Rev.  Adam  Empie, 
rector  of  Bruton  parish,  and  President  of  Will- 
iam and  Mary  College,  Williamsburg ;  the 
Rev.  Caleb  J.  Good,  St.  Margaret's  parish, 
Caroline  county  ;  the  Rev.  John  Grammer, 
Bath  parish,  Dinwiddle  county  ;  the  Rev.  Fred- 
erick W.  Hatch,  Fredericksville  parish,  Albe- 
marle county  ;  the  Rev.  Johannes  Edward  Jack- 
son, Christ  Church,  Frederick  parish,  Frederick 
county  ;  the  Rev.  William  Jackson,  St.  Paul's 
Church,  Alexandria ;  the  Rev.  Thomas  Jack- 
son, Shelburne  parish,  Loudoun  county  ;  the 
Rev.  Alexander  Jones,  St.  Andrew's  parish, 
Jefferson  county ;   the  Rev.  Reuel  Keith,  D, 


D.,  Professor  in  the  Theological  School  of  this 
diocess,  near  Alexandria ;  the  Rev.  George 
Lemon,  Hamilton  and  Leeds  parishes,  Fauquier 
county  ;  the  Rev.  Edward  R.  Lippit,  Professwr 
in  the  Theological  School  of  this  diocess,  near 
Alexandria  ;  the  Rev.  William  F.  Lee,  Rich-- 
mond ;  the  Rev.  Edward  C.  M'Guire,  St, 
George's  parish,  Fredericksburg ;  the  Rev. 
John  P.  M'Guire,  Christ  Church,  Fairfax  parish,. 
Alexandria ;  the  Rev.  Nahuin  G.  Osgood^ 
Moore's  parish,  Campbell  county,  and  Tillotson 
parish,  Buckingham  county  ;  the  Rev.  Edward^ 
W.  Peet,  Henrico  parish,  Henrico  county ;  the 
Rev.  Zachariah  Meade,  St.  Anne's  parish,  Al^ 
bemarle  county. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  William  Jackson  and 
Mr.  Obed  Waite  be  a  committee  to  examine 
the  certificates  of  lay  delegates  ;  who  then  with- 
drew, and,  after  a  short  time,  returned  and  pre- 
sented the  following  report : — 

The  committee  to  whom  were  referred  the 
certificates  of  the  lay  delegates  have,  according 
to  order,  examined  the  same,  and  report,  that 
the  following  persons  have  been  duly  elected 
lay  delegates  to  this  Convention,  and  that  their 
certificates  are  in  the  form  prescribed  by  the 
canon,  viz.  : — 

Thomas  M.  Ambler,  Moore  parish,  Campbell 
county  ;  Thomas  Nelson,  Portsmouth  parish, 
Norfolk  county ;  Dr.  Isaac  Winston,  St.  Ste- 
phen's Church,  Culpepper  county  ;  Dr.  Carter 
Berkeley,  St.  John's  Church,  Elizabeth  City 
parish  ;  Junius  A.  Clay,  Tillotson  parish,  Buck- 
ingham county  ;  Samuel  Pryor,  Bath  parish, 
Dinwiddle  county  ;  John  F.  Clark,  Antrim 
parish,  Halifax  county ;  Obed  Waite,  Christ 
Church,  Winchester ;  Seth  Ward,  St.  Paul's 
Church,    Lynchburg;     Benjamin    Wiggenton, 


238 


CONVENTION  OF  1830. 


Church,  Winchester;  Seth  Ward,  St.  Paul's 
Church,  Lynchburg;  Benjamin  Wiggenton, 
Russell  parish,  Bedford  county  ;  Philip  Nelson, 
Frederick  parish,  Frekeri.ck  county ;  Francis 
Nelson,  St.  Martin's  parish,  Hanover  and  Lou- 
isa counties ;  Parke  F.  Berkeley,  St.  Marga- 
ret's parish,  Caroline,  county  ;  Edmund  I.  Lee, 
Christ  Church,  Fairfax  parish,  Alexandria ; 
John  Gray,  St.  George's  Church,  Fredericks- 
burg ;  George  M.  Carrmgton,  Henrico  parish, 
Henrico  county ',  John  A.  W.  Smith,  Hamilton 
parish,  Fauquier  county  ;  Thomas  Griggs,  St. 
Andrew's  parish,  Jefferson  county  ;  WiUiam  B. 
Richards,  St.  Paul's  Church,  Alexandria  ;  John 
G.  Williams,  Monumental  Church,  Richmond ; 
John  E.  Page,  St.  James's  parish,  Mecklenburg 
county  ;  Francis  Silver,  Christ  Church,  Nor- 
borne  parish,  Berkeley  county. 

That  the  following  persons  appear  to  have 
been  duly  elected,  but  the  certificates  of  their 
appointment  are  not  in  the  form  prescribed  by 
the  said  canon. 

Robert  P.  Waring,  St.  Anne's  parish,. Essex 
county ;  Benjamin  Pollard,  Christ  Church, 
Norfolk ;  William  C.  Latane  and  Thomas  L. 
Latane,  South  Farnham  parish,  Essex  county ; 
John  Stuart  and  Francis  C.  Fitzhugh,  St.  Paul's 
parish.  King  George  county ;  George  Sharp, 
Hampshire  parish,  Hampshire  county  ;  Lewis 
Berkeley,  St.  James's  Church,  Shelburne,  Lou- 
doun county ;  John  Carter,  St.  Anne's  parish, 
Albemarle  county ;  Thomas  Marshall,  Leeds 
parish,  Fauquier  county ;  George  F.  Washing- 
ton, Bruton  parish,  Williamsburg. 

On  motion.  Resolved,  That  the  report  of  the 
committee  be  received,  and  that  those  persons 
who  are  reported  to  be  duly  elected,  but  whose 
certificates  are  not  in  the  form  prescribed  by 
the  canon,  be  admitted  to  their  seats  in  this 
Convention. 

On  motion.  Resolved,  That  Mr.  Benjamin 
Ferguson  be  received  as  the  lay  delegate  of 
the  parish  of  St.  Mark's,  Culpepper  county,  it 
appearing  to  the  Convention  that  he  was  duly 
elected  to  represent  said  pajish,  but  was  pre- 
vented from  obtaining  the  certificate  of  appoint- 
ment by  high  waters. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Edmund  L  Lee, 

Resolved,  That  the  following  rules  of  order, 
adopted  by  the  last  Convention  for  the  govern- 
ment of  their  proceedings,  be  the  rule  of  pro- 
ceeding during  the  present  Convention. 

L  The  business  of  every  day  shall  be  intro- 
4uced  with  prayer. 

2.  When  the  president  takes  the  chair,  no 
member  shall  continue  standing,  or  shall  after- 
ward stand  up,  except  to  address  the  chair. 

3.  No  member  shall  absent  himself  from  the 
service  of  the  house  unless  he  have  leave,  or 
be  unable  to  attend. 

4.  When  any  member  is  about  to  speak  in 
debate,  or  deliver  any  matter  to  the  house,  he 
shall,  with  due  respect,  address  himself  to  the 
president,  confining  himself  strictly  to  the  point 
in  debate. 

5.  No  member  shall  speak  more  than  twice 
in  the  same  debate  without  leave  of  the  house. 

6.  A  question  being  once  deteirmined  shall 


stand  as  the  judgment  of  the  house,  and  shall 
not  be  again  drawn  into  debate  during  the  samd 
session,  unless  with  the  consent  of  two  thirds  of 
the  house. 

7.  While  the  president  is  putting  any  ques- 
tion, the  members  shall  continue  in  their  seats, 
and  shall  not  hold  any  private  discourse. 

8.  Every  member  who  shall  be  in  the  house 
when  any  question  is  put,  shall,  on  a  division, 
be  counted,  unless  he  be  personally  interested 
in  the  decision. 

9.  No  motion  shall  be  considered  as  before 
the  house  unless  it  be  seconded,  and,  when  re- 
quired, reduced  to  writing. 

10.  When  any  question  is  before  the  house, 
it  shall  be  determined  upon  before  any  new 
thing  is  introduced,  except  the  question  of  ad- 
journment. 

11.  The  question  on  a  motion  of  adjourn- 
ment shall  be  taken  before  any  other,  and  with- 
out debate. ' 

12.  When  the  house  is  about  to  rise,  every 
member  shall  keep  his  seat  until  the  president 
shall  leave  the  chair. 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Ducachet, 

Resolved,  That  the  following  rule  be  adde^ 
to  the  rules  of  order  adopted  for  the  govern- 
ment of  the  Convention : — 

That  none  of  the  rules  of  order  shall  be  sus- 
pended without  the  concurrence  of  two  thirds 
of  the  members  present. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Edmund  L  Lee, 

Resolved,  That  the  president  shall,  in  his  dis- 
cretion, select  a  pew  within  the  limits  of  those 
allotted  for  the  use  of  the  members,  which  pew 
shall  be  appropriated  for  the  accommodation  of 
visiting  clergymen  and  students  of  the  Theo- 
logical School,  who  may  be  invited  to  the  same 
by  the  president,  without  any  special  applica- 
tion to  the  Convention. 

Mr.  John  G.  Williams  presented  the  memo- 
rial of  the  vestry  of  Christ  Church,  in  the  city 
of  Richmond,  praying  that  they  may  be  recog- 
nised by  the  Convention,  and  that  the  delegate 
whom  they  have  appointed  may  be  received. 

On  motion.  Resolved,  That  the  said  memo- 
rial, with  the  accompanying  documents,  be  re- 
ferred to  a  select  committee  ;  and  a- committee 
was  appointed  of  Mr.  Thomas  Marshall,  Mr. 
John  G.  WiUiams,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Empie,  Mr. 
Obed  Waite,  and  Col.  George  M.  Carrington. 

Col.  George  M.  Carrington  presented  the  re- 
monstrance of  the  wardens  and  vestry  of  Hen- 
rico parish,  against  the  reception  of  Christ 
Church,  in  the  city  of  Richmond,  by  the  Con- 
vention; which,  on  his  motion,  was,  with  the 
accompanying  documents,  referred  to  the  same 
committee  to  whom  the  memorial  was  referred. 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Grammer, 

Resolved,  That  the  10th  canon  be  altered, 
by  striking  out  the  word  "  eight,"  and  inserting, 
in  lieu  thereof,  "  five,"  so  as  to  cause  it  to  read, 
"  On  Easter-Monday,  each  parish  shall  elect  five 
vestrymen  ;  but,  when  it  is  deemed  expedient, 
the  number  may  be  increased  to  twelve,"  &c. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  George  Lemon,  the 
Rev.  William  Jackson,  the  Rev.  Adam  Empie, 
the  Rev.   Nicholas   H.   Cobbs>   Mr.   Thomas 


CONVENTION  OF  1830. 


239 


Marshall,  Mr.  Edmund  I.  Lee,  and  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Ducachet,  be  a  committee  to  take  into  consid- 
eration the  state  of  the  church  in  this  diocess, 
and  report  thereupon  to  this  Convention. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  Frederick  W.  Hatch, 
the  Rev.  Charles  Dresser,  and  the  Rev.  Ebene- 
zer  Boyden,  be  a  committee  to  examine  the 
parochial  reports. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  Edward  C.  M'Guire, 
John  P.  M'Guire,  and  Mr.  William  B.  Richards, 
be  a  committee  to  examine  the  state  of  the  fund 
for  the  support  of  the  widows  and  orphans  of 
deceased  clergymen. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  Thomas  Jackson, 
Mr.  Obed  Waite,  and  Mr.  Edmund  I.  Lee,  be  a 
committee  to  examine  the  accounts  of  the 
treasurer  of  the  fund  for  the  permanent  support 
of  the  episcopate  in  this  diocess. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  William  F.  Lee  and 
the  Rev.  Alexander  Jones  be  a  committee  to 
examine  the  treasurer's  accounts. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  when  this  Con- 
vention adjourn  to-day,  it  adjourn  to  meet  to- 
morrow morning,  at  9  o'clock. 

On  motion.  Resolved,  That  Mr.  Obed  Waite 
have  leave  of  absence  from  the  service  of  this 
house  to-morrow  morning. 

And  then,  on  motion,  the  Convention  ad- 
journed until  to-morrow  morning,  9  o'clock. 

Friday,  May  21,  1830. 

The  Convention  met  according  to  adjourn- 
ment, and  was  opened  with  prayer  by  the  Right 
Rev.-  Bishop  Meade. 

Mr.  Alexander  Stephen,  a  lay  delegate  of 
Norborne  parish,  appeared,  produced  a  certifi- 
cate of  his  appointment,  and  took  his  seat. 

Mr.  Thomas  Marshall,  from  the  committee  to 
whom  were  referred  the  memorial  of  the  vestry 
of  Christ  Church,  and  the  remonstrance  of  the 
church  of  Henrico  parish,  presented  the  follow- 
ing report : — 

The  committee  to  whom  were  referred  the  me- 
morial of  the  vestry  of  Christ  Church,  in  the  city 
of  Richmond,  praying  that  their  church  may  be 
admitted  to  a  representation  in  the  Convention, 
and  the  remonstrance  of  the  wardens  and  vestry- 
men of  Henrico  parish,  adverse  thereto,  beg  leave 
to  report : — 

That  they  have  carefully  examined  the  said  me- 
morial and  remonstrance,  together  with  the  ac- 
companying documents,  and  are  of  opinion  that 
the  harmony,  and  quiet,  and  prosperity  of  the 
church,  will  be  more  promoted  by  acceding  to  the 
wishes  of  the  petitioners  than  by  rejecting  the 
same.  There  is  good  ground  t  beUeve  thato  many 
of  those  who  are  anxious  to  form  the  new  church, 
in  the  establishment  of  which  their  convenience 
is  deeply  interested,  could  not  be  induced  to  re- 
turn to  the  old  Henrico  parish  church.  Your  com- 
mittee have  not  deemed  it  necessary  or  advisable 
to  give  a  detailed  statement  of  the  considerations 
which  occasioned  or  the  circumstances  which  at- 
tended the  establishment  of  the  new  church,  be- 
cause that  course  would  be  calculated  to  promote, 
and  possibly  to  perpetuate,  the  painful  excitement 
by  which  the  friends  of  either  church  have  been 
attected.  It  is  sufficient  to  say,  that  the  course 
which  the  petitioners  have  pursued  seems  to  your 
committee,  upon  an  attentive  investigation  of  the 
whole  subject,  to  have  been  strictly  canonical,  and 


that  all  the  constitutional  requisites  have  been 
complied  with.  They  therefore  recommend  to 
the  Convention  the  adoption  of  the  following 
resolution : — 

•'  Resolved,  That  the  memorial  of  the  vestry  of 
Christ  Church,  in  the  city  of  Richmond,  is  reason- 
able, and  that  their  lay  delegate  be  admitted  to  a 
seat  in  this  body." 

And,  on  the  question  being  put  upon  agree- 
ing with  the  committee  in  their  report  and  reso- 
lution, the  same  was  carried  in  the  affirmative. 

Ayes — Bishop  Meade,  the  Rev.  Ebenezer 
Boyden,  Nicholas  H.  Cobbs,  John  Cole,  John 
Cook,  James  Doughen,  Charles  Dresser,  Henry 
W.  Ducachet,  Adam  Empie,  Caleb  J.  Good, 
John  Grammer,  Frederick  W.  Hatch,  JohanneiS 
Edward  Jackson,  William  Jackson,  Thomas 
Jackson,  Alexander  Jones,  Reuel  Keith,  Geo. 
Lemon,  Edward  R.  Lippit,  Edward  C.  M'Guire, 
John  P.  M'Guire,  Nahum  G.  Osgood,  Zacha- 
riah  Mead  ;  Messrs.  Thomas  M.  Ambler, 
Thomas  Nelson,  Isaac  Winston,  Carter  Berke- 
ley, Junius  A.  Clay,  Samuel  Pry  or,  John  F. 
Clark,  Obed  Waite,  Seth  Ward,  Benjamin  Wig- 
ginton,  Philip  Nelson,  Francis  Nelson,  Parke 
F.  Berkeley,  Edmund  I.  Lee,  John  Gray,  John 
A.  W.  Smith,  Thomas  Griggs,  William  B. 
Richards,  John  G.  Williams,  John  E.  Page, 
Francis  Silver,  Robert  P.  Waring,  Benjamin 
Pollard,  Thomas  L.  Latane,  John  Stuart,  Fran- 
cis C.  Fitzhugh,  George  Sharp,  Lewis  Berke- 
ley, John  Carter,  Thomas  Marshall,  George  F. 
Washington,  Alexander  Stephen,  and  Benjamin 
Ferguson — 56. 

Noes — George  M.  Carrington  and  William 
C.  Latane — 2. 

Mr.  Samuel  C.  Nichols  produced  a  certificate 
of  his  appointment  as  a  lay  delegate  of  Christ 
Church,  Richmond,  and  took  his  seat. 

The  following  pastoral  address  of  Bishop 
Moore  was  then  read  : — 

To  the  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Ckvrck 
of  the  Diocess  of  Virginia. 

Dear  Brethren, — In  conformity  with  the  can- 
ons of  the  church,  I  hereby  present  you  with  an 
account  of  my  labours  during  the  last  year. 

Immediately  after  my  recovery  from  the  illness 
with  which  I  was  confined  the  last  spring,  in  the 
county  of  Orange,  I  repaired  to  Fredericksburg, 
at  which  place  I  preached,  and  admitted  to  the 
order  of  deacons  Mr.  N.  Osgood ;  I  then  continued 
my  journey  through  the  Northern  Neck  of  Virginia, 
in  company  with  the  Rev.  Mr.  Peet  and  Mr. 
M'Guire  ;  preaching  in  the  churches  in  the  coun- 
ty of  King  George,  and  at  Mattox  Bridge,  in  West- 
moreland ;  at  the  courthouse,  Richmond  county ; 
in  White  Chapel  and  Christ  Church,  Lancaster 
county  ;  at  the  church  and  courthouse,  Northum- 
berland comity ;  at  Wicomico  Church,  in  West- 
moreland ;  and,  again  passing  through  Richmond 
county,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Peet  fulfilled  an  appointment 
which  had  been  previously  made  for  him.  We 
then  crossed  the  river  to  the  town  of  Tappahan- 
nock,  in  the  county  of  Est»ex,  at  which  place  I 
preached,  and  administered  the  Lord's  Supper. 
From  thence  we  passed  on  to  Mr.  James  M.  Gar- 
nett's,  and  the  next  day  Mr.  Edward  M'Guire 
preached  in  Vauter's  Church  in  that  neighbour- 
hood ;  after  which  I  administered  the  Lord's  Sup- 
per, and  admitted  to  the  holy  order  of  the  priest- 
hood the  Rev.  Caleb  J.  Good.    Leaving  Mr,  Gar- 


240 


CONVENTION  OF  1830. 


nett's,  I  visited  Mr.  Waring's  family  and  lectured 
at  his  house.  On  this  tour  of  May  and  June  I 
was  much  assisted  by  the  labours  of  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Peet  and  Mr.  John  M'Guire.  The  congregations 
were,  in  general,  large  and  attentive,  and  in  some 
instances  appeared  to  be  deeply  impressed.  They 
are  anxious  to  procure  the  services  of  clergymen; 
and,  I  have  no  doubt,  would  endeavour  to  yield 
them  a  comfortable  support. 

In  the  month  of  October  I  visited  the  counties 
of  Dmwiddie  and  Brunswick,  in  company  with 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Lee,  Mr.  Jones,  Mr.  Steele,  Mr. 
Syme,  and  Mr.  Grammer.  1  preached  m  Sapony 
Church  on  a  week  day  ;  after  which  we  repaired 
to  Brunswick  courthouse,  where  we  passed  sever- 
al days,  the  clergy  preaching  ih  turn  to  very  re- 
spectable and  attentive  congregations.  On  Sun- 
day we  held  three  services ;  in  the  morning  I 
preached,  .consecrated  the  church,  held  a  confirm- 
ation, and  administered  the  Lord's  Supper;  two 
of  the  brethren  followed  in  the  afternoon  and  even- 
ing ;  part  of  the  day  there  were  numbers  who 
could  not  obtain  seats  ;  and  the  assemblies  were 
solemn  and  attentive.  I  then  visited  Petersburg, 
and  officiated  in  that  place. 

In  November  I  visited  and  preached  in  Prince 
George,  Surry,  Suffolk,  Nansemond,  and  Isle  of 
Wight  counties.  In  the  church  in  Surry  county 
the  congregation  was  very  large,  and  in  Suffolk 
and  Isle  of  Wight  also ;  the  sacrament  of  the 
Lord's  Supper  was  administered  in  several  of  the 
above-mentioned  places  ;  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Grara- 
^mer  and  Mr.  Empie  also  preached.  The  Rev. 
Mr.  Cole  and  Mr.  Jones  were  also  in  company 
with  us. 

In  December  I  preached  and  lectured  in  Hamp- 
ton, consecrated  the  church,  which  had  been  very 
eonifortably  repaired,  and  administered  the  Lord's 
Supper :  the  congregation  was  large  and  attentive. 

In  January  I  visited  Portsmouth,  preached  to 
a  very  large  congregation,  consecrated  a  hand- 
«ome  church  lately  erected,  admitted  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Goldsmith  to  the  holy  order  of  the  priest- 
hood, and  administered  the  Lord's  Supper.  In 
Norfolk  I  preached  and  administered  the  rite  of 
confirmation  to  15  or  16  persons.  In  the  present 
month  I  again  visited  Portsmouth,  and  instituted 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Wingfield ;  and  in  Norfolk  I  also 
preached. 

In  addition  to  the  above  duties,  I  ordained  in 
July  Mr.  Henry  B.  Goodwin,  deacon.  In  No- 
vember I  also  ordained  Mr.  Cleaveland  a  deacon, 
and  in  April  I  admitted  to  the  same  office  Mr. 
liComdas  Polk.  I  have  also  preached  in  Gooch- 
land and  in  Hanover  counties. 

Seventeen  counties  visited,  four  deacons  or- 
dained, two  admitted  to  the  priesthood,  three 
churches  consecrated. 

With  my  sincere  prayers  that  your  association 
mayi)e  blessed  with  a  sense  of  the  divine  pres- 
ence, I  remain,  dear  brethren,  your  friend  and  pas- 
tor, Richard  Channing  Moore. 

Norfolk,  May  16,  1830. 

Report  of  the  Right  Rev.  W.  Meade,  Assistant 
jBishop  of  Virginia,  to  the  Conwention  assembled  in 
Winchester,  May  2\,\^Z0. 

It  becomes  my  duty,  bretliren  and  friends,  to 
add  to  the  report  just  read  an  account  of  those 
episcopal  acts  which  I  have  performed,  in  compli- 
ance with  the  wishes  of  him  to  whose  assistance 
you  have  been  pleased  to  call  me.  The  first  offi- 
cial act  which  it  became  my  duty  to  discharge, 
was  the  consecration  of  the  church  in  which  we 
are  now  assembled  to  the  worship  of  Almighty 
God.  This  was  done  on  the  30th  of  October, 
1829,  in  the  imdst  of  a  large  and  attentive  congre- 


gation, and  with  the  aid  of  seven  of  my  brethren 
of  the  ministry  from  our  own  and  the  neighbour- 
ing diocess  of  Maryland.  It  is  hoped  that  the  oc 
casion,  and  all  the  holy  exercises  thereof,  were 
not  without  some  good  effect.  The  sight  of  a 
building  so  happily  adapted  to  all  the  purposes  for 
which  It  was  erected,  and  constructed  according" 
to  a  style  of  architecture  so  suitable  to  houses  of 
public  worship,  and  the  setting  apart  the  same  ac- 
cording to  such  solemn  and  impressive  forms  from 
all  worldly  and  common  uses,  to  the  sole  purpose 
of  honouring  God  and  promoting  the  immortal 
interests  of  men,  were  well  calculated  to  produce 
a  salutary  effect  on  the  minds  of  all  present.  The 
services  were  continued  for  three  days,  and  ap- 
peared still  to  interest  the  numerous  attendants. 
On  the  morning  of  the  Sabbath  we  united  in  the 
Lord's  Supper ;  in  the  afternoon  I  baptized  four 
infants,  and  in  the  evening  the  services  were 
closed.  In  about  five  weeks  afterward  1  made  a 
visit  to  Berkeley  county,  preaching  three  times  in 
Martinsburg  and  twice  at  Hedge's  Chapel  ;  also 
once  at  Bunker's  Hill,  in  the  church  which  is  un- 
der the  care  of  the  Rev.  Mr,  Jackson  of  Winches- 
ter. While  in  this  county  I  administered  the 
Lord's  Supper  and  the  ordinance  of  baptism  at 
Hedge's  Chapel.  The  Rev.  Mr.  James  'I'yng, 
from  the  diocess  of  New-England,  has  accepted  a 
call  from  this  parish,  which  has  now  for  some  time 
been  destitute,  and  it  is  hoped,  by  the  blessing  of 
God,  will  be  an  instrument  of  good  to  it. 

On  Monday,  the  30th  of  November,  I  commen- 
ced a  visit  to  some  of  the  middle  counties  of  the 
state.  On  the  evening  of  that  day  I  preached  at 
Woodstock,  where  we  have  but  few  attached 
friends  to  our  communion.  1  made  an  effort  to 
reach  Harrisonburg  the  next  day,  in  order  to 
preach  in  the  evening,  but  failed  in  consequence 
of  the  state  of  the  roads,  which  had  been  render- 
ed heavy  by  the  rains  of  the  preceding  day. 

On  Wednesday  evening  I  reached  Staunton,  and 
preached  to  a  full  house.  The  three  following 
days  were  spent  in  performing  religious  services 
by  myself,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Jackson  of  Winchester, 
and  Mr.  Charles  H.  Page  of  Amherst.  During 
which,  besides  the  various  services  in  Staunton, 
we  preached  at  a  Lutheran  church  twelve  miles 
distant,  and  at  "Waynesborough.  On  Saturday 
evening,  after  having  preached  on  the  subject  in 
the  morning,  I  administered  the  rite  of  confirma- 
tion to  ten  persons.  On  the  next  morning,  after 
preaching  an  ordination  sermon,  I  admitted  to  the 
order  of  priests  the  Rev.  Ebenezer  Boyden,  and 
to  the  order  of  deacons  Mr.  Adams,  two  students 
from  our  Virginia  seminary.  It  gives  me  pleas- 
xire  to  be  able  ta  state  to  the  Convention,  that  the 
prospects  of  our  church  in  Staunton  appear  to  be 
truly  encouraging.  The  services  of  their  minis- 
ter are  highly  acceptable,  and,  by  the  blessing  of 
Heaven,  we  may  expect  the  happiest  results  from 
them.  It  is  contemplated  during  the  present  year 
to  erect  two  new  brick  churches,  one  in  Staunton 
and  one  in  the  neighbourhood.  Having  performed 
the  duties  required  at  Staunton,  I  proceeded  up 
the  valley  to  Botetourt,  preaching  once  only  by 
the  way,  at  Greenville,  about  twelv^  miles  from 
Staunton.  On  Wednesday  [  reached  Fincastle, 
and  preached  there  that  evening  and  the  following 
morning.  I  was  here  met  by  Mr.  Cobbs,  who  re- 
mained to  preach  in  Fincastle  on  Thursday  even- 
ing, while  I  went  to  the  neighbourhood  of  a  church 
about  twelve  miles  distant,  where  I  preached  on 
Friday,  and  adininistered  the  rite  of  confirmation 
to  two  persons.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Stephens  having 
left  Fincastle,  it  is  at  present  without  an  Episcopal 
minister.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Cobbs  has,  however,  ex- 
tended his  labours  to  this  county,  and  promises  to 


CONVENTION  OF  1830. 


241 


continue  them  until  a  more  regular  supply  can  be 
obtained.  We  have  some  warm  friends  and  a  few 
interesting  members  in  this  county,  whom  it  is 
our  duty  to  cherish.  On  Friday  evening  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Cobbs  and  myself  were  engaged  in  religious 
exercises  at  the  house  of  Mr.  Watts,  and  the  next 
morning  set  oiit  for  Liberty,  the  county  town  of 
Bedford,  which  we  reached  in  time  for  service  m 
the  evening.  On  the  next  day,  which  was  the 
Sabbath,  I  preached  to  a  large  congregation  in 
that  place,  and  administered  the  rite  of  confirma- 
tion to  seven  persons.  On  Monday  I  preached  to 
a  large  assembly  at  a  private  house  some  miles  dis- 
tant, and  confirmed  three.  On  Tuesday  preached 
at  I'rinity  Church,  and  confirmed  nineteen.  On 
Wednesday  preached  at  St.  Stephen's,  confirming 
thirteen ;  and  on  Thursday  preached  at  New-Lon- 
don, near  the  residence  of  Mr.  Cobbs.  I  cannot 
leave  this  parish  without  noticing  how  the  rich 
blessing  of  Heaven  has  been  poured  out  on  the 
zealous  exertions  and  affectionate  preaching  of 
Mr.  Cobbs.  But  a  few  years  since,  and  there 
were  not  more  than  two  or  three  communicants 
in  the  county,  and  not  a  place  of  public  worship 
belonging  to  the  church  ;  now  there  are  more  than 
seventy  communicants,  and  three  places  of  public 
worship,  where  service  is  regularly  performed, 
besides  many  private  houses,  which  are  freely 
thrown  open  for  religious  exercises.  But  what  is 
far  more  important  is,  that  good  evidence  is  af- 
forded of  the  prevalence  of  real  piety ;  and  it  is 
pleasing  to  perceive  the  animation  and  holy  zeal 
with  which  the  services  of  the  church  are  con- 
ducted. From  this  parish  I  passed  into  that  of 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Osgood,  in  Campbell  county,  preach- 
ing at  the  courthouse  on  Friday  to  a  small  con- 
gregation, and  on  Saturday  and  Sunday  at  St. 
John's  Church  to  large  ones.  On  Saturday  the 
church  was  consecrated,  and  on  Sunday  eight 
persons  were  confirmed.  The  congregation  in 
CampljAjbas  been  collected,  and  the  church  built 
during^^last  two  or  three  years,  by  the  disin- 
terested and  laborious  efforts  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Os- 
good, who,  while  supporting  himself  by  the  care 
of  a  school,  has  devoted  all  his  spare  time  to  the 
duties  of  the  ministry.  From  Campbell  I  passed 
into  Pittsylvania,  in  company  with  Mr.  Cobbs, 
who  preached  on  Monday  evening  at  Dr.  Slaugh- 
ter's, where  we  were  met  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Dresser 
from  Halifax.  On  Tuesday  I  preached  at  Green- 
field meeting-house,  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Mrs. 
Coles,  an  aged  and  very  attached  member  of  our 
church,  who  has  for  the  last  thirty  years  been 
deprived  of  the  privilege  of  communing  according 
to  those  edifying  and  venerable  forms  in  which, 
during  her  earher  years,  she  had  been  accustomed 
to  commemorate  the  dying  love  of  her  Redeemer. 
She  lives  surrounded  by  her  children  and  de- 
scendants, who  still  are  determined  to  adhere  to 
the  good  old  ways  of  their  ancestors,  and  who,  by 
the  blessing  of  God,  may  prove  the  foundation  of 
an  Episcopal  church  in  that  county.  In  company 
with  the  brethren  already  mentioned,  I  spent  the 
evening  at  the  house  of  Mrs.  Coles  in  religious 
services,  first  baptizing  one  of  her  grandchildren, 
then  confirming  her  youngest  daughter,  and  after- 
ward administering  the  Lord's  Supper  to  herself, 
her  daughter,  and  others  present,  taking  care  to 
show  how,  according  to  the  structure  and  prin- 
ciples of  our  fhurch,  these  several  services  fol- 
lowed each  other,  and  by  regular  gradation  con- 
ducted the  infant  member  of  Christ's  flock  up  to 
the  stature  of  the  fulness  of  the  perfect  man  in 
Christ  Jesus.  The  Rev.  Messrs.  Osgood  and 
Dresser  have  promised  to  watch  over  and  cherish 
our  little  hope  in  this  region  ;  and  "  though  our 
beginning  be  small,  our  latter  end  may  greatly  in- 

Q 


i  crease."  On  the  day  following  I  preached  to  a 
1  large  congregation  at  Pittsylvania  courthouse,  on 
j  my  way  to  Halifax,  which  1  reached  on  Thurs- 
j  day.  The  three  following  days  were  spent  in  re- 
I  Ugious  services  at  Halifax  courthouse,  at  General 
Carrington's,  and  at  the  Brick  Church.  On  Fri- 
day, which  was  Christmas-day,  I  preached  at  the 
courthouse  to  a  full  house,  and  administered  con- 
firmation to  ten  persons.  1  was  peculiarly  grati- 
fied at  beholding  the  order  and  sobriety  which 
prevailed  in  the  village  on  a  day  which,  though 
originally  set  apart  for  the  holiest  of  purposes,  has 
too  generally  been  perverted  to  licentiousness  and 
crime.  This,  I  was  informed,  is  to  be  in  a  great 
measure  ascribed  to  the  exertions  of  some  zealous 
advocates  for  the  cause  of  Temperance  Societies, 
who  are  labouring  in  that  region  with  a  devotion 
worthy  of  the  subject.  On  the  following  Sabbath 
I  preached  at  the  Brick  Church,  and,  assisted  by 
the  Rev.  Messrs.  Cobbs  and  Steel,  admitted  Mr. 
Charles  Dresser  to  the  order  of  priests.  It  will 
be  gratifying  to  all  the  friends  of  the  church  to 
learn,  that,  under  the  faithful  and  diligent  ministry 
of  Mr.  Dresser,  it  is  rising  in  the  general  esteem 
in  this  region.  A  new  brick  church  is  nearly 
completed  at  the  courthouse,  and  another  of  wood 
is  in  progress  in  the  county,  though  the  latter  is 
not  entirely  the  property  of  our  denomination. 
From  Halifax  I  passed  over  into  Mecklenburg, 
where  I  preached  at  St.  James's  Church  on  Tues- 
day to  a  small  congregation,  administered  the  rite 
of  confirmation  to  seven  persons,  and,  spending 
the  evening  at  old  Mrs.  Nelson's,  preached  and 
administered  the  holy  communion.  Our  assembly, 
both  morning  and  evening,  was  rendered  smaller 
than  usual  by  heavy  falls  of  rain,  which  made  the 
roads  and  watercourses  diflRcult  of  passage.  I 
returned  through  Charlotte  into  Campbell,  calling 
at  Mr.  John  Henry's,  who  hves  at  the  ancient  seat 
of  his  father,  Mr.  Patrick  Henry,  the  well-known 
friend  of  his  country,  of  religion,  and  our  church. 
His  widow  and  children  still  retain  their  attach- 
ment to  the  church,  and  some  of  them  are  worthy 
members  of  the  same.  On  the  evening  of  the  last 
day  of  the  year  I  reached  the  house  of  Mr.  Spots- 
wood  Henry,  in  Campbell,  and  preached  at  the 
same  to  a  considerable  collection  of  the  neigh- 
bours. On  the  next  morning,  in  company  with 
Mr.  Osgood,  1  proceeded  to  Lynchburg,  where  I 
preached  in  the  evening.  The  two  following  days 
were  spent  in  preaching  the  word  and  administer- 
ing the  ordinances  of  religion  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Os- 
good and  myself  to  full  and  attentive  congrega- 
tions, during  which  time  1  baptized  one  adult  and 
several  children,  confirmed  twenty-two  persons, 
and  administered  the  Lord's  Supper  to  a  large 
number.  God  has  blessed  the  disinterested  la- 
bours of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Smith  in  this  place.  A  few^ 
years  since,  and  we  had  no  congregation  or  place 
of  worship  in  Lynchburg ;  now  we  have  a  com- 
modious and  handsome  edifice,  and  a  very  con- 
siderable and  increasing  congregation,  in  which 
there  is  a  goodly  number  of  truly  pious  and  de- 
voted servants  of  the  Lord. 

My  next  visit  was  to  the  counties  of  Amherst 
and  Nelson,  under  the  pastoral  care  of  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Page,  and  where,  in  the  zeal,  and  piety,  and 
number  of  his  converts,  is  to  be  seen  the  evidence 
of  his  faithful  and  laborious  ministry.  I  preached 
at  the  four  different  places  where  he  regularly 
officiates,  and  admitted  forty-one  persons  to  the 
rite  of  confirmation.  After  preaching  in  Nelson 
at  the  last  of  the  four  places  alluded  to,  I  passed 
over  into  Buckingham,  and  reached  the  court- 
house that  evening  in  time  to  follow  with  an  ex- 
hortation a  sermon  of  Mr.  Osgood,  who  had  gone 
before  me  to  that  place.    The  two  following  days 


242 


CONVENTION  OF  1830. 


were  spent  in  religious  exercises  at  the  Merry 
Oaks  and  a  private  house  in  the  neighbourhood, 
where,  though  the  weather  was  very  unfavourable, 
our  congregations  were  large.    On  the  first  day  I 
contirmed  thirteen,  and  on  the  second  adminis- 
tered the  Lord's  Supper  to  a  goodly  number.    The 
members  and  friends  of  our  church  in  this  county 
have  been  so  happy  as  to  secure  half  of  the  ser- 
vices of  the  Rev   Mr.  Osgood,  who,  having  been 
released  from  a  school,  is  now  entirely  devoted  to 
the  ministry  of  the  word.     A  church,  it  is  ex- 
pected, will  be  built  during  this  year  in  Bucking- 
ham.   From  Buckingham  i  passed  into  Albemarle, 
where,  in  the  neighbourhood  of  the  Green  Moun- 
tain, 1  spent  three  days,  enjoying  the  kind  hos- 
pitality of  some  Christian  friends,  and  preaching 
at  Warren,  at  Scottsville,  and  at  Mrs.  Carter's. 
I  am  pleased  to  inform  the  Convention,  that  a 
church  is  soon  to  be  erected  in  this  part  of  Albe- 
marle.    On  Friday  evening  I  reached  Charlottes- 
ville and  preached  there,  as  also  the  next  morning 
and  evening.    On  the  Sabbath,  after  a  sermon  by 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Boyden,  1  administered  the  rite  of 
confirmation  to   twenty-seven  persons,  and  the 
Lord's  Supper  to  very  many  more.    I  preached 
again  that  evening,  and  thus  ended  the  services 
of  the  occasion.    I  cannot  refrain  from  expressing 
the  gratification  which  I  experienced  at  the  con- 
stant attendance  and  correct  deportment  of  a  large 
number  of  the  young  men  attached  to  the  uni- 
versity.    May  the  blessing  of  Almighty  God  rest 
upon  the  institution,  and  make  it  a  fruitful  nursery 
of  generous  patriots,  enlightened  statesmen,  and 
devoted  servants  of  the  Lord.     On  Monday  morn- 
ing I  left  Charlottesville,  in  company  with  Mr. 
Hatch,  and  preached  to  a  small  congregation  at 
"Walker's  Church  about  mid -day.     Tarrying  all 
night  at  Mr.  Nelson's,  we  set  out  the  next  morn- 
ing for  Orange,  and  reached  the  courthouse  in 
time  for  service  at  noon.    We  were  then  joined 
by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Smith,  who  is  officiating  minister 
at  that  place.    I  preached  on  that  and  the  follow- 
ing day,  and  took  some  part  in  the  exercises  of  the 
evening,  following  with  an  exhortation  a  discourse 
by  Mr.  Hatch.     On  the  second  day  I  baptized  six 
children  before  the  congregation.    On  Thursday 
I  reached  Culpepper  courthouse,  and  preached 
morning  and  evening ;  in  the  morning  admitting 
eleven  persons  to  the  rite  of  confirmation.    On 
the  following  day  I  preached  at  the  Fork  Church, 
where  I  was  joined  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Woodville, 
under  whose  care  the  congregation  is.     The  day 
was  unpleasant,  and  the  congregation  small.     On 
the  evening  of  that  day  I  reached  Fauquier  court- 
house, where  I  preached  the  following  day.     On 
the  next,  which  was  the  Sabbath,  I  preached  at 
Cool  Spring,  in  the  upper  part  of  the  county,  and 
on  the  evening  of  the  same  day,  by  the  good  prov- 
idence of  God,  was  permitted  once  more  to  reach 
my  home  and  family,  after  an  absence  of  eight 
weeks  ;  in  some  measure,  I  trust,  impressed  with 
gratitude  for  the  high  honour  conferred  on  me  in 
being  allowed  to  perform  such  holy  duties,  and 
for  his  gracious  protection  of  me  in  giving  health 
and  strength  to  accomplish  what  I  had  under- 
taken, and  especially  in  granting  such  mild  and 
favourable  weather  during  a  period  of  the  year 
usually  most  unpropitious  for  religious  assemblies. 
After  remaining  at  home  a  few  weeks  I  made 
a  visit  of  a  few  days  to  Alexandria,  chiefly  with 
a  view  to  that  institution  which  is  so  dear  to  us 
all,  because  so  essential  to  the  prosperity  of  our 
diocess,  as  well  as  conducive  to  the  general  in- 
terests of  religion  in  our  church  and  country. 
While  there  1  admitted   to  deacon's  orders  Mr. 
Zachariah  Mead,  whom  the  bishop  had  requested 
me  to  ordain  during  my  journey  in  the  winter, 


but  who,  on  account  of  ill  health,  was  unable  to 
meet  me  at  any  point  of  my  journey.  From  this 
time  until  Easter-Sunday  I  was  not  called  on 
for  the  performance  of  any  episcopal  acts,  when, 
after  having  devoted  all  the  Sabbaths  in  Lent  ex- 
cept one  to  a  series  of  discourses,  addressed  to 
the  young  and  all  those  who  had  never  renewed 
their  baptismal  engagements,  I  admitted  at  the 
chapel  where  I  officiate  eight  persons  to  the  rite 
of  confirmation.  On  the  following  day  I  set  out 
on  a  visit  to  some  of  the  parishes  of  Maryland, 
bordering  on  the  Potomac,  which  I  had  been  re- 
quested to  attend  to  by  Bishop  Moore,  who  had 
been  invited  to  take  them  under  his  episcopal 
charge.  In  the  evening  1  reached  Charlestown, 
in  .letferson  county,  where  I  preached.  On  the 
following  day  I  arrived  at  the  parish  of  the  Rev, 
Mr.  Rice,  on  the  Maryland  tract,  where  my  la- 
bours in  Maryland  commenced  ;  but,  as  my  report 
of  these  belongs  more  properly  to  the  Maryland 
Convention,  I  shall  not  detain  you  by  a  recital  of 
them.  After'having  concluded  the  duties  required 
of  me  in  Maryland,  I  returned  homeward  by  the 
way  of  Romney,  which  1  reached  on  Saturday,  the 
23d  of  April,  preaching  there  that  evening,  and 
twice  the  following  day.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Holiday 
Johns,  from  Maryland,  was  so  good  as  to  accom- 
pany me  to  that  place,  and  assist  in  the  perform- 
ance of  divine  service,  as  also  to  preach  once  on 
the  Sabbath.  On  Tuesday  I  preached  in  Zion 
Church,  about  seventeen  miles  from  Romney,  and, 
on  the  same  evening,  Mr.  Johns  officiated  at 
Bethell ;  our  members  in  this  parish  are  few,  but 
very  firm  and  decided,  and  in  two  of  the  congre- 
gations meet  on  the  Sabbath,  where  the  service 
and  a  sermon  are  read  by  a  layman,  who  was  ap- 
pointed to  this  duty  some  years  since.  Such, 
brethren,  is  the  account  I  render  of  those  services 
which  I  have  been  enabled  to  perform  since  it 
pleased  Almighty  God  to  allow  me  to  labour  in 
the  highest  order  of  the  ministry  of  his  cfeurch.  I 
humbly  commit  them  to  his  gracious  fav6ur,  and 
pray  that  they  may  not  be  altogether  in  vain.  And 
I  earnestly  entreat  all  my  brethren  and  friends 
who  have  contributed  to  place  me  in  this  office, 
and  all  who  desire  my  usefulness  in  it,  that  they 
will  lend  me  the  aid  of  their  counsels  and  their 
prayers,  that  I  may  faithfully  and  effectually  fulfil 
the  ministry  which  has  been  assigned  me. 

Wm.  Meade,  Assistant  Bishop  of  Virginia. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  pastoral  ad- 
dresses of  the  bishop  and  assistant  bishop  of  this 
diocess  be  referred  to  the  committee  on  the 
state  of  the  church. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Grammer,  from  the  board  of 
trustees  of  the  Theological  School,  presented 
the  following  report,  which  was  read  : — 

Report  of  the  Trustees  of  the   Theological  Seminary 
of  the  Diocess  of  Virginia. 

The  trustees  are  figairi  permitted  to  report,  that 
the  institution  under  their  charge  is,  by  the  divine 
blessing,  still  in  a  prosperous  condition.  By  an 
afflictive  dispensation  of  God,  they  have  been  de- 
prived for  some  months  of  the  valuable  services  of 
one  of  the  professors ;  but  the  able  and  assiduous 
efforts  of  his»colleague  have,  it  is  hoped,  prevent- 
ed any  serious  loss  to  the  department  under  his 
care.  The  prescribed  course  of  studies  has  been 
pursued,  and  the  usual  exercises  of  the  students 
performed  without  interruption.  The  number  of 
young  men  engaged  in  theological  studies  at  the 
seminary  during  the  present  session  has  been 
seventeen.  Three  of  these  have  already  been 
ordained,  and  three  more  are  in  expectation  of  re- 


CONVENTION  OF  1830. 


243 


ceiving  orders  during  this  Convention.  And  as 
two  were  ordained  before  the  commencement  of 
this  session,  and  since  the  last  report,  the  whole 
number  which  will  have  left  the  seminary  and 
taken  orders  during  the  year  is  eight. 

One  of  the  professors  reports  to  the  board,  that 
the  industry  and  general  progress  of  the  students 
has  been  such  as  to  deserve  his  warm  commenda- 
tion. A  spirit  of  harmony  and  brotherly  love  has 
prevailed  among  them,  which,  when  connected 
with  their  exertions  in  Sunday  Shools,  and  other 
zealous  efforts  for  the  spiritual  improvement  of 
the  destitute  and  ignorant  in  the  vicinity  of  the 
seminary,  exhibits  a  very  favourable  evidence  of 
the  sincerity  and  ardour  of  their  piety. 

The  junior  class  have,  during  the  present  ses- 
sion, been  engaged  in  studying  Home's  Introduc- 
tion to  the  Critical  Study  of  the  Sacred  Scriptiires, 
and  have  already  completed  the  first  volume,  on 
the  Evidences  of  Christianity ;  have  read  a  small 
part  of  the  second  volume,  on  Biblical  Criticism, 
and  the  greater  part  of  the  third  volume,  on  Bibli- 
cal Antiquities.  And  it  is  expected  that  they  will, 
during  the  session,  complete  the  second  and  third 
volumes,  and  also  the  fourth  volume,  on  the  Analy- 
sis of  the  Books  of  Scripture.  In  their  Greek 
studies  they  have  nearly  completed  Archbishop 
Newcombe's  Harmony  of  the  Go.spels,  referring 
in  their  progress  to  the  most  approved  commenta- 
tors. In  Hebrew  they  have  been  engaged  in 
studying  Stuart's  Hebrew  Christomathy,  which 
they  will  finish  by  the  close  of  the  session.  They 
have  also,  once  in  every  fortnight,  composed  dis- 
sertations on  the  most  important  arguments  in 
support  of  the  truth  of  revealed  religion,  which 
have  been  read  before  the  class,  and  undergone  the 
minute  criticism  of  the  professor. 

The  senior  class  have  attended,  during  the  ses- 
sion, to  the  critical  study  of  the  Epistles,  of  which, 
with  the  aid  of  the  best  commentaries,  they  have 
read  the  two  to  the  Thessalonians,  the  one  to  the 
Romans,  and  the  first  to  the  Corinthians.  The 
course  in  systematical  divinity  has  been  passed 
over  in  a  maimer  somewhat  more  general  than 
usual,  in  consequence  of  the  absence  of  the  pro- 
fessor on  whom  devolves  the  instruction  in  this 
department:  but  the  most  important  subjects  in 
theology  have  been  thoroughly  studied. 

The  treasurer's  report,  which  is  annexed  hereto, 
will  exhibit  a  view  of  the  funds  now  in  hand. 
From  this  it  will  be  seen  that  our  means  are  as 
yet  very  inadequate  to  the  permanent  and  efficient 
support  of  the  institution.  And  while  the  board 
would  gratefully  acknowledge  the  divine  goodness 
which  has  prospered  their  efforts  thus  far,  and 
from  past  mercies  would  learn  to  rely  with  more 
confidence  on  future  assistance,  yet,  remembering 
that  the  purposes  of  God  are  accomplished  through 
the  agency  of  human  means,  and  that  his  crea- 
tures are  the  honoured  instruments  by  which  his 
kingdom  is  to  be  established,  they  would  earnest- 
ly call  upon  the  friends  of  our  Zion,  and  urge 
them  to  put  forth  all  their  energies  in  placing  on 
a  finner  foundation  that  institution  from  which, 
under  God,  we  hope  for  labourers  whose  efforts 
are  to  change  our  moral  wilderness  into  a  fruitful 
field. 

The  Rev.  William  F.  Lee,  from  the  commit- 
tee appointed  to  examine  the  treasurer's  ac- 
counts, made  the  following  report : — 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  for  ex- 
amination the  account  of  the  treasurer  of  the 
Convention,  report,  that  they  have  examined  the 
same,  and  find  it  to  be  correct,  and  sustained  by 
the  proper  vouchers  ;  and  that  there  is  a  balanoe 
Q3 


of  $32  53  in  his  hands,  as  appears  by  the  an- 
nexed account. 

William  P.  Lee,  Chairman. 
On  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  said  report 
be  received  and  approved. 

The  Rev.  Thomas  Jackson,  from  the  com- 
mittee appointed  to  examine  the  state  of  the 
fund  for  the  permanent  support  of  the  episco- 
pate in  this  diocess,  presented  the  following  re- 
port, which  was  read  and  approved. 

The  committee  on  the  episcopal  fund  report, 
that,  according  to  the  statement  of  the  fund  made 
to  the  last  Convention,  the  amount  in  stocks 
and  cash  then  on  hand  was  $4,836   16. 

Since  the  last  Convention,  seven  shares  of 
the  Farmers'  Bank  of  Alexandria  have  been 
purchased,  at  thirty  dollars  a  share,  the  par  value 
of  which  is  fifty  dollars.  The  shares  were  pur- 
chased from  the  dividends  arising  from  the  stock 
of  the  fund.  The  dividends  on  the  slock  have 
been  four  per  cent,  on  the  par  value.  There  is 
in  the  hands  of  the  agent  of  the  trustees,  in 
money,  $17  16,  besides  one  unpaid  dividend  of 
$36  ;  so  that  the  amount,  according  to  the  fund, 
is  as  follows  : — 
Amount  according  to  the  last  state-" 

ment, $4,836  16 

Stock  purchased  since  last  Conven- 
tion, which,  at  par  value,  is  -       350  00 
Unpaid  dividend,    -         -         -         -         36  00 
Cash  in  the  hands  of  the  trustees,  17  16 

$5,239  32 
The   secretary  then  received  the  following 
contributions  from  sundry  parishes  of  this  dio- 
cess for  the  Contingent  Fund  : — 
Leeds  parish,  Fauquier  county,    -  $15  00 

St.  Paul's  Church,  Lynchburg,    -  15  00 

Lexington  and  Nelson  parish,  Amherst 

and  Nelson, 17  50 

Moore  parish,  Campbell  county,  -  -  10  00 
Tillotson  parish,  Buckingham,  26  00 

St.  Paul's  Church,  Alexandria,  -     20  00 

Shelburne  parish,  Loudoun,  -  -  20  00 
St.  Anne's  Church,  Essex,  -         -     30  00 

South  Farnham  parish,  Essex,  -  -  10  00 
Bath  parish,  Dinwiddle,  -  -  -.15  00 
Antrim  parish,  Halifax,  -  -  -  30  00 
Hamilton  parish,  Fauquier  county,  -  15  00 
Fredericksville  parish,  Albemarle  county,  10  00 
St.  Paul's  parish.  King  George  county,  16  00 
Frederick  parish,  Frederick  county,  -  15  00 
Russell  parish,  Bedford  county,  -     30  00 

St.  Margaret's  parish,  Caroline  county,  9  85 
St.  Martin's  parish,  Hanover  and  Louisa 

counties, 20  00 

Abingdon  and  Ware  parishes,  Gloucester 

county,  -  -  -  -  -  15  00 
Hampshire  parish,  Hampshire  county,  3  00 
Henrico  parish,  Henrico  county,  -  15  00 
St.  Mark's  parish,  Culpepper  county,  -  12  00 
Zion  Church,  St.  Andrew's  parish,  Jef- 
ferson county,  -  -  -  -  15  00 
Christ  Church,  Alexandria,  Fairfax  par- 
ish,         30  00 


Amount  carried  forward,  $414  35 


244 


CONVENTION  OF  1830. 


Amount  brought  forward,  $414  35 

St.  Stephen's  Church,  Culpepper  county,  20  00 
Monumental  Church,  Richmond,  -     30  00 

St.  James's  parish,  Northam,  Goochland 

county, 10  00 

Christ  Church,  Norfolk  borough,          -     30  00 
Augusta  parish,  Augusta  county,         -     10  00 
Elizabeth   City  parish,  Elizabeth   City 
-    county,  -         -         -'        -         -       7  00 

St.  Anne's  parish,  Albemarle  county,  -  10  00 
Bruton  parish,  Williamsburg,  -  -  15  00 
Bristol    parish,    Petersburg,    Dinwiddle 

county, 30  00 

St.  Andrew's  parish,  Brunswick  county,  15  00 
Christ  Church,  Winchester,  -  -  15  00 
Fredericksville  parish,  Fredericksburg,  20  00 
Christ    Church,   Mill   Creek,  Norborne 

parish, 7  00 

From  Rev.  William  Crawford,  of  Louisa,  10  00 


$643  35 

The  following  sums  were  paid  towards  the 
support  of  the  bishop's  assistant  in  the  Monu- 
mental Church. 
St.  Martin's  parish,  Hanover  and  Louisa 

counties, $10  00 

St.  Mark's  parish,  Culpepper  county,  -  12  00 
Leeds  parish,  Fauquier  county,  -  -  6  00 
Christ  Church,  Norfolk,  -  -  -  20  00 
Elizabeth   City    parish,  Elizabeth  City 

county,  -         -         -         -         -       5  00 

Bristol   parish,    Petersburg,    Dinwiddle 

county, 20  00 

Christ  Church,  Winchester,  -  -  5  00 
Fredericksville  parish,  Fredericksburg,     15  00 


$93  00 

The  session  was  then  suspended,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  attending  divine  service  by  the  Rev. 
John  Grammer,  and  a  sermon  by  the  Rev. 
Adam  Empie  ;  after  which  the  session  was  re- 
sumed. 

The  parochial  reports  were  handed  in  and 
read,  and  referred  to  the  committee  on  paro- 
chial reports. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Edmund  L  Lee,  the  res- 
olution proposed  at  the  last  Convention,  to 
amend  the  2d  article  of  the  constitution,  by  ad- 
ding to  the  same  the  following  words,  "  and 
provided  also,  that  such  delegate  or  delegates 
shall,  previously  to  taking  his  or  their  seat  in  Con- 
vention, comply  with  the  subscription  required 
of  vestrymen,"  was  taken  up,  and  again,  upon 
the  motion  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Empie,  laid  upon 
the  table. 

Mr.  Edmund  I.  Lee  offered  the  following 
resolution,  which,  on  his  motion,  was  laid  upon 
the  table. 

Resolved,  That  the  first  canon  be  amended 
by  adding  to  the  same  the  following  words  : 
"  and  all  persons  who  shall  be  registered  by 
their  own  request,  according  to  the  provisions  of 
this  canon,  as  members  of  a  particular  church, 
shall  always  be  considered  to  be  attached  to 
that  church,  until  they  shall  actually  express  to 
the  minister  thereof  their  desire  to  withdraw, 
and  shall  obtain  from  him  a  certificate  to  that 


effect;  and  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  such  minister 
to  grant  such  certificate  whenever  it  may  be  re- 
quired." 

The  Convention  proceeded  to  the  election, 
by  ballot,  of  a  standing  committee  of  the  church 
in  this  diocess  for  the  ensuing  year  : — where- 
upon the  following  gentlemen  were  duly  elect- 
ed, viz.  :  the  Rev.  Reuel  Keith,  D.  D.,  the  Rev. 
Edward  R.  Lippit,  the  Rev.  William  Jackson, 
Mr.  John  Hooff,  Mr.  Edmund  I.  Lee,  and  Mr. 
John  Gray. 

And   then,  on  motion,  the  Convention   ad- 
journed until  to-morrow  morning,  9  o'clock. 
Saturday,  May  22,  1830. 
The  Convention  met  according  to  adjourn- 
ment, and  was  opened  with  prayer  by  Bishop 
Meade. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Edward  C.  M'Guire,  from  the 
committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  examina- 
tion of  the  accounts  of  the  treasurer  of  the  fund 
for  the  relief  of  the  widows  and  orphans  of  de- 
ceased clergymen  of  the  Episcopal  Church  of 
Virginia,  made  the  following  report  : — 

The  committee  on  the  Widows'  Fund  beg 
leave  to  report,  that  they  have  examined  the 
treasurer's  account,  and  find  it  correctly  stated. 

The  Funds  are  as  follows,  viz. : — 
United  States  3  per  cents.,  -    .  $2,037  78 

79  shares  of  Farmers'  Bank  of  Al- 
exandria stock,  at  par,      -       -      3,950  00 
5  shares  of  Alexandria  Bank  stock, 

at  par, 1,000  00 

1  share  of  Bank  of  Virginia  stock, 

at  par, 100  00 

R.  Andrews's  estate,  bal.  of  note, 
with  interest  from  30th  April, 
1829,  till  paid,         ...         399  23 
Cash  in  hand,         -         -       -        -         123  49 


$7,610  50 
The  Rev.  Mr.  Hatch,  from  the  committee  on 
the  parochial  reports,  presented  the  following 
report,  which  was  read  and  received. 

The  committee  to  whom  were  referred  the 
parochial  reports  have  had  the  same  under  con- 
sideration, and  beg  leave  to  present  them,  in  the 
following  condensed  form,  for  insertion  on  the 
Journal. 

St.  Paul's,  Alexandria.  Since  the  last  Conven- 
tion there  have  been  eight  marriages,  sixteen  fu- 
nerals, forty-three  baptisms,  nine  added  to  the 
communion.  The  past  year  has  not  been  marked 
by  as  large  an  accession  to  our  communion  as  the 
preceding ;  but  we  have  not  been  altogether  with- 
out the  divine  blessing.  Our  Sunday  Schools  and 
Bible  classes  are  still  exerting  a  useful  influence. 
To  our  benevolent  institutions,  which  continue  to 
prosper,  we  have  recently  added  a  Missionary  So- 
ciety, auxiliary  to  "  The  Domestic  and  Foreign 
Missionary  Society  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church,"  and  we  are  happy  to  say  that  the  spirit 
of  missions  warms  the  hearts  of  many  of  our  con- 
gregation ;  and  we  believe  that  our  society  will 
annually  contribute  a  very  respectable  sum  to 
both  departments.  Wm.  Jackson,  Rector. 

Christ  Church,  Frederick  parish,  Winchester. 
With  feelings  of  gratitude,  the  rector  acknowl- 
edges the  divine  goodness  during  the  past  year,  in 
the  addition  of  twenty-one  to  the  communion  of 


CONVENTION  OF  1830. 


245 


his  church ;  of  whom  eight  removed  into  the  par- 
ish who  had  been  received  into  church  commu- 
nion. The  number  of  communicants  sixty-six — 
marriages  six— baptisms  twenty. 

The  church  in  Norborne  parish  under  his  care 
is  well  attended  ;  but  he  has  to  lament  the  small- 
ness  of  accessions  to  the  communion.  The 
church  has  been  lately  thoroughly  repaired  by  the 
parish  at  a  considerable  expense,  and  it  is  now  a 
very  comfortable  place  of  worship. 

J.  E.  Jackson. 
Bath  parish,  Dinwiddle  county,  and  St.  An- 
drew's parish,  Brunswick  county.  The  rector 
of  these  parishes  has  continued,  during  the  past 
year,  the  same  course  of  labour  mentioned  in  his 
last  report.  The  size  of  the  congregations  has 
been  very  gradually  increasing ;  and  his  weekly 
social  meetings  have  been  tolerably  well  attend- 
ed ;  but  the  spiritual  improvement  of  his  hearers 
has  by  no  means  kept  pace  with  his  desires  and 
previous  expectations.  The  Sunday  School  has 
been  kept  up,  and  has  evidently  eflfected  some  im- 
provement. 

In  St.  Andrew's  parish  he  continues  to  preach 
two  Sundays  in  each  month,  and  the  prospects 
are  more  encouraging.  The  new  church  at  Law- 
renceville  was  completed  in  Jane  last ;  and  al- 
though not  a  costly,  is  a  very  commodious  build- 
ing. The  congregation  there  has  been  generally 
good  ;  the  services  of  the  church  well  performed  ; 
and  the  attention  to  the  word  of  life  such  as  to 
encourage  the  hope  that  it  would  prove  the  savour 
of  life  unto  life  to  many  souls.  A  Bible  class  has 
been  formed  at  Red  Oak  church  ;  and  some  few 
of  the  ladies  belonging  to  that  congregation  have 
lately  exerted  themselves  in  behalf  of  the  Educa- 
tion Society,  with  a  zeal  which  is  worthy  of  imi- 
tation, and  with  a  degree  of  success  which,  under 
their  unfavourable  circumstances,  reflects  great 
credit  on  their  assiduity. 

Although  many  diflSculties  are  yet  to  be  over- 
come, the  rector  is  encouraged  to  hope  that,  ere 
long,  our  Zion  will  come  forth  in  her  beauty,  even 
in  this  moral  wilderness. 

The  number  of  communicants  in  both  parishes 
is  thirty-five ;  one  has  died  during  the  past  year, 
two  have  removed,  and  eleven  have  been  added. 
The  baptisms  have  been  twelve  (two  of  adults, 
six  of  white,  and  four  of  coloured  infants)— mar- 
riages twelve — funerals  seven. 

John  Grammer,  Jr. 

Bristol  parish,  Petersburg.  The  rector  has  the 
satisfaction  to  report,  that  his  congregation  grad- 
ually increases  m  number ;  and  he  cherishes  the 
hope  that  there  is  some  increase  and  improve- 
ment in  spiritual  knowledge  among  a  portion  of 
the  members.  The  number  of  communicants  has 
not  increased  during  the  last  year  ;  their  present 
number  is  fifty.  The  Sunday  School  continues  in 
an  improving  state  ;  the  teachers,  particularly  the 
female  part  of  them,  are  attentive  to  their  respec- 
tive duties.  The  Auxiliary  Education  Society 
prosecutes  the  interests  of  the  parent  institution 
(Alexandria)  with  unabating  assiduity.  Marria- 
ges seven— baptisms  twenty-six — deaths  eleven. 
.  Andrew  Syme. 

Augusta  parish.  The  rector  reports,  that  du- 
ring the  past  year  the  members  of  the  Augusta 
parish  have,  with  great  exertion  and  generous  lib- 
erality, raised  funds  for  building  two  neat  brick 
churches  ;  one  in  Staunton,  the  other  seven  miles 
distant ;  both  to  be  immediately  erected. 

Our  Sunday  School  and  Bible  class  are  flour- 
ishing, the  former  having  been  increased  from 
fifty  to  about  one  hundred  scholars,  with  fifteen 
teachers.  The  Sunday.  SchooUibrary  contains 
200  volumes,  purchased  by  the  Ladies'  Sewing 


Society.  A  parish  library  has  also  been  com- 
menced, and  promises  much  usefulness  among  an 
inquiring  people.  A  Female  Education  Society 
has  been  formed  to  aid  our  Theological  Seminary. 
An  increasing  interest  in  the  church  is  manifest, 
and  true  piety  finds  some  to  love  and  cherish  it. 
I'en  persons  have  been  confirmed.  The  number 
of  communicants  twenty-eight— baptisms  four — 
marriages  five — deaths  two. 

Ebenezer  Boyden. 

St.  Margaret's  parish,  CaroUne  county.  The 
rector  of  this  parish  reports,  that  since  the  last 
Convention  there  have  been  seven  baptisms. 
Three  communicants  have  been  added  to  the 
church,  and  one  removed  by  death.  The  congre- 
gations are  large  and  attentive,  and  also  increas- 
ing ;  and  he  therefore  trusts  that  his  labours  have 
not  been  altogether  in  vain  in  the  Lord.  The 
Sunday  School  and  Bible  class  are  still  contin- 
ued, and,  it  is  believed,  have  been  useful.  Com- 
municants twenty-seven — marriages  four. 

Since  the  commencement  of  the  present  year, 
one  Sunday  in  each  month  has  been  spent  in  la- 
bouring at  the  Bowlmg-Green.  A  considerable 
interest  is  here  felt  by  a  number  upon  the  subject 
of  religion,  and  a  Bible  class  has  recently  been 
formed,  consisting  of  upwards  of  a  dozen  ladies, 
from  which  much  good  is  anticipated. 

I  have  also  preached  one  Sunday  in  each 
month,  since  December,  in  the  adjoining  county 
of  Spotsylvania.  The  prospect  of  reviving  the 
church  in  the  lower  part  of  this  county  is  very  en- 
couraging. At  the  earnest  sohcitations  of  many 
friends  to  the  church,  one  Sunday  in  each  month 
will  be  devoted  to  labouring  in  this  part  of  the 
Lord's  vineyard.  C.  J.  Good. 

Abingdon  and  Ware  parishes.  The  number  of 
communicants  nineteen.  Our  Sunday  Schools 
have  been  revived,  and  promise  much  good.  Tiie 
services  of  the  church  are  well  attended. 

My  residence  in  these  parishes  has  been  too 
short  to  enable  me  to  say  any  thing  more  definite 
as  to  their  present  state. 

Jno.  Cole. 

The  rector  of  Russell  parish,  Bedford  county, 
would  acknowledge,  with  humble  gratitude  to 
God,  that  his  labours  have  not  been  altogether 
without  the  blessing  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  Al- 
though as  much  has  not  been  fulfilled  as  was  an- 
ticipated at  the  last  Convention,  still  it  may  be 
said  that  the  interests  of  the  church  have  been 
steadily  improving,  and  that  her  general  prospects 
are  decidedly  favourable.  Not  only  has  his  heart 
been  cheered  by  some  additions  to  the  commu- 
nion, but  he  has  also  been  gratified  to  perceive  a 
very  favourable  change  in  the  public  mind,  both 
with  regard  to  the  pious  character  of  the  church, 
and  the  peculiar  nature  of  her  services.  Of  those 
added  to  the  communion  since  the  last  report,  one 
is  a  very  excellent  and  truly  pious  young  man, 
who,  after  much  prayer  and  self-examination,  has 
determined  immediately  to  commence  his  studies 
with  a  view  to  the  ministry.  Burials  four-— mar- 
riages eleven — baptisms,  of  adults  seven,  of  infants 
thirty — communicants,  two  died,  three  removed, 
sixteen  added,  total  seventy. 

Nicholas  H.  Cobbs. 

Parish  of  Frederick.  The  state  of  this  parish  is 
considered  promising.  The  attendance  upon 
divine  worship  is  punctual,  and  the  services  of 
the  church  are  devoutly  attended.  The  rector 
preaches  regularly  at  the  chapel,  occasionally  at 
Berry ville,  and  about  four  times  in  the  year  has 
meetings  on  Saturday  and  Sunday  at  Middletown. 
The  number  of  communicants  is  about  sixty — 
baptisms  during  the  last  year  have  been  eight — 
marriages  four — funerals  four. 


24a 


CONVENTION  OF  1830. 


Thet©  are  two  Sunday  Schools  in  the  parish, 
one  at  Berryville,  and  another  at  Millwood. 

The  societies  in  this  parish  continue  to  flour- 
ish. Between  three  and  four  hundred  dollars  are 
annually  raised  for  the  Colonizing  Society,  nearly 
two  hundred  for  the  Education  Society,  and  one 
hundred  and  fifty  have  been  recently  given  to  the 
Greek  Mission. 

In  the  course  of  the  present  year,  it. is  hoped,. 
a  new  and  commodious  brick  church  will  be  built 
at  Berryville.  Wm.  Meabe. 

Bruton  parish,  Williamsburg.  The  rector  re- 
ports, since  the  last  Convention,  eighteen  bap- 
tisms ;  four  of  the  subjects  were  adults,  and  one 
was  baptized  by  immersion — seven  marriages, 
three  of  which  were  of  coloured  persons — eigh- 
teen funerals,  nine  of  children  and  nine  of  adults. 
Only  ten  of  the  eighteen  belonged  to  the  parish. 
Of  the  communicants,  two  have  died,  and  one  has 
left  the  church — thirteen  have  been  added  to  the 
communion :  the  present  number  is  fifty-four,  of 
whom  three  are  coloured  persons. 

In  other  respects  the  parish  is  much  the  same 
as  when  last  reported,  except  that  by  the  estab- 
lishment of  two  other  Sunday  Schools,  the  num- 
ber of  our  scholars  is  reduced  to  about  forty. 
During  the  year,  however,  there  has  been  no  in- 
considerable increase  of  pious  inquiry  and  rational 
rehgious  excitement,  and  a  good  work,  through 
grace,  is,  we  hope,  still  in  progress.  May  the 
Lord  increase  abundantly  the  number  and  the 
graces  of  hi,«  servants.  A.  Empie. 

St.  Martin's  parish,  Hanover  and  Louisa.  The 
rector  of  this  parish  reports,  that  during  the  past 
year  but  few  additions  have  been  made  to  his 
communion,  while,  by  deaths  and  removals,  the 
number  has  been  in  some  measure  reduced.  He 
is  consoled,  however,  in  being  able  to  state,  that 
there  are  other  indications  of  good  not  less  cheer- 
ing than  the  acquisition  of  numbers,  and  that  the 
general  condition  of  the  parish  is  in  a  state  of  im- 
provement. 

At  two  of  the  churches  where  divine  service  is 
regularly  performed  the  congregations  are  small, 
but  respectful  and  attentive ;  at  the  other,  it  is 
large  and  flourishing.  One  of  the  Sunday 
Schools  heretofore  existing  has.  been  discontin- 
ued ;  the  other  is  in  a  more  prosperous  and  inter- 
esting condition  than  at  any  former  period.  It 
numbers  at  present  eighteen  teachers,  who  are 
active  and  zealous,  and  sixty  scholars,  who  are 
diligent  and  attentive. 

Since  the  last  Convention,  the  Education  So- 
ciety has  contributed  to  the  parent  institution 
$266  ;  $210  of  that  were  raised  by  a  society  of 
young  ladies,  the  proceeds, of  their  own  industry ; 
$200  of  which  were  the  proceeds  of  a  fair,  which, 
amid  difficulties  and  discouragements  of  various 
kinds,  they  prosecuted  with  a  zeal,  perseverance, 
and  propriety  of  conduct,  which  redound  as  much 
to  their  credit  as  they  contributed  to  their  suc- 
cess. They  have  contributed  also  $30  to  make 
their  minister  a  life  member  of  the  Education  So- 
ciety, making  in  all  $240  raised  by  this  society 
Bince  the  last  Convention. 

The  receipts  of  the  Auxiliary  Bible  Society 
during  thep>a$t  year  were  $80,  $50  of  which  were 
paid  into  the  treasury  of  the  parent  institution ; 
the  balance  was  laid  out  in  the  purchase  of  Bibles 
and  Testaments  for  the  use  of  the  parish. 

A  liberal  subscription  has  been  raised  for  the 
purpose  of  erecting  a  new  brick  building  for  public 
worship,  which  will  be  commenced  in  the  course 
of  a  few  months,  and  probably  completed  in  the 
course  of  the  ensuing  year. 

We  have  also  formed  a  Missionary  Society,  for 
the  double  purpose  jof  aiding  the  Protestant  Epis- 


copal Missionary  Society  of  the  diocess  of  Vir- 
ginia, and  the  Domestic  and  Foreign  Missionary 
Society  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the 
United  States. 

The  whole  amount  contributed  in  this  parish 
since  the  last  Convention  towards  religious  and 
charitable  purposes,  besides  supporting  its  minis- 
ter, is  $491  ;  296  to  the  Education  Society  ;  80  to 
the  Bible  Society ;  75  to  the  Theological  Semi- 
nary ;  20  to  the  Contingent  Fund ;  10  to  the  Bish- 
op's Assistant,  and  10  to  the  Greek  Mission,  raised 
by  a  society  of  little  girls. 

Communicants  sixty-five,  added  six—baptisms 
eight,  one  adult,  one  coloured  infant— funerals 
nine — one  marriage.  John  Cooke. 

St.  James's  parish,  Northam,  Goochland.  The 
minister  of  this  parish  reports,  that  there  has  been 
no  material  change  in  the  state  of  the  congrega- 
tion during  the  past  year.  The  present  number 
of  communicants  is  twenty-four.  There  have 
been  formed  during  the  year  a  Prayer- Book  and 
Tract  Society,  and  a  Sunday  School.  The  min- 
istrations of  the  sanctuary  have  been  generally 
well  attended.  He  has  preached  regularly  one 
Sunday  in  the  month  in  Araeha  county,  and  one 
in  Chesterfield. 

Within  the  entire  circuit  of  his  charge  there  are 
thirty-six  communicants,  four  of  whom  have  been 
added  during  the  current  year.  Funerals  six — 
baptisms  four — marriages  two. 

James  Doughen. 
Antrim  parish,  Halifax  county.  During  the  last 
year  there  has  been  an  accession  of  eight  to  the 
number  of  communicants  in  this  parish.  In  the 
neighbourhood  of  the  courthouse,  a  commodious 
brick  church  has. been  erected,  which  is  now 
nearly  ready  for  consecration.  One  of  the  con- 
gregations reported  last  year  has  since  been  given 
up,  and  a  new  one  formed  in  another  part  of  the 
county,  where  a  convenient  house  of  worship  has 
been  erected,  and  every  thing  promises  well. 
Regular  congregations  three — communicants  20 — 
baptisms,  three  adults  and  nine  children — mar- 
riages three — funerals  seven. 

Charles  Dresser,  Rector. 
It  may  not  be  improper  to  state,  that,  during  my 
residence  in  Halifax,  I  have  occasionally  extended 
my  labours  to  the  adjoining  county  of  Pittsylvania, 
where  our  church  has  never  been  organized,  but 
where  an  active  and  zealous  minister  would  be 
well  received.  There  are  already  seven  commu- 
nicants, some  of  whom  have  not  had  an  opportu- 
nity of  receiving  the  communion  for  nearly  forty 
years.  C.  D. 

St.  John's  Church,  Henrico  parish,  Henrico 
county.  My  connexion  with  this  parish  has 
been  of  but  little  more  than  one  month's  stand- 
ing ;  of  course  I  am  not  able  to  report  satisfac- 
torily its  present  condition.  On  Easter -day  twen- 
ty-four participated  in  the  Holy  Communion.  I 
have  administered  the  sacrament  of  baptism  to 
three  infants.  Edward  W.  Peet. 

Moore  parish,  Campbell  county.  During  the 
past  year  very  little  change  has  taken  place  in  the 
state  of  the  people  of  this  parish.  Divine  service 
has  in  general  been  seriously  attended,  and  the 
number  of  communicants  somewhat  increased. 
Baptisms  nine— marriages  two — one  funeral — 
communicants  fifteen.  N.  G.  Osgood. 

Tillotson  parish,  Buckingham  county.  This 
new  and  interesting  parish  has  not  enjoyed  the 
regular  services  of  the  church  till  recently.  Since 
February  last,  divine  service  has  been  held  there 
twice  a  month.  The  congregations  are  large, 
attentive,  and  devout ;  the  members  of  the  church 
exemplary  and  zealous.  There  will  soon  be 
erected  a  conunodious  house  of  worship.    The 


CONVENTION  OF  1830. 


247 


Sunday  School  mentioned  in  the  last  report  is 
still  in  operation.  Baptisms  ten,  two  adults — 
marriages  four  —  funerals  four  —  communicants 
twenty-five.  N.  G.  Osgood. 

Christ  Church.  Fairfax  parish,  Alexandria,  D. 
C.  The  rector  of  this  parish  commenced  his  la- 
bours among  the  people  of  his  charge  only  in  No- 
vember last.  He  therefore  cannot  enter  much  into 
detail  in  this  report.  With  his  congregation 
there  is  united  a  Sunday  School,  a  Bible  class,  a 
Saturday  School  under  the  care  of  a  benevolent 
society,  and  a  Missionary  Association,  which  is  yet 
in  its  infancy.  The  number  of  communicants  it 
has  been  impracticable  to  ascertain  with  perfect 
accuracy  ;  three  were  added  at  the  last  commu- 
nion, and  one  has  since  removed  from  the  parish, 
leaving  perhaps  seventy-five  or  eighty  in,  all. 
Marriages  four  (one  of  which  was  that  of  colour- 
ed persons),  baptisms  eleven  (of  which  six  were 
coloured  children),  burials  six  (one  a  coloured 
man).  John  P.  M'Guire. 

St.  Anne's  parish,  Albemarle.  The  rector  of 
the  parish  having  been  connected  with  it  but  a  few 
weeks,  is  unable  to  make  any  very  explicit  report 
respecting  it.  It  gives  him  pleasure  to  observe, 
however,  that  notwithstanding  it  has  been  for  a 
long  time  destitute  of  the  regular  ministrations  of 
the  Episcopal  church,  there  is  at  present  existing 
in  the  hearts  of  a  considerable  number  an  ardent 
desire  to  restore  them  ;  and,  in  accordance  with 
this  desire,  an  effort  is  now  making  to  erect  a  neat 
and  convenient  brick  edifice  for  public  worship  ; 
which  effort,  there  is  great  reason  to  believe,  will, 
by  the  blessing  of  God,  shortly  succeed.  There 
is,  on  the  whole,  a  good  foundation  for  the  hope, 
that  persevering  labour  among  this  people  will  be 
ultimately  crowned  with  success. 

Zacha^ri.^H  Mead. 

St.  George's  Church,  Fredericksburg.  There 
is  nothing  remarkable  to  be  communicated  in  re- 
gard to  the  state  of  this  parish.  With  some  ex- 
perience of  the  appointed  trials  of  his  church, 
there  has  also  been  through  the  past  year  an  ex- 
perience of  the  unchanging  love  which  the  Saviour 
bears  towards  her;  unequivocal  proofs  of  his 
faithfulness  have  been  given  us  in  some  important 
accessions  to  his  cause,  while  the  gradual  increase 
of  that  cause  in  moral  ascendency  promises  the 
best  results  in  the  present  and  final  salvation  of 
those  intrusted  to  our  care. 

The  zeal  of  the  congregation  is  unabated  in  sus- 
taining those  parochial  institutions  which  have 
for  their  object  the  good  of  mankind,  temporal 
and  spiritual,  at  home  and  abroad.  Our  Sunday 
Schools  are  cherished  with  peculiar  interest;  of 
these  there  are  three,  one  of  which  is  an  infant 
school,  and  is  especially  interesting  and  useful. 
We  have  also  three  Bible  classes  in  operation, 
one  for  females,  and  two  for  males ;  these  have 
been  most  useful  in  promoting  rehgion  among  us. 
Two  pious  youths  from  this  source  will  soon  be 
added  to  the  list  of  our  theological  students. 
The  Sunday  Schools  contain  about  225  scholars, 
the  Bible  classes  about  fifty.  Communicants 
about  112,  baptisms  seventeen,  marriages  eight, 
funerals  nine.  Edw.  C.  M'Guire. 

Christ  Church,  Richmond.  This  church  was 
organized  on  the  31st  of  December  last,  and  has 
been  steadily  increasing  ever  since.  There  is 
connected  with  it  a  Sunday  School  and  Educa- 
tion Society,  and  a  Bible  class.  The  Sunday 
School  numbers  103  scholars  and  teachers.  As 
an  appendage  to  this  department,  there  is  a  library 
of  about  250  volumes,  which  have  been  selected 
with  care. 

The  rector  of  this  church  performs  a  third  ser- 
vice every  Sunday  night  in  the  town  of  Manches- 


ter, which  Is  numerously  attended ;  and  he  has 
been  much  encouraged  by  the  prospects  which 
have  unexpectedly  opened  in  that  place,  of  a  large 
ingathering  to  the  flock  of  Christ.  He  thinks  the 
piety  of  his  charge  is  assuming  an  elevated  char- 
acter ;■  he  trusts  that  a  praying  people  will  draw 
down  the  blessing  of  a  prayer-answering  God. 
There  have  been  recently  seven  additions  to  the 
communion,  making  the  whole  nurnber  of  com- 
municants thirty — baptisms  eight — marriages  two 
—burials  six.  William  F.  Lee,  Rector. 

Hamilton  and  Leeds  parishes,  Fauquier.  The 
congregations  of  these  parishes  are  generally  good 
and  often  crowded,  and  are  uniformly  attentive  to 
the  preaching  of  the  word.  The  number  of  com- 
municants has  increased,  and  it  is  hoped  that  the 
increase  always  consists  of  those  who  constitute 
the  real  strength  and  ornament  of  the  church  of 
Christ.  The  number  of  comYnunicants  in  both 
parishes  is  about  fifty — ^baptisms  fifteen — mar- 
riages fourteen — funerals  seven. 

A  Sunday  School  was  established  in  Leeds 
parish  last  summer,  and  promises  to  be  an  instru- 
ment of  much  good. 

The  Female  Education  Society  in  Hamilton 
parish  is  still  in  operation,  and  lately  transmitted 
about  $40  to  the  parent  society.  A  sermon  was 
preached  and  a  collection  taken  up  for  the  benefit 
of  this  society  in  January  last.  A  Bible  Society 
was  formed  last  summer,  which  has  distributed  a 
large  number  of  Bibles,  and  contributed  hberally 
to  the  funds  of  the  parent  institution. 

Geo.  Lemon,  Rector. 

St.  Paul's  Church,  Lynchburg.  The  rector  re- 
ports, that  the  state  of  religion  in  this  parish  has 
presented  nothing  pecuhar  in  the  course  of  the 
year  past.  The  hope  is  devoutly  cherished,  that 
in  the  midst  of  much  worldliness  of  mind,  the  sol- 
emn truths  of  the  gospel  are  gaining  a  progressive 
influence  over  some  who  have  heretofore  disre- 
garded them ;  and  that  the  doctrine,  discipline,  and 
worship  of  our  church  are  becoming  better  under- 
stood and  more  justly  valued. 

The  Sunday  School  has  recently  been  organ- 
ized anew,  and  is  conducted  with  energy,  and  with 
the  happiest  effects.  Communicants,  died  one, 
removed  six, .added  seven,  present  number  thirty- 
six — baptisms,  of  adults  two,  of  infants  six — fu- 
nerals ten.  F.  G.  Smith. 

St.  Paul's  Church,  King  George  county.  The 
lay  delegates  from  this  parish  report,  that  there 
has  been  no  accession  to  the  number  of  commu- 
nicants during  the  past  year,  but  they  flatter 
themselves  that  there  is  an  increasing  interest  in 
the  general  prosperity  of  the  church.  An  act  of 
the  Legislature,  changing  their  dilapidated  church 
into  an  academy,  has  been  repealed,  and  subscrip- 
tions obtained  for  putting  it  in  repair.  The  re- 
moval of  their  pastor  to  St.  John's  Church,  Rich- 
mond, is  very  generally  and  deeply  regretted. 
Should  they,  by  the  blessing  of  God,  succeed  in 
obtaining  a  zealous  and  self-denying  minister  to 
succeed  him,  they  should  not  despair  of  success, 
John  Stuart, 
Francis  C.  Fitzhugh. 

St.  James's  Church,  Leesburg.  Marriages  six 
— baptisms  nineteen— funerals  three — added  to  the 
communion  of  the  church  eight — removals  from 
the  same  four.  Thomas  Jackson,  Rector. 

St.  John's  church,  Hampton.  Marriages  seven- 
teen—baptisms forty-six  (five  adults,  two  blacks) 
— communicants  twenty-two — funerals  twenty- 
two. 

With  gratitude  to  God  the  rector  reports,  that 
in  the  early  part  of  the  present  year,  the  church 
was  consecrated  by  our  venerable  bishop.  In  con- 
sequence of  removals  and  death,  the  number  of 


248 


CONVENTION  OF  1830. 


communicants  is  lessened,  although  two  have 
been  added  since  the  last  report.  As  heretofore, 
the  labours  of  the  rector  have  been  divided  be- 
tween Hampton  and  Old  Point ;  and  the  hope  is 
indulged  that  he  has  been  instrumental,  in  the 
hands  of  God,  of  promoting  in  a  small  degree  the 
interests  of  religion,  as  connected  with  our  Zion. 
Mark  Lindsay  Chevers. 

The  rector  of  St.  Andrew's  parish  reports,  that 
though  the  churches  under  his  care  exhibit  no 
striking  evidences  of  improvement,  they  are  still 
in  such  a  state  as  to  call  forth  his  gratitude,  and 
give  some  encouragement  to  his  exertions. 

The  people  of  his  charge  are  generally  punc- 
tual and  regular  in  their  attendance  at  the  house 
of  God.  Those  who  have  professed  to  be  follow- 
ers of  Christ,  are  for  the  most  part  consistent  and 
without  reproach.  The  rector  has,  indeed,  for  a 
short  time  past,  entertained  some  hope,  from  the 
increased  zeal  of  the  pious,  the  religious  sensibil- 
ity of  an  unusual  number  of  his  people,  the  late 
hopeful  conversion  of  six  youths,  and  the  evident 
seriousness  of  several  others,  that  there  was  ap- 
proaching one  of  those  seasons  of  "  refreshing 
irom  the  Lord"  so  much  to  be  desired,  and  for 
which  we  should  so  earnestly  pray. 

There  are  two  useful  associations,  one  in  con- 
nexion with  the  General  Domestic  and  Foreign 
Missionary  Society,  and  the  other  with  the  Soci- 
ety for  the  Education  of  Poor  and  Pious  Youth 
for  the  Ministry.  The  American  Bible,  Tract, 
and  Colonization  Societies,  also  receive  a  cordial 
and  liberal  support.  The  number  of  communi- 
cants about  seventy-five. 

Alex.  Jones. 

The  rector  of  Fredericksville  parish  remarks 
no  very  material  changes  in  his  congregations  du- 
ring the  past  year.  Those  who  love  the  church, 
her  ministry,  and  services,  have  continued  to  sus- 
tain ihem  with  unabated  zeal  and  attachment. 
Seldom,  if  ever,  has  a  communion  service  occur- 
red, when  some  one  or  more  has  not  been  added 
to  the  number,  as  is  trusted,  of  true  professors  of 
the  faith  of  a  crucified  Saviour.  There  are,  how- 
ever, many  circumstances  of  difficulty,  not  to  say 
of  discouragement,  which  the  rector  deems  it  un- 
necessary to  detail  to  this  Convention,  as  he  is  not 
aware  that  they  are  peculiar  to  himself,  but  be- 
lieves them  to  prevail  more  or  less  generally. 

The  rector  has  recently  attempted  the  renewal 
of  a  congregation  near  Buck  Mountain,  which 
was  once  in  a  flourishing  condition,  but  has 
been  destitute  of  the  services  of  the  church  for 
the  last  twenty  years  ;  the  prospect  at  present  is 
encouraging.  Communicants  added  eight,  whole 
number  about  fifty — baptisms  eleven,  ten  infants, 
one  adult— funetals  six.  Colonization  Society, 
$650— Organ,  $600.  F.  W.  Hatch. 

Christ  Church,  Norfolk  (Elizabeth  River  par- 
ish). In  this  parish  there  have  been,  since  the  last 
Convention,  twenty-four  baptisms,  fifteen  mar- 
riages, and  twenty-fwo  funerals.  The  present 
number  of  communicants  is  two  hundred  and  six. 
The  Sunday  School  is  still  large  and  flourishing. 
The  Education  Society  was  never  so  prosperous 
and  interesting  as  at  present.  Its  members  have 
considerably  increased  ;  and  their  efforts  in  behalf 
of  the  society  have  never  been  more  diligent  or 
successful.  They  have  raised  for  the  parent  soci- 
ety during  the  year,  $227  89i  Agreeably  to  the 
resolution  of  the  Convention  at  the  last  session,  a. 
sermon  has  been  preached  by  the  rector  in  behalf 
of  the  Missionary  Society  of  the  diocess,  and  a 
collection  made,  which  amounted  to  $101  26,  to 
which  the  Sunday  School  of  the  parish  has  added 
the  sum  of  $9, 

Two  hundred  and  two  dollars  and  fifty  cents 


have  been  lately  contributed  to  the  Greek  Mission, 
and  a  missionary  spirit  roused,  from  which  the 
happiest  results  are  expected. 

The  temporal  circumstances  of  the  congrega- 
tion continue  in  a  state  of  undiminished  prosper- 
ity ;  and  the  spiritual  condition  of  the  people,  it  is 
humbly  hoped,  is  gradually  (if  slowly)  improving. 
There  is  still  indifference  and  worldliness  enough 
to  occasion  regret ;  but  something  of  interest,  and 
faithfulness,  and  spirituality,  to  rejoice  the  heart, 
and  to  call  forth  thanks  to  God. 

Henry  W.  Ducachet. 

Report  of  Lexington  parish,  Amherst  county. 
Upon  a  review  it  is  found,  that  the  work  of  the 
Lord  has  not  prospered  to  the  same  extent  the  last 
year  as  in  preceding  years. 

The  churches  have  been  generally  well  attend- 
ed, and  to  each  of  them  there  have  been  small 
additions,'making  in  all  seven.  Marriages  four — 
baptisms  fifteen— funerals  sixteen — the  whole  num- 
ber of  communicants  forty-eight. 

Besides  the  regular  places  of  worship,  the  min- 
ister flatters  himself  with  the  hope  of  rearing  up 
in  the  county  two  or  three  other  congregations. 

The  children  of  the  diftierent  churches  have 
been  occasionally  catechised. 

Report  of  Nelson  parish,  Nelson  county.  In 
the  county  of  Nelson  a  parish  has  been  recently 
organized,  which  is  called  Nelson  parish. 

The  accession  to  the  list  of  communicants  is 
eight,  and  others  in  the  congregation  appear  to  be 
deeply  engaged  in  seeking  an  acquaintance  with 
Him  whom  God  hath  sent.  The  whole  number 
of  communicants  nineteen.  The  prospects  of  the 
church  in  this  county  are  encouraging. 

Could  the  churches  be  blessed  with  the  minis- 
trations of  the  word  oftener  than  once  in  four 
weeks,  we  should  hope  that  the  Lord  would  draw 
to  himself  numbers  "  of  such  as  shall  be  saved." 
Charles  H.  Page. 

St.  Stephen's  Church,  Culpepper  county.  There 
has  been  a  considerable  improvement  in  this  con- 
gregation since  the  last  Convention.  Six  new 
communicants  have,  within  the  last  year,  been  ad- 
ded to  the  church.  The  interest  in  its  services 
has  manifestly  increased ;  a  Bible  class,  lately 
formed,  has  been  numerously  attended ;  and  other 
circumstances  seem  to  indicate  an  improvement 
in  the  spiritual  condition  of  the  people. 

A  society  has  been  formed  auxiliary  to  the  Do- 
mestic Missionary  Society  of  the  diocess,  and  con- 
tributions to  its  funds  to  the  amount  of  thirty-one 
dollars  have  been  promptly  and  cheerfully  made. 

There  has  been  no  perceptible  change  in  the 
state  of  the  church  in  Orange  county. 

Baptisms  in  both  parishes  ten,  two  of  which 
were  of  adults — burials  four — communicants  in 
Culpepper  thirty-six — in  Orange  thirteen. 

George  A.  Smith. 

Trinity  Church,  Portsmouth  parish.  The  rec- 
tor reports,  that  since  the  last  Convention,  their 
house  of  public  worship  has  been  almost  entirely 
rebuilt,  and  on  a  much  larger  scale.  To  the  ac- 
comphshment  of  this  object,  they  are  particularly 
indebted  to  the  exertions  of  one  individual,  who, 
besides  his  own  personal  labour  and  a  liberal  do- 
nation of  $100,  generously  advanced  above  $1,000, 
without  which  the  work  must  have  been  greatly 
retarded,  if  not  suspended  altogether. 

With  respect  to  the  spiritual  condition  of  the 
congregation,  the  rector  is  happy  to  state,  that  it 
is,  on  the  whole,  quite  encouraging.  An  increas- 
ing interest  in  the  services  of  the  sanctuary  is 
clearly  manifested.  The  Sunday  school  is  still  kept 
up,  but  not  in  that  flourishing  condition  which  is 
greatly  to  be  desired.  The  Bible  class  has  been 
revived,  and  promises  to  be  quite  usefuL 


CONVENTION  OF  1830. 


249 


Communicants,  seven  added  and  three  remo- 
ved, whole  number  thirty-three.  Fam dies  in  the 
congregation  about  titty— marriages  fifteen— bap- 
tisms ten— burials  three. 

J.    H.   WiNGFIELD. 

St.  Matthew's  Church,  Wheeling.  Nine  years 
ag(j,  that  most  laborious  and  successful  clergy- 
man, the  late  Rev.  John  Armstrong,  came  to  this 
place.  Full  of  the  spirit  of  his  office,  he  imme- 
diately set  about  the  collecting  of  a  congregation 
that  should  worship  God  agreeably  to  the  forms 
of  our  church.  There  was  scarcely  any  thing  to 
encourage  the  making  of  an  effort,  oi;  to  sustain  it 
when  begun.  Such  a  zeal  as  his  needed  no  other 
excitement  than  the  fact  that  there  were  in  the 
town  some  families  who,  not  belonging  to  any 
other  church,  might,  by  judicious  attention,  be  in- 
duced to  join  ours. 

During  six  years  he  persevered,  with  varying  suc- 
cess, amid  the  greatest  discouragements,  such  as 
are  known  only  to  a  zealous  missionary  occupying 
a  new  station,  remote  from  the  great  body  of  the 
church,  and  pecuhar  local  hinderances,  which 
would  have  disheartened  and  turned  back  a  less 
holy  and  devoted  servant  of  God. 

"  The  work  of  the  Lord  prospered  in  his  hands." 
Assisted  by  a  few  pious  and  other  generous  indi- 
viduals, he  succeeded  in  procuring  the  erection  of 
a  handsome  and  commodious  church,  and  in  es- 
tablishing a  parish,  embracing  within  its  limits 
about  forty  families,  among  the  most  respecta- 
ble and  intelligent  in  the  place.  At  the  time  of 
his  much-lamented  death  there  were  about  thirty 
communicants,  and  a  large  and  flourishing  Sab- 
bath School  was  accomplishing  much  good. 

But  the  praise  of  our  late  rector  is  in  other 
churches  besides  this.  By  judiciously  and  indus- 
triously economizing  his  time  and  labour,  he  col- 
lected large  congregations  in  several  other  neigh- 
bouring places,  and  built  or  repaired  three  other 
churches  in  this  state  and  in  Ohio. 

This  scarcely  less  than  apostolic  missionary's 
success  is  an  exemplification  of  what  a  holy  zeal, 
united  with  a  generous  disinterestedness  and  good 

Eractical  sense,  may  accomplish,  when  animated 
y  the  high  considerations  to  which  the  "  called 
of  God"  only  are  accessible. 

St.  Matthew's  Church  was  without  a  pastor  for 
a  year  after  Mr.  A.'s  death.  I  commenced  my 
ministry  here  in  August,  1828.  I  found  the  Sun- 
day School  flourishing :  it  continues  to  be  so.  Fif- 
teen families  and  fourteen  communicants  have 
been  added  since,  making  the  present  number  of 
families  about  sixty,  and  of  communicants  thirty. 
I  have  baptized  two  adults  and  twelve  children ; 
celebrated  eighteen  marriages  and  seven  funerals. 
The  Bible  class  and  catechumens  preparing  for 
confirmation  are  in  regular  attendance  upon  stated 
appropriate  exercises. 

Of  God's  abounding  grace  through  Christ,  we 
are  at  this  moment  rejoicing  at  the  cheering  indi- 
cations of  a  revival  and  diff'usion  of  experimental 
Eractical  piety.  To  several  of  those  who  have 
een  for  some  time  regular  in  their  attendance 
upon  the  ordinances  of  the  Lord's  house,  the 
spirit  of  all  gracious  affections  has  shown  their 
ruined  state  as  sinners,  and  has  led  to  that  faith 
in  Christ  which  justifies  and  sanctifies,  whereby 
"  we  have  peace  with  God,  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord." 

J.  Thos.  Wheat,  Rector. 
On  motion  of  Mr.  Edmund  L  Lee,  the  reso- 
lution offered  at  the  last  Convention,  and  yes- 
terday laid  upon  the  table,  proposing  to  amend 
the  second  article  of  the  constitution,  by  adding 
to  the  same  the  following  words  ;  '*  and  provided 


also,  that  such  delegate  or  delegates  shall,  pre- 
viously to  taking  his  or  their  seat  in  Convention, 
comply"  with  the  subscription  required  of  vestry- 
men," was  taken  up  ;  and,  on  motion,  the  same 
was  laid  upon  the  table. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Williams,  Resolved,  That 
the  tenth  canon  be  amended  by  striking  out 
the  words,  "  solemnly  engage  to  conform  to," 
and  insert,  in  lieu  thereof,  the  following  words, 
"  approve  and  prefer." 

On  motion  of  Key.  Mr.  Grammer,  Resolved, 
That,  agreeably  to  the  provisions  of  the  thir- 
teenth article  of  the  constitution,  notice  be 
transmitted  to  the  several  vestries  of  the  par- 
ishes in  this  diocess,  that  it  is  proposed,  at  the 
next  Convention,  to  amend  the  second  article 
of  the  constitution,  by  adding  to  the  same  the 
following  words  ;  "  and  provided  also,  that  such 
delegate  or  delegates  shall,  previously  to  taking 
his  or  their  seat  in  Convention,  comply  with  the 
subscription  required  of  vestrymen." 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Edmund  L  Lee,  the  reso- 
lution offered  by  him  proposing  to  amend  the 
first  canon  was  taken  up  ;  and,  on  the  ques- 
tion being  put  thereon,  the  same  was  carried  iri 
the  negative. 

The  R.ev.  George  Lemon,  from  the  com- 
mittee upon  the  state  of  the  church  in  this  dio- 
cess, presented*the  following  report  and  accom- 
panying resolutions  : — 

The  committee  on  the  state  of  the  church  beg 
leave  respectfully  to  report,  that  the  spiritual 
state  and  general  prospects  of  the  diocess,  so  far 
as  they  have  been  made  known  by  the  episcopal 
and  parochial  reports  presented  to  this  Conven- 
tion, are  of  a  character  to  awaken  gratitude  to 
God,  and  inspire  the  most  encouraging  hopes. 
Much,  very  much,  remains  to  be  done  to  give 
prevalence  to  religion  and  virtue  throughout  our 
land ;  but  what  has  been  done  already  furnishes 
ground  of  confidence  that  the  Lord  is  with  this 
branch  of  his  church,  and  that  he  is  waiting  to 
bless  with  still  greater  success  our  faithful  en- 
deavours to  do  his  will  and  promote  his  glory. 

Among  various  interesting  points  to  which  the 
committee  might  draw  the  attention  of  this  Con- 
vention, they  will  limit  themselves  to  three.  The 
first  point  is  the  restriction  accompanying  the  elec- 
tion of  our  assistant  bishop,  by  which  u  was  de- 
clared, that  his  election  as  assistant  bishop  should 
not  of  itself  constitute  him  successor  to  our  pres- 
ent diocesan.  The  removal  of  this  restriction  is, 
in  the  opinion  of  your  committee,  highly  desira- 
ble. The  committee  will  not  occupy  the  time  of 
this  Convention  with  a  lengthened  argument  in 
support  of  their  opinion,  but  will  content  them- 
selves with  recommending  the  adoption  of  the  fol- 
lowing preamble  and  resolution,  adverting  to  the 
uniform  practice  of  the  church,  and  to  a  canon  of 
the  General  Convention  on  the  subject  of  assist- 
ant bishops,  passed  at  its  last  meeting.  That 
practice  has  been,  in  every  instance  of  an  election 
of  an  assistant  bishop,  to  declare  him  at  the  same 
time  successor  to  his  diocesan,  in  case  of  survi- 
ving him  ;  and  the  language  of  the  canon  referred 
to  is,  "  When  the  bishop  of  a  diocess  is  unable, 
by  reason  of  old  age,  or  other  permanent  cause  of 
infirmity,  to  discharge  his  episcopal  duties,  one  as- 
sistant bishop  may  be  elected  by  and  for  said  dio- 
cess, who  shall,  in  all  cases,  succeed  the  bishop  in 
case  of  surviving."  This  canon  expresses,  in  the 
strongest  manner,  the  sentiment  of  the  General 
Convention  on  the  subject,  while  at  the  same  time 


250 


CONVENTION  OF  1830. 


it  responds  to  the  wishes  of  this  diocess,  as  de- 
clared by  its  last  Convention  at  Charlottesville, 
that  the  General  Convention  would  adopt  some 
definite  legislative  enactment  with  respect  to  as- 
sistant bishops;  wishes  which  the  delegates  of 
this  diocess  to  the  last  General  Convention  were 
instructed  to  present  to  that  body.  It  is  not  ne- 
cessary to  impress  on  this  Convention^  the  respect 
due  to  the  sentiment  of  the  great  council  of  our 
church,  and  especially  when  this  sentiment  has 
been  given  in  a  manner  accordant  with  our  for- 
mally expressed  desire.  Your  committee  there- 
fore beg  leave  to  recommend  the  following  reso- 
lution:— 

Resolved,  That  the  Right  Rev.  William  Meade, 
who  has  been  consecrated  assistant  bishop  of  this 
diocess,  be,  and  he  is  hereby  declared,  successor  of 
our  present  venerable  diocesan,  in  case  he  should 
survive  him. 

The  second  point  to  which  your  committee 
would  invite  the  attention  of  this  Convention  is, , 
the  duty  of  adopting  some  measure  to  provide  for 
meeting  the  expenditures,  whether  in  travelling  or 
otherwise,  to  which  our  assistant  bishop  is  subject, 
as  incidental  to  his  office,  and  necessary  to  the 
due  performance  of  his  episcopal  duties.  To  de- 
vise a  proper  measure  for  this  purpose,  your  com- 
mittee recommend  the  appointment  of  a  special 
committee. 

The  third  point  to  be  adverted  to  is  the  obli- 
gation resting,  as  your  committee  conceive,  on 
this  Convention,  to  adopt  means  for  rendering  to 
our  diocesan  a  suitable  remuneration  for  his  epis- 
copal services.  To  devise  such  means,  your  com- 
mittee, recommend  the  appointment  of  a  special 
committee. 

Geo.  Lemon,  Chairinan. 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Grammer, 

Resolved,  That  the  report  of  the  committee 
be  amended,  by  striking  out  from  and  after  the 
words,  "  but  will  content  themselves  with," 
down  to  the  end  of  the  tirst  resolution  proposed 
by  the  committee,  and  insert,  in  lieu  thereof, 
the  following  :  *'  recommending  the  adoption  of 
the  following  preamble  and  resolution  :  Whereas 
the  General  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Epis- 
copal Church  in  the  United  States  have,  by  the 
fifth  canon  of  1829,  provided  that  every  assist- 
ant bishop  who  may  hereafter  be  elected  in  the 
said  church  shall  be  in  all  cases  entitled  to  suc- 
ceed the  bishop  of  the  diocess  in  which  he  may 
be  elected ;  and  whereas  the  Convention  is 
desirous  of  preserving,  as  far  as  possible,  the 
harmony  and  uniformity  of  the  church,  and  of 
testifying  its  contidence  in  the  assistant  bishop 
of  this  diocess  : — Therefore,  Resolved,  That 
the  restriction  annexed  to  the  election  of  the  as- 
sistant bishop  of  Virginia  be  hereby  removed." 

The  question  was  then  taken  upon  agreeing 
with  the  committee  in  so  much  of  their  report, 
as  amended,  as  relates  to  the  removal  of  the 
restriction  annexed  to  the  election  of  assistant 
bishop,  and  the  same  was  carried  in  the  affirm- 
ative. 

Ayes — The  Rev.  Ebenezer  Boyden,  Nicho- 
las H.  Cobbs,  John  Cole,  John  Cooke,  James 
Doughen,  Charles  Dresser,  Hen.  W.  Ducachet, 
Adam  Empie,  John  Grammer,  Frederick  W. 
Hatch,  Alexander  Jones,  Reuel  Keith,  George 
Lemon,  Edward  -R.  Lippit,  William  F.  Lee, 
Edward  C.  M'Guire,  Nahum  G.  Osgood,  Ed- 
ward W.    Peet,    Zachariah   Meade;    Messrs. 


Thomas  M-  Ambler,  Thomas  Nelson,  Dr.  I. 
Winston,  Carter  Berkeley,  Junius  A.  Clay, 
Samuel  Pryor,  John  F.  Clark,  Obed  Waite,  Seth 
Ward,  Benj.  Wigginton,  Philip  Nelson,  Fran- 
cis Nelson,  Parke  F.  Berkeley,  John  Gray, 
Geo.  M.  Carrington,  John  A.  W.  Smith,  John 
E.  Page,  Robert  P.  Waring,  Benjamin  PolTard, 
W^illiam  C.  Latane,  Thomas^  L.  Latane,  Francis 
C.  Fitzhugh,  Geo.  Sharp,  John  Carter,  Thomas 
Marshall,  George  F.  Washington,  Benj.  Fer- 
guson, Alexander  Stephens,  and  Samuel  C. 
Nichols~49. 

Noes — The  Rev.  Johannes  Edward  Jackson, 
William  Jackson,  Thomas  Jackson,  John  P. 
M'Guire  ;  Messrs.  Edmund  I.  Lee,  John  Stu- 
art, and  Lewis  Berkeley — 7. 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Grammer, 

Resolved,  That  the  second  and  third  recom- 
mendations contained  in  the  report  of  the  com- 
mittee on  the  state  of  the  church,  be  referred  to 
a  select  committee  of  three  members  ;  and  a 
committee  was  appointed  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Gram- 
mer, Dr.  Carter  Berkeley,  and  Mr.  Obed  Waite. 

On  motion.  Resolved,  That  the  next  Conven- 
tion of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  of  the 
Diocess  of  Virginia  be  held  in  the  borough  of 
Norfolk,  on  the  third  Thursday  in  May  next. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  unanimously.  That  the 
thanks  of  this  Convention  be  tendered  to  the 
ministers  of  the  churches  in  this  place,  for  the 
liberal  and  kind  offer  of  their  churches  for  the 
use  of  this  Convention. 

On  motion.  Resolved,  unanimously,  Th?it  the 
thanks  of  this  Convention  be  tendered  to  the 
citizens  of  this  place,  for  their  kind  and  hospita- 
ble attentions  to  the  members  of  this  Conven- 
tion during  its  session. 

On  motion.  Resolved,  That  one  thousand 
copies  of  this  Journal  be  printed,  and  distributed 
by  the  secretary  among  the  parishes. 

Resolved,  That  the  treasurer  pay  to  the  sec- 
retary his  expenses  incurred  in  attending  this 
Convention. 

Resolved,  That  the  treasurer  pay  to  the  door- 
keeper of  this  Convention  six  dollars  for  his 
services. 

On  motion.  Resolved,  That  the  sum  of  one 
hundred  and  thirty-two  dollars  be  appropriated 
to  the  bishop  for  his  episcopal  services  for  the 
support  of  his  assistant,  out  of  the  contingent 
fund,  to  make  up,  with  the  sum  paid  in  for  that 
purpose  during  the  present  Convention,  the  sum 
of  two  hundred  alfd  twenty-five  dollars. 

Then,  on  motion,  the  Convention  adjourned 
until  half  past  4  o'clock  P.  M. 

The  Convention  met  at  half  past  4  o'clock 
P.  M. 

The  standing  committee  of  this  diocess  for 
the  past  year  presented  the  journal  of  their  pro- 
ceedings, which  was  read. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Grammer,  from  the  committee 
to  whom  were  referred  the  second  and  third 
recommendations  contained  in  the  report  of  the 
committee  on  the  state  of  the  church,  presented 
the  following  report : — 

The  committee  to  whom  were  referred  the 
second  and  third  recommendations  contained  in 
the  report  of  the  committee  on  the  state  of  the 


CONVENTION  OF  1830. 


251 


church,  have  had  the  same  under  consideration, 
and  beg  leave  to  recommend  the  adoption  of  the 
following  resolutions  : — 

Resolved,  That  John  G.  Williams,  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Lee,  and  the  R^v.  Mr.  Peet,  be  appointed  a 
committee,  to  meet  in  the  city  of  Richmond  as 
early  as  convenient,  and  make  such  an  assess- 
ment among  the  parishes  of  this  diocess  as 
will  raise  the  sum  of  three  hundred  dollars  annu- 
ally, to  be  paid  to  Bishop  Moore,  and  that  this 
committee  inform  the  clergymen  of  each  par- 
ish of  the  proportion  required  from  his  parish ; 
and, 

Resolved,  That  the  clergy  be  required  to  raise 
the  quota  so  assessed,  and  pay  it  in  at  the  next 
Convention. 

Resolved,  That  the  treasurer  of  the  church 
pay  to  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Meade  the  sum  of 
one  hundred  and  fifty  dollars  ;  and  that,  in  addi- 
tion to  this,  he  pay  the  expenses  already  incur- 
red, and  which  may  from  time  to  time  be  in- 
curred by  the  said  bishop,  in  performing  his  epis- 
copal visitations. 

And,  on  the  queistions  being  severally  put 
upon  agreeing  with  the  committee  in  their  pro- 
posed resolutions,  the  same  were  carried  in  the 
affirmative. 

Dr.  Carter  Berkeley,  from  the  executive 
committee  of  the  Missionary  Society  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  presented  the  fol- 
lowing report : — 

The  executive  committee  of  the  Missionary 
Society  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  re- 
port to  the  Convention,  that  they  have  exam- 
ined the  treasurer's  accounts,  and  find  he  has 
received  the  sum  of  $324  72,  none  of  which 
has  been  expended,  owing  to  the  difficulty  of 
procuring  a  missionary. 

That,  in  consequence  of  the  distant  location 
of  the  different  members  of  the  executive  com- 
mittee, they  have  not  had  a  meeting  to  organize 
the  society  ;  they  therefore  recommend  to  the 
Convention  the  propriety  of  altering  the  third 
article  of  the  constitution  of  the  Missionary 
Society,  so  as  to  make  the  executive  committee 
consist  of  the  officers  of  the  society,  and  seven 
clerical  and  seven  lay  members  ;  and  that  any 
three  members  may  form  a  quorum  to  transact 
ordinary  business.  The  president  of  the  Con- 
vention will  appoint  the  time  of  making  the  col- 
lection for  the  benefit  of  the  society. 

On  motion.  Resolved,  That  the  report  be  re- 
ceived. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  Constitution 
of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Missionary  Society 
of  the  Diocess  of  Virginia  be  amended,  by  stri- 


king out  the  third  article  of  the  same,  and  in- 
serting, in  lieu  thereof,  the  following  : — 

"  The  bishop  of  the  diocess  shall  be  ex-officio 
the  president,  and  the  assistant  bishop  shall  be 
ex-officio  the  vice-president,  and  the  other  offi- 
cers shall  be  a  secretary,  a  treasurer,  and  an 
executive  committee,  consisting-of  the  said  offi- 
cers and  seven  clerical  and  seven  lay  members, 
to  be  annually  appointed  by  the  Convention  ; 
and  of  this  executive  committee  the  bishop 
shall  be  president,  and  three  members  shall  be 
sufficient  to  constitute  a  quorum  to  transact 
business." 

The  Convention  then  proceeded  to  the  elec- 
tion of  the  officers  and  executive  committee  of 
the  Missionary  Society ;  and  thereupon  John 
G.  W^illiams  was  elected  secretary,  Thomas 
Nelson  was  elected  treasurer,  and  Rev.  E.  C. 
M'Guire,  Rev.  H.  W.  Ducachet,  Rev.  N.  H. 
Cobbs,  Rev.  W^illiam  Jackson,  Rev.  George  A. 
Smith,  Rev.  VV^illiam  F.  Lee,  Rev.  E.  W.  Peet, 
Mr.  John  Nelson,  Dr.  Carter  Berkeley,  Mr.  Ed- 
mund L  Lee,  Mr.  John  Gray,  Col.  George  M. 
Carrington,  and  Mr.  Samuel  C  Nichols,  were 
elected  members  of  the  executive  committee. 

The  Convention  proceeded  to  the  election, 
by  ballot,  of  eight  delegates,  to  represent  this 
diocess  in  the  next  General  Convention  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church  of  the  United 
States  ;  whereupon  the  following  gentlemen 
were  duly  elected,  viz.  : — Rev.  Reuel  Keith, 
D.  D.,  Rev.  Nicholas  H.  Cobbs,  Rev.  Henry 
W.  Ducachet,  Rev.  John  Grammer,  Mr.  John 
G.  W^illiams,  Mr.  Thomas  Marshall,  Mr.  Philip 
Nelson,  and  Mr.  James  M.  Garnett. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  tenth  canon, 
directing  the  manner  of  electing  vestrymen,  be 
amended,  by  adding  thereto  the  following  words  ; 
"  Vacancies  happening  within  the  year  may  be 
filled  by  the  remaining  members,  provided  a 
sufficient  number  remains  to  form  a  quorum." 

On  motion.  Resolved,  That  the  will  of  Evan 
Ragland  be  referred  to  the  standing  committee 
of  the  diocess,  with  instruction  to  inquire  into 
the  amount  that  has  or  will  be  collected  in  con- 
formity with  the  compromise  heretofore  effected 
with  his  heirs,  and  what  disposition  should  be 
made  of  the  same  in  conformity  with  the  will, 
and  report  thereupon  to  the  next  Convention. 

And  then,  on  motion,  the  Convention  adjourn- 
ed, to  meet  in  the  borough  of  Norfolk,  on  the 
third  Thursday  in  May  next. 

William  Meade, 

Assistant  Bishop  of  the  Diocess 

of  Virginia. 

J.  G.  Williams,  Secretary. 


252 


CONVENTION  OF  1831. 


Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of  a  Convention  of  the  Protestant   Episcopal  Church  of  Virginia, 
which  assembled  in  the  Borough  of  Norfolk,  on  the  Idth  day  of  May,    1831. 


This  being  the  day  and  place  appointed  for 
the  annual  meeting  of  the  Convention  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  Diocess  of 
Virginia,  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Moore,  D.  D., 
vyith  several  clergymen  and  lay  delegates,  at- 
tended divine  service  in  the  Episcopal  church- 
in  this  borough. 

,  Morning  prayers  were  read  by  the  Rev.  Ben- 
jamin C.  Cutler,  and  a  sermon  preached  by  the 
Rev.  John  Grammer. 

After  divine  service,  the  Right  Rev., Bishop 
Moore  took  the  chair  as  president  of  the  Con- 
vention. 

The  following  clergymen,  entitled  to  seats  in 
this  Convention,  appeared,  viz.  : — 

The  Rev.  Ephraim  Adams,  Alexandria  ;  Eb- 
enezer  Boyden,  Augusta  parish,  Staunton ; 
Mark  L.  Chevers,  St.  John's  Church,  Elizabeth 
City  -parish  ;  Nicholas  H.  Cobbs,  Russell  par- 
ish, Bedford  county  ;  John  Cole,  Abingdon  and 
Ware  parishes,  Gloucester ;  John  Cooke,  St. 
Martin's  parish,  Hanover  and  Louisa  counties  ; 
Benjamin  C.  Cutler,  Shelburne  parish,  Loudoun 
courity  ;  James  Doughen,  St.  James's  parish, 
Northam,  Goochland  ;  Charles  Dresser,  Antrim 
parish,  Halifax  county  ;  Henry  W.  Ducachet, 
M.  D.,  Christ  Church,  Norfolk  ;  Adam  Empie, 
rector  of  B<-uton  parish,  and  President  of  Will- 
iam and  Mary  College,  Williamsburg  ;  Stephen 
S.  Gunter,  Hungar^s  parish  Northampton ; 
Zachariah  H.  Goldsmith,  St.  Paul's  parish. 
King  George ;  John  Grammer,  St.  Andrew's 
and  Bath  parishes,  Dinwiddle  county  ;  Johannes 
Edward  Jackson,  Christ  Church,  Frederick  par- 
ish, Frederick  county  ;  William  Jackson,  St. 
Paul's  Church,  Alexandria ;  Jacob  Keeling,  Suf- 
folk parish,  Nansemond  county  ;  George  Lemon, 
Hamilton  and  Leeds  parishes,  Fauquier  ;  Will- 
iam F.  Lee,  Christ  Church,  Richmond  ;  Charles 
Mann,  Christ  Church,  Fairfax  parish,  Alexan- 
dria ;  Zachariah  Meade,  St.  Anne's  parish, 
Albemarle  county;  Edward  C.  M'Guire,  St. 
George's  parish,  Fredericksburg ;  John  P. 
M'Guire,  St.  Anne's  and  South  Farnham  parish- 
es, Essex  ;  Nahum  G.  Osgood,  Moore's  parish, 
Campbell  county  ;  Ira  Parker,  Lynnhaven  par- 
ish. Princess  Anne  ;  Edward  W.  Peet,  Henrico 
parish,  Henrico  county  ;  Leonidas  Polk,  assist- 
ant minister  of  the  Monumental  Church,  Rich- 
mond ;  William  Steel,  St.  James's  parish,  Meck- 
lenburg ;  Andrew  Syme,  Bristol  parish,  Peters- 
burg ;  John  H.  Wingfield,  Portsmouth  parish, 
Norfolk  county. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  James  Doughen,  the 
Rev.  John  Cole,  and  Mr.  Philip  Nelson,  be  a 
committee  to  examine  the  certificates  of  lay 
delegates,  who  then  withdrew,  and,  after  a  short 
time,  returned  and  presented  the  following  re- 
port: — 

The  committee  to  whom  were  referred  the 
certificates  of  the  lay  delegates  have,  according 
to  order,  examined  the  same,  and  report,  that 
the  following  persons  have  been  duly  elected 
lay  delegates  to  this  Convention,  and  that  their 


certificates  are  in  the  form  prescribed  by  the 
canon,  viz.  : — 

Burwell  Bassett,  Bruton  parish,  Williams- 
burg ;  Wright  Southgate,  Christ  Church,  Nor- 
folk ;  Augustin  L.  Dabney,  Abingdon  parish, 
Gloucester ;  Warner  T.  Taliaferro,  Ware  par-  . 
ish,  Gloucester  ;  Mallory  M.  Todd,  Newport 
parish.  Isle  of  Wight ;  William  B.  Whitten, 
Russell  parish,  Bedford  county  ;  Thurmer 
Hoggard,  Lynnhaven  parish,  Princess  Anne; 
Arthur  Emerson,  Trinity  Church,  Portsmouth 
parish ;  William  G.  Minor  and  Thomas  L. 
Lomax,  St.  Margaret's  parish,  Caroline  ;  John 
Nelson,  St.  James's  parish,  Mecklenburg  county; 
Edward  Valentine,  Augusta  parish,  Augusta 
county  ;  John  W.  Page,  Hampshire  parish, 
Hampshire  county  ;  John  T.  Clark,  Antrim 
parish,  Halifax  county  ;  Isaac  Winston  and 
Philip  Slaughter,  jr ,  St.  Stephen's  Church, 
Culpepper  county  ;  James  M.  Garnett,  St. 
Anne's  parish,  Essex  county  ;  William  Boiling, 
St.  James's  parish,  Northam,  Goochland  coun- 
ty; Roger  B.  Atkinson,  Cumberland  parish,  Lu- 
nenburg county  ;  Francis  Wicker,  St.  John's 
Church,  Henrico  parish,  Henrico  ;  Francis  C. 
Fitzhugh,  M.  D.,  St.  Paul's  parish,  King  George 
county  ;  Junius  A.  Clay,  Tillotson  parish,  Buck- 
ingham county ;  Linneus  Dupuy,  St.  Paul's 
Church,  Lynchburg ;  Joseph  Prentiss,  St. 
Paul's  Church,  town  of  Suffolk  ;  Austin  Fitz- 
hugh and  Edward  T.  Tayloe,  Brunswick  par- 
ish. King  George  county  ;  Westwood  S.  Armi- 
stead,  St.  John's  Church,  parish  of  Elizabeth 
City  ;  Edmund  I.  Lee,  Christ  Church,  Fairfax 
parish,  Alexandria ;  Hilary  Baker,  Christ 
Church,  Richmond  ;  William  G.  Smith,  M.  D., 
Hungar's  parish,  Northampton  :  Archibald  Ma- 
gill,  Christ  Church,  Norborne  parish,  Berkeley  ; 
Francis  Nelson,  St.  Martin's  parish,  Hanover 
and  Louisa  counties  ;  Thomas  Marshall,  Leeds 
parish,  Fauquier  county  ;  Robert  Boiling,  Bris- 
tol parish.  Prince  George  county  ;  Alexander 
Brodnax,  St.  Andrew's  parish,  Brunswick ; 
William  S.  Jones,  Christ  Church,  Winchester  ; 
Hugh  Nelson,  Fredericksville  parish,  Albe- 
marle ;  Walter  Coles,  St.  Anne's  Church,  Albe- 
marle county  ;  Leven  S.  Joynes,  St.  George's 
parish,  Accomack  county  ;"  John  G.  Lawrence, 
South  Farnham  parish,  Essex  county  ;  Robert 
Pollard  and  J  G.  Williams,  Monumental 
Church,  Richniond  ;  Philip  Nelson,  Frederick 
parish,  Frederick  county;  William  M.  Black- 
ford, Hamilton  parish,  Fauquier  county  ;  Thom- 
as Withers,  Bath  parish,  Dinwiddle  county ; 
John  Gray,  St.  George's  parish,  Fredericks- 
burg. 

That  the  following  persons  appear  to  have 
been  duly  elected,  but  the  certificates  are  not 
in  the  form  prescribed  by  the  canon,  viz. : — 

Thomas  Nelson,  Frederick  parish,  Frederick 
county;  John  Thorn,  St.  Mark's  parish,  Cul- 
pepper county. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  said  report 
be  received. 


CONVENTION  OF  1831. 


253 


The  Rev.  T.  G.  Bedell,  of  Philadelphia,  the 
Rev.  Frederick  W.  Hatch,  of  Washington,  and 
the  Rev.  William  G.  H.  Jones,  of  North  Caro- 
lina, with  several  candidates  for  orders,  were 
invited  by  the  president,  in  pursuance  of  the 
standing  order  of  the  Convention,  to  attend  the 
sittings  of  the  same. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  J.  G.  William^, 
Resolved,  That  the  following  rules  of  order, 
adopted  by  the  last  Convention  for  the  govern- 
ment of  their  proceedings,  be  the  rules  of  pro- 
ceeding during  the  present  Convention. 

1.  The  business  of  every  day  shall  be  intro- 
duced with  prayer. 

2.  When  the  president  takes  the  chair,  no 
member  shall  continue  standing,  or  shall  after- 

.ward  stand  up,  except  to  address  the  chair. 

3.  No  member  shall  absent  himself  from  the 
house  unless  he  have  leave,  or  be  unable  to  at- 
tend. 

4.  When  any  member  is  about  to  speak  in 
debate,  or  deliver  any  matter  to  the  house,  he 
shall,  with  due  respect,  address  himself  to  the 
president,  confining  himself  strictly  to  the  point 
in  debate. 

5.  No  member  shall  speak  more  than  twice 
in  the  same  debate  without  leave  of  the  house. 

6.  A  question  being  once  determined  shall 
stand  as  the  judgment  of  the  house,  and  shall 
not  again  be  drawn  into  debate  during  the  same 
session,  unless  with  the  consent  of  two  thirds 
of  the  house. 

7.  While  the  president  is  putting  any  ques- 
tion, the  members  shall  continue  in  their  seats, 
and  shall  not  hold  any  private  discourse. 

8.  Every  member  who  shall  be  in  the  house 
when  any  question  is  put,  shall,  on  a  division, 
be  counted,  unless  he  be  personally  interested 
in  the  decision. 

9.  No  motion  shall  be  considered  as  before 
the  house  unless  it  be  seconded,  and,  when  re- 
quired, reduced  to  writing. 

10.  When  any  question  is  before  the  house,  it 
shall  be  determined  upon  before  any  new  subject 
is  introduced,  except  the  question  of  adjourn- 
ment. 

11.  The  question  on  a  motion  of  adjourn- 
ment shall  be  taken  before  any  other,  and  with- 
out debate. 

12.  When  the  house  is  about  to  rise,  every 
member  shall  keep  his  seat  until  the  president 
shall  leave  his  chair. 

13.  None  of  the  rules  of  order  shall  be  sus- 
pended without  the  concurrence  of  two  thirds 
of  the  members  present. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  Adam  Empie,  the 
Rev.  Edward  C.  M'Guire,  the  Rev.  John 
Grammer,  the  Rev.  William  Jackson,  Mr.  Ed- 
mund I.  Lee,  Mr.  Thomas  Marshall,  Mr.  Bur- 
well  Bassett,  and  Mr.  Hugh  Nelson,  be  a  com- 
mittee to  take  into  consideration  the  state  of 
the  church  in  this  diocess,  and  report  there- 
upon to  this  Convention. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  Nicholas  H.  Cobbs, 
the  Rev.  John  P.  M'Guire,  the  Rev.  Edward  W. 
Peet,  and  Mr.  Francis  Nelson,  be  a  committee 
to  examine  the  parochial  reports. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  George  Lemon,  the 


Rev.  Johannes  Edward  Jackson,  the  Rev. 
Ebenezer  Boyden,  and  Mr.  John  Thorn,  be  a 
committee  to  examine  the  state  of  the  fund  for 
the  support  of  the  widows  and  orphans  of  de- 
ceased clergymen. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  William  F.  Lee, 
Mr.  John  Nelson,  Mr.  Robert  Pollard,  and  Mr 
Thomas  Withers,  be  a  committee  to  examine 
the  treasurer's  accounts. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Edmund  J.  Lee,  Mr. 
James  M.  Garnett,  Mr.  Wright  Southgate,  Mr. 
John  Gray,  and  Mr.  Walter  Coles,  be  a  com- 
mittee to  examine  the  accounts  of  the  treasurer 
of  the  fund  for  the  permanent  support  of  the 
episcopate  in  this  diocess. 

On  motion.  Resolved,  That  when  the  Con- 
vention adjourn  to-day,  it  adjourn  to  meet  to- 
morrow morning,  at  9  o'clock. 

And  then,  on  motion,  the  Convention  ad- 
journed until  to-morrow  morning,  9  o'clock. 

Friday,  May  20,  1831. 

The  Convention  met  according  to  adjourn- 
ment, and  was  opened  with  prayer  by  the  Rev. 
George  Lemon. 

The  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Moore  being  absent, 
from  indisposition,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Lemon  was 
called  to  the  chair. 

Mr.  Fitch  W.  Taylor,  a  lay  delegate  of  St. 
Paul's  Church,  Alexandria,  appeared,  produced 
a  certificate  of  his  appointment,  and  took  his 
seat. 

The  secretary  received  the  following  contri- 
butions from  sundry  parishes  of  this  diocess  for 
the  contingent  fund  : — 

Bruton  parish,  Williamsburg,  -  -  $15  00 
Christ  Church,  Norfolk,  -  -  -  30  00 
Abingdon  and  Ware  parishes,  -  -  20  50 
Newport  parish.  Isle  of  Wight,  -  -  3  00 
Russell  parish,  Bedford  county,  -  -  30  00 
Lynnhaven  parish.  Princess  Anne,  -  10  00 
Trinity  Church,  Portsmouth  parish,  -  15  00 
St.  Margaret's  parish,  Caroline,  -  3  00 
St.  James's  parish,  Mecklenburg,  -  16  00 
Augusta  parish,  Augusta  county,  -  10  00 
Antrim  parish,  Halifax  county,  -  -  25  00 
St.  Stephen's  Church,  Culpepper  coun- 
ty,          13  00 

St.  Anne's  parish,  Essex,  -  •  -  -  22  00 
St.  James's  parish,  Northam,  Goochland 

county,  -         -         -         -         -     10  00 

Cumberland  parish,  Lunenburg  county,  15  00 
St.  John's  Church,  Henrico  parish,  -  15  00 
St.  Paul's  parish.  King  George  county,  27  50 
Tillotson  parish,  Buckingham  county,  14  00 
St.  Paul's  Church,  Lynchburg,  -  -  15  00 
St.  Paul's  Church,  town  of  Suffolk,  -  7  50 
Brunswick  parish.  King  George  county,  10  00 
St.  John's  Church,  parish  of  Elizabeth 

City, 6  00 

Christ  Church,  Fairfax  parish,  Alexan- 
dria,       30  00 

Christ  Church,  Richmond,            -         -     16  00 
Hungar's  parish,  Northampton,  -         -     10  00 
Christ  Church,  Norborne  parish,  Berke- 
ley,        5  00 


Amount  carried  forward, 


$392  50 


254 


CONVENTION  OF  1831. 


Amount  brought  forward,  $392  50 

St.    Martin's     parish,     Hanover    and 

Louisa  counties,  -  -  -  -  20  00 
Leeds  parish,  Fauquier  county,  -  -  15  00 
Bristol  parish,  Prince  George  county,  30  00 
St.  Andrew's  parish,  Brunswick  county,  15  00 
Christ  Church,  Winchester,  -  -  15  00 
St.  Anne's  Church,  Albemarle,  -  -  5  00 
St.  George's  parish,  Accomacft,  ^  10  00 
South  Farnham  parish,  Essex  county,  10  00 
Frederick  parish,  Frederick  county,  -  15  00 
Monumental  Church,  Richmond,  -  30  00 
Hamilton  parish,  Fauquier  county,  -  15  00 
Bath  parish,  Dinwiddie  county,  -  15  00 
St.  George's  parish,  Fredericksburg,  -  20  GO 
St.  Mark's  parish,  Culpepper  county,  -  20  00 
St.  Paul's  Church,  Alexandria,  -  20  00 
St.  James's  Church,  Leesburg,  Lou- 
doun county,  -  -  -  -  10  00 
From  Mrs.  Lucy  Thweatt,  Mrs.  Mary  ^ 

Johnson,  Mrs  Mary  Thweatt,  and  I  ^^\  nn 
Mrs.   Virginia   Pegram,  of  Ches-  f  ^"  "" 
terfield  county  (donation),               ) 
Fredericksville  parish,  Albemarle  coun- 
ty,        - 10  00 

$677  50 

The  following  sums  were  paid  by  sundry 
parishes  towards  the  support  of  Bishop  Moore, 
and  as  a  remuneration  for  his  episcopal  servi- 
ces, in  pursuance  of  the  assessment  made  upon 
them  by  the  committee  appointed  at  the  last 
Convention  for  that  purpose  : — 

Bruton  parish,  VVilliamsburg, 
Christ  Church,  Norfolk,     -         -    '     - 
Abingdon  and  Ware  parishes,  Glouces- 
ter,       -         -       j- 
Newport  parish,  Isle  of  Wight, 
Russell  parish,  Bedford  county. 
Trinity  Church,  Portsmouth  parish,     - 
St.  Margaret's  parish,  Caroline  county, 
St.  James's  parish,  Mecklenburg, 
Augusta  parish,  Augusta  county, 
Antrim  parish,  Halifax  county,    - 
St.  Stephen's  Church,  Culpepper  coun- 
ty,        -        .-         -         -         -         - 

St.  Anne's  parish.  Essex  county, 

St.    John's    Chureh,    Henrico    parish, 

Henrico  county,     -         - 
Tillotson  parish,  Buckingham,    - 
St.  Paul's  Church,  Lynchburg,   - 
St.  Paul's  Church,  town  of  Suffolk,     - 
St.  John's  Church,  parish  of  Elizabeth 
City,     ...... 

Christ  Church,  Fairfax  parish,  Alexan- 
dria,    -         - 
Christ  Church,  Richmond, 
Hangar's  parish,  Northampton,  - 
Christ  Church,  Norborne  parish,  Berke- 
•    ley,       -         -        -        -         -        . 

St.    Martin's    parish,     Hanover    and 
Louisa  counties,     .... 

Leeds  parish,  Fauquier  county,  -* 
Bristol  parish.  Prince  George  county, 
St.  Andrew's  and  Bath  parishes, 


12  00 

12  00 

5  00 

3  00 

12  00 

9  00 

7  00 

8  00 

7  50 

6  00 

9  00 

8  00 

8  00 

7  00 

10  00 

5  00 

6  00 

12  00 

9  00 

5  00 

5  00 

10  00 

6  00 

12  00 

10  00 

Amount  carried  fonvard, 


$203  50 


$203  50 

12  00 

5  00 

5  00 

4  00 

12  00 

12  00 

6  00 

12  00 

6  00 

12  00 

12  00 

5  00 

10  00 

,  12  00 

Amount  brought  forward, 
Christ  Church,  Winchester, 
St.  Anne's  Church,  Albemarle,  - 
St.  George's  parish,  Accomack, 
South  Farnham  parish,  Essex  county, 
Frederick  parish,  Frederick  county. 
Monumental  Church,  Richmond, 
Hamilton  parish,  Fauquier  county, 
St.  George's  parish,  Fredericksburg, 
St.  Mark's  parish,  Culpepper  county,  - 
St.  Paul's  Church,  Alexandria,  - 
St.  James's  Church,  Leesburg,    - 
Moore  parish,  Campbell  county. 
From  Rev.  Mr.  Crawford,  Louisa, 
Fredericksville  parish,  Frederick  county 


$328  60 

Mr.  Edmund  I.  Lee,  from  the  committee  ap- 
pointed  to  examine  the  state  of  the  fund  for  the 
permanent  support  of  the  episcopate  in  this  dio- 
cess,  presented  the  following  report : — 

The  committee  upon  the  subject  of  the  Bishops' 
Fund  respectfully  report  a  statement  of  the  ac- 
count rendered  by  the  wardens  of  Christ  Church, 
Fairfax  parish,  under  whose  care  the  same  has 
been  placed,  which  will  show  how  much  has  been 
addexl  to  the  principal  since  the  last  Convention, 
and  what  is  the  present  amount  of  the  fund  : — 

It  appears  that  in  the  year  1822,  the  late  Rev. 
Andrew  Belrnain,  of  Winchester,  gave  a  share  of 
the  stock  of  the  Bank  of  Virginia  to  this  fund,  and 
the  same  was  transferred  to  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop 
Moore  and  the  gentlemen  then  members  of  the 
standing  committee.  That  all  the  members  of 
the  then  committee  have  departed  this  life  except 
two,  one  of  whom  removed  several  years  ago  out 
of  the  diocess,  and  is  no  longer  a  member  of 
the  committee.  That  there  is  now  due  from 
the  bank,  for  unreceived  dividends  on  this  share, 
$39  75. 

The  committee  would  recommend,  that  the 
share  in  the  Bank  of  Virginia  should  be  sold  by 
the  surviving  trustees,  and  the  money,  with  the 
dividends  now  due,  be  vested  in  such  other  fund 
as  the  church-wardens  aforesaid  shall  deem  most 
to  the  interest  of  the  fund. 

The  whole  fund,  including:  the  bank-slocks  at 
par  value,  and  the  $39  75  dividends  due  on  the 
share  in  the  Virginia  Bank,  added  to  the  $13  16  in 
the  hands  of  the  trustees  of  the  Bishops'  Fund, 
amounts  to  $5,552  91. 

The  committee  are  unanimously  of  opinion, 
that  steps  ought  to  be  taken  to  increase  the 
Bishops'  Fund  as  rapidly  as  practicable.  They 
cannot  forbear  to  express  the  great  importance 
of  being  able  to  release  the  bishops  from  parochial 
duties,  so  that  they  may  be  able  to  travel  as  much 
and  as  often  through  this  extensive  diocess  as 
circumstances  will  admit.  Under  this  impres- 
sion, the  committee  recommend  the  adoption  of 
the  following  resolutions  : — 

Resolved,  That  the  minister  of  each  church  in 
this  diocess,  annually,  deliver  an  appropriate  dis- 
course, recommending  the  pious  object  of  the 
episcopal  fund,  and  the  necessityof  increasing  the 
same.  I'he  collections  to  be  made  at  such  time 
and  in  such  manner  as  the  minister  and  wardens 
of  this  church  shall  deem  most  expedient.  The 
amount  of  the  collection  in  each  church  shall, 
when  practicable,  be  forthwith  remitted  by  the 
minister  thereof  to  the  church-wardens  of  Christ 
Church,  Alexandria,  Fairfax  parish  ;  and  he  shall 
also  report^  the  amount  collected  and  remitted  as 


CONVENTION  OF  1831. 


255 


aforesaid,  to  the  next  Convention,  which  report 
shall  be  entered  on  the  journals  of  the  same. 
The  church-wardens  aforesaid  shall  forthwith  pro- 
ceed to  vest  the  same  fund,  which  will  produce 
an  interest  payable  half  yearly. 

Resolved,  That  the  share  in  the  Virginia  Bank 
be  sold,  and  the  proceeds  applied  as  recommended 
in  the  report. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  said  report  be 
for  the  present  laid  upon  the  table. 

The  Rev.  William  F.  Lee,  from  the  commit- 
tee appointed  to  examine  the  treasurer's  ac- 
counts, made  the  following  report : — 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the 
treasurer's  account,  respectfully  report,  that 
they  have  examined  the  same,  and  find  it  to  be 
correct — the  various  items  being  ascertained  by 
the  proper  vouchers,  which  are  filed  with  the 
account.  The  balance  remaining  in  the  hands 
of  the  treasurer  at  this  time  is  $76  4^. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  said  report  be 
received  and  approved. 

The  session  was  then  suspended,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  attending  divine  service  by  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Dresser,  and  a  sermon  by  the  Rev,  Mr. 
Empie. 

After  divine  service.  Rev.  Bishop  Moore  ap- 
peared and  took  his  seat  as  president  of  the 
Convention. 

The  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Moore,  agreeably  to 
the  45th  canon  of  the  General  Convention,  de- 
livered the  following 

ADDRESS. 

In  compliance  with  the  duty  enjoined  on  me  by 
the  church,  I  now  present  to  the  Corivention  a 
view  of  my  episcopal  labours  since  their  last  an- 
nual meeting. 

In  the  month  of  June  I  visited  the  town  of  Pe- 
tersburg, in  company  with  several  of  the  clergy ; 
at  which  time  I  preached  in  the  church  at  that 
place,  and  confirmed  thirteen  persons.  In  the 
month  of  December  I  repeated  my  visit,  preached, 
and  confirmed  nine. 

On  the  27th  of  November  I  visited  Fredericks- 
burg, on  the  evening  of  which  day  I  confirmed 
twenty-four  ;  and  on  Sunday,  the  28th,  I  preached, 
admitted  Mr.  Cleaver  to  deacons'  orders,  the  Rev. 
G.  W.  Ridgeley  to  the  priesthood,  and  administer- 
ed the  Lord's  Supper. 

On  the  22d  of  November  I  attended  the  conse- 
cration of  the  present  bishop  of  Maryland,  at 
which  time  1  preached,  and  assisted  in  all  the  so- 
lemnities usual  on  sucli  occasions. 

During  the  last  winter  I  visited  the  county  of 
Hanover,  with  the  intention  of  laying  the  corner- 
stone of  a  church  now  building,  but  was  prevent- 
ed from  discharging  that  duty  by  the  weather.  I 
however  lectured  at  the  house  of  Dr.  Berkeley. 

In  November  I  visited  the  county  of  Essex, 
and  officiated  in  Vauter's  Church. 

During  the  past  year  I  have  visited  Norfolk  and 
Portsmouth  several  times.  In  June  I  admitted 
to  the  priesthood,  in  Christ  Church,  the  Rev. 
John  H.  Hill  and  the  Rev.  John  Cole;  and  in 
March;  ordained  Mr.  W.  N.  Hawks  deacon,  and 
preached  on  the  evening  of  the  same  day. 

In  Portsmouth  I  have  preached  several  times  ; 
consecrated  a  handsome  new  church,  and  institu- 
ted the  Rev.  J.  H.  Wingfield  pastor  of  that  parish. 

I  have  visited  the  county  of  Goochland  several 
times,  upon  which  occasions  I  have  always 
preached,  and  administered  the  Lord's  Supper. 

In  July  last  I  consecrated  Christ  Church,  in  the 


city  of  Richmond,  of  which  the  Rev.  Wm.  F.  Lee 
is  rector;  on  which  occasion  I  preached,  and  ad- 
ministered the  Lord's  Supper.  I  preached  also  in 
that  church  on  the  evening  of  Good  Friday,  and 
confirmed  sixteen  persons ;  and  in  February,  I 
ordained  in  the  same  church  Mr.  Jos.  H.  Saun- 
ders deacon,  and  administered  the  Lord's  Supper .- 

In  February,  I  instituted  the  Rev.  E.  W.  Peet 
rector  of  St.  John's  Church,  in  the  city  of  Rich- 
mond, on  which  occasion  the  Rev.  W.  F.  Lee 
preached;  and  on  the  evening  of  Sunday,  the  8th 
instant,  I  admitted  to  the  priesthood,  in  the  same 
church,  the  Rev.  Jarvis  Buxton :  sermon  by  the 
R^.  Mr.  Peet. 

In  the  present  month  I  visited  Hanover  county, 
preached  in  the  morning  in  the  church,  and  lec- 
tured in  the  afternoon  at  the  house  of  Mr.  Nelson 
Berkeley,  and  in  both  places  had  large  and  atten- 
tive congregations. 

The  last  week  I  visUed  the  county  of  Essex, 
preached  to  the  largest  congregation  I  have  ever 
seen  in  Vauter's  Church,  and  confirmed  two  per- 
sons ;  and  in  the  afternoon  of  the  same  day,  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Peet  lectured  at  the  house  of  Mr.  James 
Garnett. 

The  next  day  I  preached  in  Port  Royal  to  the 
largest  congregation  1  have  ever  met  in  that  place. 
I  then  crossed  the  Rappahannock  and  visited  King 
George  county,  in  which  place  I  con-secrated  St. 
Paul's  Church— an  edifice  which  has  been  resto- 
red to  the  worship  of  Almighty  God ;  and,  by  the 
generous  efforts  of  the  congregation,  has  been 
finished  with  great  taste.  I  preached  on  the  oc- 
casion to  an  immense  crowd  of  respectable  and 
pious  worshippers,  confirmed  twenty-two,  and  ad- 
ministered the  Lord's  Supper  to  upwards  of  sixty 
persons. 

Upon  that  solemn  occasion  I  was  assisted  by 
five  clergymen,  whose  labours  were  continued 
three  successive  days ;  and  we  have  every  reason 
to  believe,  that  the  word  which  was  then  deliver- 
ed will  not  return  unto  the  Lord  void ;  but  that 
many  precious  souls  have  received  an  impulse 
which  will  never  cease  to  shed  its  good  effects  in 
their  future  hfe  and  conversation. 

I  cannot  conclude  without  recommending  to 
the  clergy  and  people  the  great  importance  of  re- 
ligious associations.  They  have  a  tendency  to 
produce  in  the  minds  of  both  minister  and  congre- 
gations an  increase  of  religious  ardour  ;  to  heigh- 
ten their  attachment  to  the  church,  her  doctrines, 
and  worship  ;  and  to  fit  and  prepare  them  for  the 
society  of  angels,  and  the  spirits  of  the  just  made 
perfect  in  Heaven. 

Rich'd  C.  Moork. 

The   following  Address  of  the   Right  Rev. 
Bishop  Meade,  made  in  pursuance  of  the  canon, 
was  read  by  the  secretary  ; — 
To  the  Members  of  the  Convention  of  the  Protest- 
ant Episcopal  Church  in  the  Diocess  of  Virginia, 

assembled  in  Norfolk,  May  19<A,  1831. 

Dear  Brethren  and  Friends, — Being  called 
by  the  providence  of  God  to  perform  episcopal 
duties  in  places  far  distant  from  that  in  which  you 
have  assembled,  I  send  you  the  following  brief 
notice  of  such  services  a^  I  have  been  enabled  to 
render  during  the  past  year,  in  aid  of  our  much 
loved  father  in  Christ.  Most  of  you  being  pres- 
ent, doubtless  remember  with  holy  joy  the  exer- 
cises of  the  Sabbath  which  succeeded  our  lastCon- 
vention  in  the  town  of  Winchester.  The  morning 
was  commenced  by  administering  the  rite  of  bap- 
tism to  two  adults,  and  of  confirmation  to  twenty- 
two.  Our  mid-day  services  were  truly  interesting, 
and  we  hope  edjfying.  They  were  prolonged  to 
an  unusual  length  by  the  administration  of  the 


256 


CONVENTION  OF  1831. 


Lord's  Supper  to  a  multitude  of  devout  worship- 
pers,-and  by  the  ordination  of  one  priest  and  three 
deacons.  The  Kev.  Mr.  Snnallvvood,  from  Mary- 
land, was  admitted  to  priests'  orders,  and  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Ash,  Mr.  Adams,  and  Mr.  Hill,  to  deacons' 
orders.  The  last  ordination  was  rendered  doubly 
dear  and  interesting  to  us  all,  by  the  considera- 
tion that  Mr.  Hill  and  his  beloved  wife  were  soon 
tolearve  our  shores,  and  engage  in  the  glorious  ef- 
fort to  extend  the  kingdom  of  the  Redeemer^ 
through  the  world.  From  the  time  of  the  Con- 
vention until  the  month  of  August,  my  labours 
were  confined  to  the  limits  of  my  own  parish,  with 
the  exception  of  a  visit  to  Leesburg  and  another  to 
Gharlestown,  at  each  of  which  places  I  preached, 
and  administered  the  ordinances  of  religion.  In 
the  latter,  two  persons  were  confirmed.  On  the 
16th  of  August,  I  set  out  on  a  visit  to  our  few  scat- 
tered congregations  on  the  banks  of  the  Kanawha 
and  Ohio  rivers.  On  my  way  thither  I  stopped 
at  Woodstock,  where  1  preached  once,  at  Harri- 
sonburg, where  I  preached  twice,  and  at  Port  Re- 
public, where  I  preached  once.  In  and  around 
each  of  these  places  we  have  some  friends  warm- 
ly attached  to  our  church,  who,  if  not  able  to  sup- 
port regular  ministers,  would  rejoice  in  the  occa- 
sional services  of  missionaries.  I  also  tarried  sev- 
eral days  in  Staunton,  preaching  repeatedly,  con- 
firming two  persons,  and  uniting  in  the  adminis- 
tration of  the  Lord's  Supper.  The  zeal  of  our 
people  in  that  place  has  led  them  to  the  erection 
of  a  new  brick  church,  which  will  be  consecrated 
in  the  tour  upon  which  I  am  just  entering.  On 
leaving  Staunton  I  proceeded  without  delay  to 
Gharlestown,  in  Kanawha  county,  which  I  reach- 
ed in  six  days.  In  this  place  and  ihe  neighbour- 
hood I  spent  two  Sabbaths  and  the  intervening 
days  in  the  performance  of  ministerial  and  epis- 
copal duties.  During  its  period  I  preached  ten 
times,  consecrated  one  church,  baptized  one  adult 
and  nineteen  children,  confirmed  sixteen,  and  ad- 
ministered the  Lord's  Supper  twice.  I  was  truly 
gratified  by  my  visit  to  this  parish.  It  has  been 
now  destitute  for  some  years  of  the  ministrations 
of  our  church;  but  there  are  a  goodly  number  of 
pious  persons  w^ho  are  strongly  attached  to  our 
communion,  and  firmly  resolved  to  procure  the 
services  of  some  faithful  minister,  whose  temporal 
wants  will,  I  am  confident,  be  well  provided  for. 
I  trust  that  it  will  please  the  Great  Shepherd 
soon  to  send  them  a  pastor  after  his  own  heart. 
From  Kanawha  I  directed  my  course  towards 
Wheeling,  which  I  reached  in  six  days.  It  was 
my  intention  to  call  at  Parkersburg,  but  circum- 
stances prevented.  While  in  Marietta,  on  the  op- 
posite side  of  the  river  and  some  miles  above,  I 
learned  that  there  were  a  number  of  persons  about 
Parkersburg  who  were  desirous  to  obtain  the  ser- 
vices of  an  Episcopal  minister,  and  that  if  a  suit- 
able one  could  be  obtained,  a  union  would  be 
probably  formed  between  Parkersburg  and  Mari- 
etta, which  might  offer  a  sufficient  field  of  useful- 
ness to  a  pious  man,  and  ensure  him  a  moderate 
support.  1  reached  Wheeling  on  Saturday  even- 
ing, and  spent  the  three  following  days  there, 
preaching  four  times.  On  Wednesday  I  went  to 
Wellsburg,  and  preached  to  a  large  congregation 
that  night.  On  Thursday  I  preached  at  St.  John's 
Church,  about  eight  miles  from  Wellsburg,  and  in 
the  evening  at  Steubenville,  in  Ohio.  I  preached 
again  at  St.  John's  Friday  morning,  when  I  con- 
firmed nineteen,  and  on  Saturday  morning  I 
preached  again  at  Wellsburg,  confirming  nine. 
At  this  time  a  regular  church  was  organized 
in  Wellsburg,  and  a  vestry  appointed,  I  feel 
much  interested  for  this  new  church,  and  for 
the  congregation  at  St.  John's.    The  Rev,  Mr. 


Morse,  of  the  diocess  of  Ohio,  has  kindly  nur- 
sed them  for  some  years;  but  he  informs  me 
that  they  want  more  attention  than  he  can  spare 
from  his  other  charges.  Some  pious  minister, 
whose  chief  desire  is  to  have  souls  for  his  hire, 
might  labour  among  them  very  usefully  ;  and 
though  he  might  not  abound,  he  would  not,  I 
think,  suffer  want.  He  would  have  comfort  in  the 
society  of  some  sincere,  humble,  and  pious  souls, 
and  might  be  the  instrument  of  salvation  to  many 
sinners.  After  having  concluded  my  labours  in 
Wellsburg  and  the  neighbourhood,  1  returned  to 
Wheeling,  and  spent  another  Sabbath  in  that 
place,  when  I  admitted  seven  persons  to  the  rite 
of  confirmation.  The  rector  of  the  congregation 
at  Wheeling  appears  to  be  earnestly  engaged  in 
the  duties  of  the  ministry,  and  will,  I" trust,  re- 
ceive the  blessing  of  his  divine  Master.  It  was 
my  intention  to  have  returned  by  the  way  of  Mor- 
gantown,  Clarksburg,  and  Moorfields  ;  but,  being 
ianable  to  make  appointments  in  due  time,  I  took 
a  different  route,  and  reached  home  after  an  ab- 
sence of  six  weeks.  In  the  month  of  October  I 
paid  a  visit  to  the  churches  in  Berkeley  county, 
and  also  to  that  in  Shepherdstown.  In  the  coun- 
ty of  Berkeley  I  preached  repeatedly,  admitted 
twenty-six  to  the  rite  of  confirmation,  and  admin- 
istered the  holy  communion.  Most  of  the  per- 
sons confirmed  were  quite  young  ;  but,  in  the  judg- 
ment of  those  most  competent  to  form  a  correct 
opinion,  truly  engaged  in  seeking  the  salvation  of 
their  souls,  and  well  worthy  to  be  admitted  to  a 
full  participation  of  all  the  privileges  of  God's 
house.  In  Shepherdstown  I  preached  twice  and 
confirmed  six.  In  the  month  of  December  I  spent 
a  few  days  at  an  association  in  Winchester,  and  on 
Sunday  admitted  eight  to  confirmation  and  the  holy 
communion.  During  the  year,  I  have  also  admit- 
ted to  confirmation,  within  the  bounds  of  my  own 
parish,  nineteen  persons.  I  have  nothing  else  to 
report  in  the  way  of  episcopal  labours,  except  a 
short  excursion  in  the  month  of  April,  in  which  I 
visited  the  churches  in  Loudoun,  Fauquier,  Alex- 
andria, and  the  Theological  Seminary.  In  Lees- 
burg I  preached  twice.  I  am  happy  to  state,  that 
the  congregation  in  that  place  enjoys  the  services 
of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Cutler,  and  hope  it  will  long  re- 
tain them.  In  Fauquier  I  preached  three  times, 
twice  at  Warrenton  and  once  at  Cool  Spring.  In 
the  former  place  I  admitted  eleven  to  the  rite  of 
confirmation.  In  conclusion,  I  would  beg  leave  to 
call  the  serious  attention  of  my  brethren  to  the 
present  condition  of  our  Theological  Institution 
in  the  vicinity  of  Alexandria.  At  no  previous  time 
has  God,  by  his  holy  Spirit,  moved  the  minds  of 
so  many  pious  youth  within  our  communion  to 
devote  themselves  to  the  gospel  ministry.  At  no 
previous  time  has  the  semmary  been  so  full  of  stu- 
dents preparing  themselves  for  the  high  and  holy 
duties  of  the  priesthood.  And  yet,  at  no  period 
have  the  funds  of  the  Education  Society  been  so 
inadequate  to  meet  the  demands  made  upon  it. 
The  treasury  is  now  exhausted.  I  feel  a  pleasing 
assurance  that  the  mere  statemeirt  of  this  fact 
will  be  suflicient  to  stimulate  the  languishing  zeal 
of  our  friends.  .Many  of  our  auxiliaries  have,  I 
doubt  not,  relaxed  in  their  exertions,  from  a  sup- 
position that  our  condition  was  so  prosperous  as 
hot  to  require  the  continuance  of  the  zeal' which 
first  animated  them.  I  have  not  the  least  reason 
for  believing  that  there  is  m  one  of  them  the 
slightest  change  of  sentiment  iii  regard  to  the  in- 
stitution. I  am  very  confident  that  there  is  no 
just  cause  for  such  change.  I  would  therefore 
take  this  opportunity  of  urging  it  upon  all  the 
members  of  the  Convention,  and  especially  upon 
my  brethren  in  the  ministry,  to  resolve,  on  return- 


CONVENTION  OF  1831. 


257 


ing  to  their  several  homes,  to  renew  their  exer- 
tions in  this  cause,  and  not  suffer  so  holy  and  im- 
portant an  institution  for  a  moment  to  be  retarded 
in  its  operation  for  the  want  of  a  prompt  and  gen- 
erous support.  At  the  time  that  this  communica- 
tion shall  be  read  to  you,  I  shall  be  far  distant  from 
my  brethren  and  friends;  but  my  heart  will  be 
with  them— and  I  pray  that  grace,  mercy,  and 
peace  may  be  multiplied  unto  them,  and  that  the 
holy  exercises  of  the  Convention  may  be  niore 
abundantly  blessed  than  on  any  previous  occasion. 
And,  in  return,  let  me  beg  that  the  prayers  of  all 
the  brethren  and  friends  may  be  oifered  up  for  a 
weak,  and  unworthy  brother. 

William  Meade, 
Assistant  Bishop  of  Virginia. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Edmiind  I.  Lee, 
Resolved,  That  the  addresses  of  the  bishop 

and  assistant  bishop  of  this  diocess  be  referred  to 

the  committee  on  the  state  of  the  church. 
The  parochial  reports  were  handed  in  and 

read,  and  referred  to  the  committee  on  parochial 

reports. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Edmund  I.  Lee, 

The  report  of  the  committee  to  examine  into 

the  state  of  the  fund  for  the  perma^nent  support 

of  the  episcopate  in  this  diocess  was  taken  up, 

and  again  read,  when, 

On  motion,  the  Convention  adjourned  until 

to-morrow  morning,  9  o'clock. 

Saturday,  May  21,  1831. 

The  Convention  met  according  to  adjourn- 
ment, and  was  opened  with  prayer  by  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Doughen. 

The  Rev.  Reuel  Keith,  D.  D.,  appeared  and 
took  his  seat. 

The  report  of  the  committee  upon  the  subject 
of  the  Bishops'  Fund  was  again  taken  up  and 
considered,  and,  upon  the  question  being  taken, 
the  report  and  resolutions  were  agreed  to. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Edmund  I.  Lee, 

Resolved,  That  the  next  Convention  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church  of  the  Diocess  of 
Virginia  be  held  in  the  town  of  Alexandria,  on 
the  third  Wednesday  in  May  next. 

The  session  was  then  suspended,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  attending  divine  service  by  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Steel,  and  a  sermon  by  the  Rev  Mr.  Cutler. 

Resolved,  That  the  treasurer  of  the  Conven- 
tion do  pay  to  the  secretary  of  the  House  of 
Clerical  and  Lay  Delegates  of  the  General  Con- 
vention the  sum  of  eleven  dollars,  being  the 
special  assessment  upon  this  diocess  for.  the 
purpose  of  paying  the  debt  now  due  from  the 
General  Convention.      .., 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Lemon,  from  the  committee  to 
whom  was  referred  the  examination  of  the  ac- 
counts of  the  treasurer  of  the  fund  for  the  relief 
of  the  widows  and  orphans  of  deceased  clergy- 
men of  the  Episcopal  Church  of  Virginia,  made 
the  following  report : — 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the 
examination  of  the  accounts  of  the  treasurer 
of  the  fund  for  the  relief  of  the  widows  and 
orphans  of  deceased  clergymen  of  the  Episcopal 
Ctiurch  of  Virginia,  beg  leave  to  report,  that  the 
following  account  of  the  treasurer,  Mr.  John 
Hooff,  was   submitted  to  them :  of  the  entire 

R 


correctness  of  which  account  they  have  no 
doubt ;  but  no  vouchers  were  submitted  to  the 
committee. 

George  Lemon,  Chairman. 

Tlie  Fund  or  the  Relief  of  the  Widoivs  and  Or- 
phans of  Deceased  Clergymen  of  the  Protest- 
ant Episcopal  Church  of  Virginia,  in  account 
with  John  Hooff,  Treasurer,  Dr. 

1830,  May  25.— To  cash  paid  for  four  ■ 
shares  of  the  Farmers'  Bank  of  Alex- 
andria stock,  $30  per  share,  -  $120  GO 

Oct.  2.— To  cash  paid  for  four  shares  of 

do.,     -         -         -         -         -         -     120  00 

1831,  Jan.  5. — To  cash  transmitted  the 
Rev.  Alexander  Jones,  for  the  use  of 

Miss  Maria  Heath,        -         -         -       30  00 
Balance  in  treasurer's  hands,    -     125  Ql 


$395  61 


Or. 


1830,  May  12.— By  olcl  account  for  bal- 
ance, -         -         -         -         -         -  $123  49 

July  3. — By  dividend  on  three  per  cents., 

for  one  quarter,      -         -         -         -      15  28 

July  8.— By  cash  for  dividend  on  five 

shares  Bank  Alexandria  stock,         -      15  00 

Oct.  1.— By  cash  for  dividend  on  eighty- 
three  shares  Farmers'  Bank  Alex- 
andria, -         -         -         -        -     83  00 

Oct.  4. — By  cash  for  dividend  on  three 

per  cents.,  one  quarter,  -         -      15  28 

1831,  Jan.  8. — By  cash  for  dividend  on 

three  per  cents.,  one  quarter,  -      15  28 

Jan.  10. — By  cash  for  dividend  on  five 

shares  Bank  Alexandria  stock,         -      15  00 

Jan.  31. — By  cash  for  dividend  on  one 
share  Bank  of  Virginia,  from  July, 
1829,  to  January,  1831,  -         -      1100 

April  2. — By  cash  for  dividend  on  three 

per  cents.,  one  quarter,  -         -      15  28 

April  5. — By  cash  for  dividend  one  ighty- 
seven  shares  Farmers'  Bank  Alexan- 
dria stock,     -         -.        -         -         -     87  00 


$395  61 


May  4. — By  balance  brought  down,  in 
^he  treasurer's  bands,    -         -         -$125  61 
E.  E.  :  John  Hoo/f,  Treasurfer. 

The  Funds  of  the  Company  are  as  follow : — 
United  States  three  per  cents.,         -  $2,037  78 
87  shares  of  Farmers'  Bank  of  Alex- 
andria stock,  at  par,  -         -         -     4,350  00 
5  shares  of  Bank  of  Alexandria  stock, 

at  par,       ...         -         -     1,000  00 
1  share  of  Bank  Of  Virginia  stock,  at 

par,  -         ^         ...        100  00 

Robert  Andrews's  estate,  balance  of 
note,  with  interest,  from  30th  April, 
1829,  till  paid,  -         -         -         -        399  23 
Cash  in  hand,        -         -         -         -        125  61 

$8,012  62 


On  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  said  report 
be  received. 


258 


CONVENTION  OF  1831. 


The  Rev.  Mr.  Cobbs,  from  the  committee  on 
the  parochial  reports,  presented  the  following 
report,  which  was  read  and  received. 

The  committee  appointed  to  examine  the  paro- 
chial reports  would  state  to  the  Convention  that 
ihey  have  performed  that  duty,  and  herewith  re- 
turn the  said  reports,  revised  and  abridged,  for  in- 
sertion on  the  journal. 

N.  H.  CoBBs,  Chairman. 

St.  George's  parish,  Accomack.  This  parish 
has  been  without  a  rector  for  the  last  eleven 
months.  The  congregations  are  desirous  to  obtain 
one  as  early  as  possible.  Both  churches  in  the 
parish  are  in  good  order.  The  Rev.  Messrs.  Che- 
vers  and  Gunter  have  each  visited  the  parish  twice 
since  it  has  been  vacant,  and  preached  several 
times.  Communicants  twenty-eight— one  mar- 
riage— baptisms  fifteen — Sunday  School  scholars 
sixty-three.  There  is  also  an  infant  class  of  about 
fifteen,  from  two  to  seven  years  of  age,  under  the 
direction  of  two  young  ladies.  It  was  formed  in 
April,  and  is  becoming  very  interesting.  There 
is  also  a  Female  Tract  Society,  auxiliary  to  the 
American  Tract  Society,  in  a  prosperous  condi- 
tion ;  also  a  Bible  Society,  in  rather  a  languislung 
condition.  Levin  S.  Joynes,  Delegate. 

Hungar's  parish,  Northampton  county,  Virginia. 
Since  last  report,  Hungar's  Church  has  been 
repaired,  and  a  new  and  handsome  brick  church 
erected  at  Eastville,  which  is  now  ready  for  con- 
secration. Two  Bible  Societies  have  been  formed, 
and  the  county  supplied  with  the  word  of  God.  A 
Female  Tract  Society  has  been  formed.  A  Tem- 
perance Society  has  been  organized  that  numbers 
seventy-five.  The  visible  effects  of  this  society 
are  great,  and  it  promises  much  usefulness  to  the 
community  at  large,  as  well  as  to  famiUes  and  in- 
dividuals. The  temperance  cause  is  the  cause  of 
God,  and  will  prevail.  I  have  had  evening  service 
at  the  lower  end  of  the  county  and  at  Bell  Haven 
alternately,  every  Lord's  day,  and  lectures  at  East 
Hill  in  the  week.  The  present  number  of  com- 
municants is  twenty- eight— baptisms  one  hundred 
and  one— burials  forty-three— marriages  thirty- 
one.  S.  S.  Gunter,  Rector. 

St.  Matthew's  Church,  Wheeling.  Having  ob- 
tained help  of  Gpd,  we  continue  unto  this  day  pro- 
gressing steadily,  if  not  rapidly.  The  visit  of  our 
beloved  bishop  was  a  season  of  refreshing  from  the 
presence  of  the  Lord.  The  fallen  were  raised  up, 
the  weak-hearted  were  helped  and  comforted — all 
were  strengthened. 

The  Lord  has  added  a  few  to  the  church  of 
such,  we  trust,  as  shall  be  saved.  They  have 
given  additional  weight  and  influence  to  the  body 
of  communicants,  thirty-two  in  number,  in  whose 
confessions  of  Christ,  humility,  love,  and  devotion, 
the  rector  has  abundant  cause  of  rejoicing  and 
hope. 

The  Sunday  School  is  flourishing ;  it  has  nine 
teachers  and  about  a  hundred  scholars. 

The  two  congregations  in  Brooke  county,  so 
long  and  faithfully  served  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Morse, 
of  Steubenville,  Ohio,  still  continue  to  prosper 
under  his  care.  The  number  of  communicants  in 
both  is,  I  believe,  about  fifty. 

J.  Thomas  Wheat,  Rector. 

Augusta  parish,  Staunton.  The  affairs  of  this 
parish  wear,  in  most  respects,  a  far  brighter  aspect 
than  at  any  former  period  of  the  labours  of  the 
present  minister.  One  new  church  in  Staunton, 
a  very  neat  and  commodious  edifice,  is  nearly 
completed.  That  in  the  neighbourhood  is  com- 
menced. In  spiritual  things  God  has  poured  on 
us  his  blessing, 


Members  added  to  the  communion  last  year 
sixteen — confirmations  fifteen — baptisms  twelve — 
marriages  eight— deaths  six — whole  number  of 
communicants  forty-two.  E.'  Boyden. 

Christ  Church,  Winchester.  The  situation  of 
Christ  Church,  Frederick  parish,  continues  to  be 
prosperous.  Our  increase  is  steady,  but  not  rapid. 
The  public  ministrations  and  social  exercises  are 
well  attended,  and  the  benevolent  societies  liber- 
ally supported. 

During  the  past  year  a  Missionary  Society  has 
been  organized,  and  an  auxiliary  to  it,  by  a  Sewing 
Society,  formed  among  the  ladies  of  the  congrega- 
tion, both  of  which  promise  much  good 

There  are  two  Sunday  Schools  umler  the  pat- 
ronage of  the  church ;  the  one  more  immediately 
attached  to  the  congregation  is  well  supplied  with 
pious  teachers,  and  possesses  a  useful  library,  and 
contains  about  eighty  scholars.  School  No.  2  is 
located  at  a  cotton-factory  about  three  miles  from 
town,  and  contains  about  sixty  scholars,  many  o^ 
whom  are  adults;  six  of  them  are  deeply  concern- 
ed about  the  salvation  of  their  souls.  The  library 
of  the  school  contains  about  seventy  volumes,  fur- 
nished by  the  congregation  of  Christ  Church. 

Since  the  last  Convention  eighteen  have  been 
added  to  the  communion,  of  whom  two  members 
have  removed  from  the  parish,  leaving  the  present 
number  of  communicants  eighty-two — baptisms 
twenty-one— marriages  eight. 

The  congregation  at  Mill  Creek  continues  to 
increase;  the  attendance  is  full  to  overflowing; 
the  spacious  building  which  we  possess  frequently 
cannot  contain  the  congregation. 

J.  E.  Jackson,  Rector. 

Lynnhaven  parish.  Princess  Anne  county.  In 
July  last  I  took  charge  of  this  parish,  and  devoted 
my  whole  time  to  it  until  the  last  of  September, 
when,  being  under  the  necessity  of  settling  in 
Portsmouth,  I  altered  my  appointments  and  added 
two  mure  churches  to  my  field  of  labour— one  in 
Elizabeth  river  parish,  and  the  other  in  St.  Bride's, 
in  Norfolk  county,  in  each  of  which  I  preached 
once  a  month.  At  length,  believing  that  it  was 
inexpedient  to  continue  my  services  any  longer  in 
the  former  parish,  I  resigned  it,  and  commenced 
preaching  at  Deep  Creek,  in  Portsmouth  parish, 
where  1  have  had  considerable  encouragement. 
Baptized  six  white  children  and  four  coloured — 
total  ten.  Ira  Parker. 

St.  Stephen's  Church,  Culpepper.  This  church 
has  been  for  the  last  year  without  a  pastor,  owing 
to  the  infirmity  and  subsequent  removal  of  our  late 
minister,  the  Rev.  George  A.  Smith.  But,  not- 
withstanding this  event,  which  has  been  deeply 
deplored,  it  is  not  believed  as  yet  there  has  been 
any  falling  off  among  those  who  profess  to  be  par- 
tial to  the  church.  On  the  contrary,  a  few  weeks 
ago,  when  we  were  visited  by  Mr.  Sniith,  one  or 
two  new  members  were  admitted  to  the  commu- 
nion. The  lay  delegate  has  been  instructed  to 
use  his  best  exertions  to  procure  the  services  of  a 
clergyman.  J.  Winston,  Lay  Delegate. 

St.  Anne's  parish,  Albemarle.  During  the  past 
yeat  two  Sunday  Schools  have  been  formed,  em- 
bracing more  than  fifty  scholars. 

Two  Tract  Societies  have  also  been  formed, 
the  one  auxiliary  to  the  Episcopal  Tract  Society, 
and  the  other  auxiliary  to  the  American  Tract 
Society. 

The  congregations  are^enerally  respectable  and 
attentive,  and  there  are  some  more  than  ordinary 
indications  of  seriousness. 

The  communion  has  not  been  administered, 
consequently  the  number  of  communicants  not 
known.  L.  Mead. 


i 

] 


CONVENTION  OF  1831. 


259 


St.  James's  Church,  Leesburg.  For  the  last 
six  months  there  have  been  regular  serTices  in  the 
church  and  in  the  parish,  and  it  is  believed  not 
without  a  divine  blessing.  During  this  time  there 
have  been  three  deaths,  four  baptisms,  and  one 
marriage.  The  number  of  communicants  is  forty- 
nine.  The  number  of  Sunday  School  scholars  is 
one  hundred  and  forty,  and  the  number  of  teachers 
twenty-four.  The  vestry  are  now  taking  measures 
to  enlarge  the  church. 

The  church  in  Leesburg  is  closed  one  Sunday 
in  a  month,  the  rector  officiating  on  that  day  alter- 
nately at  Aldie  and  Middlebnrg.  Of  the  state  of 
religion  in  this  parish,  nothing  more  at  present 
can  be  said  than  that  there  is  a  general  interest  in 
the  means  of  grace,  and,  it  is  believed,  a  spirit  of 
prayer  for  an  increase  of  pure  and  undeliled  reU- 
gion. 

The  Education  Society  and  missionary  opera- 
tions are  not  forgotten.  B.  C.  Cutler. 

Lexington  parish,  Amherst  county,  and  Nelson 
parish.  Nelson  county.  Through  the  providence 
of  God,  the  minister  has  been  enabled  to  perform, 
in  some  imperfect  measure,  the  duties  of  his  exten- 
sive -charge,  having  neglected  only  a  few  stated 
appointments  in  consequence  of  the  extreme  rigour 
of  the  winter. 

While  sorrowing  that  the  number  6f  new  com- 
municants does  not  exceed  eleven,  the  minister  is 
somewhat  cheered  by  the  belief  that  a  deep  feeling 
of  seriousness  is  beginning  to  pervade  some  of  his 
congregations,  and  that  there  are  at  this  time  fif- 
teen or  twenty  who,  being  awakened  from  the 
sleep  of  death,  are  using  the  appointed  means  to 
secure  the  salvation  of  their  souls. 

Sabbath  Schools  five,  of  which  two  are  not 
wholly  under  the  care  of  our  church.  The  chil- 
dren have  been  occasionally  catechised  at  church. 
Baptisms  forty,  of  which  twelve  or  fifteen  were  of 
coloured  children— marriages  six — funerals  eigh- 
teen— the  whole  number  of  communicants  seven- 
ty-four. Chas.  H.  Page. 

Parish  of  St.  James,  Northam,  Goochland.  The 
minister  of  this  parish  reports,  that  since  the  last 
Convention  there  has  been  one  addition  to  the 
communion;  present  number  of  communicants 
twenty-six— two  have  been  confirmed.  The  Sun- 
day School,  the  Prayer-Book  and  Tract  Society, 
reported  at  the  last  Convention,  still  continue  in 
operation,  and  the  latter  has  distributed  gratui- 
tously, during  the  year,  sixty- two  prayer-books. 
Marriages  two — funerals  three— baptisms  four. 
James  Doughen. 
Christ  Church,  Norfolk,  Elizabeth  River  parish. 
Since  the  last  report  to  the  Convention  of  the  state 
of  this  parish,  there  have  been  thirty-three  bap- 
tisms (in  four  cases  of  adults),  twelve  marriages, 
and  thirty-one  funerals.  There  have  been  added 
to  the  communion  within  the  past  year  twenty- 
eight  persons,  making  the  present  number  of  com- 
municants about  two  hundred  and  thirty.  The 
harmony  of  the  congregation  continues  undisturb- 
ed, and  its  temporal  prosperity  undiminished  ;  and 
an  humble  hope  is  cherished  that  in  the  more  than 
unusual  seriousness  of  some,  and  the  increased 
devotion  of  many  of  the  pious  among  them,  there 
is  the  pleasing  prospect  of  a  good  work  of  grace. 
Henry  W.  Ducaciiet,  Rector. 
Bruton  parish,  Williamsburg.  The  rector  re- 
ports, since  the  last  Convention,  three  baptisms, 
three  marriages,  and  nine  funerals,  five  of  which 
were  subjects  not  belonging  to  the  parish.  Of  the 
communicants,  two  have  died  and  four  have  re- 
moved— nine  have  been  added  ;  the  present  num- 
ber is  sixty,  three  of  them  being  coloured  persons 
— confirmations  thirteen.  In  compliance  with  the 
fortieth  canon  of  the  General  Convention  it  ia  fur- 


ther stated,  that  the  number  of  adults  within  his 
care  and  attached  to  the  church  amounts  to  one 
hundred  and  six;  they  were,  ia  the  report  of  1823, 
erroneously  estimated  at  one  hundred  and  forty, 
having  then  not  had  time,  durmg  the  short  period 
of  five  months,  to  ascertain  accurately  the  names 
of  those  who  might  be  regarded  as  Episcopalians. 

A.  Empie. 
Antrim  parish,  Halifax  county.  The  increase 
of  the  church  in  this  parish  is  slow.  Since  the 
last  Convention  four  only  have  been  added  to  the 
communion.  An  equal  number  are,  however,  pre- 
pared to  receive  it.  In  addition  to  other  places,  I 
have  preached  once  a  month,  during  the  past  year,- 
at  the  county  poorhouse,  with  some  prospect  of 
usefulness.  A  missionary  association  has  recently 
been  formed,  auxiliary  to  the  Domestic  and  For- 
eign Missionary  Society.  Communicants  twenty 
— baptisms  seven — marriages  four — funerals  four. 
Charles  Dresser. 
Pittsylvania  county,  where  there  is  yet  no  or- 
ganized parish,  has  been  occasionally  visited  by 
Mr.  Osgood  and  myself  during  the  past  year,  and 
still  continues  an  inviting  field  of  labour.  The 
services  of  a  resident  clergyman  would  be  very 
acceptable  to  the  people.  In  expectation  of  ob- 
taining one,  measures  have  recently  been  taken  to 
build  a  church,  and  the  work  is  now  in  progress. 
Communicants  ten,  of  whom  three  have  been 
added  since  the  last  Convention — baptisms,  three 
adults  and  nine  children.  Chas.  Dresser. 

St.  Andrew's  parish,  Brunswick  county,  and 
Bath  parish,  Dinwiddie  county.  No  material 
change  is  perceptible  in  the  condition  of  these  par- 
ishes since  the  last  Convention.  The  congreg-a- 
tions  are  gradually  assuming  a  more  decided 
character,  and  it  is  hoped  that  the  prejudices 
against  our  church  are  silently  giving  way.  The 
addition  to  our  communion  has  not  equalled  that 
of  the  preceding  year,  and  the  rector  has  had  cause 
to  mourn  over  the  comparative  coldness  which  has 
existed  in  his  flock ;  while  an  increasing  attention 
to  the  temporal  concerns  of  the  church,  the -active 
zeal  in  behalf  of  our  Education  Society  which  has! 
been  manifested  by  a  few  pious  females  in  St.  An- 
drew's parish,  and  some  late  indications  of  greater 
spirituality  in  our  devotional  services,  encourage 
him  to  hope  that  a  brighter  day  will  ere  long  dawn 
upon  us.  Nine  members  have  been  added  to  our 
communion,  one  has  departed  in  peace  to  join  the 
communion  of  saints  in  the  church  triumphant, 
and  one  has  removed  ;  the  whole  number  of  com- 
municants is  forty-two.-  There  have  been  twelve 
baptisms,  ten  of  white  and  two  of  coloured  chil- 
dren, seven  funerals,  and  one  marriage. 

John  Grammer,  Jr. 
St.  Paul's  Church,  Suffolk.  The  members  of 
this  church  are  attentive  to  all  the  ordinances  of 
religion,  and  evince  that  they  have  not  forsaken 
that  God  who  made  them,  nor  *•  slightly  regarded 
the  rock  of  their  salvation."  Three  communi- 
cants  have  removed  during  the  last  year  :  the  pres- 
ent number  is  eighteen— baptisms  seven — funer- 
als  twelve — marriages  five.  J.  Keeling. 

St.  Luke's  Church,  parish  of  Newport,  Isle  of 
Wight.  By  the  request  of  the  vestry  of  this 
church,  I  have  officiated  twice  during  the  present 
year  to  large  and  attentive  congregations,  and 
shall  endeavour  to  continue  my  services  once 
every  month,  until  they  shall  have  procured  a 
minister.  Their  church,  which  is  the  oldest  in 
Virginia,  has  been  thoroughly  repaired;  and,  by 
the  exertions  of  a  few  individuals,  a  sum  of  mo- 
ney has  been  raised  to  build  a  church  in  the  town 
of  Smithfield,  and  I  feel  confident  that  this  pious 
undertaking  will  be  accompUshed  during  the  pres- 
ent year.  .       J.  Keeling. 


260 


CONVENTION  OF  1831. 


St.  Paul's  parish,  King  George  county.  The  rec- 
tor reports,  that  his  labours  commenced  in  tiiis  par- 
ish since  the  last  Convention.  The  church  build- 
ing, which  was  ihen  in  a  dilapidated  condition,  has 
recently  been  repaired,  and  was  consecrated  to  the 
worship  of  Almighty  God  by  the  Right  Kev.  Bishop 
Moore,  on  theiSih  of  May.  Confirmation  was 
held  at  that  time,  and  twenty-two  persons  were 
admiued  to  that  apostolic  rite ;  three  were  added 
to  the  communion,  and  several  more  are  deeply 
concerned  about  the  salvation  of  their  souls.  The 
meeting  continued  three  days,  and  was  numer- 
ously attended.  On  the  last  day  a  deep  serious- 
ness perviided  the  congregation,  and  we  trust  that 
we  shall  be  enabled  to  say  that  this  was  but  the 
day  of  small  things.  One  marriage — funerals  three 
— baptisms  ten — comn.unicants  twenty-eight. 
Zachariah  H.  Goldsmith. 

The  rector  reports,  that  although  he  islocated 
in  St.  Paul's  parish,  one  half  of  his  time  has  been 
devoted  to  Brunswick  parish.  The  congregation 
inthis  part  of  our  Zion  is  generally  small,  but  at- 
tentive. One  person  during  the  past  year  has 
been  added  to  the  communion  by  change  of  resi- 
dence. One  funeral— baptisms  sixteen— commu- 
nicants ten.  Z.  H.  Goldsmith. 

Parish  of  Frederick.  The  rector  of  this  parish 
desires  to  be  thankful  to  the  Giver  of  all  grace, 
that  there  is  reason  to  believe  that  the  cause  of 
religion  is  gradually  advancing  in  this  part  of  the 
Lord's  vineyard.  The  attendance  upon  public 
worship  is,  for  the  most  part,  punctual,  and  the 
behaviour  of  those  attending  devout.  The  inter- 
est in  religious  and  benevolent  institutions  of  our 
own  church  and  of  the  whole  Christian  world  is 
still  considerable,  and,  in  some  instances,  warm 
and  active.  While  there  are  too  tnany  still  indif- 
ferent to  the  concerns  of  religion,  it  is  matter  of 
encouragement  to  the  rector,  that  during  the  past 
year  the  hearts  of  some  seem  to  have  been  gra- 
ciously drawn  to  the  love  and  service  of  God,  by 
the  constraining  influence  of  his  Holy  Spirit  oper- 
ating through  his  word  and  ordinances.  Huring 
the  year  thirteen  have  been  added  to  the  com- 
munion, thirty-seven  have  been  baptized,  of  whom 
three  were  adults,  and  eight  were  coloured  chil- 
dren. The  new  church  at  Battletown  is  nearly 
completed,  and  will  be  ready  for  consecration  in 
the  summer.  The  rector  is  happy  to  state  that 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Rice  has  been  elected  as  his  assist- 
ant in  the  parish  of  Frederick,  and  has  entered 
upon  his  duties  with  the  pleasing  prospect  of  being 
acceptable  and  useful.  This  measure  became  in-' 
dispensable,  in  consequence  of  the  withdrawal  of 
the  services  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Jones  from  one  of 
the  congregations,  and  the  frequent  absence  of  the 
rector  on  episcopal  duty. 

The  number  of  communicants  is  about  eighty. 
.   "'  William  Meade. 

Hamilton  and  Leeds  parishes,  Fauquier.  The 
rector  reports  that  the  congregations  have  been 
generally  large  ahd  attentive,  and  he  entertains  a 
cheering  hope  that  within  the  last  three  months 
an  increased  interest  in  divine  and  eternal  thmgs 
has  been  felt ;  this  has  been  manifested  by  a  great- 
er zeal  in  labouring  for  the  promotion  of  religion, 
by  the  addition  of  several  new  menibers  to  the 
number  of  our  communicants,  and  an  apparently 
more  devout  attendance  on  the  public  means  of 
grace.  As  already  intimated,  there  has  been  an 
increase  of  the  number  of  our  communicants,  but 
removal  and  death  have  also  caused  a  decrease. 
In  Hamilton  parish,  communicants  thirty-six  ;  in 
Leeds,  seventeen ;  baptisms  seventeen — funerals 
five — marriages  eighteen — Sunday  Schools  two. 
Geo.  Lemon,  Rector. 

St.  Jdm's  Church,  Hampton.     No  material 


change  has  occurred  since  the  last  report.  The 
attendance  of  the  congregation  upon  the  stated 
services  of  the  church  continues  to  be  regular  and 
devout.  The  condition  of  the  congregation  at  Old 
Point  is  more  encouraging  than  for  two  years  past 
Public  worship  is  usually  well  attended.  The 
weekly  lectures  at  the  Military  Schoolhouse  ex- 
cite considerable  interest,  and  have  thus  far  secu- 
red the  attendance  of  a  numerous  auditory.  A 
Sunday  School,  numbering  forty  scholars  and 
four  teachers,  in  connexion  with  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Sunday  School  Uniori,  under  the  d  rec- 
tron  of  Its  indefatigable  superintendent,  affurdsthe 
prospect  of  much  good. 

Marriages  five — baptisms  fifty  (twenty  colour- 
ed)— communicants  twenty-two — burials  nine. 
Mark  L.  Chevers,  Rector. 

Monumental  Church,  Richmond.  The  rector 
reports,  since  the  last  Convention,  he  has  baptized 
about  thirty,  two  of  whom  were  adidts.  The 
communion  has  been  administered  as  often  as  the 
occasional  absence  of  the  rector  on  diocesan  du- 
ties would  allow.  The  rector  takes  pleasure  in 
repeating,  that  on  most  of  these  occasions  we 
have  had  a  few  additions.  Whole  number  of  com- 
municants one  hundred  and  sixty.  The  Sunday 
School  numbers  about  one  hundred  and  eighty. 
The  Bible  classes  are  flourishing.  -  The  Female 
Missionary  Society  belonging  to  this  church  have 
in  their  treasury  about  $600 ;  it  is  not  probable 
that  they  will  be  long  without  the  services  of  a 
missionary.  The  Education  Society  receives 
yearly  from  this  congregation  very  considerable^ 
assistance.  Richard  C.  Moore,  Rector. 

St.  .John's  Church,  Henrico  parish.  The  rector 
has  to  report  five  baptisms,  four  marriages,  twelve 
funerals,  five  accessions  to  the  communion,  and 
four  removals  from  it  by  the  hand  of  death. 
Through  sickness  and  other  causes,  he  has  been 
absent  from  his  charge  twenty-one  Sundays  du- 
ring the  past  year.  He  is  happy  to  state,  the  par- 
ish church  has  been  completely  and  handsomely 
repaired.  Edward  W.  Pekt. 

Christ  Church,  city  of  Richmond.  This  church 
was,  at  the  last  Convention,  first  admitted  to  rep- 
resentation in  this  body.  Since  that  time,  the 
blessing  of  Divine  Providence  has  rested  upon  it 
to  a  degree  which  has  much  exceeded  expecta- 
tion. We  now  possess  a  neat  and  convenient  edi- 
fice for  the  public  worship  of  God,  which  has  been 
duly  consecrated  by  the  bishop  of  the  diocess. 
Though  in  its  infancy,  this  church  has  been  en- 
abled to  contribute  somewhat  towards  the  spread 
of  the  knowledge  of  Christ,  ahd  the  promotion  of 
the  Redeemer's  kingdom  abroad.  The  congrega- 
tion has  perhaps  more  than  doubled  during  the 
past  year.  Until  within  a  fe\y  months,  the  im- 
provement in  the  spiritual  condition  of  the  church 
has  not  been  such  as  to  afford  very  great  encour- 
agement, but  recently  there  has  been  cause  for 
joy  in  accessions  to  the  communion  :  sixteen  per- 
sons have  been  confirmed  since  that  time,  a  much 
greater  attention  to  serious  things  has  prevailed 
than  before,  and,  at  this  moment,  we  have  reason 
to  believe  that  the  Holy  Ghost  is  moving  upon  the 
hearts  of  a  number,  who,  by  their  diligent  and  anx- 
ious attention  to  the  means  of  grace,  show  that 
they  are  not  "  far  from  the  kingdom  of  God." 

There  are  connected  with  this  church  a  Bible 
class,  Sunday  School,  an  association  formed  for 
the  purpose  of  aiding  the  Education  Society  and 
the  Sunday  School,  and  a  Missionary  Society. 
These  institutions  all  promise  to  be  useful.  Mar- 
riages four — baptisms  eleven  (one  adult) — funerals 
twenty — additions  to  the  communion  thirteen — 
whole  number  of  communicants  forty-three. 

William  F.  Lee,  Rector. 


CONVENTION  OF  1831. 


261 


Christ  Church,  Alexandria.  The  rector  would 
state  that  he  took  charge  of  this  church  in  the 
month  of  December  last,  and  does  not  feel  justi- 
fied in  speaking  confidently  of  the  state  of  the  con- 
gregation, bur.  would  say  that  all  things  seem  to 
encourage  his  hopes  and  animate  his  exertions. 
Six  persons  have  been  received  to  the  communion, 
three  from  other  churches  and  three  from  among 
themselves  —  present  number  of  communicants 
eighty-seven— baptisms  three — one  funeral. 

The  Sunday  School  is  in  a  very  flourishing 
state — the  number  of  scholars  attending  amounts 
to  about  one  hundred  and  thirty  ;  two  Bible  class- 
es have  been  formed  among  tbe  adults,  and  two 
among  the  more  youthful  members  of  the  church. 
A  class  of  catechumens  has  also  been  formed. 
Charles  Mann,  Rector. 

St.  Mark's  parish,  Culpepper  county.  Since 
the  last  communication  made  to  the  Convention, 
several  of  the  communicants  having  died  (four 
within  the  last  eight  months),  some  having  re- 
moved, and  a  few*  being  added,  make  the  present 
number  only  thirty-six.  Since  the  last  Conven- 
tion there  have  been  fourteen  baptisms,  fourteen 
funerals,  and  two  marriages. 

John  Woodville. 

St.  Margaret's  parish,  Caroline  county.  The 
lay  delegates  report,  that,  owing  to  the  sickness 
and  absence  of  their  rector,  they  have  been  with- 
out the  regular  services  of  the  church  for  nearly 
the  whole  of  the  past  year.  They  are  looking 
with  deep  solicitude  and  anxiety  for  his  return, 
which  is  expected  as  soon  as  his  health  permits. 
Wx  G.  Minor. 
Thomas  L.  Lomax. 

Cumberland  parish,  Lunenburg  county.  In  con- 
sequence of  the  death  of  the  late  venerable  rector 
of  this  parish,  the  ReV.  John  Philips,  it  is  at  present 
vacant.  The  vestry  are  extremely  anxious  to  have 
his  place  supplied ;  and,  to  that  end,  are  willing  to 
pledge  themselves  to  raise  an  adequate  sum  for 
his  support.  A  neat  and  comfortable  church  has 
recently  been  erected  in  one  part  of  the  parish, 
.which  is  now  ready  for  consecration,  and  measures 
have  been  taken  to  build  another,  which  will 
probably-  be  completed  the  present  year.  The 
number  of  communicants  is  only  ten  ;  but  others, 
it  is  thought,  would  soon  join  if  an  opportunity 
were  afforded. 

Roger  B.  Atkinson,  Delegate. 

Abingdon  and  Ware  parishes,  Gloucester  coun- 
ty. The  state  of  these  parishes,  the  rector  reports, 
is  prosperous.  God,  in  his  infinite  mercy,  has  in 
some  measure  blessed  our  Zion;  and  there  are 
yet,  we  indulge  the  hope,  evidences  of  his  presence 
among  us. 

During  the  past  year  the  Education  Society  has 
raised  $130,  to  constitute  the  rector  a  life  member 
of  the  parent  institution. 

Baptisms  eighteen,  including  one  adult — four 
funerals,  two  of  which  were  of  coloured  persons — 
one  marriage— communicants,  eight  added,  two 
removed— total  24.  John  Cole. 

Trinity  Church,  Portsmouth  parish.  The  rec- 
tor reports  that  the  state  of  his  congregation,  as 
regards  spiritual  things,  is  "about  the  same  as 
stated  by  him  at  the  last  Convention.  The  con- 
gregation. Iw  thinks,  is  on  the  incre-tse  as  to  mem- 
bers generally,  aod  the  people  are  evidently  more 
regular  in  their  attendance  on  public  worship, 
and  manifest  a  more  lively  interest  in  the  services 
of  the  sanctuary.  The  Sunday  School  has  lately 
been  revived,  and  promises  to  be  more  useful  than 
it  has  ever  been. 

Families  about  fifty— communicants,  one  re- 
moved, present  number   thirty-two— marriages 


three— -baptisms  (of  which  one  was  an  adult)  nine 
— burials  thirteen.  J.  H.  WirioFiELD. 

St.  James's  parish,  Mecklenburg.  The  unset- 
tled state  of  the  people,  anxious  for  removal  to 
some  other  region,  forbids  the  hope  of  any  increase 
in  the  parish.  The  original  number  of  communi- 
cants has  been  lessened  by  death.  There  have 
been  seven  removals  and  deaths  since  the  present 
rector  has  been  in  the  parish.  Marriages  two — 
baptisms  fourteen — funerals  six —  communicaiits 
thirty-five.  Wm.  Steel,  Rector, 

St.  Martin's  parish,  Hanover  and  Louisa,  The 
lector  reports,  that  since  the  last  Convention 
there  have  been  some  interesting  additions  to  the 
church.  He  regrets  to  see  in  some  too  much 
coldness  and  indifference,  but  he  is  pleased  to 
state,  that  he  has  reasons  to  believe  many  of  those 
who  profess  to  be  the  children  of  God  are  growing 
in  grace  and  in  the  knowledge  of  Christ.  The 
new  church  contemplated  in  our  last  report  will 
soon  be  completed  and  ready  for  consecration. 
The  various  benevolent  institutions  among  us  still 
continue  to  flourish.  Besides  the  means  of  grace 
usually  enjoyed,  we  have  had  in  successful  opera- 
tion monthly  meetings,  for  the  special  purpose  of 
prayer,  from  which,  it  is  believed,  much  good  has 
resulted.  In  addition  to  the  congregations  here- 
toiore  attended,  1  have  .been  labouring  for  some 
time  past  in  the  county  of  Louisa,  where  I  have 
had  large  and  attentive  congregations.  Communi- 
cants sixty-nine,  two  have  died  and  six  have  been 
added — baptisms  twelve — marriages  eight — funer- 
als fourteen.  John  Cooke. 

Tillotson  parish,  Buckingham.  Very  httle 
change  has  taken  place  in  the  condition  of  the 
congregation  in  this  parish  since  the  last  report. 
There  is  now  in  progress  a  church  edifice,  which 
will  be  completed  and  ready  for  consecration  this 
fall.     Funerals  three — communicants  twenty-six. 

Moore  parish,  Campbell.  The  two  congrega- 
tions in  this  parish  exhibit  nearly  the  same  aspect 
as  when  last  reported.  Funerals  two— marriages 
two — communicants  sixteen.       N.  G.  Osgood. 

St.  Paul's  parish,  Alexandria.  As  regards  the 
spiritual  concerns  of  this  congregation,  we  have 
nothing  material  to  detail,  though  our  number  of 
hearers  has  considerably  increased,  and  we  think 
that  recent  indications  justify  the  hope  that  the 
great  Head  of  the  church  is  about  to  visit  us  in 
mercy.  Our  temporal  affairs  are  in  a  much  more 
prosperous  condition  than  they  have  heretofore 
been.  Through  the  laudable  exertions  of  a  female 
association,  our  last  debt,  amounting  to  about 
$1,300,  has  been  liquidated,  by  weekly  or  monthly- 
subscriptions,  in  less  time  than  eighteen  months. 
Our  schools  and  various  societies  are  well  and 
zealously  supported.  Since  the  last  Convention 
there  have  been  twelve  marriages — baptisms  thirty- 
four,  of  which  number  one  was  an  adult — funerals 
nineteen — six  have  been  added  to  the  communion 
— present  number  one  hundred  and  sixty.  The 
Sunday  Schools  contain  upwards  of  three  hundred 
scholars.  Wm.  Jackson,  Rector. 

Russell  parish,  Bedford  county.  The  rector 
reports  that  the  general  aspect  of  things  in  this 
parish  may  be  considered  as  favourable.  An  in- 
creasing interest  is  manifested  in  the  preaching  of 
the  gospel ;  the  members  of  the  cominunion  are 
beginning  to  exhibit  more  zeal  and  devotion,  and 
the  spirit  of  grace  is  evidently  exciting  in  many 
minds  an  anxious  inquiry  about  the  salvation  of 
the  soul.  The  indications  of  a  blessing  from  God 
are  such  as  to  inspire  with  hope,  and  stimulate  to  " 
exertion  ;  and  at  no  period  of  his  ministry  has  the 
rector  been  more  encouraged  to  preach  Jesus 
Christ  and  him  crucified.  Besides  one  young 
man  now  qualified  to  be  presented  as  a  candidate 


262 


COl^IVENTIOK  OF  1831. 


for  the  ministry,  there  are  one  or  two  others  who 
it  is  hoped  will  in  time  be  prepared  i'or  the  same 
object.  Baptisms,  of  mfants  sixteen,  of  adults  five 
— burials  two — marriages  nine — coiiiniunicants,  re- 
moved six,  added  ten,  total  seventy-four.  Besides 
officiating  in  Russell  pansli,  Bedford  county,  the 
rector  has,  since  Christinas,  devoted  one  fourth  of 
his  time  to  the  adjacent  county  of  Botetourt ;  in 
this  county  we  have  a  few  very  pious  and  zealous 
members,  and  some  warmly  attached  friends. 
Communicants,  added  four— total  fourteen. 

Bristol  parish,  Petersburg.  The  condition  of 
this  parish  is  not  materially  changed  since  last 
report.  The  public  services  of  the  church  are 
well  attended,  and  it  is  hoped,  by  the  blessing  of 
God,  much  good  will  finally  result  to  the  members. 
Eight  have  been  added  to  the  communion,  two 
have  died,  and  two  have  removed  ;  total  number 
of  communicants  between  sixty  and  seventy.  'I'he 
Female  Association  for  Weekly  Prayer  is  regular- 
ly attended  ;  the  Female  Education  Society  is 
still  very  assiduous  in  promoting  the  interests  for 
which  it  was  instituted.  Baptisms  twenty-five — 
marriages  eight — funerals  twenty-one. 

At^drew  3yme. 

St.  George's  parish,  Fredericksburg.  The  rec- 
tor of  this  church  is  still  permitted,  through  God's 
abounding  mercy,  to  report  the  favourable  state 
of  the  congregation  committed  to  his  pastoral  care. 
The  divine  blessing  has  been  vouchsafed  us 
during  the  past  year  to  an  encouraging  extent. 
We  have  rarely  enjoyed  more  manifest  proof  of 
the  faithfulness  of  Him  who  has  said,  *'  My  word 
shall  not  return  unto  me  void,  but  shall  prosper  in 
the  thing  whereto  I  sent  it."  So  efficacious  has 
his  word  been,  that  fifteen  or  twenty  members 
have  been  added  to  the  communion,  bringing  with 
them  a  large  accession  of  religious  and  moral  in- 
fluence, auspicious  in  a  high  degree  to  the  prog- 
ress of  divine  truth  among  us.  There  is  a  lauda- 
ble attention  paid  to  the  important  duties  of  family 
and  public  worship.  The  increasing  number  of 
those  who,  around  the  family  altar,  offer  the  sacri- 
fice of  prayer  and  praise  with  "  morning  light  and 
evening  shade,"  is  a  source  of  great  satisikction, 
as  it  is  of  great  advantage  to  the  cause  of  truth 
and  godliness  among  us.  So  much  has  the  num- 
ber increased  of  those  who  go  up  to  the  house  of 
God,  that  the  vestry  have  the  enlargement  of  the 
church  edifice  now  under  consideration.  There 
is  also  the  same  zeal  and  devotion  evinced  in  be- 
half of  our  several  religious  and  benevolent  insti- 
tutions. Our  Sunday  Schools  (three  in  number) 
contain  about  two  hundred  and  fifty  scholars,  dili- 
gently instructed  by  more  than  fifty  teachers  ;  one 
of  these  is  an  infant  school,  containing  children 
between  the  ages  of  three  and  seven  years,  and 
considered  by  us  as  our  most  interesting  charge. 
Our  Bible  classes  are  still  continued,  with  every  fa- 
vourable prospect  of  extensive  and  lasting  useful- 
ness. The  Prayer- Book  and  Tract  Society  is  do- 
ing much  good.  Th«  Female  Missionary  Society 
IS  well  sustained,  and  anxious  to  be  more  actively 
engaged  than  their  recent  want  of  missionaries 
would  admit.  The  claims  of  the  General  Mis- 
sionary Society  have  also  been  duly  regarded  by 
us,  the  contributions  to  its  funds  having  in  the 
last  two  years  exceeded  the  sum  of  $800.  Bap- 
tisms twenty-seven  (five  adults) — marriages  six — 
funerals  eighteen — communicants  one  hundred  and 
twenty-five.  Edwakd  C.  M'Gcire. 

St.  Paul's  Church,  Lynchburg.  Amid  many 
causes  for  humiliation,  the  general  aspect  of  this 
parish  is  encouraging.  The  church  edifice  has 
lust  been  completed  in  a  neat  and  chaste  style. 
The  Sunday  School  has  been  furnished  with  a 
valuable  library,  and  is  conducted  with  untiring 


zeal.  The  weekly  prayer-meeting  maintained  by 
the  female  communicants  has  been  instrumenta 
in  diffusing  spirituality  of  mind,  and  uniting  theii 
efforts  for  the  religious  charities  of  the  church 
An  increased  sense,  of  the  responsibility  for  the 
right  use  of  influence  as  a  talent  has  been  shown 
by  several  laymen,  and  their  efforts  in  diftusing 
right  principles  in  religion  have  been  blessed. 
The  circulation  also  of  the  works  issued  by  the 
New-York  Protestant  Episcopal  press  has  con- 
tributed to  advance  the  cause  of  evangelical  truth 
and  apostolic  order.  Baptisms,  of  adults  four,  of 
infants  ten — marriages  three — funerals  six— com- 
municants, added  sixteen,  present  number  fifty- 
two.  F.  G.  Smith,  Rector. 

St.  Anne's  and  South  Farnham  parishes,  Essex 
county.  The  pastor  reports  that  he  returned  to 
his  present  charge  in  Isiovember  last ;  since  that 
time  the  congregations  have  been  improving,  and 
six  have  been  added  to  the  communion.  The  pres- 
ent number  of  communicants  is  forty-seven.  One 
Sunday  School,  which  has  been  in  existence 
about  twelve  years,  is  still  in  successful  operation. 
Another  has  just  commenced  under  circumstances 
not  very  encouraging.  Three  Bible  classes  have 
been  formed,  one  male  and  two  female,  embracing 
about  forty  individuals.  It  is  proper  here  to  re-r 
cord,  that  the  parishioners,  though  few  in  number, 
have  purchased  nearly  two  hundred  acres  of  land 
for  a  glebe,  and  commenced  erecting  thereon  a 
parsonage-house,  which  it  is  expected  will  be  fin- 
ished with  all  convenient  speed.  When  the  whole 
is  completed,  it  will  have  cost  upwards  of  two 
thousand  dollars,  and  afford  a  very  agreeable 
abode  for  their  present  or  future  pastor. 

John  P.  M'Guirej 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Edward  C.  P^I'Guire,  from  the 
board  of  trustees  of  the  Theological  School,  pre- 
sented the  following  report,  which  was  read  -.-^ 

In  discharge  of  the  duty  assigned  them  by  the 
constitution,  the  trustees  of  the  Theological  School 
beg  leave  to  submit  to  the  Convention  the  following 

ANNUAL  REPORT. 

The  board  take  great  pleasure  in  announcing  the 
unusual  prosperity  which,  through  the  past  year, 
has  marked  the  progress  of  the  institution  intrust- 
ed to  their  care.  At  no  former  period  have  the 
proofs  of  divine  favour  been  more  largely  vouch- 
safed, nor  have  the  instances  of  a  growing  inter- 
est in  her  welfare,  on  the  part  of  friends,  ever 
been  more  gratifying.  In  every  view  of  present 
circumstances  and  future  prospects,  we  have 
every  reason  to  thank  God  and  take  courage. 

The  number  of  young  men  who  have  been  pur- 
suing their  studies  during  the  present  session  is 
reported  by  the  professors  as  amounting  to  twenty' 
three.  Of  these,  three  have  left  the  seminary  on 
account  of  ill  health.  The  number  at  this  time  is 
nineteen,  one  of  whom  will  sustain  his  examina- 
tion for  deacons'  orders  during  the  sitting  of  the 
present  Convention.  We  are  happy  also  to  state, 
that  eight  others  arc  expected  to  apply  for  orders 
at  the  close  of  the  session  in  July. 

In  regard  to  the  spirit  and  conduct  of  those  who 
are  sharing  the  benefits  of  our  school,  we  can  say, 
that  their  religious  and  moral  deportment  has 
been  such  as  to  give  assurance  of  sincere  piety 
and  entire  devotion  to  the  high  objects  of  that 
holy  office  tx)  which  they  aspire ;  and  that  their 
industry  and  general  proficiency  have  been  such 
as  to  secure  for  them  the  approbation  of  their  in- 
structers. 

The  branches  of  sacred  learning  systematically 
pursued  by  the  students  as  their  regular  and  es- 
tablished course  need  not  be  here  detailed,  seeing 


CONVENTION  OF  1831. 


26a 


they  have  been  so  often  and  minutely  referred  to 
in  former  reports.  Suffice  it  to  say,  that  the  reg- 
ulations adopted  by  the  board  of  trustees  on  this 
subject,  in  harmony  as  they  are  with  the  course 
prescribed  by  the  House  of  Bishops,  have  been 
strictly  and  faithfully  complied  with,  v  It  is  \Vith 
pleasure  we  mention  also,  that  in  addition  to  the 
mstructions  heretofore  so  ably  and  efficiently  af- 
forded by  our  two  resident  professors,  the  professor 
of  Pastoral  Theology  has  commenced  a  course  of 
lectures  and  recitations  on  those  points  of  minis- 
terial duty  and  obligation  belonging  more  espe- 
cially to  the  important  department  filled  by  him. 

A  reference  to  the  treasurer's  account  will 
show  that  there  have  been  some  accessions  to  our 
funds  during  the  period  embraced  by  this  report. 
This  addition  has  accrued  from  old  subscriptions 
collected  from  legacies,  &c.  The  value  of  the 
seminary  property,  as  well  as  the  convenience  and 
comfort  of  one  of  the  professors,  have  been  en- 
hanced by  the  erection  of  a  respectable  dwelling- 
house,  situated  at  a  convenient  distance  from  the 
seminary.  This  building  has  been  erected  by  the 
Education  Society,  aided  m  part  by  the  munifi- 
cence of  a  few  private  individuals. 

As  the  importance  and  value  of  this  excellent 
institution  become  more  manifest,  and  assume  a 
more  commEuiding  aspect,  the  board  of  trustees 
feel  their  duties  and  responsibilities  proportionably 
increasing.  They  will  therefore  meet  with  every 
indulgence  at  your  hands,  while  in  concluding 
their  report  they  bring  to  your  view  its  necessities 
and  claims.  So  long  and  so  fondly  cherished  by 
you,  and  no  doubt  as  dear  to  you  as  ever,  such  a 
representation  cannot  be  made  in  vain.  The  in- 
crease of  students  through  the  past  year  had  at 
one  time  rendered  it  probable  that  the  erection  of 
an  additional  building  would  be  necessary  ;  nor 
could  they  all  have  been  received,  but  that,  from 
peculiar  circumstances,  some  were  accommodated 
m  the  houses  of  the  professors.  If  then  there 
hould,  as  is  hoped  and  desired,  be  large  additions 
o  our  present  number,  no  alternative  will  be  left 
us  but  either  to  erect  another  edifice,  or  turn 
them  from  our  doors.  The  assistance  now  ren- 
dered us  by  the  Education  Society  is  known  to 
the  most  of  you  ;  and  it  ought  to  be  known,  that 
without  such  friendly  aid  the  seminary  could  not 
be  sustained  for  a  day  in  effective  operation;  a 
state  in  which  it  is  surely  not  expedient  for  us  to 
continue.  Besides  gathering  up  the  fragments  of 
old  subscriptions,  may  we  not  expect  a  reviving  in- 
terest on  the  part  of  our  friends  in  regard  to  all 
the  means  calculated  to  increase  our  funds  ? 
Having  of  Late  received  some  gratifying  testament- 
ary evidences  of  regard,  we  are  encouraged  to 
hope  that  others  will  follow  this  good  example. 
It  has  cheered  us  to  see  various  literary  and  reli- 
gious institutions,  from  time  to  time,  richly  en- 
dowed in  our  land,  and  we  cannot  but  think  that  the 
one  under  our  charge  presents  a  strong  claim  upon 
all  those  who,  in  their  dying  hour^  wis.h  to  conse- 
crate a  portion  of  their  worldly  gain  to  the  service 
of  God  and  the  good  of  man. 

In  regard  to  the  security  of  the  permanent  funds 
now  in  hand,  the  board  can  speak  with  entire  con- 
fidence. The  loans  have  been  effected  by  men  of 
business,  well  acquainted  with  the  circumstances 
of  individuals.  And  in  doing  this,  every  legal  re- 
quirement has  been  observed,  so  that  the  invest- 
ments are  the  best  and  safest  which  could  be 
made. 

All  which  is  respectfully  submitted. 

The  Trustees. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  said  report 
be  received.  .•     ^ 


The  Rev.  Mr.  Lee,  from  the  executive  com- 
mittee of  the  Missionary  Society  of  the  Protest- 
ant Episcopal  Church,  presented  the  following 


The  constitution  of  the  Missionary  Society  of 
Virginia  requires  of  the  executive  committee 
thereof  to  exhibit  an  annual  statement  of  their 
proceedings  to  the  Convention.  This  statement 
the  executive  committee  now  make.  They  are 
sorry  to  say  that  so  little  has  been  done ;  a  few 
words  will  put  the  Convention  in  full  possession 
of  all  their  transactions. 

The  first  meeting  of  the  committee  was  held  in 
the  month  of  March  last,  and  measures  were  then 
adopted,  with  the  view  of  employing  the  funds  of 
tlie  society.  The  Rev.  Mark  L.  Chevers  was 
employed  to  officiate  part  of  his  time  in  the  coun- 
ties of  York,  Warwick,  and  Elizabeth  City,  which 
were  conceived  to  be  unportant  fields  of  labour. 
He  has  entered  upon  the  duties  assigned  him ; 
but  so  short  a  time  has  elapsed  since,  that  no  re- 
port from  him  could  be  expected. 

Notwithstanding  diligent  inquiries,  and  a  notice 
of  their  wants  and  wishes,  published  and  exten- 
sively circulated  in  several  Episcopal  papers,  the 
committee  have  not  been  able  to  engage  suitable 
missionaries.  They  are  prepared,  for  a  time,  to 
employ  several  ministers  ;  but  their  funds,  if  not 
replenished,  would  very  soon  be  exhausted.  The 
friends  of  the  church,  who  have  exerted  them- 
selves in  behalf  of  this  important  institution,  will 
not  relax  their  efforts,  but  still  sustain  it ;  for  by 
its  agency  only  is  it  probable  that  the  waste  places 
can  be  built  up.  There  are  many  interesting 
points  in  our  diocess  to  which  the  attention  of  the 
committee  has  been  directed.  We  look  to  our 
Theological  Seminary  for  faithful  ministers,  with 
missionary  spirits,  wha,  animated  by  the  love  of 
Christ,  need  not  the  stimulus  of  inferior  motives 
to  induce  them  to  labour  in  those  promising  fields 
to  which  our  attention  has  been  called — who  shall 
be  willing  to  endure  self-denial,  satisfied  with  the 
supply  of  their  necessary  wants. 

The  number  of  organized  Episcopal  churches  in 
this  state  is  about  one  hundred;  the  clergy  are 
less  than  half  that  number:  of  these,  several, 
through  age  or  infirmity,  or  other  causes,  are  dis- 
qualified for  very  active  service.  The  cry  for  help 
is  heard  from  many  quarters.  Applications  are 
incessantly  made  for  assistance  ;  and  had  we  the 
means  and  ministers,  we  are  confident  that  one 
hundretl  clergymen  might  find  ample  fields  of  use- 
ful labour  within  the  limits  of  our  diocess. 

At  the  meeting  of  the  committee  before  men- 
tioned, the  Rev.  J.  P.  M'Guire  was  requested  to 
preach  in  behalf  of  this  society,  and  has  consented 
to  do  so  during  this  Convention. 

At  a  former  Convention,  the  ministers  of  the 
several  parishes  were  required,  annually,  to  apply 
to  their  people  for  aid  to  the  funds  of  the  Mission- 
ary Society.  In  but  few  instances  have  remittan- 
ces been  made  to  the  treasurer  ;  a  fact  to  which 
the  committee  would  respectfully  direct  the  atten- 
tion of  the  Convention. 

The  treasurer's  account  (which  is  herewith  ex- 
hibited) shows  that  there  are  now  in  his  hands 
$618  22. 

All  which  is  respectfully  submitted. 

Executive  Committee. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  said  report  be 
received. 

The  proceedings  of  the  standing  committee 
of  this  diocess  since  the  last  Convention  were 
presented  and  read. 


264 


CONVENTION  OF  1831. 


On  motion  of  Mr.  Williams,  Resolved,  That 
the  bishop  and  standing  committee  of  this  dio- 
cess  be,  and  they  are  hereby,  authorized  to  as- 
certain what  disposition  should  be  made  under 
the  will  of  Evan  Ragland,  deceased,  of  the  fund 
received  in  conformity  with  the  compromise 
heretofore  effected  with  his  heirs  ;  and  that  they 
receive  the  said  funds  from  Mr.  John  Nelson 
and  Judge  William  Leigh,  and  invest  the  same 
in  such  manner  as  to  them  may  seem  best ; 
and  from  time  to  time  pay  over  the  interest  or 
dividends,  as  the  same  may  be  received,  to  the 
minister  of  Antrim  parish,  until  the  further  order 
of  the  Convention. 

The,  Rev.  Mr.  Empie,  from  the  committee 
upon  the  state  of  the  church  in  this  diocess,  pre- 
sented the  following 


-The  committee  on  the  state  of  the  church  beg 
leave  respectfully  to  report,  that  in  reference  to 
the  actual  condition  of  the  diocess,  they  have 
nothing  to  communicate  beyond  what  is  contained 
in  the  episcopal  and  parochial  reports.  Those 
reports  evmce  at  once  the  Hdehty,  zeal,  and  suc- 
cess of  our  bishops  and  clergy,  and  the  progress 
of  religion  amofig  the  laity ;  and  at  no  former  Con- 
vention since  the  revival  of  the  church  in  this  dio- 
cess have  tfiey  furnished  intelligence  more  flat- 
tering and  encouraging.  As  far  as  external  evi- 
dences go,  they  proclaim  the  existence  of  a  truly 
pious  and  evangelical  spirit  pervading  the  church- 
es, and  they  furnish  ground  for  the  animatmg  hope, 
that  both  the  form  and  power  of  godliness  are 
rapidly  winnmg  their  way  among  our  people.  In 
re-echoing,  however,  the  language  of  former  re- 
ports on  this  subject,  and  felicitating  ourselves 
upon  the  growing  prosperity  of  our  Zion,  God  for- 
bid that  the  leaven  of  vanity  and  spiritual  piide 
should  mingle  itself  with  the  hallowed  feelings  of 
joy  at  the  spread  of  the  Redeemer's  kingdom. 
Remembering  that  the  blessing  of  God  is  com- 
mensurate with  our  zeal  and  our  efforts,  while 
our  hearts  are  filled  v^ith  animating  love  and  grat- 
itude to  the  great  Head  of  the  church  for  the  good 
that  has  been  achieved,  clergy  and  laity  should 
take  shame  to  themselves  that  more  good  has  not 
been  effected,  and  we  should  all  perseveringly  en- 
deavour, each  in  our  stations,  to  devote  more  of 
our  time,  our  talents,  and  our  property,  to  the 
cause  of  God  and  of  souls. 

The  committee  take  pleasure  in  stating,  that 
they  do  most  cordially  concur  with  our  venerable 
diocesan  in  the  opinion  he  expresses  on  the  sub- 

iect  of  clerical  associations.  Experience,  with 
ler  thousand  tongues,  proclaims  the  efficacy  of 
these  associations  in  stirring  up  Christians  from 
their  state  of  spiritual  slumber,  and  in  bringing 
the  thoughtless  and  impenitent  imder  the  subdu- 
ing energies  of  God's  word  and  spirit.  As  far, 
therefore,  as  such  associations  can  be  effected 
without  interfering  with  other  clerical  duties,  they 
deserve  to  be  recommended  and  encouraged. 
And  your  committee  believe,  that  being  left  vol- 
untary and  depending  upon  previous  concert  is 
the  best  mode  of  adapting  them  to  the  ever-vary- 
ing circumstances  of  tirrie,  place,  and  emergency. 

In  conclusion,  the  committee  think  it  expedient 
to  recommend  to  the  special  consideration  and 
observance  of  the  clergy,  as  far  as  practicable, 
the  requirements  of  the  40th  canon  of  the  General 
Convention,  and  the  13th  canon  of  the  chnrch  in 
this  diocess. 

All  of  which  is  respectfully  submitted. 

A.  Empie,  Chairman. 


On  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  said  report  be 
received. 

.On  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  Convention 

do  now  adjourn  until  half  past  4  o'clock  P.  M. 

The  Convention  met  at  half  past  four  O'clock 

P.  M.,  and,  the  bishop  being  absent,  the  Rev. 

Mr.  Lemon  was  called  to  the  chair. 

The  Convention  then  proceeded  to  the  e  ec- 
tion  of  the  officers  and  executive  committee  of 
the  Missionary  Society ;  and  thereupon  John 
G.  Williams  was  elected  secretary,  Thomas 
Nelson  was  elected  treasurer,  and  Rev.  E.  C. 
M'Guire,  Rev.  Henry  W.  Ducachet,  Rev. 
Nicholas  H.  Cobbs,  Rev.  William  Jackson, 
Rev.  Leonidas  Polk,  Rev.  William  F.  Lee,  Rev. 
Edward  W.  Peet,  Mr.  John  Nelson,  Dr.  Carter 
Berkeley,  Mr.  Edmund  L  Lee,  Mr.  John  Gray, 
Mr.  George  M.  Carrington,  and  Mr.  Samuel  C. 
Nichols,  were  appointed  members  of  the  execu- 
tive committee. 

The  Convention  proceeded  to  the  election^ 
by  ballot,  of  a  standing  committee  of  the  church 
in  this  diocess  for  the  ensuing  year.  Where- 
upon the  following  gentlemen  were  duly  elected, 
viz.  :  the  Rev.  Reuel  Keith,  D.  D.,  the  Rev. 
Edward  R.  Lippit,  the  Rev.  William  Jackson, 
Mr.  John  Hooff,  Mr.  Edmund  I.  Lee,  and  Mr. 
John  Gray.  -r' 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Thomas  Marshall,  Resolv- 
ed, unanimously,  That  the  thanks  of  this  Con- 
vention are  due  to  the  citizens  of  Norfolk  bor- 
ough, for  their  kindness  and  hospitality  to  every 
nrember  of  this  body.  / 

Resolved,  That  the  Rev.  Mr.  Lee,  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Peet,  and  Mr.  Hilary  Baker,  be  appointed 
a  committee,  to  meet  in  the  city  of  Richmond 
as  early  as  convenient,  and  make  such  an  as- 
sessment among  the  parishes  of  this  diocess  as 
will  raise  the  sum  of  $300  annually,  to  be  paid 
to  Bishop  Moore,  and  that  this  conmiittee  inform 
the  clergymen  of  each  parish  of  the  proportion 
required  from  his  parish  ;  and 

Resolved,  That  the  clergy  be  requested  to 
raise  the  quota  so  assessed,  and  pay  it  in  at  the 
next  Convention. 

The  Convention  proceeded  to  the  election, 
by  ballot,  of  eight  delegates,  to  represent  this 
diocess  in  the  next  General  Convention  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  United 
States ;  wherejipon  the  following  gentlemen 
were  duly  elected,  viz.  : — Rev.  Reuel  Keith, 
Rev.  Henry  W.  Ducachet,  Rev.  John  Gram- 
rner.  Rev.  Nicholas  H.  Cobbs,  Mr.  James  M. 
Garnett,  Mr,  John  G.  Williams,  Mr.  Thomas 
Marshall,  and  Mr.  John  Nelson. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  A.  L.  Dabney,  Resolved, 
That,  agreeably  to  the  provisions  of  the  13th 
article  of  the  constitution,  notice  be  transmitted 
to  the  several  vestries  of  the  parishes  in  this 
diocess,  that  it  is  proposed  at  the  next  Conven- 
tion to  amend  the  first  article  of  the  constitu- 
tion, by  striking  out  the  word  "  Thursday,"  and 
inserting,  in  lieu  thereof,  the  word  "  Wednes- 
day," so  that  the  article  shall  read  thus :  "  There 
shall  be  a  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episco- 
pal Church  in  this  state  on  the  third  Wednes- 
day in  May  in  every  year  ;  but  the  Convention 
which  meets  in  the  year  previous  to  the  meet- 


CONVENTION  OF  1832. 


265 


ing  of  the  General  Convention  may  have  power 
to  appoint  the  time  and  place  of  meeting  for  the 
next  annual  session."  _  ■        \ 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  E.  C.  M'Guire,  Rer 
solved,  That  twelve  hundred  copies  of  this 
Journal  be  printed,  and  distributed  by  the  secre- 
tary among  the  parishes. 

Resolved,  That  the  treasurer  pay  to  the  sec- 
retary his  expenses  incurred  in  attending  this 
Convention. 


Resolved,  That  the  treasurer  pay  to  the  door- 
keeper of  this  Convention  six  dollars  for  his  ser- 
vices. 

And  then,  on  motion,  the  Convention  ad- 
journed, to  meet  in  the  town  of  Alexandria,  on 
the  third  Wednesday  in  May  next. 

RicH.\RD  Channing  Moork, 
Bishop  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church 
of  the  Diocess  of  Virginia. 
Teste,         John  G.  Williams,  Secretary. 


Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of  a  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  of  the  Diocess  of 
Virginia,  which  assembled  in  the  tovm  of  Alexandria,  on  the  IGthday  of  Mai/,  1832. 


This  being  the  day  appointed  for  the  annual 
meeting  of  the  Convention  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church  in  the  Diocess  of  Virginia, 
the  Right  Rev.  Richard  Channing  Moore,  D.  D., 
bishop,  and  the  Right  Rev.  William  Meade, 
D.  D.,  assistant  bishop  of  the  diocess,  with 
several  clergvmen  and  lay  delegates,  attended 
divine  service  in  Christ  Church. 

Morning  prayers  were  read  by  the  Rev.  Alex- 
ander Jones,  of  St.  Andrew's  parish,  Jefferson 
county,  and  a  sermon  preached  by  the  Rev. 
William  F.  Lee,  rector  of  Christ  Church, 
Richmond. 

After  divine  service,  the  Right  Rev.  Will- 
iam Meade,  assistant  bishop,  in  the  absence  of 
Bishop  Moore,  took  the  chair  as  president  of 
the  Convention,  and  Rev.  WilUam  F.  Lee  was 
appointed  Secretary  pro  tem. 

The  following  clergymen,  entitled  to  seats  in 
the  Convention,  appeared,  viz.  : — 

Rev.  Ephraim  Adams,  Christ  Church,  Lan- 
caster county ;  Rev.  Mark  L.  Chevers,  St. 
John's  Church,  Elizabeth  City  parish ;  Rev. 
Nicholas  H.  Cobbs,  Russell  parish,  Bedford 
county  ;  Rev.  James  Doughen,  St.  James's  par- 
ish, Northam,  Goochland  county  ;  Rev.  Charles 
Dresser,  Antrim  parish,  Halifax  ;  Rev.  Henry 
W.  Ducachet,  M.  D.,  Christ  Church,  Norfolk; 
Rev.  Adam  Empie,  rector  of  Bruton  parish,  and 
President  of  William  and  Mary  College ;  Rev. 
Stephen  H.  Gunter,  Hungar's  parish  ;  Rev.  Z. 
H.  Goldsmith,  St  Paul's  parish.  King  George  ; 
!Rev.  John  Grammer,  St.  Andrew's  and  Bath 
parishes,  Dinwiddie  county ;  Rev.  Johannes 
Edward  Jackson,  Christ  Church,  Winchester  ; 
Rev.  William  Jackson,  St.  Paul's  Chun.h,  Al- 
exandria ;  Rev.  Reuel  Keith,  D.  D.,  Professor  in 
Theological  Seminary  ;  Rev.  George  Lemon, 
Hamilton  and  Leeds  parishes,  Fauquier ;  Rev. 
William  F.  Lee,  Christ  Church,  Richmond ; 
Rev.  Charles  Mann,  Christ  Church,  Fairfax  par- 
ish ;  Rev.  Zachariah  Meade,  St.  Anne's  parish, 
Albemarle ;  Rev.  Edward  C.  M'Guire,  St 
George's  parish,  Fredericksburg ;  Rev.  J.  P. 
M'Guire,  St.  Anne's  and  South  Farnham  par- 
ishes, Essex  ;  Rev.  Ira  Parker  ;  Rev.  John  H. 
Wingfield,  Portsmouth  parish,  Norfolk ;  Rev. 
Alexander  Jones,  St.  Andrew's  parish,  Jeffer- 
son ;  Rev.  F.  G.  Smith,  St.  PauPs  Church, 
Lynchburg ;  Rev.  Charles  H.  Page,  Lexington 
parish,  Amherst ;  Rev.  Charles  C.  Taliaferro, 
Cumberland  parish,  Lunenburg ;  Rev.  Joseph 
H.  Nichols,  assistant  minister  of  the  Monument- 


al Church,  Richmond  ;  Rev.  William  M.  Jack- 
son, assistant  minister  of  Frederick  parish ; 
Rev.  Chaplin  Hedges,  Smithfield,  Isle  of 
Wight ;  Rev.  Frederick  D.  Goodwin,  Kanawha 
parish;  Rev.  W.  P.  C.  Johnson,  No rborne  par- 
ish, Berkeley  ;  Rev.  Annesley  Stewart ;  Rev. 
J.  S.'  Swift,  missionary  in  Buckingham,  Albe- 
marle, &-C.  ;  Rev.  Josias  Clapham,  Hanover 
parish.  King  George. 

Mr.  'I'homas  Marshall  and  Rev.  Adam  Em- 
pie,  D.  D.,  were  appointed  a  committee  to  ex- 
amine the  certificates  of  the  lay  delegates,  who 
reported  as  follows  : — 

The  committee  to  whom  were  referred  the 
certificates  of  the  lay  delegates,  have,  according 
to  order,  examined  the  same,  and  report  that  the 
following  persons  have  been  duly  elected  lay 
delegates  to  this  Convention,  and  that  their  cer- 
tificates are  authenticated  in  the  manner  pre- 
scribed in  the  canon,  viz.  : — 

Albert  Turner,  Hanover  parish.  King.  George 
county  ;  Robert  P.  Waring,  Vuuter's  Church, 
parish  of  St.  Anne's,  Essex  ;  John  T.  Clark, 
Antrim  parish,  Halifax  county;  William  D. 
Young,  Portsmouth  parish;  Jacob  C.  Sheldon, 
Bruton  parish,  Williamsburg  ;  James  Brown, 
St.  Andrew's  parish,  Jefferson  county  ;  George 
F.  Thornton  and  Addison  F.  Thornton,  St. 
Margaret's  parish,  Caroline  ;  Archibald  Magill, 
Christ  Church,  Winchester ;  John  Stuart  and 
Edward  T.  Tayloe,  Lamb's  Creek  Church, 
Brunswick  parish.  King  George  county  ;  Will- 
iam G.  Smith,  Hungar's  parish,  Northampton  ; 
Robert  E.  Steed,  Christ  Church,  Norfolk  bor- 
ough ;  Philip  Nelson  and  Philip  Burwell,  Grace 
Church,  Frederick  parish  ;  David  M.  Walk  and 
Thurmer  Hoggard,  Lynnhaven  parish,  Princess 
Anne  ;  John  Wilson,  Christ  Church,  Norborne 
parish  ;  Westwood  S.  Armistead,  St.  John's 
Church,  Hampton  ;  Rawleigh  W.  Downman, 
Christ  Church,  Lancaster ;  William  Norvell 
Ward,  St.  Paul's  Church,  Lynchburg ;  Lud- 
well  Digges,  Hamilton  parish,  Fauquier  county  ; 
Hugh  Nelson,  Fredericksville  parish,  Albemarle; 
Edmund  Penn,  Lexington  parish,  Amherst ; 
Francis  Wicker,  Heririco  parish,  Henrico  coun- 
ty ;  George  W.  Bassett,  St.  George's  parish, 
Fredericksburg ;  Isaac  Winston  and  Philip 
Slaughter,  St.  Stephen's  Church,  Culpepper; 
John  S.  Dixon,  Ware  parish,  Gloucester  coun- 
ty ;  Isaac  Chapline,  Trinity  Church,  St.  An- 
drew's parish,  Jefferson  county;  Gustavus  B. 
Alexander,  St.   Paul's  Church,  King  George 


^66 


CONVENTION  OF  1832. 


county  ;  Edmund  J.  Lee,  Christ  Church,  Fairfax 
parish ;  Thomas  Nelson,  Monumenul  Church, 
Richmond ;  Wilson  C.  Selden  and  Lewis  T. 
Berkeley,  St.  Jamies's  Church,  Shelburne  par- 
ish, Loudoun  ;  Edward  Colston,  Norborne  par- 
ish, Berkeley  county  ;  Thomas  Marshall,  Leeds 
parish,  Fauquier  county  ;  Wm.  Boiling,  parish 
of  St.  James,  Northam,  Goochland ;  John  Hooff, 
St.  Paul's  Church,  Alexandria. 

And  the  committee  further  report,  that  the 
following  persons  appear  to  have  been  duly 
elected,  but  their  certificates  are  not  in  the  form 
prescribed  by  the  canon,  viz.  : — 

William  Radford,  Russell  parish,  Bedford 
county";  Francis  R.  Hanson,  Newport  parish, 
Isje  of  Wight ;  John  Nelson,  St.  James's  parish, 
Mecklenburg. 

Oa  motion.  Resolved,  That  the  report  of  the 
committee  appointed  to  examine  the  certificates 
of  the  lay  delegates  be  received  and  approved  ; 
and  that  those  who  were  duly  elected,  but 
whose  certificates  were  not  properly  authentica- 
ted, be  admitted  to  seats  in  this  Convention. 

On  motion  of  Rev.  William  F.  Lee, 

Resolved,  That  the  following  rules  of  order, 
adopted  by  the  last  Convention  for  the  govern- 
ment of  th^ir  proceedings,  be  the  rules  of  pro- 
ceeding during  the  present  Convention. 

1.  The  business  of  every  day  shall  be  intro- 
duced with  prayer. 

2.  When  the  president  takes  the  chair,  no 
member  shall  continue  standing,  or  shall  after- 
ward stand  up,  except  to  address  the  chair. 

3.  No  member  shall  absent  himself  from  the 
service  of  the  house  unless  he  have  leave,  or 
be  unable  to  iittend. 

4.  When  any  member  is  about  to  speak  in  de- 
bate, or  deliver  any  matter  to  the  house,  he 
shall,  with  due  respect,  address  himself  to  the 
president,  confining  himself  strictly  to  the  point 
in  debate. 

5.  No  member  shall  speak  more  than  twice 
in  the  same  debate  without  leave  of  the  house. 

6.  A  question  being  once  determined  shall 
stand  as  the  judgment  of  the  house,  and  shall 
not  be  again  drawn  into  debate  during  the  same 
session,  unless  with  the  consent  of  two  thirds 
of  the  house.  - 

7.  While  the  president  is  putting  any  ques- 
tion, the  members  shall  continue  in  their  seats, 
and  shall  not  hold  any  private  discourse. 

8.  Every  member  who  shall  be  in  the  house 
when  any  question  is  put,  shall,  on  a  division,  be 
counted,  unless  he  be  personally  interested  in 
the  decision. 

9.  No  motion  shall  be  considered  as  before  the 
house  unless  it  be  seconded,  and,  when  required, 
reduced  to  writing. 

10.  When  any  question  is  before  the  house,  it 
shall  be  determined  upon  before  any  new  subject 
is  introduced,  except  the  question  of  adjourn- 
ment. ^ 

11.  The  question  on  a  motion  of  adjourn- 
ment shall  be  taken  before  any  other,  and  Avith- 
out  debate. 

12.  When  the  house  is  about  to  rise,  every 
member  shall  keep  his  seat  until  the  president 
shall  leave  the  chair. 


13.  None  of  the  rules  of  order  shall  be  sus- 
pended without  the  concurrence  of  two  thirds 
of  the  members  present. 

14.  The  president  shall,  in  his  discretion,  se- 
lect a  pew  within  the  hmits  of  those  allotted 
for  the  use  of  the  members,  which  pew  shall  be 
appropriated  for  the  accommodation  of  visiting 
clergymen  and  students  of  the  Theological 
School,  who  niay  be  invited  to  the  same  by  the 
president  without  any  special  application  to  the 
Convention. 

In  conformity  with  the  fourteenth  rule  of  the 
Convention,  Rev.  James  Milnor,  D.  D.,  of  the 
Diocess  of  New-York,  and  the  Rev.  J.  P.  K. 
Henshaw,  of  the  Diocess  of  Maryland,  and 
others,  were  invited  to  take  seats  with  the  mem- 
bers of  the  Convention. 

On  motion  by  Mr.  Hugh  Nelson,  of  Freder- 
icksville  parish,  Resolved,  That  a  committee  be 
appointed  to  examine  the  condition  of  the  funds 
of  the  Theological  School  of  this  diocess,  and 
to  suggest  and  report  to  this  Convention  the 
best  practicable  means  of  enlarging  the  funds 
of  the  institution,  so  as  to  promote  the  design 
of  making  the  school  adequate  to  the  reception 
and  instruction  of  such  pious  young  men  as 
may  present  themselves  to  this  institution  as  fu- 
ture candidates  for  the  ministry. 

Committee  on  the  Theological  School-r-Rob- 
ert  P.  Warmg,  John  T.  Clark,  Thomas  Mar- 
shall, Edward  Colston,  Hugh  Nelson,  Rev, 
John  Grammer,  and  Rev.  Nicholas  H.  Cobbs, 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  Adam  Empie,  D.  D., 
Rev.  George  Lemon,  Rev.  H.  W.  Ducachet, 
M.  D.,  Rev.  Nicholas  H.  Cobbs,  Philip  Nelson, 
and  John  Nelson,  Esqrs.,  and  Dr.  Isaac  Winston, 
be  a  committee  to  take  into  consideration  the 
state  of  the  church  in  this  diocess,  and  report 
thereon  to  this  Convention. 

Ordered,  That  Rev.  Charles  Dresser,  Rev. 
Charles  H.  Page,  and  Rev.  John  P.  M'Guire, 
be  a  committee  to  examine  the  parochial  reports. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Thomas  Nelson,  Rev.  J. 
E.  Jackson,  and  Rev.  Franklin  G.  Smith,  be  a 
committee  to  examine  the  treasurer's  accounts. 

Ordered,  That  Rev.  Edward  C:  M'Guire, 
Rev.  John  H.  Wingfield,  and  Col.  John  Stuart, 
be  a  committee  to  examine  the  fund  for  the  sup- 
port of  widows  and  orphans  of  deceased  clergy- 
men. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Edmund  J.  Lee,  Mr.  Raw- 
leigh  W.  Downman,  and  Mr.  John  Nelson,  be 
a  committee  to  examine  the  accounts  of  the 
treasurer  of  the  fund  for  the  permanent  support 
of  the  episcopate  in  this  diocess. 

And  the  Convention  adjourned  till  to-morrow 
morning,  9  o'clock. 

Thursday,  May  17,  1832. 

The  Convention  met  according  to  adjourn- 
ment, and  was  opened  with  prayer  by  the  Right 
Rev.  Bishop  Moore,  D.  D.,  who  took  the  chair 
as  president. 

Mr.  Hilary  Baker,  a  delegate  from  Christ 
Church,  Richmond,  appeared  and  took  his  seat. 

The  Rev.  William  F.  Lee  having  with- 
drawn, Hilary  Baker  was  appointed  secretary 
pro  tem. 


CONVENTION  OF  1832. 


267 


The  Rev.  E.  R.  Lippit  appeared  and  took  his 
seat. 

A  memorial  was  received  from  the  vestry  of 
St.  Paul's  Church,  Norfolk  borough^  which  was 
read,  as  follows  : —  . 

To  the  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  in  the  State  of  Virginia,  assembled  at  Al- 
exandria. 

Norfolk,  Va.,  1th  May,  1832. 
Brethren, — The  great  increase  of  worship- 
pers at  Christ  Church,  in  the  borough  of  Norfolk, 
has  rendered  it  impossible  for  all  to  be  accommo- 
dated there  who  are  attached  to  the  doctrines 
and  worship  of  the  Episcopal  Church,  and  it  has 
been  deemed  advisable  to  organize  another  congre- 
gation without  delay.  In  pursuance  of  this  de- 
sign, subscriptions  have  been  raised  to  repair  the 
old  church  belonging  to  the  parish,  and  a  vestry, 
after  due  notice,  elected,  composed  of  Wm.  H. 
Thompson,  George  Rowland,  Kichard  B.  Maury, 
Alexander  Gait,  and  Alpheus  Fobes.  We,  the  said 
vestry,  therefore  pray  to  be  recognised  by  the 
Convention  of  the  diocess,  as  representing  the 
new  congregation,  under  the  style  and  title  of 
"  St.  Paul's  Church,  Norfolk,"  and  also  that  Rich- 
ard B.  Maury,  our  delegate  to  the  Convention, 
be  admitted  to  a  seat  in  that  body.  Signed  by  or- 
der and  in  behalf  of  the  vestry,  by 

Alex.  Galt,  ?  WBrrlPTi<» 
R.  B.  Maurv,  ^  Wardens. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  prayer  of  the 
petitioners  be  granted,  and  that  their  lay  dele- 
gate, Mr.  R.  B.  Maury,  who  presented  a  certifi- 
<;ate  of  his  appointment,  be  admitted  to  a  seat 
in  this  body. 

The  report  of  the  treasurer  of  the  fund  for 
the  relief  of  the  widows  and  orphans  of  de- 
ceased clergymen  was  presented,  and  referred 
to  the  committee  appointed  to  examine  the  same. 

The  report  of  the  treasurer  of  this  Conven- 
tion was  presented,  and  referred  to  the  com- 
mittee appointed  to  examine  the  same. 

The  Rev.  John  Cook,  of  St.  Martin's  parish, 
Hanover,  appeared  and  took  his  seat.  Mr. 
George  W.  Nelson,  a  delegate  from  the  same 
parish,  produced  a  certificate  of  his  appoint- 
ment, and  was  admitted  to  a  seat  in  the  Con- 
vention. 

Mr.  Robert  Thompson,  a  delegate  from  Nel- 
son parish.  Nelson  county,  and  Mr.  Malcolm 
M'Farland,  from  Cumberland  parish,  Lunen- 
burg county,  attended  and  took  their  seats. 

The  report  of  the  treasurer  of  the  Missiona- 
ry Society  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church 
in  the  Diocess  of  Virginia  was  presented  and 
referred  to  a  committee  to  examine  the  same, 
consisting  of  Dr.  Wilson  C.  Selden  and  Mr. 
John  Stuart. 

The  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Moore,  D.  D.,  in 
pursuance  of  the  45th  canon  of  the  General 
Convention,  delivered  the  following  address  : — 

In  compliance  with  the  duty  imposed  on  me  by 
the  church,  I  shall  now  present  you  with  a  view 
of  those  episcopal  duties  in  which  I  have  been  en- 
gaged during  the  past  year.  Inclination  loudly 
prompted  me  to  extend  my  labours,  but  advanced 
years  and  bodily  infirmities  have  obliged  me  to 
move  in  a  very  small  circle,  and  to  leave  some  du- 
ties which  I  should  gladly  and  willingly  have  per- 
formed to  my  Right  Rev.  brother.  Bishop  Meade. 

Immediately  after  the  close  of  the  last  Conven- 


tion in  Norfolk,  I  visited  the  eastern  shore  of  Virr 
ginia,  attended  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Goldsmith.  We 
commenced  our  labours  in  Eastville,  in  the  coun- 
ty of  Northampton,  at  which  place,  being  indispo- 
sed myself,  .Mr.  Goldsmith  preached  in  the  even- 
ing. We  then  proceeded  to  the  coutity  of  Acco- 
mack, in  company  with  Mr.  Gunter,  where  I 
preached  in  St.  James's  Church  on  Sunday,  the 
day  of  May,  to  a  large  congregation,  and  ad- 
ministered the  Lord's  Supper  and  the  rite  of  con- 
firmation. In  the  afternoon  of  the  same  day  Mr. 
Goldsmith  preached  in  Onancock  to  a  respectable 
and  attentive  auditory. 

The  next  day,  agreeably  to  appointment,  I  met 
a  small  congregation  in  another  district  of  the  par- 
ish ;  upon  which  occasion  Mr.  Gunter  read  pray- 
ers and  I  preached.  As  I  had  made  an  appoint- 
ment in  St.  George's  Church  the  subsequent  day, 
we  attended  lor  the  purpose  of  divine  worship, 
when  prayers  were  read  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  and 

I  preached  to  a  numerous  and  deeply-impressed 
congregation.  Having  finished  our  labours  in  Ac- 
comack, we  returned  to  Northampton,  and  held 
divine  service  in  Hungar's  Church  ;  on  which  oc- 
casion Mr.  Gunter  read  prayers  and  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Goldsmith  preached.  We  then  returned  to 
Eastville,  where,  on  the  day  after  our  arrival,  I 
consecrated  a  handsome  brick  church  : — prayers 
were  read  by  Mr.  Gunter,  and  a  sermon  suitable  to 
the  occasion  was  delivered  by  myself  I'he  sac- 
rament of  the  Lord's  Supper  was  administered, 
and  nine  persons  were  confirmed.  The  church 
in  Eastville,  for  its  neatness  and  symmetry,  re- 
flects great  credit  upon  the  members  of  our  com- 
munion in  that  neighbourhood.  It  was  erected  by 
the  generous  contributions  of  a  small  number  of 
the  wealthy  part  of  that  community,  who,  with 
their  descendants,  I  sincerely  pray,  may  reap  the 
advantages  arising  from  their  pious  exertions. 
During  my  stay  on  the  eastern  shore,  I  suffered 
much  from  bodily  indisposition ;  and  I  should 
consider  myself  deficient  in  gratitude  were  I  not 
to  express  my  thanks  to  the  people  for  their  atten- 
tion to  my  wants,  and  to  Mr.  Goldsmith  for  his 
unwearied  efforts  in  contributing  to  my  comfort. 

Having  thus  discharged  my  duties  in  those 
counties,  I  recrossed  the  bay,  and  returned  to 
Riciuiiond.  In  the  month  of  July  I  visited  the 
city  of  Williamsburg,  lectured  in  the  evening  at 
the  house  of  Mr.  Peachy;  preached,  and  adminis- 
tered the  Lord's  Supper  the  Sunday  following,  in 
the  church,  assisted  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Empie,  and 
confirmed  fifteen.  I  then  embarked  for  Alexan- 
dria, at  which  place  we  held  an  association. 
On  that  occasion  we  were  joined  by  a  number  of 
the  clergy  of  this  diocess  and  of  Maryland,  and 
were  assisted  in  our  labours  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Hen- 
shaw  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Johns,  of  Baltimore,  and 
Rev.  Dr.  Bedell,  of  Philadelphia.  To  say  that 
our  meeting  at  that  time  was  instructive  and 
agreeable,  would  be  expressing  myself  in  lan- 
guage too  faint  for  the  occasion.  A  spirit  of  great 
fervour  and  devotion  appeared  to  animate  every 
bosom ;  the  congregations  were  deeply  solemn 
and  attentive,  and  overflowing ;— many  were  awa- 
kened to  the  consideration  of  eternal  things,  and 
openly  avowed  their  love  and  gratitude  to  the  Al- 
mighty. It  would  rejoice  my  heart,  brethren,  to 
witness  a  similar  evidence  of  divine  influence 
in  every  parish  in  the  diocess.  As  a  proof  of  the 
devotional  feeling  which  prevailed,  more  especial- 
ly among  the  young,  I  with  pleasure  announce  to 
the  Convention  that  I  confirmed,  during  my  visit, 
upwards  of  ninety  persons.  An  ordination  was 
also  held  in  St.  Paul's  Church,  on  which  occasion 
I  admitted  to  deacons'  orders  Fred.  D.  Goodwin, 
Cyrus  Hamilton  Jacobs,  WiUiam  P.  C,  Johnson, 


26^ 


CONVENTION  OF  1832. 


Job  Sidney  Swift,  J.  Loring  Woart,  and  William 
M.  Jaclisoii. 

In  February  last  I  admitted  to  deacons'  orders 
in  Christ  Church,  Richmond,  Mr.  Parke  F.  Berke- 
ley, when  the  Rev.  Wiiham  F.  Lee  preached,  and 
assisted  me  in  the  administration  of  the  Lord's 
Supper. 

In  the  month  of  April  I  made  a  pastoral  visit  to 
Charles  City  county,  in  company  with  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Peet,  at  which  time  I  consecrated  a  church 
in  that  parish,  which  has  been  completely  re- 
paired by  the  efforts  of  the  people,  and  hand- 
somely fitted  for  the  public  worship  of  Almighty 
God.  On  that  occa&ion  Mr.  Peel  read  prayers, 
and  I  preached  to  a  numerous  and  attentive  audi- 
tory, and  administered  the  Lord's  Supper  to  thirty- 
nine  devout  members.  It  is  with  pleasure  I  in- 
form the  Convention  that  a  second  church  in  the 
same  county  will  be  ready  for  consecration  by  my 
returp  to  Richmond. 

Jn  Charles  City  county  we  have  had  no  com- 
fortable place  in'' which  to  assemble  since  my  res- 
idence in  this  diocess  ;  but  as  the  members  of  our 
communion  in  that  district  have  thus  evidenced 
their  attachment  to  the  church  by  preparing  places 
for  the  wol-ship  of  Almighty  God,  1  have  no  doubt 
that  a  clergyman  of  piety,  industry,  and  cojupe- 
tent  talents  would  meet  with  a  welcome  reception 
and  a  suitable  support ;  and  that  our  Zion,  which 
has  been  cloaked  in  sackcloth  for  the  last  thirty 
years,  would  put  on  her  beautiful  garments,  and 
the  courts  of  the  Lord's  house  be  hiled  with  de- 
vout worshippers,  and  resound  with  the  praises 
of  the  ever-living  God.  I  have  thus,  brethren, 
given  you  a  view  of  my  episcopal  labours  since 
the  last  Convention,  and  shall  reserve  what  I  have 
further  to  say  for  the  valedictory  address,  with 
which  our  meeting  will  be  closed  on  Sunday 
evening. 

The  Right  Rer.  Bishop  Meade,  D.  D.,  also 
delivered  an  address,  narrating  the  episcopal 
duties  performed  by  him  during  the  past  year, 
as  follows  : — 

To  the  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church 
of  the  Diocess  of  Virginia,  assembled  in  Alexandria, 
May  16,   18.32. 

Dear  Brethren, — The  narrative  of  episcopal 
duties  performed  by  me  within  our  bomds  during 
the  past  year  will  be  very  brief,  for  those  duties 
were  few  in  number.  You  will  recollect  that 
during  the  last  summer  my  services  were  called 
for  by  the  newly-organized  diocessesof  Kentucky 
and  Tennessee.  A  compliance  with  those  occu- 
pied nearly  three  months,  and  of  course  withdrew 
me  during  that  period  from  the  scene  of  my  ordi- 
nary labours.  The  detailed  account  of  duties  per- 
formed in  these  infant  diocesses  was  presented 
to  fhe  proper  authorities  thereof,  and  having  been 
duly  spread  before  the  public,  need  not  be  now 
repeated.  So  long  an  absence  from  my  parish 
and  family  will,  I  am  sure,  be  accepted  as  an  ex- 
cuse for  the  po.^tponement  of  some  visits  which 
I  intended  to  make  to  parishes  within  our  own 
diocess.  Nevertheless,  it  was  my  purpose  to 
spend  the  two  months  immediately  preceding  this 
our  meeting  in  visiting  some  of  the  middle  coun- 
ties of  the  state,  according  to  the  wish  of  Bishop 
Moore  ;  but  it  pleased  Providence  to  prevent  the 
execution  of  the  same,  by  sending  sickness  on 
some  members  of  my  family,  under  circumstances 
which  required  my  presence  at  home.  With 
divine  permission,  I  expect  to  enter  upon  the  pro- 
posed tour  in  a  short  time  after  the  rising  of  this 
Convention.  I  now  proceed  to  make  mention  of 
those  acts  performed  by  me  in  the  diocess  of  I 


Virginia  since  your  last  annual  meeting.  I  availed 
myself  of  the  opportunity  pre&ented  by  my  visit  to 
the  western  country,  to  make  some  appointments 
for  the  benefit  of  our  congregations  in  tataunton 
and  Kanawha.  At  the  former  place  I  expected, 
according  to  previous  notice,  to  find  a  new  church 
ready  for  consecration;  but  in  this  was  disap- 
pointed, unavoidable  circumstances  preventing  its 
completion.  I  reached  Staunton  on  the  third  of 
May,  and,  tarrying  there  a  part  of  two  days, 
preached  twice,  and  administered  the  rite  of  con- 
firmation to  twelve  persons.  By  recent  inteili- 
gence  Irom  the  diligent  pastor  of  that  congrega- 
tion,^ I  learn  that  the  church  in  Staunton  is  com- 
pleted, and  that  another  in  the  county  bids  lair 
tt)  be  ready  for  consecration  and  use  m  a  short 
time.  From  Staunton  I  proceeded  to  Kanawha, 
reaching  Charlestown  on  the  following  Saturday. 
In  that  place  and  the  neighbourhood  1  spent  five 
days,  pieaching  seven  times,  administering  the 
communion  twice,  and  bapdzmg  six  children. 
During  the  last  fall  the  members  and  friends  of 
our  church  in  that  legiou  obtained  the  services 
of  the  Rev  Frederick  Goodwin,  who  is  now  with, 
us  to  render  a  more  specific  account  of  the  con- 
dition of  that  portion  of  our  Zion.  From  Kana- 
wha 1  proceeded  to  the  duties  wliich  awaited  me 
in  the  west.  Through  God's  good  providence  I 
was  enabled  to  perform  all  that  was  required  of 
me,  and  permitted  to  return  in  health  and  safety 
to  my  family  and  people  by  the  last  of  July.  If 
any  good  shall  result  from  the  labours  performed, 
1  shall  consider  them  light  indeed,  and  not  worthy 
to  be  mentioned.  A  lew  weeks  alter  reaching 
home,  and  on  the  21st  of  August,  I  was  called  to 
the  pleasing  task  of  consecrating  to  the  service 
of  God  a  new  and  very  eKcellent  church  in  Berry- 
ville,  within  my  own  parish.  Myself  and  people 
were  much  encouraged  by  the  presence  of  a  num- 
ber of  brethren  from  different  parts,  who  for  three 
successive  days  and  nights  were  engaged  in  otler- 
ing  up  solemn  prayers  to  Heaven,  and  delivering 
faithful  and  animated  exhortations  to  large  and 
attentive  congregations.  On  the  last  day,  which 
was  the  Lord's  day,  the  sacrament  of  baptism  was 
administered  to  one  adult,  the  rile  of  confirmation 
to  seven  persons,  the  office  of  deacon  was  con- 
ferred on  Mr.  Chaplin  Hedges,  and  the  Lord's 
Supper  was  distributed  among  a  large  number  of 
communicants.  A  few  day's  after  the  above-men- 
tioned services  I  attended  an  association  in  Win- 
chester, where  our  exercises  were  also  continued 
for  three  days  and  nights,  closing  on  the  Sabbath 
with  the  administration  of  the  rite  of  confirmation 
to  eight  persons,  and  the  Lord's  Supper  to  a  goodly 
number  of  communicants.  In  the  month  of  Sep- 
tember I  was  called  to  visit  the  churches  in  Fau- 
quier, Culpepper,  and  Fredericksburg.  My  duties 
commenced  in  Culpepper.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Wood- 
viile,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Lemon,.  Mr.  Zachariah  Meade, 
and  Mr.  George  Smith  were  present.  During  the 
two  days  and  nights  we  were  together,  it  was 
felt  to  be  good  that  we  were  there.  With  the 
rising  sun  we  repaired  to  the  house  of  God,  where 
a  number  of  devout  people  met  with  us.  In  the 
forenoon,  afternoon,  and  evening,  we  renewed  our 
assemblies,  and  wailed  still  upon  God.  ft  is  hoped 
our  intercessions,  prayers,  and  exhortations  were 
not  in  vain.  The  earnest  desires  which  already 
existed  in  many  hearts,  were,  we  trust,  increased 
and  confirmed  mto  holy  resolutions.  On  the  second 
day  the  rite  of  confirmation  was  administered  to 
eighteen,  and  was  followed  by  the  Lord's  Supper. 
From  Culpepper  I  proceeded  in  company  with  the 
Rev.  Zachariah  Meade  to  Fredericksburg,  where 
a  spiritual  feast  awaited  us.  For  some  months 
before  the  religious  state  of  that  parish  had  been 


CONVENTION  OF  1832. 


269 


deeply  interesting.  The  rector  traces  the  coni- 
mencement  of  that  happy  revival  wiih  which  his 
people  have  been  blessed  to  serious  impressions 
made  upon  the  minds  of  some  of  the  young  mem- 
bers of  his  congregation  at  the  Convention  iri  Nor- 
folk. The  impressions  were  soon  communicated 
to  others,  and  spread  from  heart  to  heart,  until  a 
general  and  very  deep  concern  pervaded  the  con- 
gregation. Meetings  for  religious  exercises  be- 
came more  frequent  in  the  church,  the  lecture- 
room,  and  private  houses.  The  anxieties  of  souls 
hungering  and  thirsting  after  righteousness,  loudly 
called  for  every  effort  from  the  minister  and  the 
pious  members  of  his  church.  'I'he  result  was 
such  as  must  give  joy  to  every  friend  of  reUgion. 
God  perfected  praise  out  of  the  mouth  of  liabes  ; 
young  men  and  maidens  were  converted  to  the 
Lord  ;  even  the  old  were  born  again  ;  tb^eal  of 
Christians  wts  stirred  up  ;  intideUty  was  miazed, 
vice  stood  abashed,  scoffers  became  mute ;  all 
ages,  charact^s,  and  classes  flocked  to  the  house 
of  God  as  a  place  of  deep  and  all-absorbing  inter- 
est. Such  was  the  condition  of  the  church  in 
Fredericksburg  when  1  was  called  upon  to  assist 
in  the  admission  of  a  number  of  new  converts  to 
all  the  privileges  of  the  church  of  God.  It  was 
indeed  a  most  delightful  and  triumphant  season 
to  myself  and  the  brethren  assembled  on  the  oc- 
casion. Often  did  we  meet  together  with  people 
who  evidently  felt  that  it  was  good  for  them  to  be 
there,  who  delighted  to  sing  together  in  hymns, 
and  psalms,  and  spiritual  songs,  singing  and  ma- 
king melody  in  their  hearts  to  the  Lord.  We 
felt  that  it  was  good  for  ourselves  to  be  there,  that 
our  faith  and  zeal  might  be  improved.  On  the 
Sabbath  we  were  privileged  to  hear  the  renewal 
of  solemn  baptismal  vows  in  the  rite  of  confirma- 
tion uttered  by  more  than  seventy  persons,  from 
the  age  of  fifteen  to  threescore  and  ten.  We 
have  good  reason  to  believe  that  these  vows  were 
made  in  sincerity  and  truth,  with  enlightened 
understandings  and  sanctified  affections.  No 
methods  were  used  to  produce  a  spurious  excite- 
ment, and  hurry  to  an  open  profession  of  religion 
those  who  might  be  under  its  influence.  Such  a 
revival  as  this  may  God  grant  to  all  our  churches. 
I  have  only  to  add,  that  on  the  evening  of  the  day 
when  this  interesting  scene  occurred  the  sacra- 
ment of  the  Lord's  Supper  was  administered,  and 
Mr.  Seneca  Bragg  and  Mr.  Stewart  were  admit- 
ted to  the  order  of  deacons.  The  morning  service, 
sermon,  and  rite  of  confirmation,  occupied  so  large 
a  portion  of  the  day,  that  it  was  thought  expedient 
to  defer  the  remaining  exercises  until  the  evening. 
On  leaving  Fredericksburg  f  proceeded  to  Fau- 
quier, where  I  preached  at  Warrenton  on  Tues- 
day, at  which  time  thirteen  persons  were  con- 
firmed. On  the  two  following  days  I  preached  in 
the  upper  part  of  the  county  at  the  Cool  Spring 
meeting-house,  and  intended  to  have  held  a  con- 
firmation and  administered  the  Lord's  Supper  on 
the  third  day,  but  was  arrested  by  the  hand  of 
sickness,  which  for  some  weeks  disabled  me  from 
all  duty.  Much  sooner  than  I  deserved  it  pleased 
Providence  to  raise  me  up  from  the  bed  of  sick- 
ness, and  enable  me  to  engage  in  his  service.  The 
first  public  act  performed  after  my  recovery  was 
the  bestowing  of  priests'  orders  on  the  Rev.  Mr 
Bragg,  which  was  allowed  before  the  canonical 
period,  with  a  view  to  his  entering  into  the  services 
of  the  Missitniary  Society  in  a  distant  part  of  our 
coimtry.  His  ordination  took  place  in  the  new 
church  at  Berryville,  on  Sunday,  November  13th, 
1831.  From  that  time  till  the  month  of  April  my 
services  were  confined  to  my  own  parish.  On 
the  12ih  of  April  I  set  out  to  visit,  according  to 
appointment,  on©  of  the  churches  in  Hampshire ;' 


but  in  consequence  of  the  sickness  of  my  horse,  was 
unable  to  reach  the  place  of  appointment.  I  was 
obliued  to  retrace  my  steps,  in  order  to  fulfil  an 
engiigement  at  Mill  Creek  on  Saturday,  the  14th. 
This  I  was  enabled  to  do,  as  well  as  to  reach 
Martinsburg,  and  preach  there  the  same  evening. 
On  the  following  morning,  which  was  the  Sab- 
bath, !•  preached  again  at  Maitinsburg,  baptized  a 
child,  confirmed  two  persons,  and  administered 
the  commnnion.  At  night  I  preached  to  a  large 
congregation  in  the  country  at  Mount  Zioti  Church, 
and  the  next  day  preached  again-  baptized  one 
adult  and  confirmed  two  persons,  and  adminis- 
tered the  communion.  I  am  happy  to  inform  the 
Convention  that  the  Rev.  Mr.  Johnson  has  been 
chosen  rector  of  this  parish,  and  will  enter  imme- 
diately on  his  duties. 

On  the  following  day  I  proceeded  to  Shepherds- 
town,  where  I  preached  m  the  evening,  and  also 
the  next  morning.  From  thence  I  went  to  Charles- 
town,  where  I  also  preached  twice,  and  on  the 
second  occasion  confirmed  nine  young  and  inter- 
esting disciples  of  our  Lord.  On  ^he  following 
Friday,  Saturday,  and  Sunday,  being  the  senscn 
set  apart  for  the  special  consideration  of  the  suf- 
ferings, death,  and  resurrection  of  our  Lord,  the 
services  were  held  at  the  chapel  in  Frederick 
parish  and  the  church  at  Berryville,  by  the  Rev. 
William  Jackson  and  myself,  on  the  last  of  which 
days,  in  the  church  at  Berryville,  I  baptized  one 
adult,  confirmed  seven,  and  administered  the 
Lord's  Supper  to  the  communicants  of  the  parish. 

The  last  services  performed  were  at  Leesburg, 
on  my  way  to  this  place,  where  I  preached  on 
Saturday  evening,  Sunday  morning  and  evening, 
besides  addressing  the  teachers,  parents,  and 
children  of  the  fiourishing  Sunday  School  in  that 
place.  On  Monday  morning,  before  I  left  there,  a 
meeting  of  a  few  friends  of  the  measure  assembled, 
and  commenced  a  subscription  for  a  new  and  larger 
church.  One  thousand  dollars  were  subscribed, 
which,  with  other  means  already  in  hand,  and 
what  may  certainly  be  expected  from  others  not 
present,  almost  ensures  the  object  of  the  meeting. 
Such,  brethren,  are  the.  only  services  1  have  been 
able  to  render  to  the  church  in  aid  of  our  beloved 
father,  to  whose  assistance  you  have  called  me. 
Wm.  Meade,  Assist.  Bishop  of  Virginia. 

The  secretary  received  the  following  contribu- 
tions from  sundry  parishes  in  this  diocess  for  Con- 
tingent Fund,  and  towards  the  remuneration  of 
Bi&hop  Moore  for  his  episcopal  services,  viz.  : — 


Hanover  parish,  King  George 

county,      -         -         -         . 
Vauter's  Church,  Essex  county, 
Antrim  parish,  Halifax  county, 
Portsmouth  parish, 
Bruton  parish,  Williamsburg, 
St.  Andrew's  parish,  Jefferson 

county,  Zion  Chufch, 
Do.  Trinity  Church,  - 
South  Farnham  parish,  Essex, 
St.  Margaret's  parish,  Caroline, 
Christ  Church,  Winchester, 
Lamb's  Creek  Church,  Bruns- 
wick parish,  King  George, 
Huntrar's  parish,  Northumber- 
land,       -         .         _         . 


For  E.  «er. 

Contingent 

of  Bishop 

Fund. 

Moore. 

$5  00 

$00  oo 

20  00 

10  00 

24  00 

6  00 

11  00 

9  00 

10  00 

0  00 

15  00 

0  00 

00  00 

12  00 

10  00 

4  00 

10  00 

5  00 

15  00 

0  00 

10  00         0  00 


15  00 


8  50 


Amount  carried  forward,    |145  00    S54  50 


2tO 


CONVENTION  OF  1832. 


Amount  brought  forward,  $145  00 
Christ  Church,Norfoik  borough,  30  00 
Grace  Church,  Frederick  par- 
ish, Frederick  county, 
Lynnhaven    parish.    Princess 

Anne  county, 
Christ  Church,  Norborne  par- 
ish, Berkeley  county, 
St.  John's  Church,  Hampton, 
Chirist     Church,     Lancaster 
county,  -         .         - 


15  00 

-     10  CO 

8  00 
6  00 

15  70 


15  00 

16  25 


15  00 


20  00 


11  00 


::S 


^t.  Paul's  Church,  Lynchburg,,  15  00 
Hamilton  parish,  Fauquier, 
Lexington  parish,  Amherst, 
St.   John's  Church,  Henrico 
parish,     -         -         -         - 
St.  George's  parish,  Freder- 
icksburg,        '- 
St.  Stephen's  Church,  Culpep- 
per county, 
-Ware  and  Abingdon  parishes, 

Gloucester,  -  -  -  36  10 
St.  Paul's  parish,  King  George,  13  00 
Christ  Church,  Alexandria,  30  00 
Monumental  Church,  Rich- 
mond City,  -  -  - 
St.  James's  Church,  Shelburne 

parish,  Loudoun, 
Norborne  parish,  Berkeley, 
Christ  Church, 
Mount  Zion's  Church 
Leeds  parish,  Fauquier, 
St.  James's  parish,  Northam, 
Goochland,       -         -         - 
St.  Paul's  Church,  Alexandria, 
Russell  parish,  Bedford  county,  30  00 
Newport  parish.  Isle  of  Wight,     3  00 
St.  James's  parish,  Mecklen- 
burg,       -         -         -         - 
Christ  Church,  Richmond,     - 
St.  Martin's  parish,  Hanover, 
Bristol  parish,  Petersburg,     - 
Bath  parish,  Dinwiddie, 
St.  Andrew's  parish,   Bruns- 
wick county, 
Cumberland  parish,  Lunenburg 
county,    -         -         -         - 
Suffolk  parish,  Suffolk, 
St.  Mark's  parish,  Culpepper, 
Kanawha  parish, 
Wicomico   parish,   Northum- 
berland, -         -         -         - 
Mr.  Hugh  Nelson,  for  Fred- 
ericksville  parish, 


30  00 

20  00 

10  00 

15  00 

6  50 
20  00 


10  00 
10  00 
20  00 
30  00 
15  00 

-     15  00 


15  00 
10  00 
22  00 
15  00 

7  00 

0  00 


S54  50 
12  00 

12  00 

5  00 

0  00 

6  00 

0  00 

10  00 

6  00 

5  00 

10  00 

12  00 

9  00 

5  00 

0  00 

12  00 

15  00 

10  00 

5  00 

6  00 

0  00 
12  00 

7  00 
5  00 

8  00 
10  00 

9  00 
12  00 

5  00 

5  00 

5  00 

5  00 

8  00 

0  00 

0  00 

10  00 


$704  55  $295  60 

The  business  of  the  Convention  was  sus- 
pended for  the  purpose  of  attending  divine  ser- 
vice. 

After  service.  Bishop  Meade  took  the  chair. 
The  parochial  reports  having  been  received  and 
read,  were  referred  to  the  committee  on  paro- 
chial reports. 

The  report  of  the  board  of  trustees  of  the 
Theological  School  of  Virginia,  together  with 
that  of  their  treasurer,  were  presented  and  read 
by  the  Rev,  John  Grammer,  and  received. 


Report  of  the  Trustees  of  the  Theological  Seminary 
of  the  Diocess  of  Virginia. 
In  presenting  again  to  the  Convention  a  report 
of  the  condition  and  prospects  of  the  Theological 
Seminary,  the  trustees  are  permitted  to  indulge  in 
a  higher  tone  of  congratulation  than  they  could  on 
any  former  occasion  assume.  The  blessing  of 
Ciod  has  been  crowning  our  feeble  efforts  with  a 
most  cheering  mea.sure  of  success ;  and  the  pros- 
pect of  seeing  the  spiritual  desolation  of  our  Zion 
removed,  and  her  walls  supplied  and  built  up  by 
faithful  and  eflicient  labourers,  is  brightening  upon 
us  with  a  rapidity  which  gives  ripeness  to  our 
hopes,  assurance  to  our  faith,  and  new  energy  to 
our  exertions.  The  Lord  is  evidently  calling  the 
attention  of  the  pious  youth  of  our  church  to  the 
consideration  of  the  duty  of  dedicating  themselves  . 
exclu^ely  to  his  service  in  the  ministry  of  the 
gospel.  The  number  of  students  in^ur  seminary 
during  the  last  year  has  exceeded  by  nearly  one 
third  that  of  any  previous  period,  ^'en  have  been 
ordained  since  the  last  meeting  of  our  Convention, 
and  seven  are  expected  to  undergo  examination 
for  orders  during  our  present  session.  Here  is 
therefore  an  increase  of  seventeen  to  the  number 
of  our  clergy  within  one  year;  an  increase  which 
we  may  reasonably  expect  will  advance  with  the 
rapidity  of  a  geometrical  proportion,  and  soon  si- 
lence the  urgency  of  that  cry  for  help  which  falls 
with  such  constant  and  painful  vibrations  upon 
our  ears  from  almost  every  quarter  of  our  land. 
It  is  no  longer  visionary  to  hope,  that  before  an- 
other generation  shall  have  wholly  passed  away, 
every  parish  in  our  diocess  may  be  blessed  with  a 
regular  ministration  of  the  word  of  life  and  the 
ordinances  of  our  church— and  the  prospect  of 
such  a  consummation  of  our  hopes  is  calculated 
to  enkindle  the  liveliest  emotions  of  gratitude  to 
God,  who  has  so  graciously  sustained  and  encour- 
aged us  amid  the  many  difficulties  which  have 
threatened  to  overwhelm  us.  But,  although  our 
cause  for  gratitude  is  most  abundant,  we  are  not 
periniited  to  forget  that  it  is  through  the  instru- 
mentality of  human  iheans  that  the  divine  pur- 
poses are  effected.  "While  God  is  by  his  spirit 
working  upon  the  hearts  of  the  youth  of  our 
church,  and  awakening  in  their  bosoms  the  holy 
desire  of  ministering  to  the  spiritual  wants  of 
their  fellow-creatures  ;  to  us  is  given  the  honour, 
and  on  us  devolves  the  duty,  of  supplying  the 
means  for  improving  to  the  highest  measure  of 
efficiency  the  talents  with  which  they  have  been 
intrusted.  And  these  means  must  be  enlarged  in 
proportion  as  the  number  of  those  to  whom  they 
are  to  be  applied  is  increased.  The  increase  du- 
ring the  past  year  in  the  number  of  students  who 
are  preparing  for  the  ministry  in  our  seminary, 
renders  an  enlargement  of  that  institution  indis- 
pensably necessary.  The  building  heretofore 
erected  for  the  general  purposes  of  the  seminary 
is  at  present  insufficient.  It  is  capable  of  ac- 
commodating only  twenty  students,  while  the 
number  at  this  time  connected  with  the  institution 
is  thirty.  Of  these  several  have  been  under  the 
necessity  of  submitting  to  the  great  inconvenience 
and  disadvantage  of  obtaining  lodgings  in  the 
adjacent  country.  And  it  is  the  painful  duty  of 
the  board  to  state,  that  one  young  man  has  been 
compelled  to  withdraw  from  the  impossibility  of 
procuring  accommodations,  and  that  there  is  rea- 
son to  fear  that  others  have  been  deterred  by  the 
same  cause  from  connecting  themselves  with  this 
seminary.  Under  these  circumstances,  the  trus- 
tees have  felt  themselves  constrained  to  order  and 
make  arrangements  for  the  erection  of  another 
building,  of  equal  dimensions  with  that  at  present 
occupied.    And  it  is  from  the  efforts  of  Christian 


CONVENTION  OF  1832. 


271 


benevolence  that  they  must  look  for  the  means  of 
meeting  the  expenses  of  this  undertaking.  Our 
vested  fund  amounts  to  $17,075  90 — the  annual 
interest  of  which  is  barely  sufficient  for  the  sup- 
port of  one  professor  ;  and  to  divert  it  from  this  to 
Other  purposes  would  be  to  stop  at  once  the 
course  of  instruction,  and  render  it  wholly  useless. 
It  is  therefore  upon  the  liberahty  of  our  friends 
that  we  depend  for  the  supply  of  our  present 
wants.  And  to  this  source  we  look  with  entire 
confidence.  After  the  many  evidences  we  have 
received  of  the  divine  favour,  to  doubt  would 
manifest  a  want  of  faith  in  the  highest  degree  un- 
reasonable and  sinful.  While  the  Lord  is  putting 
it  into  the  hearts  of  our  youth  to  relinquish  their 
prospects  for  earthly  wealth  and  worldly  honours, 
and  "give  their  time  and  their  talents,  their  bodies 
and  souls,  lo  the  glorious  work  of  proclaiming  sal- 
vation to  a  perishing  world,  who  can  dare  to  sup- 
pose that  he  will  not  exert  an  according  influence 
upon  his  people,  and  move  them  to  contribute 
freely  of  that  substance  of  which  they  are  his 
stewards,  to  the  purpose  of  rendering  most  effect- 
ual this  work  ?  The  work  is  of  the  Lord  ;  it  is  a 
branch  of  his  planting,  and  it  will  flourish.  While 
one  pulse  of  piety  throbs  in  a  human  bosom,  the 
vital  current  of  Christian  charity  must  flow  on- 
ward. We  appeal,  therefore,  fearlessly,  to  those 
who  call  themselves  the  disciples  of  that  Saviour 
who  so  loved  the  world  that  he  gave  his  life  as  a 
ransom  for  sinners,  and  who  thus  proved  by  his 
works  what  he  has  declared  in  his  word,  that  the 
essential  characteristic  of  his  nature  is  love, — we 
appeal  to  his  professed  disciples  for  the  manifest- 
ation of  the  sincerity  of  their  professions,  by  the 
exhibition  of  a  portion  of  his  spirit.  And  it  is  an 
appeal  wnich  cannot  be  resisted.  If  they  be  in- 
deed his  disciples,  they  are  animated  by  his 
spirit ;  for  "  If  any  man  have  not  the  spirit  of 
Christ,  he  is  none  of  his."  They  cannot  look  un- 
moved upon  the  waste  places  of  Zion  ;— they 
cannot  remain  deaf  to  the  calls  for  help  which  as 
cend  on  all  sides  from  the  multitudes  ''  who  are 
ready  to  perish  ;"  nor  can  they  reflect  without  re- 
gret on  the  fact,  that  of  those  who  are  desirous  of 
labouring  in  the  vineyard  of  the  Lord,  any  should 
be  kept  back  for  want  of  such  means  as  earthly 
riches  can  provide.  They  will  respond  to  our  ap- 
peal with  a  promptness  and  liberality  which  will 
manifest  of  what  spirit  they  are,  and  that  the 
spirit  of  Christ  is  a  spirit  of  love.  We  would  call 
upon  the  Convention,  therefore,  to  sustain  us  in 
our  present  undertaking,  by  adopting  such  meas- 
ures as  may  be  deemed  expedient  for  presenting 
this  subject  most  clearly  to  the  consideration  of 
our  friends. 

And  in  conclusion  the  board  would  briefly  state, 
that  from  the  report  of  the  professors,  the  stu- 
dents m  our  seminary  have,  during  the  past  year, 
pursued  with  regularity  and  diligence  the  course 
of  stiidy  heretofore  prescribed  ;  that  their  deport- 
ment has  been  consistent  and  exemplary,  and  has 
developed  a  tone  of  piety  and  devotedness  to  God 
which  gives  a  strong  promise  of  their  future  use- 
fulness in  his  church. 

The  committee  appointed  to  take  into  con- 
sideration the  state  of  the  Theological  School, 
made  a  report  as  follows  : — 

Resolved,  That  a  meeting  be  invited  to  be 
held  at  St.  Paul's  Church,  on  Friday  afternoon, 
at  half  past  4  o'clock,  when  addresses  by  the 
clergy  and  some  of  the  laity  will  be  presented, 
and  a  collection  taken  up  to  procure  funds  for  the 
immediate  erection  of  such  buildings  at  the  sem- 
inary as  are  at  this  time  deemed  indispensable. 


Resolved,  That  the  chairman  of  this  commit- 
tee be  requested  to  invite' such  of  the  clergy 
and  laymen  as  he  may  think  proper  to  present 
addresses  at  the  said  meeting. 

Resolved,  That  for  the  accommodation  of 
those  who  may  be  unprepared  at  the  instant  to 
indulge  their  charitable  feelings  towards  this 
institution,  subscription  papers  be  prepared  and 
offered  to  the  meeting,  which  shall  also  be  dis- 
tributed throughout  the  diocess,  to  secure  a 
collection  adequate  to  the  wants  of  the  semi- 
nary. 

An  amendment  was  offered  by  Mr.  Colston, 
pending  the  discussion  of  which  the  Convention 
adjourned,  to  meet  to-morrow  morning,  at  9 
o'clock. 

Friday,  May  18,  1832. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjourn- 
ment, and  was  opened  with  prayer  by  the  Rev. 
Wm.  F.  Lee. 

The  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Moore,  D.  D.,  took 
the  chair  as  president. 

The  Rev.  Edward  W.  Peet,  of  Henrico  par- 
ish, appeared  and  took  his  seat. 

The  following  communication  was  received 
from  the  Virginia  Society  for  promoting  the  ob- 
servance of  the  Christian  Sabbath,  which  was 
read,  and,  with  the  documents  accompanying  it, 
referred  to  the  committee  on  the  slate  of  the 
church,  viz. : — 

To    the    Convention    of    the  Protestant    Episcopal 
Church  of  the  Diocess  of  Virginia. 

The  managers  of  the  Virginia  Society  for  pro- 
moting the  observance  of  the  Christian  Sabbath 
would  respectfully  solicit  the  attention  of  the 
Convention  to  the  best  means  of  promoting  the 
sanctificationof  the  Lord's  day.  The  accompany- 
ing circular,  address,  and  report,  will  explain  the 
object,  and  the  means  employed  by  this  society  ; 
and  show  that  we  desire  not  the  aid  of  the  civil 
power,  but  the  moral  influence  of  all  the  people  ol 
God.  Believing  that  the  Convention  take  a  lively 
interest  in  this  subject,  and  that  its  influence 
would  be  extensively  and  powerfully  felt  among 
us,  we  cherish  the  hope  that  it  will  take  such 
measures  in  relation  to  it  as  in  its  wisdom  it  may 
deem  expedient. 

By  order  of  the  board  of  managers. 

Chaki.es  Goddard,  Cor.  Sec.  _ 

Richmond,  May  12,  1832. 

The  Rev.  J.  Loring  Woart  appeared  and 
took  his  seat. 

The  consideration  of  the  report  made. on  yes- 
terday by  the  committee  on  the  Theological 
School  was  resumed.  On  motion  of  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Grammer,  it  was  amended  by  the  adoption 
of  the  following  substitute  : — 

Whereas  it  appears  from  the  report  of  the 
board  of  trustees  of  the  Theological  Seminary 
that  funds  are  wanting  for  the  erection  of  an- 
other building,  and  the  endowment  of  another 
professorship,  the  first  of  which  objects  is  of 
immediate  and  absolute  importance  ;  therefore, 
Resolved,  That  a  meeting  be  held  this  after- 
noon, in  St.  Paul's  Church,  at  half  past  4 
o'clock,  for  the  purpose  of  commencing  such  a 
course  of  measures  as  may  be  calculated  to 
effect  this  object;  by  making  known  to  the 
friends  of  the  seminary  its  wants ;  appealing  ta 


272 


CONVENTION  OF  1832. 


them  by  public  addresses  for  pecuniary  aid  ;  re- 
ceiving such  contributions  as  its  friends  may  be 
prepared  to  give ;  and  such  subscriptions  as 
any  may  be  disposed  to  make. 

Resolved,  That  the  board  of  trustees  of  the 
Theological  Seminary  be  requested  to  make  the 
necessary  arrangements,  and  superintend  the 
proceedings  of  the  said  meeting. 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  Wm.  F.  Lee,  it  was 

Resolved,  That  the  next  annual  Conven- 
tion of  this  diocess  be  held  in  the  Monumental 
Church,  in  the  city  of  Richmond. 

The  committee  on  the  treasurer's  accounts 
made  the  following  report : — 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  treas- 
urer's accounts  respectfully  report,  That  they 
have  examined  the  same,  and  find  them  correct--^ 
the  various  items  being  ascertained  by  the  proper 
vouchers,  which  are  filed  with  the  accounts.  The 
balance  remaining  in  the  hands  of  the  treasurer 
at  this  time,  of  the  contingent  fund,  is  $497  11, 
and  the  fund  for  the  bishop  is  $36  50,  as  appears 
by  the  accompanying  accounts. 

Thomas  Nelson,  Chairman. 

Mr.  Edmund  J.  Lee,  from  the  committee  ap- 
pointed to  examine  the  state  of  the  fund  for  the 
permanent  support  of  the  episcopate  in  this  dio- 
cess, presented  the  following  report : — 

The  committee  upon   the   episcopal  fund  re- 
port. That,  according  to  the  order  of  the  Conven- 
tion, they  have  examined  the  same.     And  that  at 
the  last  Convention  the  amount  was  $5,552  91  in 
stocks.     That  there  has  been  added  to  it  since 
then    $216,    which    has    been   vested  in  bank- 
, stocks,  makmg  the  whole  amount  in  stocks  to  be 
$5,750.    During  the  present  Convention,  the  trus- 
tees of  the  fund  have  received  the  following  sums 
under  the  resolution  of  the  last  Convention  :— 
From  Russell  parish,  -         ,        -        -  $12  50 
St.  Martin's,       -        -        -        -     17  00 
Christ  Church,  Alexandria,        -     12  00 
Sapony  Church,  Chesterfield,    -     10  00 
Christ  Church,  Richmond,         -     11  00 

$5,750  00  Stocks.  

62  50  Cash.  $62  50 

$5,812  50 

On  motion.  Resolved,  That  the  said  report 
be  received. 

Agreeably  to  the  provisions  of  the  13th  arti- 
cle, notice  having  been  transmitted  to  the  sev- 
eral vestries  of  the  parishes  in  this  diocess  that 
it  was  proposed  lo  amend  the  first  article  of  the 
constitution,  by  striking  out  the  word  Thursday, 
and  inserting,  in  lieu  thereof,  the  word  Wed- 
nesday; on  motion  of  the  Rev.  Wm.  F.  Lee, 
it  was  Resolved,  That  the  said  article  be  so 
amended  as  to  read  thus  :  *'  There  shall  be  a 
Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church 
in  this  state  on  the  third  Wedne.sday  in  May 
every  year ;  but  the  Convention  which  meets 
m  the  year  previous  to  the  meeting  of  the  Gen- 
eral Convention  may  have  power  to  appoint 
the  time  and  place  of  meeting  for  the  next  an- 
nual session." 

Leave  of  absence  for  to-morrow  was  granted 
to  Mr.  Edmund  J.  Lee  and  Mr.  Wm.  Boiling. 

The  business  of  the  Convention  was  sus- 
pended for  the  purpose  of  attending  divine  ser- 


vice.    After  service,   Bishop  Meade  took  the 
chair. 

Mr.  Jno.  B.  Breckenridge  presented  a  cer- 
tificate of  his  appointment  as  lay  delegate  from 
Augusta  jjarish,  in  Staunton,  and  was  admitted 
to  a  seat  in  the  Convention. 

The  Convention  proceeded  to  the  election, 
by  ballot,  of  a  standing  committee  of  the  church 
in  this  diocess  for  the  ensuing  year  ;  where- 
upon the  following  gentlemen  were  duly  elect- 
ed, viz.  :— The  Rev.  Reuel  Keith,  D.  D.,  the 
Rev.  Edward  R.  Lippit,  the  Rev.  Wm.  Jack- 
son, Mr.  John  HoofF,  Mr.  Edmund  J.  Lee,  and 
Mr.  John  Gray. 

The  Convention  then  proceeded  to  the 
choice  of  the  executive  committee  of  the  Mis- 
sionary Society,  which  resulted  in  the  election 
of  Mr.  John  G.  Williams,  secretary ;  Mr. 
Thomas  Nelson,  treasurer ;  and  Rev.  E.  C. 
M'Guire,  Rev.  Henry  W.  Ducachet,  Rev. 
Nicholas  H.  Cobbs,  Rev.  Wm.  Jackson,  Rev. 
Adam  Empie,  Rev.  Wm.  F.  Lee,  Rev.  Edward 
W.  Peet,  Mr.  John  Nelson,  Mr.  Geo.  M.  Car- 
rington,  and  Mr.  Samuel  C.  Nichols,  as  mem- 
bers of  the  executive  committee. 
,  The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  ac- 
count of  the  treasurer  of  the  Missionary  Society 
reported.  That  they  had  examined  the  same,  and 
found  it  correct,  and  authenticated  by  the  proper 
vouchers  ;  and  that  the  balance  in  the  treasurer's 
hands  on  the  16th  instant  amounted  to  $60  72. 

On  motion,  the  Convention  adjourned  until 
to-morrow  morning,  at  9  o'clock. 

S.4TURDAY,  May  19,  1832. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjourn- 
ment, and  was  opened  with  prayer  by  the  Rev. 
Wm.  F.  Lee. 

The  Right.  Rev.  Bishop  Moore,  D.  D.,  took 
the  chair. 

The  committee  on  parochial  reports  made  the 
following  report,  which  was  read  and  accepted, 
with  this  exception,  that  the  report  of  the  rector 
of  the  Monumental  Church,  Richmond,  was  re- 
stored to  its  original  condition,  viz. : — 

The  committee  to  whom  were  referred  the  pa- 
rochial reports  have  discharged  the  task  assigned 
them,  and  herewith  return  the  same,  i-evised  and 
abridged,  for  insertion  on  tho  journal : — 

Bruton  parish,  Williamsburg.  The  rector  re- 
ports, since  the  last  Convention,  one  adult  and 
ten  infant  baptisms,  nine  marriages,  and  six  fu- 
nerals. Confirmations  fifteen.  Of  the  communi- 
cants, eight  have  been  lost  by  removal  and  one^jy 
death.  At  the  time  of  our  association  in  June 
last  and  soon  after,  the  church  received  an  acces- 
sion of  fifteen  new  communicants.  Our  present 
number  is  sixty-five,  of  whom  three  are  Africans. 
Our  communicants  form  three  fifths  of  our  adult 
congregation. 

It  is  proper  to  add,  that  a  female  Bible  class  has 
been  formed,  that  our  Bible,  Prayer- Book,  and 
Tract  Society  has  become  auxiliary  to  the  Mis- 
sionary Society  of  this  diocess,  and  that  we  have 
laid  the  foundation  of  a  parish  library,  which  con- 
tains already  about  one  hundred  volumes,  one 
half  of  which  is  the  gift  of  Mrs.  Julia  Avery, 
daughter  of  Dr.  Bracken,  former  rector  of  the 
parish.  A.  Empie,  Rector. 

Frederick  parish,  Frederick  county.  While  the 
rector  of  this  parish  could  wish  that  its  rehgious 


CONVENTION  OF  1832. 


273 


state  was  much  better,  he  is  thankful  that  it  is 
not  worse.  Since  the  last  Convention  twelve 
have  been  added  to  the  communion.  Within  the 
same  period  more  than  $700  have  been  contribu- 
ted to  the  Bible  Society,  the  Education  Society, 
the  Greek  Mission,  and  the  Colonizing  Society. 
A  donation  of  one  thousand  dollars  in  road-stock 
has  been  made  to  the  Theological  Seminary  by 
one  individual.  A  commodious  church,  recently 
erected  in  Berryville,  was  consecrated  in  August 
last.  He  hopes  to  report  to  the  next  Convention 
the  completion  of  another,  which  is  about  to  be 
erected  at  Millwood.  The  rector,  while  regretting 
to  state  that  the  Rev.  Mr.  Rice  has  resigned  his 
place  as  assistant  minister  in  this  parish,  is  happy 
to  be  able  to  add,  that  the  Rev.  WilUam  Jackson, 

1'r.  has  been  chosen  to  supply  the  vacancy,  and 
las  entered  upon  his  charge  with  the  most  flatter- 
ing prospects.  Communicants  ninety — baptisms 
twelve — funerals  twelve. 

Wm.  Meade,  Rector. 
The  rector  of  Russell  parish,  Bedford  county, 
in  making  his  report  to  the  Convention,  hesitates 
what  account  to  give  of  the  state  of  his  churches. 
During  a  great  part  of  the  last  year  there  was 
manifested  a  deep  and  general  interest  in  religion, 
and  he  was  gratified  to  perceive  a  number  of 
pious  and  valuable  members  added  to  the  com- 
munion. But,  at  present,  he  is  constrained  to  say 
that  this  interest  has  abated,  that  many  are  be- 
coming more  indifferent  to  the  claims  of  religion, 
and  he  fears  that  notwithstanding  a  very  consider- 
able accession  to  the  communion,  the  general 
prospect  before  him  is  rather  more  discouraging 
than  heretofore.    He  feels  himself  bound  in  this 

Elace  gratefully  to  acknowledge  the  liberality  of 
is  parishioners  in  having  subscribed  nearly  two 
thousand  dollars  for  the  purchase  of  a  farm,  for 
the  benefit  of  the  rector  and  his  family.  Besides 
his  services  in  Bedford  county,  he  labours  one 
fourth  of  his  time  in  the  adjacent  county  of  Bote- 
tourt, in  which  there  is  an  interesting  and  intelli- 
gent congregation,  and  in  which  an  active  clergy- 
man would  be  kindly  received  and  comfortably 
supported.  There  is  probably  no  portion  of  up- 
per Virginia  where  there  are  better  materi?ds  for 
the  building  up  of  our  church.  Communicants, 
removed  twelve,  withdrawn  four,  added  forty; 
total  number  ninety-six — baptisms,  of  infants 
twenty-five,  adults  twelve— marriages  seven— one 
burial— contributions  to  the  episcopal  fund  $12 
50.  Nicholas  H.  Cobbs,  Rector. 

Parochial  report  from  St.  Mark's  parish,  Cul- 
pepper. Since  my  last  report,  there  have  been 
out  few  changes  in  this  parish.  I  think,  however, 
that  the  prospect  is  gradually  improving,  there 
being  in  many  persons  a  greater  anxiety  to  en- 
courage pure  and  undefiled  religion.  The  con- 
gregations are  visibly  increasing,  and,  I  flatter 
myself,  are  more  devout  when  attending  divine 
service.  Within  the  course  of  the  last  twelve 
months,  one  of  our  communicants  has  died  and 
five  have  been  added.  Present  number  of  com- 
municants forty.  There  have  been  baptisms, 
adults  three,  infants  twenty-one — marriages  three 
— funerals  five.  John  Woodville. 

St.  Paul's  Church,  Lynchburg.  Nothing  of 
especial  interest  has  occurred  in  this  parish  du- 
ring the  past  year.  It  still  bears  marks  of  a  recent 
origin,  and  requires  the  fostering  care  of  the  Con- 
vention. 

Of  the  communicants,  one  has  died,  four  have 
removed,  eleven  have  been  added,  and  the  present 
number  is  fifty-eight.  Funerals  twelve — mar- 
riages three— baptisms,  of  adults  one,  of  infants 
seven. 

In  connexion  with  the  Rev.  Mr.  Cobbs,  I  have 
S 


for  a  part  of  the  last  year  maintained  a  monthly 
appointment  at  St.  John's  Church,  Moore  parish, 
Campbell.  The  prospects  of  this  infant  church 
are  highly  flattenng,  and  present  an  interestmg 
field  of  labour  for  a  clergyman  who  will  reckon 
the  consciousness  of  doing  good  his  highest  re- 
ward. F.  G.  Smith. 

Christ  Church,  Norfolk,  Elizabeth  River  parish. 
During  the  past  year  there  have  been  thirty-nine 
baptisms  (in  three  instances  of  adults) — eleven^ 
marriages — and  twenty-five  funerals — twenty- 
eight  have  been  confirmed.  The  present  number 
of  communicants  is  two  hundred  and  fifty,  of 
whom  forty-eight  have  been  received  since  the 
last  Convention,  that  being  the  largest  number 
ever  admitted  in  the  same  period  of  time  in  this 
parish.  The  rector  rejoices  to  inform  the  Con- 
vention, that  in  consequence  of  the  great  increase 
of  the  congregation  of  Christ  Church,  it  has  be- 
come necessary  to  establish  another.  Measures 
have  already  been  taken  for  that  purpose  ;  hberal 
subscriptions  raised,  and  a  vestry  chosen  ;  and  it 
is  confidently  hoped  that  a  very  respectable  and 
encouraging  body  of  worshippers  will  soon  be 
gathered  in  the  old  building  formerly  occupied  by 
the  Episcopalians  of  Norfolk,  and  which  is  now 
designed  and  set  apart,  by  the  name  of  St.  Paul's 
Church,  for  the  accommodation  of  the  new  con- 
gregation. In  other  respects  the  condition  of 
Christ  Church  has  undergone  no  change. 

Henry  W.  Ducachet,  Rector. 

Abingdon  and  Ware  parishes,  Gloucester.  The 
minister  of  these  parishes  reports,  that  during  the 
past  year  there  have  been  ten  baptisms  and  eight 
funerals — two  of  the  communicants  have  died ,  and 
seven  new  members  have  been  added.  The  pres-- 
ent  number  of  communicants  is  twenty-nine.  The 
Female  Education  Society  continues  to  contribute 
its  annual  aid  to  the  friends  of  the  parent  society. 

Jno.  Cole. 

Report  of  Lexington  parish,  Amherst  county, 
and  of  Nelson  parish,  Nelson  coiinty.  My  time,  as 
heretofore,  has  been  devoted  to  the  three  churches 
in  Amherst,  and  to  the  church  in  Nelson,  with 
occasional  visits  to  Buckingham- 

The  work  of  the  Lord  has  not  prospered  so  ex- 
tensively during  the  last  twelve  months  as  in 
times  preceding,  and  yet  there  is  not  wanting  evi- 
dence that  souls  have  been  bom  to  God.  The 
whole  number  added  in  the  different  churches  is 
ten.  In  addition  to  the  exercises  of  the  Sabbath 
School,  the  children  in  the  different  congregations 
have  been  statedly  instructed  in  the  church  cate* 
chism.  Besides  the  auxiliary  Education  Society, 
the  ladies  in  the  vicinity  of  New-Glasgow  have 
formed  an  association  to  raise  funds  by  their  own 
work  for  the  cause  of  missions.  The  good  effect 
of  temperance  societies-  has  been  observed  and 
acknowledged  by  all. 

Marriages   five — funerals    six — baptisms  four. 
The  whole  number  of  communicants  eighty-one. 
Charles  H.  Page. 

St.  Paul's  parish,  King  George  county.  The 
rector  reports,  that  since  the  last  Convention  the 
spiritual  condition  of  this  parish  has  been  gradual- 
ly improving.  Within  the  last  two  months  a 
Missionary  Society  has  been  organized.  A  parish 
library  has  been  commenced,  from  which  it  is 
hoped  much  good  will  result.  Eight  persons 
have  been  added  to  the  communion,  and  many 
others  are  anxiously  inquiring  what  they  must  do 
to  be  saved.  Four  have  removed  from  the  parish 
during  the  last  year— one  died — baptisms  eight — 
one  marriage— funerals  five — present  number  of 
communicants  thirty-two. 

Zachariah  H.  Goldsmith. 

Brunswick  parish.    There  have  been  no  acces. 


274 


CONVENTION  OF  1832. 


sions  to  the  communion  in  this  parish  during  the 
last  year.  At  an  association  recently  held,  much 
seriousness  pervaded  the  congregation.  Baptisms 
four — ^funprals  six — communicants  ten. 

Zachariah  H.  Goldsmith. 

The  rector  of  the  Monumental  Church  in  the 
city  of  Richmond  reports  to  the  Convention,  that 
the  state  of  his  congregation  continues  to  be  very 
encouraging ;  that  the  attendants  on  divine  wor- 
ship are  very  numerous,  and  that  since  his  report 
the  last  year  a  goodly  number  have  been  aclded 
to  the  communion.  The  baptisms  within  the  last 
twelve  months  amount  to  forty-nine.  Communi- 
cants one  hundred  and  seventy-two.  Owing  to 
the  indisposition  of  the  Rev.  Leonidas  Polk,  who 
was  engaged  as  an  assistant  minister  to  the  rec- 
tor, he  was  under  the  painful  necessity  of  resign- 
ing his  situation  and  crossing  the  Atlantic  for  the 
benefit  of  his  health.  Mr.  Polk  evidenced,  during 
his  ministry  in  Richmond,  a  spirit  of  the  most 
ardent  piety  and  devotion  to  his  duty ;  and  it  was 
with  regret  of  no  ordinary  character  that  the  rec- 
tor was  obliged  to  accept  his  resignation.  The 
situation  which  was  filled  by  Mr.  Polk  is  now  oc- 
cupied by  the  Rev.  Joseph  H.  Nichols,  who  has 
been  well  received  by  the  congregation  ;  and  from 
whose  filial  deportment  to  the  rector  he  is  justi- 
fied in  believing  that  the  interests  of  the  parish 
will  be  promoted,  and  the  evening  of  the  rector's 
life  rendered  happy,  peaceful,  and  comfortable. 
Richard  Channing  Moore, 
Rector  of  the  Monumental  Church. 

St.  John's  parish,  Brooke  county.  In  this  par- 
ish there  are  two  congregations ;  one  at  Wells- 
burg,  the  other  in  the  country,  about  eight  miles 
distant. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Morse,  of  Ohio,  has  for  several 
years  rendered  most  acceptable  and  efficient  ser- 
vices, though  necessarily  only  occasional,  to  both 
congregations. 

Since  my  resignation  of  the  parish  of  Wheeling 
this  spring,  I  have  taken  charge  of  that  at  Wells- 
burg.  Mr.  M.  now  officiates  for  the  country  con- 
gregation more  frequently.  There  are  about  forty- 
five  communicants.  A  Sunday  School  has  just 
been  organized.  The  prospects  of  the  parish 
generally  are  encouraging. 

Four  communicants  have  been  added  to  the 
number  at  Wheeling  this  year,  making  thirty-five 
in  all. 

The  Rev.  Wm.  Armstrong,  of  Maryland,  has 
been  invited  to  the  rectorship  ot  this  parish.     He 
has  accepted  it  upon  the  condition  ol^  a  short  de- 
lay in  removing,  and  will  probably  soon  be  here. 
John  Thomas  Wheat. 

Antrim  parish,  Halifax  county.  The  church  in 
this  parish  is  gradually  increasing.  The  present 
number  of  communicants  is  thirty-two,  of  whom 
twelve  have  been  added  since  the  last  Conven- 
tion. The  baptisms  during  the  same  time  have 
been  eleven,  of  whom  six  were  adults,  and  five 
children.  Marriages  four — funerals  four — Sunday 
Schools  two.  Charles  Dresser,  Rector. 

Camden  parish,  Pittsylvania  county.  This  par- 
ish, after  the  lapse  of  nearly  half  a  century,  has 
lately  been  reorganized.  Since  the  last  Conven- 
tion a  small  church  has  been  completed,  which  is 
now  ready  for  consecration.  The  services  of  a 
resident  clergyman  are  still  earnestly  desired,  and 
in  few  parts  of  the  diocess,  it  is  believed,  would 
the  labours  of  a  faithful  and  enlightened  minister 
be  more  useful.  The  present  number  of  commu- 
nicants is  twelve.  Baptisms  six — one  funeral. 
Charles  Dresser. 

Newport  parish,  Isle  of  Wight,  and  St.  John's, 
Nansemond.  The  minister  would  state,  that  he 
took  charge  of  these  parishes  about  two  months 


since,  and  has  not  yet  been  able  to  ascertain  the 
exact  number  of  communicants.  One  baptism — 
funerals  four. 

A  catechetical  class  has  been  formed,  with  more 
than  twenty  members.  It  is  expected  a  neat  and 
commodious  church  will  be  erected  in  the  town  of 
Smilhfield  during  the  ensuing  summer. 

Chaplin  S.  Hedges. 

Christ  Church,  Richmond.  Baptisms  fifteen 
(two  adults)— funerals  twenty-three — marriages 
twelve.  Additions  to  the  communion  twenty-one. 
Of  the  communicants,  one  has  died,  and  three 
have  removed ;  present  number  sixty.  Contri- 
butions to  Missionary  Society  $30 — to  the  Epis- 
copal Fund  $11.  Wm.  F.  Lee. 

St.  Anne's  parish,  Albemarle.  The  rector  has 
the  pleasure  of  making  a  very  favourable  report 
respecting  the  progress  of  religion  within  the 
limits  of  his  labour  during  the  past  year.  The 
church  to  which  allusion  was  made  in  the  last  re- 
port is  nearly  finished,  and  is  a  very  neat  and 
beautiful  edifice.  Our  congregations  have  in- 
creased very  much,  and  are  more  serious  and  at- 
tentive. The  rector  has  also  officiated  once  a 
month  at  Walker's  Church,  which  belongs  to 
Fredericksville  parish.  Adult  baptisms  three,  in- 
fant baptisms  ten— marriages  two — funerals  sev- 
en. About  thirty  are  ready  for  confirmation. 
Zachariah  Meade. 

St.  John's  Church,  Henrico  parish,  Richmond. 
The  rector  of  this  parish  reports,  that  the  general 
condition  of  his  charge  is  not  greatly  changed 
since  the  last  Convention.  Death  has  made  seri- 
ous inroads  on  the  congregation,  but  others  have 
arisen  to  stand  in  the  places  of  the  departed.  The 
Bible  class,  the  lectures,  and  Sunday  School  are 
still  sustained,  as  they  always  have  been,  although 
not  heretofore  noticed  in  his  reports.  The  num- 
ber of  the  communicants  has  been  increased  the 
last  year  by  eight  accessions,  making  thirty  in  all. 
There  have  been  twenty-four  baptisms,  one  adult 
— seven  marriages^ — and  forty  funerals.  The  con- 
gregations have  been  better  this  spring  than  at 
any  former  period  of  his  residence  in  the  parish. 
Edward  W.  Peet. 

Christ  Church,  Lancaster  county,  and  Wicom- 
ico Church,  Northumberland  county.  The  min- 
ister of  these  churches  entered  upon  his  duties  at 
the  commencement  of  the  present  year.  He  has 
under  his  charge  three  congregations. 

Through  the  spirited  exertions  of  some  of  the 
members  of  the  church,  one  church  has  recently 
been  thoroughly  repaired,  and  is  now  a  conveni- 
ent edifice  for  public  worship.  The  other  twa 
churches  are  in  a  state  of  decay,  and  require  very 
considerable  repairs  to  render  them  commodious 
for  the  purposes  of  public  worship. 

A  Bible  class  has  been  formed  in  Christ  Church 
parish,  and  we  have  in  the  two  parishes  four  Sun- 
day Schools,  three  of  wliich  have  been  established 
during  the  present  season.  The  number  of  families 
belonging  to  the  two  congregations  in  Lancaster 
county  is  sixty-three.  Baptisms  in  the  two  par- 
ishes nineteen— one  marriage. 

Ephraim  Adams. 

St.  Margaret's  parish,  Carohne  county.  The 
lay  delegates  from  this  parish  report,  that  it  has 
been  for  nearly  two  years  deprived  of  the  services 
of  a  regular  minister,  and  that  those  whom  they 
represent  are  anxious  to  procure  one. 

They  feel  pleased  also  in  reporting,  that,  not- 
withstanding this  long  vacancy,  there  is  an  in- 
creasing interest  felt  in  the  cause  of  the  church. 

Since  the  last  report,  respectable  members  of 
the  congregation  and  faithful  followers  of  the  Lord 
have  departed  this  life :  several  have  been  added. 


CONVENTION  OF  1832. 


275 


leaving  the  number  of  communicants  about  the 
same  as  when  last  reported. 

Geo.  F.  Thornton. 
Addison  F.  Thornton. 

St.  George's  Church,  Fredericksburg.  The 
minister  of  this  church  has  the  happiness  of  re- 
porting the  prosperous  state  of  his  pastoral  charge. 

The  grace  of  God  has  been  extended  to  us  in 
an  unusual  measure  through  the  past  year. 

Subsequent  to  the  period  of  the  Convention  in 
Norfolk,  there  was  a  manifest  increase  of  religious 
sensibility  among  us.  An  unusual  solemnity  per- 
vaded our  places  of  worship,  while  the  welfare 
of  the  soul  became  the  absorbing  theme  of  medi- 
tation and  conversation  with  an  unusual  number. 
The  good  seed  which  had  long  been  sown  in  re- 
luctant hearts  began  to  spring  up.  One  and  an- 
other evinced  deep  concern,  giving  vent  to  feel- 
ings which  had  been  long,  more  or  less,  restrained. 
Occasions  of  religious  worship  were  now  eagerly 
sought,  every  place  of  meeting  was  speedily  tilled, 
presenting  often  scenes  of  subdued  but  deep  spirit- 
ual distress,  mingled  with  those  of  calm  but  rap- 
turous delight  and  joy  in  the  Holy  Ghost. 

The  result  of  this  visitation  of  mercy  has  been, 
as  we  believe,  the  radical  conversion  of  upwards 
of  eighty  individuals.  Of  these.  Bishop  Meade 
confirmed  seventy-five  in  September  last— more 
than  fifty  of  whom  united  for  the  first  time  in  com- 
memorating the  death  of  their  Saviour.  Since  that 
period  about  thirty  more  have  been  admitted  to  the 
holy  communion,  making  the  whole  amount  of 
increase  since  the  last  Convention  about  eighty- 
five  members. 

A  great  blessing  has  this  merciful  visitation 
been  to  us.  It  has  added  much  to  the  influence 
of  true  religion.  Our  congregations  have  in- 
ci-eased,  a  fresh  impulse  has  been  given  to  the 
activity  of  members,  and  the  fruits  of  faith  have 
been  realized  in  holy  Uving  and  in  all  the  deeds  of 
practical  benevolence  and  Christian  charity. 

The  several  parochial  associations  reported  to 
the  last  Convention  still  continue  in  a  prosperous 
state.  Our  Sunday  Schools,  Bible  classes,  Prayer- 
Book  and  Tract  Society,  Education  Society,  and 
Missionary  Societies,  are  well  sustained  and  emi- 
nently useful.  Baptisms  forty  six  (thirteen  adults) 
—marriages  five — funerals  twenty-four — commu- 
nicants one  hundred  and  eighty-eight— twenty -two 
lost  by  death  and  removal. 

Edward  C.  M'Guire. 

St.  Anne's  and  South  Farnham  parishes,  Essex 
county.  The  rector  reports  a  gradual  improve- 
ment of  the  congregations  under  his  care.  The 
numbers  who  attend  upon  the  services  of  the 
sanctuary  are  increasing  ;  some  appear  to  feel  the 
word,  and  a  few  have  taken  upon  themselves  the 
vo^vs  of  the  Lord  by  a  public  profession  of  his 
most  holy  religion. 

The  Bible  classes  heretofore  noticed  still  exist ; 
as  does  the  Sunday  School,  to  which  has  just 
been  added  a  Saturday  School ;  something  is  also 
being  done  for  the  Missionary  and  Education 
Societies. 

St.  Mary's  parish.  Port  Royal,  Caroline  county. 
At  this  place  the  rector  of  St.  Anne's  and  South 
Farnham  has  been  preaching  twice  a  month  for 
some  time  past  with  much  encouragement.  The 
congregation  is  growing,  and  measures  have  been 
taken  to  erect  a  church.  Communicants  removed 
into  another  parish  two — added  eighteen,  of  whom 
twelve  only  were  new  communicants — present 
number  sixty-three — baptisms,  three  of  which 
were  of  adults,  thirty-two — marriages  ten — burials 
five.  John  P.  M'Gitire,  Rector. 

The  rector  of  Hamilton  and  Leeds  parishes, 
Fauquier,  reports,  that  no  very  striking  change 

S  3 


has  taken  place  in  these  parishes  since  the  last 
Convention.  The  congregations  in  both  are  gen-* 
erally  good,  and  often,  especially  in  the  former, 
very  full.  The  number  of  communicants  has  re. 
ceived  some  increase.  Communicants  in  both 
parishes  about  sixty — baptisms  twenty — funerals 
eight — marriages  nineteen.        George  Lemon. 

Christ  Church,  Winchester,  The  rector  re- 
ports the  gradual  improvement  of  the  congrega- 
tion under  his  charge.  All  the  charitable  and  be- 
nevolent objects  of  the  day  have  received  increas- 
ed attention  and  support.  Upwards  of  three  hun- 
dred and  fifty  dollars  have  been  collected  for  ob- 
jects connected  with  religion,  exclusive  of  a  very 
liberal  contribution  towards  building  a  new  church 
a  few  miles  from  Winchester. 

There  have  been  sixteen  members  added  to  the 
communion,  two  of  whom  were  formerly  connect- 
ed with  the  church  in  Winchester,  but  for  some 
years  had  separated  themselves  from  her  commu- 
nion. 

One  member  has  died  and  three  have  removed^ 
leaving  the  present  number  of  communicants 
ninety-five — baptisms  sixteen,  of  whom  six  were 
adults — funerals  fourteen — marriages  six. 

The  church  at  Mill  Creek  continues  to  be  well 
attended,  and  the  congregation  appears  to  be  more 
concerned  on  the  subject  of  religion  than  at  any 
former  period.  The  number  of  communicants  is 
thirty-nine — four  added. 

J.  E.  Jackson,  Rector. 

St.  Paul's  Church,  Suffolk.  No  remarkable 
change  has  taken  place  in  this  church  since  my 
last  report.  One  communicant  has  removed  and 
one  has  been  added  to  the  church  ;  the  preached 
word  is  seriously  attended  to ;  the  responses  are 
more  regular  and  more  animated.  Communicants 
twenty-two — baptisms  nine — funerals  seven— mar. 
riages  five.  Jacob  Keeling, 

Portsmouth,  Va.,  May  12th,  1832.  Last  January 
I  declined  my  ministerial  labours  in  Lynnhaverj 
parish  :  since  that  time  it  has  been  without  a  min. 
ister.  One  gentleman  has  expressed  a  willingness 
to  board  a  clergyman,  and,  he  believes,  two  or 
three  hundred  dollars  may  be  obtained  by  sub- 
scription, which  would  secure  the  maintenance  of 
one  whose  demands  are  not  great.  The  number 
of  communicants  I  have  not  been  able  to  ascer* 
tain  exactly.    I  believe  there  are  about  ten, 

I  have  devv  ted  more  time  and  attention  to  Deep 
Creek  this  year  than  I  did  last,  and,  although 
there  is  no  great  manifestation  of  good,  yet  I  per- 
ceive an  increased  attention  to  the  word,  and  have 
reason  to  believe  that  it  has  had  some  very  good 
effect.  Baptized  two — funerals  four— one  mar^ 
riage.  Ira  Parker, 

St.  James's  parish,  Northam,  Goochland.  In 
reporting  the  accession  of  four  members  to  the 
communion  since  the  last  Convention,  the  minis- 
ter of  this  parish  has  to  regret  that  in  the  general 
aspect  of  his  charge  there  has  been  so  little  to 
cheer  his  heart,  or  to  animate  his  hopes.  In  ad- 
dition to  the  stated  services  in  this  ctprch,  the 
minister  has  officiated  regularly  one  Sunday  in 
the  month  in  Sapony  Church,  Chesterfield  county, 
and  one  Sunday  in  the  month  in  Cartersville, 
Cumberland  county,  where  there  is  a  growing 
attachment  to  the  services  of  our  church,  and 
a  strong  desire  manifested  to  have  them  continued. 
Two  of  the  communicants  last  reported  have  been 
removed,  one  by  death,  and  the  other  to  another 
diocess.  Ten  dollars  have  been  contributed  in  aid 
of  the  Bishops'  Fund,  and  ten  to  the  Education 
Society.  Baptisms  six,  two  of  whom  were  adults 
— funerals  two-^marriages  three. 

James  Doughen. 

Bristol  parish,  Petersburg.    I  have  nothing  in* 


270 


CONVENTION  OF  1832. 


teresting  to  report  concerning  the  state  of  this 
parish  since  last  Convention.  I  cannot  conscien- 
tiously declare  that  there  is  any  improvement, 
either  in  the  ordinary  attendance  of  the  congrega- 
tion, or  in  the  participation  of  the  more  solemn 
ordinances  of  the  church  ;  and  yet  I  would  be  un- 
willing to  hint  that  there  is  a  falling  off  in  any  of 
these  respects,  although  appearances  are  not  alto- 
gaiher-  so  favourable  as  might  be  wished.  There 
have  been,  since  last  Convention,  eight  marriages, 
thirteen  baptisms,  and  twenty  deaths. 

Andrew  Syme. 

Hungar's  parish,  Northampton,  Va.  Baptisms 
twenty-five — marriages  four — funerals  six — com- 
municants, three  added  since  last  report ;  present 
number  thirty.  A  Temperance  Society  of  ninety 
members.  S.  S.  Gunter,  Rector. 

St.  John*s  Church,  Hampton,  Elizabeth  City 
parish.  Since  the  last  report,  four  have  been  ad- 
ded to  the  number  of  communicants  and  two  have 
removed.  There  are  but  few  in  this  parish  who 
are  decidedly  attached  to  our  communion.  Still 
the  prospect  is  encouraging.  At  Old  Point  the 
congregation  has  considerably  increased,  in  con- 
sequence of  an  augmentation  of  the  military  force. 
There  is  at  this  time  preparing,  under  the  imme- 
diate direction  of  the  commandant  of  the  post,  a 
spacious  and  convenient  place  for  worship,  in 
which  the  exercises  of  our  church  are  to  be  con- 
ducted. A  Bible  class  of  eighteen  non-commis- 
sioned officers  and  privates  assemble  once  in  each 
week,  and  the  weekly  lectures  still  elicit  atten- 
tion. The  Sunday  School,  conducted  upon  the 
principles  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Sunday 
School  Union,  numbering  ten  teachers,  forty-four 
boys,  and  thirty-two  girls,  and  which  is  opened 
twice  on  each  Lord's  day,  continues  to  flourish. 
Marriages  nine — baptisms  twenty-one — communi- 
cants twenty-four — burials  seventeen. 

Mark  L.  Chevers, 
Rector  of  St.  John's,  Hampton. 

Cumberland  parish,  Lunenburg  county.  The 
rector  of  this  parish  would  state,  that  he  took 
charge  of  it  in  October  last ;  since  which  time  he 
has  preached  statedly  at  St.  John's  Church  and 
at  the  courthouse.  Within  a  few  miles  of  the  lat- 
ter place,  a  neat  and  commodious  brick  church  is 
about  to  be  erected.  At  St.  John's  a  Sunday 
School  and  Bible  class  were  established  last  fall. 
A  few  have  united  in  the  formation  of  a  Mission- 
ary Society,  auxiliary  to  the  General  Missionary 
Society  of  the  church.  Three  communicants 
have  been  added  and  two  have  removed,  making 
the  present  number  twelve — one  marriage — funer- 
als three — infant  baptisms  three. 

It  may  be  well  to  mention  that  the  masters  of 
some  four  or  five  plantations  are  in  the  habit  of 
giving  their  servants  a  part  of  one  day  in  every 
week  to  attend  preaching.  By  the  trifling  loss 
thus  sustained,  they  prove  to  their  servants  that 
the  interest  which  they  profess  to  feel  for  their 
spiritual  welfare  is  real.  Much  good  has  already 
resulted  Jrom  my  labours  among  them :  six  or 
seven  give  hopeful  evidence  of  conversion. 

Charles  C.  Taliaferro. 

Trinity  Church,  Portsmouth  parish.  The  rec- 
tor is  happy  in  being  able  to  report,  that  the  con- 
gregation under  his  charge  is  gradually  improving. 
The  attendance  at  church  is  more  full  and  regu- 
lar, and  an  increasing  interest  in  the  services  is 
manifest.  The  result  has  been  an  addition  of  nine 
persons  to  the  number  of  the  communicants,  three 
by  communing  for  the  first  time,  and  six  by  re- 
moving into  the  parish.  One  has  been  suspended, 
and,  in  consequence  of  that  act  of  discipUne,  has 
left  the  congregation.  The  societies,  as  last  re- 
ported, are  still  in  existence,  but  are  far  from 


being  in  that  flourishing  state  in  which  it  is  so  de- 
sirable  to  see  all  such  institutions. 

The  pecuniary  concerns  of  the  parish  are  in  a 
somewhat  better  state  than  they  were  at  the  last 
Convention.  A  few  ladies  of  the  congregation, 
by  small  monthly  contributions,  have  nearly  paid 
a  debt  for  plastering  the  churchof  upwards  of  $600. 

The  present  number  of  families  in  the  congre- 
gation is  sixty.     Marriages  five — baptisms  twelve 
—communicants  thirty-seven— burials  twenty-six, 
J.  H.  WiNGFiELD,  Rector. 

St.  Andrew's  parish,  Brunswick  county,  and 
Bath  parish,  Dinwiddle  county.  The  dispersed 
condition  of  the  members  of  his  flock  renders  it 
impracticable  to  the  rector  of  these  parishes  to 
fulfil  his  pastoral  duties  in  a  manner  satisfactory 
to  himself.  A  lamentable  coldness  at  present  ex- 
ists in  his  congregations  ;  but  he  would  take  en- 
couragement, from  the  advancement  in  spiritual 
life  which  some  few  exhibit,  to  hope  that  a  bright- 
er day  will  soon  dawn  upon  us.  The  few  femalea 
who  have  heretofore  formed  the  Auxiliary  Edu- 
cation  Society,  have  persevered  with  unabated 
zeal  and  with  encouraging  success :  and  some 
promising  measures  are  at  this  time  in  progress 
for  the  formation  of  a  missionary  association  in 
each  parish. 

The  present  number  of  communicants  in  both 
parishes  is  forty-five.  Of  these,  nine  have  been 
added  within  the  past  year,  one  of  whom  is  a 
coloured  man ;  two  have  removed,  one  has  depart- 
ed in  peace  and  triumph  to  the  church  above,  one 
has  withdrawn,  and  two  have  been  transferred  to 
an  adjoining  parish,  in  which  they  reside.  There 
have  been  twelve  persons  baptized,  one  of  them 
an  adult,  five  white  and  six  coloured  children — 
funerals  nme — marriages  four. 

John  Grammer,  Jr, 

Hanover  parish.  King  George  county.  There 
had  been  no  episcopal  services  in  this  parish  until 
about  two  years  ago  (but  for  a  few  months),  since 
the  revival  of  the  church  in  this  diocess.  A  con- 
gregation has  been  organized  and  a  vestry  elected. 
At  first  there  was  an  ignorance  of  our  hturgy, 
and  a  prejudice  against  it;  but,  by  distributing 
prayer-books,  we  have  been  enabled  to  make  the 
people  better  acquainted  with  it,  and  the  prejudi- 
ces are  now  gradually  subsiding.  Baptisms  eight 
— marriages  eleven — funerals  four, 

J.  Clapham, 

The  prospects  of  the  church  in  St.  James's  par- 
ish, Mecklenburg,  are  more  promising  than  when 
last  reported.  There  have  been  five  additions  to 
our  communion,  making  the  whole  number  of 
communicants  in  the  parish  forty-two.  Baptisms 
twenty — funerals  seven — marriages  eight. 

William  Steel,  Rector, 

St.  Martin's  parish,  Hanover  and  Louisa.  No 
material  change  has  occurred  in  this  parish  since 
our  last  report.  The  new  church  mentioned  then 
as  nearly  completed,  is  now  ready  for  consecra- 
tion. Our  several  benevolent  institutions  are  still 
in  operation.  During  the  past  year  the  rector  ex- 
tended his  labours,  as  often  as  practicable,  to  the 
congregations  in  Caroline,  Spotsylvania,  Louisa, 
and  the  lower  part  of  Hanover,  all  of  which  are 
anxious  to  obtain  the  regular  services  of  a  minis- 
ter. We  have  lost  by  deaths  and  removals  thir- 
teen communicants,  six  have  been  added,  total 
fifty-nine — marriages  six — baptisms  eight — funer- 
als eighteen.  John  Cooke, 

St.  Andrew's  parish,  Jefferson  county.  The 
rector  reports,  that  though  he  perceives  many  cau- 
ses for  humiliation  when  considering  the  state  of 
his  parish,  he  nevertheless  is  also  reminded  of 
some  for  encouragement  and  thankfulness.  A 
goodly  number  of  those  who  were  careless  and 


CONVENTION  OF  1832. 


277 


impenitent,  especially  among  the  young,  have  re- 
cently joined  the  communion. 

Bible  classes  and  Sunday  Schools  are  attached 
to  both  the  churches  formmg  this  parish  ;  so  also 
are  Missionary  and  Education  Societies.  The 
whole  number  of  communicants  one  hundred  and 
fifteen,  burials  six.  Contributions  to  benevolent 
objects  $153.  Alexander  Jones. 

Kanawha  parish,  Kanawha  county.  This  par- 
ish, previous  to  last  October,  had  been  without  a 
minister  for  about  six  years.  In  Charlestown  we 
have  no  house  of  worship  ;  but,  on  my  arrival, 
the  Methodist  church  was  kindly  offered  for  our 
accommodation.  In  the  country  there  is  a  small 
brick  edifice  called  Bangor  Church.  When  I 
came  to  this  place  there  were  twenty-four  com- 
municants. Since  that  time  one  has  removed, 
four  have  come  into  the  parish,  and  three  have 
been  added,  making  the  present  number  thirty. 
Marriages  two  —  funerals  three  —  baptisms,  one 
adult  and  six  infants. 

I  have  visited  Lewisburg,  Greenbrier  county, 
twice,  and  baptized  one  person,  an  adult.  There 
are  in  this  place  several  warm  friends  of  the 
church,  and  a  few  are  anxious  to  join  the  commu- 
nion. Frederick  D.  Goodwin. 

St.  Paul's  Church,  Alexandria.  The  rector  of 
this  church  states,  with  gratitude  to  Almighty 
God,  that  the  anticipation  of  a  blessing  on  his 
congregation,  expressed  in  his  last  report,  has  been 
in  a  great  degree  realized.  As  might  be  expected, 
an  increase  of  vital  godliness  has  given  an  impulse 
to  our  temporal  concerns.  During  the  past  year, 
upwards  of  eight  hundred  dollars  have  been  ex- 
pended on  the  church  edifice.  A  comfortable  par- 
sonage will  soon  be  completed.  Our  Sunday 
Schools,  containing  two  hundred  scholars,  and 
our  Monday  or  sewing  school,  are  well  supported. 
One  hundred  and  fifty  dollars  have  been  remitted 
to  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Missionary  Society, 
and  a  box  of  articles,  worth  about  forty  dollars, 
sent  to  our  missionaries  in  Greece.  Thirty  dol- 
lars have  been  paid  to  the  Education  Society,  be- 
sides free  contributions  to  other  societies  of  a  gen- 
eral nature. 

The  following  statistics  show  the  fruits  of  the 
past  year,  and  the  present  state  of  his  charge, 
viz. : — Marriages  four — funerals  twenty-one — bap- 
tisms, five  adults  and  twenty-two  children,  total 
twenty-seven— confirmed  forty-seven— added  to 
the  communion  thirty — ten  have  been  removed  by 
death  and  change  of  residence.  The  whole  num- 
ber of  communicants  is  one  hundred  and  fifty,  a 
less  number  than  was  heretofore  reported,  though 
the  additions  have  been  considerable,  which  can 
be  accounted  for  only  by  mistakes  in  reports  of 
preceding  years.  Wm.  Jackson,  Rector. 

The  missionary  employed  by  the  Ladies'  Mission- 
ary Society  of  Richmond  would  report,  that,  since 
he  has  been  engaged  in  their  service,  he  has  officia- 
ted once  in  each  month  at  the  church  in  Char- 
lottesville. And  in  consequence  of  a  polite  invita- 
tion from  the  chairman  of  the  faculty,  he  has  also 
preached  as  often  as  his  other  engagements  would 
permit  at  the  Rotunda  of  the  University.  A' 
prayer-meeting  is  regularly  held  and  attended  by 
several  of  the  students,  and  recently,  too,  a  Tem- 
perance Society  has  been  formed,  of  which  more 
than  sixty  have  become  members.  Besides  at- 
tending at  these  two  places,  he  has  performed 
missionary  duties  in  the  counties  of  Albemarle, 
Nelson,  Amherst,  and  Buckingham;  but  to  what 
extent  his  labours  have  been  blessed  is  known  only 
to  the  Lord  of  the  harvest.  J.  S.  Swift. 

Christ  Church,  Alexandria,  Fairfax  parish.  The 
rector  reports,  that  forty-three  communicants  have 
been  added  to  the  list  from  which  the  report  of  the 


last  year  was  drawn  out,  composed  of  individuals 
received  from  other  churches  by  removals  to  this 
city,  a  few  members  not  before  reported,  and  a 
much  larger  number  of  new  communicants.  He 
also  reports  that  his  church  has,  on  every  Sabbath 
for  some  time  past,  presented  a  most  encouraging 
appearance. 

It  is  in  contemplation,  immediately  after  the 
Convention,  to  repair  the  church  building  thor- 
oughly. Communicants  reported  last  year  eighty- 
seven,  received  this  year  forty-three,  total  one 
hundred  and  thirty — baptisms,  two  adults,  eight 
children,  total  ten — burials  eight — marriages  four. 
Charles  Mann. 

The  Rev.  John  P.  M'Guire  offered  the  follow- 
ing resolution,  which  was  adopted  by  a  unan- 
imous vote. 

Resolved,  That  the  bishop  of. this  diocess  be 
requested  to  recommend  some  early  day  as  a 
day  of  humiliation,  fasting,  and  prayer,  for  the 
purpose  of  making  a  public  confession  of  our 
sins,  and  of  seeking  to  turn  away  from  us  the 
just  judgments  of  the  Almighty. 

Mr.  G.  W.  Bassett,  jr.  offered  the  following 
resolution,  which  was  also  adopted  by  a  unan- 
imous vote. 

Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the 
clergy  and  laity  of  this  diocess,  to  make  the 
week  previous  to  the  annual  meeting  of  this 
Convention  a  special  season  of  thanksgiving 
and  praise  to  God,  for  his  mercies  in  times  past 
on  such  occasions,  and  of  prayer  and  supplica- 
tion for  the  continuance,  increase,  and  efficacious 
outpouring  of  his  Holy  Spirit  to  the  conversion 
of  sinners,  edification  of  Christians,  and  building 
up  of  his  holy  church. 

The  business  of  the  Convention  was  sus- 
pended for  the  purpose  of  attending  divine 
service. 

After  service.  Bishop  Moore  retired,  and 
Bishop  Meade  took  the  chair. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Empie,  from  the  committee  on 
the  state  of  the  church,  made  the  following  re- 
port, which  was  read  and  received  :• — 

The  committee  on  the  state  of  the  church  beg 
leave  to  report,  that  it  appears  from  the  episcopal 
and  parochial  reports  presented  to  this  Conven- 
tion, that  the  cause  of  religion  in  general,  and  of 
the  church  in  particular,  continues  to  gather 
strength  in  the  majority  of  our  parishes,  and  thus 
to  furnish  evidence  that  the  blessing  of  Almighty 
God  is  still  vouchsafed  to  the  labours  of  our  min- 
istry and  the  ordinances  of  our  Zion.  In  some 
of  our  parishes  this  blessing  seems  to  have  been 
poured  out  in  a  most  unusual  measure,  and  to 
have  produced,  in  turning  many,  very  many  sin- 
ners from  darkness  to  light,  rich  and  abundant 
fruit  indeed.  To  our  God  and  Father  in  Christ 
Jesus  be  rendered  thanksgiving  and  praise. 

The  most  efficient  means,  under  the  influence 
of  the  Holy  Ghost,  in  generating  these  most  de- 
sirable results,  has  been  the  holding  of  clerical 
associations,  with  a  view  to  engage  the  people  of 
the  parishes  in  which  they  were  held  in  the  pub- 
lic worship  of  God,  and  in  solemn  and  devout 
meditation  on  the  words  of  eternal  life,  for  two  or 
more  days  in  succession.  With  th»  character  of 
these  associations,  as  conducted  in  the  Episcopal 
Church  of  Virginia,  the  members  of  this  Conven- 
tion are  familiar;  and  to  such  associations  our 
venerable  bishop  gave,  in  his  address  to  our  last 
Convention,  his  full  approval  and  strong  recom- 


nn 


CONVENTION  OF  1833. 


tnendation — an  approval  and  recomnaendation 
which  your  committee  desire  to  recall  and  reim- 
press  on  this  Convention,  not  doubting  that  such 
tneetings,  if  governed,  as  in  times  past,  by  a  sound 
and  enlightened  zeal,  will  be  attended  and  followed 
by  a  great  and  abiding  blessing  from  God. 

And  here  your  committee  cannot  forbear  ex- 
pressing their  earnest  hope,  with  fervent  prayer  to 
the  Fountain  of  all  wisdom  and  grace,  that  such 
ft  zeal  may  ever  characterize  the  religious  exer- 
cises of  our  church,  and  preserve  her  members, 
both  clerical  and  lay,  from  adopting  means  to  pro- 
duce a  spurious  excitement,  and  yielding  to  its 
pernicious  influence.  Any  excitement  but  that 
which  is  produced  by  the  word  of  divine  truth, 
properly  expounded  and  applied  to  the  heart  by 
Uod's  Holy  Spirit,  must  be  false  and  deceptive, 
and  eventuate  in  consequences  fatal  to  the  inter- 
ests of  vital  godliness.  Let  then  the  ministers  of 
^our  church  adhere  to  the  great  apostolic  means 
of  promoting  the  salvation  of  men,  ever  preaching 
"  repentance  towards  God  and  faith  towards  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,"  firmly  and  determinately  re- 
solve to  abstain  from  the  adoption  of  all  equivocal 
expedients  for  multiplying  the  number  of  their 
communicants,  lest,  in  so  doing,  a  momentary 
exultation  be  followed  by  deep  and  long-abiding 
shame  and  injury  to  the  church  ;  and  lest  scof- 
fers and  sinners  in  general  be  confirmed  in 
their  blindness  of  mind,  hardness  of  heart,  and 
"  contempt  of  God's  word  and  commandment." 
In  making  these  cautionary  remarks,  your  com- 
hiittee  are  happy  in  knowing  that  they  are  sus- 
tained in  their  sentiments  by  many  wise  and  in- 
telligent Christians  of  other  denominations,  whose 
warning  voice  against  the  excesses  and  machinery 
of  fanaticism  has  been  already  and  strongly  heard 
from  almost  every  quarter  of  our  country.  Your 
committee  trust  their  remarks  wjU  not  be  misun- 
jderstood,  or  considered  as  proceeding  from  any 
.other  motive  than  a  sincere  desire  to  preserve  un- 
impaired the  faith  once  delivered  to  the  saints, 
^nd  advance  the  spiritual  and  everlasting  welfare 
of  their  fellow-men. 

The  conamittee  beg  leave  respectfully  to  remmd 
the  clergy  of  the  importance  of  a  full  and  frequent 
exposition  of  the  distinctive  features  of  the  Gen- 
eral Convention,  according  to  the  22d  canon  of 
our  church,  that  our  members  may  be  able  to  say 
why  she  is  worthy  of  the  reverence  and  love  of 
mankind,  and  repel  the  objections  so  often  made 
against  our  eccleaastical  polity  and  mode  of  wor- 
ship. In  too  many  instances  (there  is  reason  to 
fear),  the  feeling  that  retains  our  members  in  the 
bosom  of  the  church,  is  nothing  more  than  a  per- 
sonal attachment  to  some  one  of  her  ministers, 
who,  as  the  instrument  of  their  conversion,  or  for 
some  other  cause,  is  regarded  with  peculiar  love 
and  affection.  This  ought  not  so  to  be.  Our 
members  should  be  bound  to  the  church,  not  by 
mere  personal  regards,  but  by  a  deep  conviction 
of  her  high  scriptural  character,  and  the  happy 
adaptation  of  her  ordinances  and  services  to  pro- 
duce and  promote  a  sound,  intelligent,  and  fervent 
spirit  of  piety,  a  conviction  which  can  spring  only 
from  a  thorough  knowledge  of  the  grounds  on ' 
which  our  polity  rests  its  claims  to  preference, 
and  the  reasons  which  determine  us  to  adopt  a 
liturgical  rather  than  an  extemporaneous  mode  of 
worship. 

The  committee  have  taken  into  consideration 
Ihe  letter  of  the  bishop  on  the  subject  of  a  mis- 
sionary referred  to  them  by  the  Convention,  but 
do  not  find  that  it  contains  any  thing  which  falls 
within  their  province.  They  would  take  occasion, 
however,  to  express  their  regret,  that  the  Mission- 
ary Society  of  the  diocess,  though  having  in  its 


treasury  a  considerable  sum  of  money,  has  not 
been  able  to  obtain  the  services  of  missionaries. 
Were  several  suitable  persons  to  present  them- 
selves for  that  purpose  at  once,  they  would  meet. 
with  immediate  employment  and  a  tolerable  sup-- 
port. 

In  reference  to  the  circular  addressed  to  the 
Convention  by  "  the  Virginia  Society  for  promo- 
ting the  observance  of  the  Christian  Sabbath,** 
they  would  remark,  that  it  is  presumed  no  differ- 
ence of  opinion  can  prevail  among  Christians  as 
to  the  excellence  of  the  design  of  that  body  ;  and 
that  it  is  one  which  receives  their  unanimous  and 
entire  approbation.  And  they  would  recommend - 
to  all  the  members  of  the  church,  and  all  the 
friends  of  religion  and  good  order,  to  concur  in 
the  promotion  of  so  sacred  an  object,  as  the  sanc- 
tification  of  the  day  which  Almighty  God  has  ap- 
propriated immediately  and  wholly  to  himself. 
The  committee  would  not,  however,  be  under- 
stood to  approve  or  recommend  the  promotion  of 
this  object  by  any  other  means  than  argument  and 
example.  In  this  respect,  they  fully  acquiesce  in 
the  views  of  the  society  whose  circular  has  been 
referred  to  them.  Nor  do  they  hesitate  to  recom- 
mend to  the  Convention,  and  to  Episcopalians 
generally,  the  adoption  of  the  pledge  proposed  in 
the  circular.  It,  in  their  view,  clearly  and  fully 
expresses  the  duty  of  every  Christian  in  this  mat- 
ter, and  reads  as  follows  : — "  Beheving  that  all 
worldly  business  and  travelling  on  the  Christian 
Sabbath,  except  for  purposes  of  piety,  necessity, 
and  mercy,  and  all  worldly  visiting  and  amuse- 
ments on  that  day,  are  contrary  to  the  divine  will, 
and  injurious  to  the  social,  civil,  and  religious  in- 
terests of  men  ;  we  agree  that  we  will  abstain 
from  all  such  violations  of  the  Sabbath,  and  that 
we  will  use  our  influence  to  persuade  our  families 
and  others  to  do  the  same." 

In  conclusion,  the  conimittee  beg  leave  to  call 
the  attention  of  this  Convention  to  a  resolution  of 
the  last  General  Convention,  adverting  to  the 
\'  alarming  deficiency  in  the  number  of  our  min- 
isters, and  recommend  to  the  clergy  to  present  to 
the  consideration  of  their  respective  congrega- 
tions the  important  duty  of  exercising  a  prayerful 
diligence,  in  endeavouring  to  increase  the  number 
of  our  ministers,  by  forming  and  fostering  Educa- 
tion Societies,  for  the  due  instruction  of  pious 
youth,  and  by  seeking  out  and  encouraging  young 
rnen  of  suitable  spiritual  and  mental  qualifica- 
tions to  engage  in  the  blessed  service  of  preaching 
the  gospel  of  Christ  to  a  perishing  world." 

Ail  vyhich  is  respectfully  submitted. 

A.  Empie,  Chairman. 

The  Rev.  E.  C.  M'Guire,  from  the  commit- 
tee for  examining  the  accounts  of  the  treasurer 
of  the  fund  for  the  reUef  of  the  widows  and 
orphans  of  deceased  clergymen,  made  the  fol- 
lowing report,  which  was  read  and  received  :-r- 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  for  ex- 
amination the  account  of  the  treasurer  of  the  fund 
for  the  relief  of  the  widows  and  orphans  of  de- 
ceased clergymen  of  the  Episcopal  Church  of  Vir- 
ginia, beg  leave  to  report,  that  they  have  performed 
the  duty  assigned  them,  and  find  the  account  to 
be  perfectly  correct,  and  supported  by  proper 
vouchers.  E.  C,  M'Guire,  Chairman. 

The  funds  are  as  follows,  viz. : — 
United  States  3  per  cents.,     -         -  $2,037  78 
94  shares  of  Farmers'  Bank  of  Alex- 
andria sto.ck,  at  par,  .-         -     4,700  00 

Amount  carried  forvvar<},  $6,737  79 


CONVENTION  OF  1832. 


279 


Amount  brought  forward,  $6,737  78 

5  shares  Bank  of  Alexandria,  at  par,  1,000  00 

1  do.  Bank  of  Virginia,        do.        -  100  00 
Robert  Andrews's  estate,  balance  of 
note,  with  interest  from  30th  April, 

1829,  till  paid,  -         -         -         -  399  23 

Cash  on  hand,       ...        -  157  73 


$8,394  74 

On  balloting  for  delegates  to  represent  this 
diocess  in  the  next  General  Convention  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  United 
States  of  America,  the  following  gentlemen 
were  duly  elected,  viz.  :  Rev.  Nicholas  H. 
Cobbs,  Rev.  Henry  W.  Ducachet,  M.  D.,  Rev. 
William  Jackson,  Rev.  John  Grammer,  Mr. 
Thomas  Marshall,  Mr.  Edward  Colston,  Mr. 
John  G.  Williams,  and  Mr.  John  Nelson. 

Resolved,  That  the  Rev.  Wm.  F.  Lee,  Rev. 
Edward  W.  Pset,  and  Mr.  Hilary  Baker,  be  a 
committee  to  raise  by  assessment  among  the 
xJifFerent  parishes,  having  reference  to  the  num- 
ber of  communicants  reported  to  the  Conven- 
tion, the  sum  of  three  hundred  dollars,  to  be  paid 
to  Bishop  Moore  at  the  next  Convention  for  his 
episcopal  services,  and  that  said  committee  in- 
form the  clergyman  of  each  parish  of  the  pro- 
portion required  from  his  parish.  And,  Resolv- 
ed, That  the  clergy  be  required  to  raise  the 
sum  so  assessed,  and  pay  it  in  at  the  next  Con- 
vention. 

Resolved,  That  the  president  appoint  a  com- 
mittee to  prepare  a  report  of  the  state  of  the 
church  in  this  diocess  for  the  next  General  Con- 
vention. Committee  appointed  under  the  fore- 
going resolution  consists  of  Rev.  John  Gram- 
mer and  John  G.  Williams,  Esq. 

The  minutes  of  the  standing  committee  of 
this  diocess  since  the  last  Convention  were  read 
■and  approved. 

Resolved,  unanimously.  That  the  thanks  of 
this  Convention  are  due,  and  hereby  tendered, 
to  the  citizens  of  Alexandria,  for  their  kindness 
and  hospitality  to  every  member  of  this  body. 

Resolved,  That  1,200  copies  of  the  minutes 
of  this  Convention  be  printed,  and  distributed 
among  the  parishes  of  this  diocess. 

Resolved,  That  the  treasurer  pay  the  ex- 
penses of  the  secretary  in  attending  this  Con- 
vention. 

Resolved,  That  the  treasurer  be  directed  to 
pay  the  doorkeeper  of  this  Convention  $10. 

Resolved,  That  the  treasurer  pay  the  ex- 
penses of  the  bishops  to  the  General  Con- 
vention. 

Resolved,  That  the  treasurer  pay  to  the 
<jreneral  Convention  the  quota  due  from  this 
diocess  for  the  contingent  expenses  of  that  body. 

On  motion.  Resolved,  That  the  treasurer  pay 
to  the  delegates  to  the  General  Convention  their 
expenses,  and  that  fifty  dollars  be  advanced  to 
each  on  account  thereof. 

Resolved,  That  the  treasurer  pay  the  Rev. 
Wm.  Jackson  twenty  dollars,  expended  by  him  in 
securing  the  episcopal  services  of  Bishop  Moore 
for  the  church  in  this  town  in  July  last. 

And  then,  on  motion,  the  Convention   ad- 


journed, to  meet  in  the  city  of  Richmond,  on  the 
third  Wednesday  in  May  next. 

Rich.  Channing  Moore,  Bishop  of 
the  Diocess  of  Virginia. 
Hilary  Baker,  Secretary  pro  tem. 

On  Sunday  night,  the  members  of  the  Conven- 
tion having  assembled  around  the  chancel  of  St. 
Paul's  Church,  Bishop  Moore  delivered  the  fol- 
lowing address : — 

My  Clerical  Brethren, — As  we  have  fin- 
ished the  duties  for  which  we  convened  in  this 
city,  and  as  life  is  so  uncertain  that  we  cannot  all 
calculate  upon  meeting  on  a  similar  occasion,  I 
should  consider  myself  deficient  in  duty  were  I 
to  permit  a  separation  to  take  place  without  bring- 
ing to  your  view  some  considerations  of  vital  im- 
portance to  yourselves,  to  the  flocks  to  whom  you 
minister  in  sacred  things,  and  also  offering  some 
remarks  expressive  of  the  gratitude  we  owe  the 
Almighty  for  the  rich  mercies  conferred  upon  us 
as  servants  of  the  altar,  and  to  the  church  com- 
mitted to  our  charge. 

The  concourse  of  people  who  attend  our  Con- 
ventions from  every  part  of  the  diocess,  attest  the 
responsibility  of  our  office ;  prove  the  interest  they 
feel  in  the  concerns  of  our  Zion,  and  proclaim  to 
us,  in  language  which  cannot  be  misunderstood, 
the  necessity  of  ministerial  fidelity. 

What  ambassador  of  the  Saviour  can  look  around 
him  at  this  moment,  without  the  conviction  rest- 
ing on  his  mind  that  he  will  have  to  give  an  ac- 
count of  his  stewardship ;  that  the  precious  im- 
mortals who  attend  on  his  ministry  merit  his  un- 
wearied efforts  ;  that  it  is  his  duty  to  deliver  his 
Master's  message  with  scrupulous  fidelity ;  in 
season  and  out  of  season  to  call  sinners  to  repent- 
ance ;  to  lead  them  for  salvation  to  the  Lamb  of 
God,  and  to  press  on  their  consciences  the  neces- 
sity of  that  holiness  without  which  no  man  can 
see  the  Lord  ?  To  slumber  at  our  posts  at  the 
time  in  which  our  parishioners  are  anxiously  in- 
quiring, "  Watchman,  what  of  the  night — watch- 
man, what  of  the  night?" — to  be  listless  and  un- 
impressed when  they  are  asking,  in  accents  of  the 
most  thrilhng  anxiety,  "  What  shall  we  do  to  be 
saved?"  —  to  be  cold  and  inanimate  when  the 
eternal  interests  of  precious  immortals  are  com- 
mitted to  our  charge,  would  constitute  criminality 
of  the  most  flagrant  character,  and  call  down  on 
our  devoted  heads  the  displeasure  of  heaven. 

When  we  cast  our  eyes  around  us  from  the 
pulpits  we  occupy  on  the  Sabbath,  and  witness 
the  assemblies  of  God's  people  in  the  sanctuary, 
we  should  remember  that  they  form  the  objects 
of  the  Saviour's  compassion ;  the  beings  for  whom 
he  shed  his  precious  blood,  and  for  whom  he  died 
on  the  cross.  We  should  recollect  that  the  great 
Master  of  assemblies  is  certainly  present  in  our 
congregations,  waiting  to  be  gracious  to  the  peni- 
tent ;  that  the  Holy  Spirit  is  also  present  to  give 
efficacy  to  our  instructions,  and  is  pleading  with 
sinners  to  awake  from  their  slumbers,  and  to  fol- 
low Jesus  in  the  way.  These  considerations 
should  influence  us  to  be  in  earnest  ;  to  warn  our 
fellow-mortals  of  the  dangers  attendant  on  delay ; 
to  urge  them  in  the  deepest  solemnity  to  prepare 
to  meet  their  God  :  nay,  brethren,  to  pray  them 
in  Christ's  stead  to  be  reconciled  to  their  Maker  ; 
immediately  to  close  in  with  the  offers  of  divine 
mercy,  and  to  seek  by  ardent  prayer  the  pardon 
and  forgiveness  of  their  sins.  We  should  permit 
no  considerations  of  pleasure  or  indulgence  to 
step  in  between  us  and  our  pastoral  duty.  We 
should  show  the  people,  by  our  earnestness  and 
solicitude,  that  we  consider  the  delay  of  a  moment 
may  be  attended  with  fatal  consequences,  and  that 


380 


CONVENTION  OF  1833. 


the  present  hour  is  the  accepted  time  and  the  day 
of  salvation.  My  beloved  sons  in  the  ministry, 
we  have  no  time  to  fold  our  arms  in  ease  and  in- 
dolence. "  "Why  stand  ye  here  all  the  day  idle  T' 
forms  a  question  which,  if  justly  applied  to  us, 
would  excite  the  most  awful  alarms  in  our  bosoms, 
as  the  next  declaration  from  the  throne  of  heaven 
would  be,  "  Cast  ye  the  unprofitable  servant  into 
outer  darkness."  However  attentive  the  minister 
of  religion  may  have  been  to  his  duty  ;  however 
sleepless  may  have  been  his  nights ;  however 
abundant  may  have  been  his  labour ;  however 
favourable  may  be  the  opinion  formed  of  his  in- 
dustry, his  zeal,  and  his  efforts  in  the  gospel ;  yet, 
when  he  shall  come  to  the  close  of  his  life,  he 
will  feel  that  he  has  been  deficient ;  and  that  con- 
viction will  force  from  his  expiring  lips  the  pene- 
trating cry  of  Mercy,  oh  !  thou  Son  of  David.  I 
speak  to  you,  my  sons,  as  a  father  to  his  children ; 
and  it  is  from  an  experience  of  forty-five  years  as 
a  preacher  of  the  gospel  that  I  call  upon  you  to  be 
faithful.  For  Jesus  Christ's  sake,  who  died  for 
poor  sinners,  be  attentive  to  the  sacred  vows 
which,  at  the  time  of  your  ordination,  you  volun- 
tarily made.  Labour  with  diligence  in  the  vine- 
yard of  your  Master,  work  while  it  is  called  to- 
day, and  never  be  weary  in  well-doing.  Be  faith- 
ful unto  death,  and  God  will  give  you  a  crown  of 
everlasting  hfe.  Let  not  the  discouragements 
arising  from  the  lukewarmness  of  your  people 
paralyze  your  efforts.  Let  not  any  momentary 
unkindness  stay  your  hand.  In  proportion  to  the 
sterility  of  the  soil  you  may  be  called  to  cultivate, 
let  your  diligence  be  increased. 

My  brethren  of  the  laity,  accept  my  sincere 
thanks  for  the  patronage  you  have  extended  to 
myself  and  to  the  clergy.    The  Episcopal  Church 


in  Virginia,  which  was  almost  breathless  and  ex- 
piring a  few  years  since,  has  not  only  revived, 
but,  through  the  goodness  of  God  oh  our  joint 
efforts,  now  exhibits  animation  and  strength.  In- 
stead of  five  or  six  efficient  clergymen,  the  Al- 
mighty has  increased  our  number  to  between  fifty 
and  sixty.  "  Not  unto  us,  O  Lord,  not  unto  us, 
but  to  thy  name  be  the  praise,  for  thy  honour  and 
for  thy  truth's  sake."  Since  my  residence  in  this 
diocess,  the  laity  belonging  to  our  communion  have 
erected  between  thirty  and  forty  new  churches, 
and  have  raised  from  a  state  of  ruin  and  dilapida- 
tion at  least  thirty  of  the  old  places  of  worship. 
We  have  reason  to  be  thankful  for  what  God 
hath  done  for  us,  and  to  take  courage  and  press 
forward. 

My  brethren  of  the  clergy  and  laity,  I  commend 
you  to  the  care  of  that  Being  in  whose  service 
you  are  engaged.  May  you  long  live  to  see  our 
Zion  increase  in  stature,  under  the  ministry  of 
my  Right  Rev.  brother.  Bishop  Meade.  My  gray 
hairs  point  to  the  tomb.  My  frequent  and  violent 
attacks  of  disease  remind  me  of  my  proximity 
to  the  grave,  and  proclaim  to  me,  in  language  I 
perfectly  understand,  that  we  must  soon  shake 
hands,  and  bid  each  other  farewell.  But  let  that 
event  take  place  sooner  or  later,  my  heart  is  com- 
forted with  the  hope  that  1  shall  leave  you  in  safe 
hands ;  in  the  care  of  an  individual  who  is  in  the 
vigour  of  life  ;  who  loves  you,  and  will  labour 
hard  to  promote  your  present  and  everlasting  hap- 
piness. My  blessing  shall  rest  upon  his  head,  and 
the  welfare  of  himself,  of  the  clergy  and  people 
of  the  diocess,  will  form  one  of  the  objects  of  my 
last  earthly  supplications.  The  Lord  be  with  you 
all! 

RiCHAED  ChaNNING  MoORE. 


journal  of  the  Proceedings  of  a  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  of  the  Diocess  of 
Virginia,  which  assembled  in  the  city  of  Richmond,  on  the  l5th  day  of  May,  1833. 


This  being  the  day  appointed  for  the  annual 
meeting  of  the  Convention  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church  in  the  Diocess  of  Virginia, 
the  Right  Rev.  Richard  Channing  Moore,  D.  D., 
bishop,  and  the  Right  Rev.  William  Meade,  D. 
D.,  assistant  bishop  of  the  diocess,  with  sever- 
al clergymen  and  lay  delegates,  attended  divine 
service  in  the  Monumental  Church. 

Morning  prayers  were  read  by  the  Right 
Rev.  Richard  Channing  Moore,  bishop  of  the  di- 
ocess, and  a  sermon  preached  by  the  Right 
Rev.  William  Meade,  D.  D.,  assistant  bishop  of 
the  diocess. 

After  divine  service,  the  Right  Rev.  Richard 
Channing  Moore  took  the  chair  as  president  of 
the  Convention. 

The  following  clergymen,  entitled  to  seats  in 
the  Convention,  appeared,  viz.  : — 

Rev.  Ephraim  Adams,  Christ  Church,  Lan- 
caster county ;  Rev.  George  Adie,  Shelbume 
parish,  Loudoun  county  ;  Rev.  Parke  F.  Berke- 
ley, missionary  in  the  counties  of  King  William, 
Chesterfield,  and  Charles  City  ;  Rev.  Ebenezer 
Boyden,  St.  Paul's  Church,  Norfolk ;  Rev. 
Mark  L.  Chevers,  St.  John's  Church,  Elizabeth 
City  parish  ;  Rev.  Nicholas  H.  Cobbs,  Russell 
parish,  Bedford  county  ;  Rev.  John  Cole,  Ware 
and  Abingdon  parishes,  Gloucester  county ; 
Rev.  John  Cooke,  St.  Martin's  parish,  Hanover 
and  Louisa  counties  ;  Rev.  James  Doughen,  St. 


James's  parish,  Northam,  Goochland  county; 
Rev.  Charles  Dresser,  Antrim  parish,  Halifax  ; 
Rev.  Henry  W.  Ducachet,  M.  D.,  Christ  Church, 
Norfolk ;  Rev.  Adam  Empie,  rector  of  Bruton 
parish,  and  President  of  William  and  Mary  Col- 
lege ;  Rev.  WiUiam  Friend,  St.  Margaret's  par- 
ish, Caroline  county  ;  Rev.  Frederick  D.  Good- 
win ;  Rev.  John  Grammer,  St.  Andrew's  and 
Bath  parishes,  Dinwiddle  county  ;  Rev.  J.  E. 
Jackson,  Christ  Church, Winchester  ;  Rev.  Wnj- 
M.  Jackson,  Grace  Church,  Berryville,  Freder- 
ick county  ;  Rev.  G.  H.  Jones,  St.  Thomas's 
parish.  Orange  county  ;  Rev.  Reuel  Keith,  D. 
D.,  Professor  in  Theological  Seminary  ;  Rev. 
William  F.  Lee,  Christ  Church,  Richmond ; 
Rev.  Edward  R.  Lippit,  Professor  in  Theologi- 
cal Seminary;  Rev.  Charles  Mann,  Christ 
Church,  Alexandria,  Fairfax  parish  ;  Rev.  Ed- 
ward C.  M'Guire,  St.  George's  parish,  Freder- 
icksburg ;  J.  P.  M'Guire,  St.  Anne's  and  South 
Farnham  parishes,  Essex  ;  Rev.  Zach.  Meade, 
St.  Anne's  and  Fredericksville  parishes,  Albe- 
marle ;  Rev.  Charles  H.  Page,  Lexington  parr 
ish,  Amherst  county ;  Rev.  Edward  W.  Peet, 
St.  John's  Church,  Henrico  parish,  Henrico  ; 
Rev.  Franklin  G.  Smith,  St.  Paul's  Church, 
Lynchburg  ;  Rev.  Job  Sydney  Smith,  Tillotson 
parish,  Buckingham  county ;  Rev.  Andrew 
Syme,  Bristol  parish,  Petersburg ;  Rev.  Charles 
C.  Taliaferro,  Cumberland  parish,  Lunenburg 


CONVENTION  OF  1833. 


281 


tounty  ;  Rev.  John  H.  Wingfield,  Portsmouth 
parish,  Norfolk  county. 

Rev.  Charles  Mann  and  Mr.  Philip  Nelson 
were  appointed  a  committee  to  examine  the 
certificates  of  the  lay  delegates,  who  reported 
as  follows  : — 

The  committee  to  whom  were  referred  the 
certificates  of  the  lay  delegates  have,  according 
to  order,  examined  the  same,  and  report,  that 
the  following  persons  have  been  duly  elected 
lay  delegates  to  this  Convention,  and  that  their 
certificates  are  authenticated  in  the  manner 
prescribed  by  the  canon,  viz.  : — 

Seth  Ward,  St.  Paul's  Church,  Lynchburg ; 
Francis  C.  Fitzhugh,  St.  Paul's  parish.  King 
George  county  ;  Edmund  I.  Lee,  Christ  Church, 
Fairfax  parish ;  Francis  Wicker,  St.  John's 
Church,  Henrico  parish  ;  P.  A.  Boiling,  St.  Pe- 
ter's Church,  Tillotson  parish,  Buckingham ; 
Westwood  S.  Armistead,  St.  John's  Church, 
Hampton;  Alexander  Brown,Callaway's  Church, 
Nelson  county  ;  John  G.  Williams,  Monumental 
Church,  Richmond ;  Mallory  M.  Todd  and 
George  Wilson,  St.  Luke's  Church,  parish  of 
Newport,  Isle  of  Wight  county  ;  William  Wal- 
ler, Lexington  parish,  Amherst  county  ;  George 
W.  Bassett,  St.  George's  parish,  Fredericks- 
burg; Carter  Berkeley,  St.  Martin's  parish, 
Hanover  and  Louisa  counties;  WiUiam  S.  Jones, 
Christ  Church,  Winchester ;  Rawleigh  W. 
Downraan,  Christ  Church,  Lancaster  county  ; 
Wilson  C.  Selden,  Shelburne  parish,  Leesburg, 
Loudoun  county  ;  Thomas  Withers,  Bath  par- 
ish, Dinwiddie  county ;  George  Lynn,  jun., 
Hampshire  parish,  Hampshire  county ;  James 
M.  Garnett,  Vauter's  Church,  St.  Anne's  parish, 
Essex  county ;  Thos.  L.  Latane,  South  Farnham 
parish,  Essex  county  ;  Hugh  Nelson,  Freder- 
icksville  parish,  Albemarle  county  ;  John  Stuart, 
Lamb's  Creek  Church,  King  George  county  ; 
Catesby  Jones, Ware  parish,  Gloucester  county  ; 
Thomas  G.  Coleman,  Camden  parish,  Pittsylva- 
nia county  ;  John  Nelson,  St.  James's  parish, 
Mecklenburg  county  ;  Richard  B.  Maury,  St. 
Paul's  Church,  Norfolk;  Mann  P.  Nelson,  Christ 
Church,  Norborne  parish,  Berkeley ;  David 
Street,  Cumberland  parish,  Lunenburg  county  ; 
John  Grammer,  sen.,  Bristol  parish,  Petersburg  ; 
Nathaniel  Nelson,  Westover  parish,  Charles 
City  county ;  Edmund  Berkeley  and  George 
Tyler,  Berkeley  parish,  Spotsylvania  ;  George 
F.  Thornton,  St.  Margaret's  parish,  Caroline 
county  ;  Philip  Nelson,  Robert  Page,  and  Wash- 
ington Nelson,  Frederick  parish,  Frederick 
county  ;  John  T.  Clark,  Antrim  parish,  Halifax 
county  ;  William  D.  Young,  Trinity  Church, 
Portsmouth  ;  William  G.  Jackson  and  Edward 
Valentine,  Augusta  parish,  Staunton  ;  Burwell 
Passett,  Bruton  parish,  Williamsburg;  David 
M.  Walk  and  Thurmer  Hoggard,  Lynnhaven 
parish.  Princess  Anne  county  ;  Hilary  Baker, 
Christ  Church,  Richmond ;  Walter  Coles,  St. 
Anne's  parish,  Albemarle  county  ;  William  H. 
M'Farland,  Christ  Church,  Norfolk. 

And  the  committee  further  report,  that  the 
following  persons  appear  to  have  been  duly 
elected,  but  their  certificates  of  appointment 
are  not  in  the  form  prescribed  by  the  canon,  viz; : 


Jeremiah  Morton,  St.  Thomas's  parish.Orange 
county  ;  William  Boiling,  St.  James's  parish, 
Northam,  Goochland  county;  Thomas  Mar- 
shall, Leeds  parish,  Fauquier  county. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Hugh  Nelson, 

Resolved,  That  the  said  report  be  for  the 
present  laid  on  the  table. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Edmund  L  Lee, 

Resolved,  That  the  following  rules  of  order, 
adopted  by  the  last  Convention  for  the  govern- 
ment of  their  proceedings,  be  the  rules  of  pro- 
ceeding during  the  present  Convention. 

L  The  business  of  every  day  shall  be  intro- 
duced with  prayer. 

2.  When  the  president  takes  the  chair,  no 
member  shall  continue  standing,  or  shall  after- 
ward stand  up,  except  to  address  the  chair. 

3.  No  member  shall  absent  himself  from  the 
service  of  the  house  unless  he  have  leave,  or 
be  unable  to  attend. 

4.  When  any  member  is  about  to  speak  in 
debate,  or  deliver  any  matter  to  the  house,  he 
shall,  with  due  respect,  address  himself  to  the 
president,  confining  himself  strictly  to  the  point 
in  debate. 

5.  No  member  shall  speak  more  than  twice 
in  the  same  debate  without  leave  of  the  house. 

6.  A  question  being  once  determined  shall 
stand  as  the  judgment  of  the  house,  and  shall 
not  be  again  drawn  into  debate  during  the  same 
session,  unless  with  the  consent  of  two  thirds  of 
the  house. 

7.  While  the  president  is  putting  any  ques- 
tion, the  members  shall  continue  in  their  seats, 
and  shall  not  hold  any  private  discourse. 

8.  Every  member  who  shall  be  in  the  hous^ 
when  any  question  is  put,  shall,  on  a  division, 
be  counted,  unless  he  be  personally  interested 
in  the  decision. 

9.  No  motion  shall  be  considered  as  before 
the  house  unless  it  be  seconded,  and,  when  rcr 
quired,  reduced  to  writing. 

10.  When  any  question  is  before  the  house, 
it  shall  be  determined  upon  before  any  new 
subject  is  introduced,  except  the  question  of 
adjournment. 

11.  The  question  on  a  motion  of  adjournr 
ment  shall  be  taken  before  any  other,  and  with- 
out debate. 

12.  When  the  house  is  about  to  rise,  every 
member  shall  keep  his  seat  until  the  president 
shall  leave  the  chair. 

13.  None  of  the  rules  of  order  shall  be  sus- 
pended without  the  concurrence  of  two  thirds 
of  the  members  present. 

14.  The  president  shall,  in  his  discretion,  se- 
lect a  pew  within  the  limits  of  those  allotted 
for  the  use  of  the  members,  which  pew  shall  be 
appropriated  for  the  accommodation  of  visiting 
clergymen  and  students  of  the  Theological 
School,  who  may  be  invited  to  the  same  by  the 
president  without  any  special  application  to 
the  Convention. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  Henry  W.  Ducachet, 
Rev.  Adam  Empie,  Rev.  William  F.  Lee,  Rev. 
Edward  C.  M'Guire,  Mr.  Hugh  Nelson,  Mr. 
James  M.  Garnett,^  Mr.  William  Boiling,  and 
Mr.  Thomas  Marshall,  be  a  committee  to  taJte 


282 


CONVENTION  OF  1833. 


into  consideration  the  state  of  the  church  in  this 
diocess,  and  report  thereon  to  this  Convention. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  Charles  Mann,  Rev. 
Charles  H.  Page,  Rev.  John  P.  M'Guire,  Rev. 
E.  W.  Peet,  Mr.  Burwell  Bassett,  and  Dr.  Wil- 
son C.  Selden,  be  a  committee  to  examine  the 
parochial  reports. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  Franklin  G.  Smith, 
Rev.  J.  E.  Jackson,  and  Mr.  William  H.  M'Far- 
land,  be  a  committee  to  examine  the  treasurer's 
accounts. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  John  Nelson,  Mr.  Rawleigh 
W.  Downman,  and  Mr.  Walter  Cole,  be  a  com- 
mittee to  examine  the  accounts  of  the  treasu- 
rer of  the  fund  for  the  support  of  widows  and 
orphans  of  deceased  clergymen. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Edmund  I.  Lee,  Rev. 
George  Adie,  and  Mr.  Hilary  Baker,  be  a  com- 
mittee to  examine  the  accounts  of  the  treas- 
urer of  the  fund  for  the  permanent  support  of 
the  episcopate  in  this  diocess. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  when  the  Con- 
vention adjourns  to-day,  it  adjourn  to  meet  again 
to-morrow  morning,  at  9  o'clock. 

On  motion.  Resolved,  That  the  Convention 
do  now  adjourn. 

Thursday,  May  16,  1833. 

The  Convention  met  according  to  adjoum- 
■ment,  and  was  opened  with  prayer  by  the  Right 
Rev.  Bishop  Moore,  D.  D. 

The  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Meade  took  the 
chair  as  president  of  the  Convention,  upon  the 
request  of  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Moore. 

The  Rev.  Archibald  H.  Lamon,  rector  of 
St.  Stephen's  Church,  Culpepper  county,  and 
Bloomfield  parish,  Madison  county,  appeared 
•and  took  his  se«t 

Mr.  Horace  Stringfellow,  a  delegate  from 
Bloomfield  parish,  Madison  county  ;  Mr.  Henry 
L.  Davies,  a  delegate  from  Lexington  parish, 
Amherst  county  ;  Mr.  William  Radford,  a  del- 
egate from  St.  Stephen's  Church,  Russell  par- 
ish, Bedford  county  ;  and  Mr.  John  L.  Wilkins, 
St.  Andrew's  parish,  Brunswick  county,  ap- 
peared and  took  their  seats. 

Rev.  Mr.  Dresser  offered  the  following  reso- 
lution : — 

Resolved,  That  a  committee  be  appointed  to 
prepare  a  revised  copy  of  the  constitution  and 
canons  of  the  church  in  this  diocess,  with  a  view 
to  their  publication. 

On  motion  of  Rev.  Mr.  Lee,  Resolved, 
That  the  said  resolution  be  referred  to  -the 
committee  on  the  state  of  the  church. 

Mr.  Reuben  Maury,  a  lay  delegate  from  Fred- 
ericks viUe  parish,  Albemarle  county,  appeared 
'^•nd  offered  credential  of  his  appointment. 
I     On  motion  ^f  Mr.  Hugh  Nelson, 
>     Resolved,  That  Mr.  Maury  be  admitted  to  a 
€eat  in  this  Convention. 

The  business  of  the  Convention  was  suspend- 
ed, for  the  purpose  of  attending  divine  service 
by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Dresser,  and  a  sermon  by  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Cobbs. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  William  G.  Jackson,  Re- 
solved, That  the  next  annual  Convention  of 
this  diocess  be  held  in  the  town  of  Staunton. 


The  parochial  reports  were  presented  and 
read,  and  referred  to  the  committee  on  paro- 
chial reports. 

The  Right  Rev.  William  Meade,  D.  D.,  as- 
sistant  bishop  of  the   diocess,    presented    the 
following  report. 
Report  of  episcopal  services  during  the  year  ending 

May,  1833,  by  the  Right  Rev.  William  Meade, 

assistant  bishop  of  Virginia,  presented  to  the  Cow 

vention  held  iti  Richmond,  May  15th,  1833. 

Dear  Brethren  and  Friends, — My  last  re- 
port, presented  to  you  at  our  meetmg  at  Alexan- 
dria, closed  with  an  account  of  some  duties  per- 
formed on,  my  way  thither.  Being  prepared  for 
the  commencement  of  our  session,  it  could  not 
of  course  embrace  the  very  interesting  exercises 
of  the  Sabbath  which  terminated  our  meeting. 
Most  of  you  were  present  on  that  occasion,  and 
will  remember  that,  in  order  to  prevent  an  inex- . 
pedient  multiplication  of  duties  at  the  usual  time 
of  divine  service,  we  met  at  an  early  hour  of  the 
morning,  to  receive  by  the  rite  of  confirmation  a 
number  of  applicants  for  all  the  privileges  of 
church  membership.  That  most  interestmg  of- 
fice was  assigned  to  myself  by  our  beloved  father 
in  Christ,  and  it  was  my  privilege  to  lift  up  my 
heart  in  prayer  over  fifty -eight  candidates  for  this 
holy  rite. 

In  a  short  tinae  after  the  rising  of  the  Conven- 
tion, I  entered  upon  a  visitation  of  some  parts  of 
the  diocess.  On  the  14th  and  15th  of  June  I  was 
engaged  in  the  performance  of  episcopal  duty  in 
Fredericksburg,  where  I  preached  three  times 
and  confirmed  fourteen  persons.  On  the  16Lh  and 
17th  I  was  in  like  manner  employed  in  Caroline 
county,  where  I  preached  twice,  administered  the 
communion,  and  confirmed  eleven  persons.  The 
19th  and  20th  I  spent  in  Hanover,  where  1  conse- 
crated a  new  church,  preached  twice,  administer- 
ed the  communion,  baptized  one  adult  and  one  in- 
fant, and  confirmed  fourteen.  From  Hanover  I 
proceeded  to  Richmond,  where,  tarrying  only  one 
night,  I  preached  for  the  Rev.  Mr.  Lee.  On  the 
next  morning  I  left  Richmond  for  Amelia,  where 
I  spent  the  22d  and  23d  in  company  with  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Grammer,  who  assisted  in  the  religious  ser- 
vices of  the  occasion  ;  I  preached  twice,  adminis- 
tered the  Lord's  Supper,  and  confirmed  ten  per- 
sons in  this  parish  ;  the  parish  of  Amelia  was  then 
and  still  is,  I  beUeve,  destitute  of  a  minister ;  there 
are  a  goodly  number  of  pious  persons  attached  to 
our  church  in  this  parish,  who,  in  communion  with 
others  in  an  adjoining  county,  would  rejoice  to 
have  frequent  services  among  them.  From  Ame- 
lia I  bent  my  course  towards  Dinwiddie,  and 
preached  on  the  26th  at  Sapony,  the  old  church  of 
the  venerable  D6vereaux  Jarratt,  now  under  the 
care  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Grammer ;  here  I  preached 
once,  confirmed  nine,  and  addressed  the  people 
in  favour  of  our  Seminary,  to  which  they  have  al- 
ways been  liberal.  From  Dinwiddie  I  passed  into 
the  adjoining  county  of  Brunswick,  where  I 
preached  twice  at  the  courthouse,  confirming  five, 
and  once  at  Red  Oak  Church,  confirming  two ;  the 
prospect  at  the  courthouse  appeared  quite  encour- 
aging. My  next  appointments  were  in  Lunen- 
burg, where,  on  the  30th  June  and  1st  of  July,  I 
performed  various  services  in  the  new  church  in 
that  county :  on  the  first  day  I  consecrated  the 
church  and  preached  ;  on  the  second  confirmed 
nine  persons,  ordained  the  Rev.  Mr.  Taliaferro 
priest,  and  administered  the  holy  communion.  I 
felt  much  encouraged  by  the  zeal  which  seemed 
to  animate  the  minister  and  his  people  in  this 
place ;  they  have  already  built  one  new  church, 
and  are  engaged  in  the  erection  of  another,  in  » 


CONVENTION  OF  1833. 


^83 


tli^renl  part  of  the  county— what  is  far  better 
than  this,  their  hearts  appear  to  be  earnestly  en- 

Saged  in  promoting  the  inward  and  spiritual  wis- 
om  of  God  within  them  After  the  above-men- 
tioned services  I  proceeded  to  Mecklenburg,  in 
company  with  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Dresser  and  Tal- 
iaferro, and,  in  conjunction  with  them,  spent  three 
days  in  the  performance  of  divine  services  in  this 
County.  During  this  time  I  preached  three  times, 
administered  confirmation  twice,  and  the  commu- 
nion once.  The  number  confirmed  amounted  to 
sixteen.  The  adjoining  county  of  Halifax  was 
visited  next.  In  this  county  I  laboured  three 
days,  preaching  three  times,  consecrating  a  new 
church  at  the  courthouse,  administering  the  com- 
munion, confirming  twenty-three,  baptizing  one 
adult  and  four  children.  On  Monday,  the  9th,  I 
proceeded  to  Pittsylvania,  where  I  preached 
twice,  administered  the  communion,  baptized  one 
child,  confirmed  six,  and  consecrated  a  new 
/ihurch.  The  11th  and  12th  of  July  were  spent  in 
Campbell,  at  St.  John's  Church,where  I  preached 
twice,  and  confirmed  five  persons.  This  church, 
which  is  a  monument  of  the  disinterested  zeal  of 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Osgood,  now  deceased,  is  destitute 
-of  a  regular  minister,  but  receives  with  gratitude 
X)Ccasional  supplies  from  the  Rev.  Mr.  Cobbs  and 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Smith.  The  following  days  were 
devoted  to  the  churches  of  St.  Stephen's  and 
Trinity  in  Bedford  county,  which  are  under  the 
care  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Cobbs.  In  each  of  these 
churches  I  preached  twice,  in  each  of  them  ad- 
ministered the  rite  of  confirmation,  in  one  of 
Jthem  baptized  an  adult,  and  celebrated  the  Lord's 
Supper.  The  whole  number  confirmed  was  thir- 
,ty-three.  The  16th  and  17th  days  of  this  month 
were  spent  in  Lynchburg,  where  I  preached  three 
times,  administered  the  communion,  and  confirm- 
ed twenty-nine.  Crossing  the  river  at  this  place 
I  entered  into  Amherst,  and  preached  at  St.  Mat- 
thew's Church  on  the  18th,  where  I  confirmed 
«ine,at  New-Glasgow  on  the  19ih,  where  I  conse- 
crated the  church,  and  confirmed  five.  On  the 
following  day,  which  was  the  day  set  apart  by  our 
charch  for  fasting  and  prayer,  on  account  of  the 
dreadful  scourge  which  was  then  desolating  our 
land,  I  preached  in  Callaway's  Church,  Nelson 
county,  and  confirmed  eight  persons.  On  the  fol- 
lowing day  I  crossed  over  into  Buckingham,  and 
on  the  22d  consecrated  the  new  church  in  that 
county,  preached,  and  confirmed  eighteen  persons. 
On  the  day  after  I  again  preached,  and  administer- 
ed the  communion.  On  the  same  evening  I  at- 
tended a  meeting  at  Buckingham  courthouse, 
where  the  Rev.  Mr.  Swift  preached  ;  I  seconded 
his  discourse  by  an  exhortation.  On  the  follow- 
ing morning  I  engaged  in  some  religious  exercises 
at  a  small  church  on  the  way  to  Albemarle,  and 
on  that  evening  preached  at  Wwren.  On  the  fol- 
lowing day  I  preached  at  North  Garden,  baptized 
-one  adult,  and  confirmed  nine  ;  on  the  26th  preach- 
ed at  Buck  Mountain,  and  confirmed  eleven  ;  on 
the  27th  at  Charlottesville,  confirming  five,  and 
baptizing  two  adults ;  I  also  preached  at  night 
while  at  Charlottesville.  On  Saturday  and  Sun- 
day, the  28th  and  29th,  I  was  engaged  in  episcopal 
duty  on  the  Green  Mountain :  on  the  first  day  I 
preached,  consecrated  a  new  church,  baptized  two 
-adults  and  ten  children ;  on  the  second  day 
preached,  confirmed  seventeen  persons,  and  ad- 
ministered the  communion.  On  Monday  I  reach- 
ed Walker's  Church,  where  I  preached,  and  con- 
•firmed  three  persons.  From  Albemarle  I  proceed- 
ed to  Orange  courthouse,  where  I  spent  two  days 
in  ministering  the  word  and  ordinances  to  large 
and  deeply-impressed  assemblies.  On  the  second 
day  I  administered  the  rite  of  confirmation,  which 


had  never  been  witnessed  before  in  that  place,  to 
seventeen  persons,  and  the  holy  communion  to 
more  than  twice  that  number.  A  spirit  of  earnest 
inquiry  has  been  awakened  among  the  people  of 
that  place,  which  will,  I  trust,  lead  to  glorious  re- 
sults to  themselves  and  their  posterity.  They 
have  secured  the  services  of  a  faithful  minister, 
and  are  about  erecting  a  suitable  house  of  wor- 
ship. From  Orange  I  passed  into  Madison,where 
for  the  first  time  episcopal  services  had  been  very 
recently  introduced.  At  this  place  I  preached  but 
once,  being  straitened  for  time.  I  have  since  been 
gratified  by  the  intelligence  that  a  genuine  work 
of  grace  has  been  going  on  in  the  hearts  of  many 
in  that  place,  and  that  a  goodly  number  have  at- 
tached themselves  to  the  communion  of  our 
church.  I  had  only  time  to  preach  once  at  Cul- 
pepper courthouse  on  my  way  home,  which  I 
reached  on  the  5th  of  August,  after  an  absence  of 
nearly  two  months. 

The  episcopal  duties  which  were  performed 
during  the  months  of  August  and  September, 
were  confined  to  my  immediate  parish  or  county. 
In  conjunction  with  one  or  two  brethren,  I  spent 
the  last  day  of  August  and  the  two  first  days  of 
September  at  Wickliffe  Church,  in  the  parish  of 
Frederick,  when  I  bautized  two  adults,  and  con- 
firmed six  persons.  1  was  present  also  at  an  as- 
sociation in  Winchester  on  the  21st,  22d,  and  23d 
of  September,  at  Which  time  the  rite  of  confirma- 
tion was  administered  to  twenty-five  persons. 

On  the  16th  of  December  I  also  held  aconfirm 
ation  at  Middletown,  when  six  persons  were 
admitted  into  full  communion  with  the  church. 
On  the  same  day  I  baptized  one  adult,  and  admin- 
istered the  Lord's  Supper.  I  was  invited  to  an 
association  at  Leesburg  on  the  27th,  28th,  and  29th 
of  December,  but,  on  going  to  the  place,  was  sorry 
to  find  myself  alone  with  the  worthy  minister 
of  the  parish.  The  services  of  course  devolved 
upon  myself,  and  I  was  enabled  to  preach  nine 
times  during  the  three  days,  to  baptize  one  adult, 
confirm  twenty-three  persons,  and  administer  the 
Lord's  Supper.  The  meetings  were  large  and  at- 
tentive, and  if  there  was  only  a  new,  more  spa- 
cious, and  comfortable  house  of  worship  to  receive 
those  who  are  well  disposed  to  enter  it,  we  have 
reason  to  believe  the  congregation  would  increase 
and  flourish  under  its  zealous  and  very  acceptable 
minister.  The  ability,  devoted  attachment,  and 
zeal  of  its  friends,  will,  we  trust,  ere  long,  accom- 
plish this  desirable  object. 

On  Tuesday,  the  9th  of  April,  I  again  set  out  to 
visit  some  of.the  churches  on  my  way  to  the  Con- 
vention. On  Wednesday  I  preached  at  Warren- 
ton  in  Fauquier  county  ;  on  Friday,  morning  and 
evening,  at  Fredericksburg;  from  thence  I  pro- 
ceeded to  the  Northern  Neck,  and  preached  on 
Sunday  to  a  large  congregation  in  Lamb's  Creek 
Church,  at  which  time  I  administered  the  rite  of 
confirmation  to  eight  persons,  and  the  Lord's  Sup- 
per to  more  than  sixty.  On  the  two  following 
days  I  performed  divine  service  at  St.  Paul's 
Church,  in  King  George  county,  preaching  twice 
the  first  day,  and  once  the  second,  on  the  latter 
occasion  confirming  four  persons.  On  Wednes- 
day, the  17th,  I  preached  at  Hanover  parish,  King 
George,  to  a  congregation  under  the  care  of  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Clapham,  and  on  the  following  day  in 
Westmoreland,  at  a  church  not  far  from  Mattox 
Bridge.  On  the  19th  f  preached  in  Yocomico 
Church,  situate  in  the  lower  end  of  Westmoreland 
county.  On  the  20th  and  21  st  I  engaged  in  reli- 
gious services  at  Richmond  courthouse,  three 
times  on  the  first  day  and  twice  on  the  second ;  on 
the  latter  I  administered  the  rite  of  confirmatioij 
to  twenty -one  pejrsonsj  and  the  I,iOrd's  Supper  tp 


iJ84 


CONVENTION  OF  1833. 


more  than  twice  the  number.  I  was  here  met  and 
assisted  in  the  services  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Adams 
and  the  Rev.  Mr.  M'Guire  ;  our  congregations 
were  large,  attentive,  and  deeply  interested,  we 
hope,  in  the  exercises  of  the  occasion.  On  the 
22a  I  proceeded  to  Northumberland  courthouse, 
and  preached  to  a  large  and  attentive  congrega- 
tion. On  the  2.3d  I  officiated  at  Wicomico  Church, 
in  Lancaster  county,  and  on  the  two  following 
days  at  Christ  Church,  in  the  same  county,  admin- 
istering the  rite  of  confirmation  to  seven  persons. 
On  the  26th  I  preached  at  Lancaster  courthouse, 
and  on  the  27th  and  28th  preached,  administered 
confirmation  and  the  Lord's  Supper,  at  White 
Chapel  in  the  same  county.  The  number  of  per- 
sons confirmed  on  this  occasion  was  eighteen ;  I 
also  administered  the  rite  of  baptism  to  one  adult 
and  two  children.  On  Monday,  the  29th,  I  preach- 
ed at  a  church  about  six  miles  from  Richmond 
courthouse ;  on  the  30th  I  laid  the  corner-stone  of 
a  new  church  at  Richmond  courthouse,  making 
an  address  on  the  occasion.  On  Wednesday  and 
Thursday  I  was  engaged  at  Rappahannock  in  Es- 
sex county,  preaching  four  times,  confirming  nine 
persons,  and  assisting  at  the  communion. 

The  3d,  4th,  and  5th  of  May  I  spent  at  Vau- 
ter's  Church,  in  Essex  county,  preaching  four 
times,  confirming  three  persons,  and  assisting  at 
the  communion.  On  the  6th  and  7th  I  was  at 
Port  Royal,  where  I  preached  twice,  confirmed 
seven  persons,  and  assisted  at  the  communion. 
On  the  8th  and  9th  I  was  at  the  Bowling  Green, 
where  I  preached  twice.  On  the  following  Sunday 
I  preached  at  Trinity  Church,  in  Hanover  county, 
which  duty  terminated  the  services  of  the  year 
which  expires  with  our  present  meeting. 

As  I  am  called  on  by  the  Convention  to  address 
a  special  pastoral  letter  to  the  ministers  and  mem- 
bers of  the  church  as  soon  as  leisure  will  admit, 
I  will  postpone,  until  then,  some  reflections  which 
jotherwise  might  have  been  now  more  briefly  pre- 
sented. 

Commending  you  to  the  care  of  the  Great  Shep- 
herd and  Bishop  of  souls,  now  and  for  ever,  I  re- 
gain your  friend  and  brother  in  the  Lord, 

William  Meade. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Edmund  L  Lee, 
Resolved,  That  the  said  report  be  referred  to 
Ihe  committee  on  the  state  of  the  church. 
On  motion  of  Rev.  John  Grammer, 
Resolved,  That  the  committee  on  parochial 
reports  be  instructed  to  accompany  their  report 
by  a  tabular  statement  of  the  baptisms,  confirm- 
ations, and   number  of  communicants    in  the 
diocess,  according  to  the  returns  from  the  par- 
ishes, and  also  state  the  names  of  the  parishes 
from  which  the  reports  are  defective. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  Convention 
do  now  adjourn  until  to-morrow  morning,  9 
o'clock. 

Feiday,  May  17,  1833. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjourn- 
ment, and  was  opened  with  prayer  by  the  Right 
Rev.  Bishop  Moore,  D.  D.,  who  took  the  chair 
as  president. 

Mr.  John  Nelson,  from  the  committee  for  ex- 
amining the  accounts  of  the  treasurer  of  the 
fund  for  the  relief  of  the  widows  and  orphans 
of  deceased  clergymen,  made  the  following  re- 
port, which  was  read  and  received  : — 

The  committee  appointed  to  investigate  the 
accounts  of  the  treatsurer  of  the  fund  for  the  sup- 


port of  the  widows  and  orphans  of  deceased 
clergymen,  beg  leave  to  report,  that  the  annex- 
ed account  is  the  only  document  furnished  them, 
and  that  they  have  no  means  of  ascertaining  its 
correctness.  John  Nelson,  Chairman. 

The  Fund  for  Relief  of  the  Widows  and  Or- 
phans of  Deceased  Clergymen  of  the  Episco- 
pal Church  of  Virginia^  in  account  with  John 
Hooff,  Treasurer.  Dr. 

1832,  May  22. — To  cash  transmitted 
Miss  Maria  Heath  per  Mr.  James 
Brown, $30  00 

June  1. — To  cash  paid  for  four  shares 
of  Farmers'  Bank  of  Alexandria 
stock, 120  00 

1833,  March  4.— To  cash  loaned  by 
order  of  Standing  Committee  on  a 

good  bond,  at  six  percent,  interest,      600  00 

April  29.— To        do.         do.         do.  1,600  00 

Balance  to  new  account,     -         -     107  16 


Cr. 


$2,457  16 


1832,  May  16.— By  old  account  for 
balance  in  treasurer's  hand,  -  $157  73 

July  3. — Quarter's  interest  on   three 

per  cents.,    -         -        -         -        -       15  28 

"  5. — Dividend  Bank  of  Alexandria, 

5  shares,      -         -         -         -         -       15  00 

Oct.  1. — Do.  Farmers'  Bank  of  Alex- 
andria, 98  shares,  -        -        -       98  00 

"  2. — Quarter's  interest  on  three  per 
cents., 15  28 

"  5.— Cash  for  two  thirds  of  $2,037  78 
of  three  per  cent,  stock,  redeemed 
by  United  States,  -         -         -  1,358  52 

1833,  Jan.  4. — Cash  for  balance  of 

three  per  cents.,  -  -  -  -  679  26 
"  Quarter's  interest  on  do.  -  -  5  09 
"  Dividend  Bank  of  Alexandria,  five 

shares, 15  00 

April  1. — Do.  Farmers'  Bank  of  Alex- 
andria, 98  shares,  -        -         -      98  00 

$2,457  16 


May   9. — By   balance   in   treasurer's 

hands,  -  -         -        n$107  16 

E.  E.  John  Hooff,  Treasurer. 

The  funds  are  as  follows,  viz. : — 
98  shares  of  Farmers'  Bank  of  Alex- 
andria stock,  at  par,      -        -         $4,900  00 
5sharesofBankof  Alexandria,  at  par,  1,000  00 
1  share  of  Bank  of  Virginia,  at  par,     100  00 
A  good  note  and  bond  bearing  interest 

at  six  per  cent.,  -         -         -  2,200  00 

Robert  Andrews's  estate,  balance  of 
note,  with  interest  from  30th  April, 
1829,  till  paid,      -         -        -        -    399  23 
Cash  in  hand,  ...        -     107  16 


$8,706  39 


Dr.  Isaac  Winston,  a  lay  delegate  from  St. 
Stephen's  Church,  Culpepper  county,  appeare4 
and  took  his  seat. 


CONVENTION  OF  1833. 


285 


On  motion  of  Rev.  Mr.  Grammer, 
Resolved,  That  the  Rev.  Edward  C.  M'Guire, 
Rev.  Charles  Mann,  Mr.  Edmund  I.  Lee,  and 
Mr  John  Hooff*,  be  requested  to  publish  the  con- 
stitution and  regulations  of  the  society  for  the 
relief  of  widows  and  orphans  of  deceased  cler- 
gymen of  this  diocess,  accompanied  by  the 
names  of  the  subscribers,  and  such  a  statement 
of  the  condition  of  the  society  as  they  may  deem 
proper,  and  send  four  copies  to  each  clergyman 
in  this  diocess. 

The  Rev.  Henry  W.  Ducachet,  M.  D.,  from 
the  committee  on  the  state  of  the  church,  made 
the  following  report  : — 

The  committee  on  the  state  of  the  church  beg 
leave  respectfully  to  report  to  the  Convention, 
that,  after  long  and  serious  deliberation  upon  a  va- 
riety of  matters  connected  with  the  interests  of  the 
church,  they  have  come  to  the  resolution  to  pro- 

Eose  the  following  particulars  to  the  notice  of  this 
ody : — 

On  the  subject  of  the  canons  of  the  church  in 
this  diocess,  referred  to  them  by  the  vote  of  this 
Convention,  they  would  propose  that  a  special  com- 
mittee of  seven  persons  be  appointed,  to  examine 
and  inquire  in  what  respects  the  present  consti- 
tution and  canons  may  require  revision  and  alter- 
ation, and  what  new  canons  may  be  needed  ;  to 
draught  such  as  may  be  deemed  by  them  neces- 
sary ;  and  that  this  committee  be,  and  hereby  are 
instructed,  to  report  in  full  at  the  next  Convention. 

As  it  regards  the  important  question  respecting 
the  representation  from  the  parishes,  the  commit- 
tee are  of  opinion,  that  the  second  article  of  the 
constitution  ought  not  to  be  so  construed  as  to 
give  to  any  parish,  church,  or  congregation,  the 
right  of  sending  to  this  body  more  than  one  dele- 
gate, unless  in  the  event  of  its  having  no  clergy- 
man engaged  and  occupied  as  its  minister.  And 
by  a  clergyman  engaged  and  occupied  as  a  min- 
ister, your  committee  mean  one  who  has  been  offi- 
cially employed  by  a  congregation  or  a  vestry,  to 
officiate  among  them  at  stated  times.  As  some 
doubt  has  arisen,  however,  as  to  the  meaning  of 
the  said  second  article,  and  as  it  is  highly  impor- 
tant that  a  matter  of  so  much  consequence  should 
be  definitely  settled  and  clearly  understood,  your 
committee  propose  that,  agreeably  to  the  provis- 
ions of  the  thirteenth  article  of  the  constitution, 
which  provides  for  the  making  of  changes  in  that 
instrument,  notice  be  given  to  the  several  vestries 
within  the  diocess,  that  it  is  proposed,  at  the  next 
ensuing  Convention,  so  to  alter  and  amend  the 
said  second  article  of  the  constitution,  as  that  all 
of  it  after  the  words  "  members  ex-officio,"  in  the 
sixth  line  of  the  printed  edition  of  1828,  be  stricken 
out ;  and  the  following  words  added  and  inserted 
in  Heu  thereof,  viz. :  "  the  Convention  shall  also 
be  composed  of  lay  members,  consisting  of  one  del- 
egate from  each  parish,  church,  or  congregation, 
or  of  two  lay  delegates  from  each  parish,  church, 
or  congregation  in  which  there  shall  be  no  clergy- 
man who  has  been  settled,  or  otherwise  officially 
employed  by  the  people  or  the  vestry  to  officiate 
among  them  statedly." 

Your  committee  have  taken  into  consideration 
the  subjects  embraced  in  the  discourse  delivered 
at  the  opening  of  the  session  by  the  Right  Rev.  the 
Assistant  Bishop ;  and,  cordially  approving  the  sen- 
timents expressed  in  the  same,  viewing  it  as  pre- 
senting most  important  and  valuable  considera- 
tions to  the  notice  of  the  church,  and  regarding  it 
as  an  official  document,  and  as  in  the  nature  of  a 
charge  to  the  clergy,  they  would  respectfully  pro- 
pose to  the  Convention  that  a  corrunittee  of  two 


persons  be  appointed  to  wait  upon  the  Right  Rev. 
the  Assistant  Bishop,  to  signify  to  him  the  wish 
and  request  of  this  body  that  he  will  publish  the 
same,  or  such  parts  of  it  as  he  may  thank  proper, 
in  such  form  as  he  may  judge  expedient.  A  nd  they 
further  propose,  that  the  treasurer  be  instructed 
to  defray  the  expenses  of  said  publication  out  of 
the  funds  of  the  Convention. 

It  has  occurred  to  your  committee  that  there  is 
another  subject  deserving  of  the  notice  and  imme- 
diate action  of  this  body.  Our  churches  are  erect- 
ed, consecrated,  and  solemnly  set  apart  for  the 
worship  and  the  service  of  Almighty  God.  The 
use  of  them  for  any  other  purposes  than  those  of 
religious  worship,  is,  then,  plainly  a  deviation  from 
their  true  design.  Your  committee  therefore  ad- 
vise the  adoption  of  the  following  resolution,  viz. : 
that  it  be  recommended  to  the  clergy,  and  vestries, 
and  the  congregations  in  the  diocess,  to  discoun- 
tenance, to  discourage,  and  to  use  all  their  influ- 
ence to  put  a  stop  to  the  practice  of  using  houses 
of  worship  belonging  to  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  for  miUtary  processions,  political  meet- 
ings, poUtical  orations,  and  such  like  things  ;  and 
the  using  of  them  for  any  purposes  whatever 
merely  secular. 

The  imperfect  character  of  many  of  the  paro- 
chial reports  has  been  long  a  subject  of  regret  and 
complaint  in  the  church,  and  leads  to  many  great 
inconveniences.  By  this  defect  in  our  returns- 
we  are  deprived  of  the  only  accurate  sources  of 
information  as  to  the  true  state  of  the  diocess. 
Your  committee  would  therefore  respectfully 
urge  upon  the  Convention  the  necessity  of  taking^ 
measures  to  secure  more  minute  and  definite  re- 
turns ;  and  for  this  purpose  would  suggest  that  a 
form  be  drawn  out  by  the  secretary,  and  printed 
as  an  appendix  to  the  Journal.  This  form  will 
provide  for  the  statistical  matters  at  least ;  and 
all  other  matters  calculated  to  throw  light  upon' 
the  state  of  the  churches  can  be  added  by  the' 
respective  rectors  and  ministers  at  the  bottom- 
of  their  reports.  For  a  view  of  the  matters 
that  ought  to  be  embraced  in  the  parochial  re^ 
ports,  your  committee  beg  leave  to  refer  to  the' 
first  section  of  the  fifty-first  canon  of  the  Generat 
Convention,  and  also  to  the  twenty-ninth  canon. 

The  great  importance  of  a  well-selected  library 
to  every  clergyman,  and  to  the  people  of  a  congre- 
gation, is  so  obvious,  that  your  committee  will  not 
detain  you  by  any  remarks  on  the  subject.  All,  it 
is  presumed,  will  acknowledge  it  to  be  highly -de- 
sirable, that  every  church  should  possess  such  a 
collection  of  books  as  are  calculated  to  promote 
piety,  to  disseminate  religious  instruction,  and  to 
furnish  the  people  with  sound  knowledge  of  the 
grounds  upon  which  the  church  rests  the  pecuhar- 
ities  by  which  she  is  distinguished.  Convinced 
that  to  secure  to  every  congregation  such  an  ac- 
quisition, there  is  nothing  necessary  but  some 
Uttle  effort  on  the  part  of  the  clergy,  the  commit- 
tee propose  to  the  Convention  the  following  reso- 
lution, viz.  :  That  it  be,  and  hereby  is  declared  to 
be,  the  duty  of  every  minister  to  use  all  proper  ef- 
forts to  procure  a  parochial  library,  for  the  use  of 
the  people  of  his  charge :  and  that  it  be  respect- 
fully recommended  to  the  vestries  and  congrega- 
tions of  the  diocess  to  concur  with  and  to  aid  their 
ministers  in  the  accomphshment  of  so  desirable 
an  object. 

Adding  merely  that  the  general  state  of  the  dio- 
cess is  highly  encouraging,  and  that  no  further 
particulars  occur  to  them  as  necessary  to  be  pre- 
sented for  your  consideration  at  this  time,  your 
corrunittee  respectfully  present  their  report. 
Signed  by  order  of  the  committee. 

Henry  W.  Ducachet,  Chairman. 


CONVENTION  OF  1833. 


On  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  said  report 
be  laid  upon  the  table  until  after  divine  service 
this  morning. 

The  secretary  received  the  following  contri- 
butions from  sundry  parishes  in  this  diocess  for 
the  contingent  fund,  and  towards  the  remunera- 
tion of  Bishop  Moore  for  his  episcopal  services, 
viz. : — 


St.'    Paul's    Church,     Lynch- 
burg, -         -         -          $15  00 

St.  Paul's  parish.  King  George 

county,      -         -         -         -     9  00 

St.  Paul's  Church,  Alexandria,  20  00 

Christ  Church,  Fairfax  parish, 

Alexandria,        -         -         -  30  00 

St.    John's    Church,    Henrico 

parish,       -        -        -         -  15  00 

St.  Peter's   Church,  Tillotson 

parish,  Buckingham,  -         -  12  20 

St.  John's  Church,  Hampton,       6  64 

Calloway  and  Rockfish  Church- 
es, Nelson,         -         -         -  12  00 

Monumental     Church,     Rich- 
mond,       -         -        -         -  30  00 

St.  Luke's  Church,  parish  of 

Newport,  Isle  of  Wight,     -     2  20 

Raleigh  parish,  Amelia  county,  18  60 

Lexington   parish,   New-Glas- 
gow Church,  Amherst,        -     7  00 

St.    George's   parish,    Freder- 
icksburg, -         -         -         -  20  00 

St.   Martin's   parish,  Hanover 

and  Louisa,        -         -         -  20  00 

Christ  Church,  Winchester,        15  00 

Christ  Church,  Lancaster  co.,    30  00 

Shelbume  parish,  Leesburg,       20  00 

Bath  parish,  Dinwiddle,  and    \ 

St.  Andrew's  parish,  Bruns-  V  30  00 
wick,         -         -         -  I 

Vauter's   Church,   St.   Anne's 

parish,  Essex  county,  -  30  00 

South  Farnham  parish,  Essex 

county,      -         -         -         -  10  00 

Fredericksville    parish,    Albe- 
marle county^     -         -      ^  -     3  00 

Lamb's  Creek  Church,  King 

George  county,  -         -     6  00 

Ware  and  Abingdon  parishes, 

Gloucester,        -         -         -  28  19 

Camden  parish,  Pittsylvania  co.,  15  00 

St.  James's  parish,  Mecklen- 
burg county,       -         -         -  16  00 

St.  Paul's  Church,  Norfolk,  '     10  00 

Christ  Church,  Norborne  par- 
ish, Berkeley  county,  -     5  00 

Cumberland  parish,  Lunenburg 

county,      -         -         -         -     8  32 

Bristol  parish,  Petersburg,      -  30  00 

Westover  parish,  Charles  City 

county,      -         -         -         -     0  00 

Berkeley  parish,    Spotsylvania 

county,      -         -         -         -     5  00 

St.  Margaret's  parish,  Caroline 

county,      -        -         -         -  10  00 


Amount  carried  forward,    $489  15  |175  97 


For  E.  8er. 
of  Bii-hop 
Moore. 

$8  12 

4  50 

0  00 

13  00 

5  00 

2  80 

3  36 

5  60 

24  08 

2  80 

1  40 

0  00 

20  00 

8  26 

13  30 

1  41 

10  00 

6  30 


0  00 

4  00 

7  00 

1  45 

4  06 
2  25 

5  88 
0  00 

5  00 

1  68 
8  60 

1  12 

0  00 

5  00 

Amount  brought  forward,  $489 
Frederick  parish,  Frederick  CO.,  15 
Antrim  parish,  Halifax  county, 
Trinity  Church,  Portsmouth, 
Augusta  parish,  Staunton, 
Bruton  parish,  Williamsburg, 
Lynnhaven     parish.     Princess 

Anne  county,     -         -         - 
Christ  Church,  Richmond, 
St.  Anne's  parish,  Albemarle 

county,      -         -         .         . 
Christ  Church,  Norfolk, 
St.  Thomas's   parish,  Orange 

county,      -         .         -         . 
St.  James's  parish,  Northam, 

Goochland,  -  .  _ 
Leeds  parish,  Fauquier  county,  15 
Bloomfield  parish,  Madison  co., 
Russell  parish,  Bedford  co., 
St.  Stephen's  Church,  Culpep- 
per county,  -  _  . 
St.  Mark's  parish,  Culpepper 

county,      .         .         -         - 
Norborne  parish,  Berkeley  co.. 
Dale  parish,  Chesterfield  co., 
Hungar's  parish,  Northampton 

county,      -         -         -         . 
Rev. William  Crawford,  Louisa 

county,      -         -         -         . 
Hamilton  parish,  Fauquier  co.. 


m   15  $176  97 
15  00   12  60 
19  02    4  48 
15  00    5  18 
10  00    0  00 
10  00    5  00 

3  60 
10  00 

1  40 

8  40 

8  60 
30  00 

1  40 
35  00 

10  00 

5  OO 

5  20 
15  00 

5  00 
30  00 

2  80 
6  00- 

5  oa 

6  00 

21  24 

4  7Q 

0  00 
0  00 
0  00 

5  60 

11  25 

0  70 

5  00 

5  OO 

0  00 
15  00 

10  OO 
4  20 

$716  81  $315  74 


The  business  of  the  Convention  was  suspend- 
ed, for  the  purpose  of  attending  divine  service  by 
the  Rev.  Wm.  G.  H.  Jones,  and  a  sermon  by 
the  Rev.  John  P.  M'Guire 

On  motion  of  Rev.  John  Grammer,  the  follow- 
ing preamble  and  resolution  were  unanimously 
adopted : — 

Whereas  the  managers  of  the  Bible  Society  of 
Virginia  have  adopted  measures  for  raising  in  this 
state,  during  the  present  year,  a  considerable  sum 
of  money,  to  be  appropriated  to  the  distribution  of 
the  Bible  in  foreign  countries,  and  have  directed 
their  agent  respectfully  to  request  the  expression 
of  the  approbation  and  concurrence  of  the  bishops 
and  Convention  of  this  church  in  the  proposed 
object — and  whereas  this  Convention  is  deeply 
sensible  of  the  obligation  which  rests  upon  all  the 
disciples  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  to  use  their  best 
efforts  for  supplying  every  creature  with  the  word 
of  life,  and  is  fully  impressed  with  the  importance 
of  the  proposed  measures  as  being  calculated  to 
put  honour  upon  God's  holy  word,  to  confer  the 
richest  of  blessings  upon  the  destitute  and  benight- 
ed portions  of  the  world,  and  to  cherish  and  in^ 
crease  that  spirit  of  zeal  for  God's  glory  and  of 
love  for  the  souls  of  men  which  we  have  reason 
to  hope  is  in  a  good  degree  awakened  in  our 
churches  : — Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  this  Convention  cordially  rec- 
ommend the  object  of  the  Bible  Society  to  the 
churches  in  this  diocess,  and  affectionately  re- 
quests the  members  and  friends  of  the  same  to 
co-operate  in  the  accomplishment  of  the  above 
object  by  their  prayers  ana  their  contributions,  and 
by  such  assistance  as  circumstances  may  enable 
them  to  afford  to  Mr.  William  M.  Atkmson,  the 
general  agent  of  the  society,  in  the  prosecution 
of  his  agency  in  their  respective  parishes. 


CONVENTION  GF  1833/ 


287 


The  report  of  the  committee  on  the  state  of 
the  church  was  taken  up  ;  and  a  motion  was 
then  made  by  Mr.  Hugh  Nelson  to  strike  out 
from  the  words,  "As  it  regards,"  &,c.,  down  to 
the  words,  "  among  them  statedly,"  being  the 
third  section  of  the  report — pending  the  discus- 
sion of  which  the  Convention  adjourned,  to  meet 
to-morrow  morning,  at  9  o'clock. 

Satukday,  May  19,  1833. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment, 
and  was  opened  with  prayer  by  the  Right  Rev. 
Bishop  Moore. 

The  Rev.  William  Crawford,  of  Louisa  coun- 
ty, appeared  and  took  his  seat. 

On  motion,  leave  of  absence  for  the  remain- 
der of  the  session  was  granted  to  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Syme. 

The  Convention  took  up  the  report  of  the 
committee  upon  the  state  of  the  church,  and 
upon  the  question  being  taken  upon  the  amend- 
ment proposed  on  yesterday  by  Mr.  Hugh  Nel- 
son, to  strike  out  the  third  section,  the  same  was 
carried  in  the  affirmative. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  M'Farland,  the  fifth  section 
of  the  report  was  amended  by  striking  out  the 
words  following:  "and  the  u.sing  of  them  for 
any  purposes  whatever  merely  secular." 

The  session  of  the  Convention  was  then  sus- 
pended, for  the  purpose  of  attending  divine  ser- 
vice by  the  Rev.  James  Doughen,  and  a  sermon 
by  the  Rev.  Adam  Empie. 

After  service,  the  Convention  again  took  up 
the  report  of  the  committee  on  the  state  of  the 
church,  and  on  the  question  being  taken  on  re- 
ceiving and  approving  the  same,  it  was  carried 
in  the  affirmative  ;  and,  as  amended,  is  as  fol- 
lows : — 

The  committee  on  the  state  of  the  church  beg 
leave  respectfully  to  report  to  the  Convention, 
that,  after  long  and  serious  dehberation  upon  a 
variety  of  matters  connected  with  the  interests  of 
the  church,  they  have  come  to  the  resolution  to 
propose  the  following  particulars  to  the  notice  of 
this  body ; — 

On  the  subject  of  the  canons  of  the  church  in 
this  diocess,  referred  to  them  by  the  vote  of  this 
Convention,  they  would  propose  that  a  special 
committee  of  seven  persons  be  appointed,  to  exam- 
ine and  inquire  in  what  respects  the  present  con- 
stitution and  canons  may  require  revision  and 
alteration,  and  what  new  canons  may  be  needed  ; 
to  draught  such  as  may  be  deemed  by  them  neces- 
sary ;  and  that  this  committee  be,  and  hereby  are 
instructed,  to  report  in  full  at  the  next  Conven- 
tion. 

Your  committee  have  ^aken  into  consideration 
the  subjects  embraced  in  the  discourse  delivered 
at  the  opening  of  the  session  by  the  Right  Rever- 
end the  Assistant  Bishop ;  and,  cordially  approving 
the  sentiments  expressed  in  the  same,  viewing  it 
as  presenting  most  important  and  valuable  consid- 
erations to  the  notice  of  the  church,  and  regarding 
it  as  an  official  document,  and  as  in  the  nature  of 
a  charge  to  the  clergy,  they  would  respectfully 
propose  to  the  Convention  that  a  committee  of  two 
persons  be  appointed  to  wait  upon  the  Right  Rev- 
erend the  Assistant  Bishop,  to  signify  to  him  the 
wish  and  request  of  this  body  that  he  will  publish 
the  same,  or  such  parts  of  it  as  he  may  think 
proper,  in  such  form  as  he  may  judge  expedient. 
And  they  further  propose,  that  the  treasurer  be 


instructed  to  defray  the  expenses  of  said  publica- 
tion out  of  the  funds  of  the  Convention. 

It  has  occurred  to  your  committee  that  there  is 
another  subject  deserving  of  the  notice  and  imme- 
diate action  of  this  body .  Our  churches  are  erect- 
ed, consecrated,  and  solemnly  set  apart  for  the 
worship  and  service  of  Almighty  God.  The  use 
of  them  for  any  other  purposes  than  those  of  reli- 
gious worship,  is,  then,  plainly  a  deviation  from 
their  true  design.  Your  committee  therefore  ad- 
vise the  adoption  of  the  following  resolution,  viz. : 
that  it  be  recommended  to  the  clergy,  and  vestries, 
and  the  congregations  in  the  diocess,  to  discoun- 
tenance, to  discourage,  and  to  use  all  their  influ- 
ence to  put  a  stop  to  the  practice  of  using  houses 
of  worship  belonging  to  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  for  military  processions,  political  meet- 
ings, political  orations,  and  such  like  things. 

The  imperfect  character  of  many  of  the  paro- 
chial reports  has  been  long  a  subject  of  regret  and 
complaint  in  the  church,  and  leads  to  many  great 
inconveniences.  By  this  defect  in  our  returns  we 
are  deprived  of  the  only  accurate  sources  of  infor- 
mation as  to  the  true  state  of  the  diocess.  Your 
committee  would  therefore  respectfully  urge  upon 
the  Convention  the  necessity  of  taking  measures 
to  secure  more  minute  and  definite  returns  ;  and 
for  this  purpose  would  suggest  that  a  form  be 
drawn  out  by  the  secretary,  and  printed  as  an  ap- 
pendix to  the  journal.  This  form  will  provide  for 
the  statistical  matters  at  least,  and  all  other  mat- 
ters calculated  to  throw  light  upon  the  state  of  the 
churches  can  be  added  by  the  respective  rectors 
and  ministers  at  the  bottom  of  their  reports.  For 
a  view  of  the  matters  that  ought  to  be  embraced 
in  the  parochial  reports,  your  committee  beg  leave 
to  refer  to  the  first  section  of  the  fifty-first  canon 
of  the  General  Convention,  and  also  to  the  twen- 
ty-ninth canon. 

The  great  importance  of  a  well-selected  library 
to  every  clergyman,  and  to  the  people  of  a  congre- 
gation, is  so  obvious,  that  your  committee  will  not 
detain  you  by  any  remarks  on  the  subject.  All,  it 
is  presumed,  will  acknowledge  it  to  be  highly 
desirable  that  every  church  should  possess  such 
a  collection  of  books  as  are  calculated  to  promote 
piety,  to  disseminate  religious  instruction,  and  to 
furnish  the  people  with  sound  knowledge  of  the 
grounds  upon  which  the  church  rests — the  pecu- 
liarities by  which  she  is  distinguished.  Convmced 
that  to  secure  to  every  congregation  such  an  acqui- 
sition, there  is  nothing  necessary  but  some  little 
effort  on  the  part  of  the  clergy,  the  committee  pro- 
pose to  the  Convention  the  following  resolution, 
viz. :  That  it  be,  and  hereby  is  declared  to  be,  the 
duty  of  every  minister  to  use  all  proper  efforts  to 
procure  a  parochial  library  for  the  use  of  the  peo- 
ple of  his  charge  :  and  that  it  be  respectfully  rec- 
ommended to  the  vestries  and  congregations  of 
the  diocess  to  concur  with  and  to  aid  their  minis- 
ters in  the  accompUshment  of  so  desirable  an  ob- 
ject. 

Adding  merely  that  the  general  state  of  the  dio- 
cess is  highly  encouraging,  and  that  no  further 
particulars  occur  to  them  as  necessary  to  be  pre>- 
sented  for  your  consideration  at  this  time,  your 
committee  respectfully  present  their  report. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Edmund  I.  Lee, 
Resolved,  That  a  committee  be  appointed  to 
examine  and  inquire  in  what  respects  the  pres- 
ent constitution  and  canons  may  require  revisiou 
and  alteration,  and  what  new  canons  may  be 
needed,  and  to  draught  such  as  may  be  deemed 
by  them  necessary,  and  that  the  committee  report 
the  result  of  their  investifration  to  the  next  Con- 


m 


CONVENTION  OF  1833. 


vention ;  and  farther,  that  the  committee  do 
cause  two  hundred  copies  of  the  same  to  be 
printed,  and  transmit  one  copy  to  each  clergy- 
man of  the  diocess,  to  be  laid  before  the  respec- 
tive vestries,  and  the  residue  of  said  copies  send 
to  the  secretary  of  the  Convention,  and  that  the 
expense  of  printing  and  transmitting  the  report 
be  paid  out  of  the  contingent  fund  of  the  church. 

The  president  then  appointed  the  Right  Rev. 
Bishop  Meade,  (he  Rev.  Henry  W.  Ducachet, 
M.  D.,  the  Rev.  Charles  Mann,  the  Rev.  Ed- 
ward C.  M'Guire,  Mr.  Edmund  I.  Lee,  Mr. 
Thomas  Marshall,  and  Mr.  Washington  Bassett, 
to  compose  the  said  committee. 

On  motion  of  Rev.  John  Grammer, 

Resolved,  That  the  treasurer  of  the  Conven- 
tion pay  to  the  Right  Rev.  William  Meade,  as- 
sistant bishop  of  this  diocess,  the  sum  of  three 
hundred  dollars,  to  defray  the  expenses  incurred 
by  him  in  performance  of  his  episcopal  duties. 

The  Rev.  Charles  Mann,  from  the  committee 
on  parochial  reports,  made  the  following  report, 
which  was  read  and  accepted : — 

The  committee  on  the  parochial  reports  beg 
leave  to  state,  that  they  have  performed  the  duty 
assigned  them  so  far  as  they  felt  themselves  au- 
thorized to  go  in  abridging  the  reports  handed  in 
by  the  rectors  of  the  several  parishes,  and  have 
^Iso  prepared  a  tabular  view  of  the  number  of  com- 
municants, &c.,  as  required  by  a  resolution  of  this 
house ;  they  would,  however,  beg  leave  to  state, 
that,  from  the  absence  of  all  information  in  regard 
to  the  Sunday  Schools,  Bible  classes.  Education 
and  other  benevolent  societies,  in  many  of  the 
reports  handed  in,  and  the  want  of  reports  from 
many  important  parishes  not  clerically  represent- 
ed in  the  present  Convention,  their  table  presents 
but  an  imperfect  view  of  the  present  state  and 
condition  of  the  Episcopal  Church  in  this  diocess. 

They  recommend  the  subject  to  the  clergy,  and 
would  suggest  the  propriety  of  forwardmg  by 
mail,  at  the  session  of  all  future  Conventions,  re- 
ports from  such  parishes  or  churches  as  cannot  be 
represented  by  either  a  clerical  or  lay  deputy. 

The  committee  would  further  suggest,  that  a 
most  interesting  report  might  be  formed,  if,  at  the 
next  session  of  this  body,  each  clergyman  would 
istate  in  his  report  the  period  when  the  parish  in 
which  he  officiates  was  reorganized,  the  number 
of  communicants  at  that  time,  and  the  periods  in 
which  the  advantages  of  religious  instruction  have 
been  enjoyed. 

By  order,  Charles  Mann,  Chairman. 

'    PAROCHIAL   REPORTS. 

The  rector  of  the  Monumental  Church  reports 
to  the  Convention,  that  the  communicants  helong- 
ing  to  the  parish  amount  to  one  hundred  and  sev- 
enty or  one  hundred  and  eighty,  and  that  he  has 
baptized,  since  our  last  annual  meeting,  twenty- 
three  children.  The  rector  also  reports,  that, 
though  far  advanced  in  years,  he  opens  his  church 
twice  on  the  Sabbath ;  that  his  congregations  in 
the  morning  are  large  and  attentive;  that  he  is 
blessed  with  a  very  considerable  number  of  mem- 
bers who  are  vitally  acquainted  with  the  truths  of 
the  gospel,  and  who  are  ornaments  to  the  Chris- 
tian profession. 

There  is  a  very  respectable  Sunday  School  be- 
longing to  the  church,  supplied  with  competent 
teachers ;  and  which,  from  measures  lately  adopt- 
ed, he  has  no  doubt  will  increase  in  numbers. 
Several  hundred  dollars  have  been  raised  within 


a  few  months  to  assist  m  the  completion  of  two 
churches  in  this  diocess,  and  one  in  Kentucky,  and 
the  yearly  stipend  for  the  benefit  of  the  theological 
•students  in  Alexandria  is  now  ready  to  be  paid  in. 
Richard  Channino  Moore. 

Parochial  report  of  the  parish  of  Frederick,  1833. 
The  condition  of  the  parish  is  considered  on  the 
whole  as  encouragjing.  There  are  four  churches, 
in  each  of  which  divine  service  is  performed  every 
other  Sabbath.  The  attendance  is  generally  good, 
and  the  deportment  of  the  congregation  indicative 
of  seriousness.  Besides  the  regular  services  at 
the  four  churches,  there  are  five  other  places  where 
occasional  religious  exercises  are  performed.  Du- 
ring the  last  year  seventeen  have  been  admitted  to 
the  communion,  thirty-two  have  been  baptized,  of 
whom  five  were  adults. 

There  have  been  thirteen  funerals  and  two  mar- 
riages. 

Number  of  communicants  one  hundred  and 
twenty. 

A  new  and  commodious  church  has  been  built 
at  Millwood,  which  was  consecrated  to  the  service 
of  God  on  Christmas-day.  There  are  three  Sun- 
day Schools  in  the  parish,  two  Auxihary  Educa- 
tion Societies,  and  as  many  Missionary  Societies, 
which  are  endeavouring  to  contribute  their  aid 
towards  the  promotion  of  the  interesting  objects 
for  which  they  were  formed.  The  Colonization 
Society  still  continues  to  draw  liberal  donations 
from  many  warm  friends  in  this  parish.  The  at- 
tention of  the  ministers  of  this  parish  is  in  some 
good  degree  directed  towards  the  reUgious  instruc- 
tion of  the  servants.  On  every  Sabbath  afternoon 
the  different  churches  are  opened  for  their  recep- 
tion, and  those  who  undertake  their  instruction 
are  often  encouraged  by  the  attendance  of  consid- 
erable numbers  who  appear  thankful  for  the  notice 
shown  them.  May  He  who  made  of  one  blood  all 
nations  upon  earth,  grant  his  blessing  to  every 
effort  in  behalf  of  the  poor  and  ignorant,  that  they 
may  become  rich  in  faith  and  wise  unto  salvation, 
for  Jesus  Christ's  sake.  William  Meade. 

St.  Paul's  parish.  King  George  county.  The 
rector  reports,  that  a  deep  interest  is  manifested 
by  many  under  his  pastoral  care  upon  the  momen- 
tous subject  of  religion,  and  that  the  power  of  the 
Holy  Spirit  has  been  displayed  in  the  conversion 
of  souls  to  God.  Since  making  the  last  report, 
death  has  removed  some  of  our  number  to  that 
rest  which  remaineth  for  the  people  of  God.  Du- 
ring that  period  three  have  died,  two  have  removed 
from  the  parish,  thirteen  have  been  confirmed,  ten 
have  been  baptized,  two  marriages  have  been  sol- 
emnized, and  six  funerals  attended.  Through  the 
hberality  of  the  female  members  of  St.  Paul's  and 
Brunswick  parishes,  $32  50  have  been  raised  to 
constitute  their  minister  a  Ufe  member  of  the  Ed- 
ucation Society.  A  Sunday  School  has  recently 
been  organized,  and  promises  much  usefulness. 
Eight  members  have  been  added  to  the  commu- 
nion since  last  Convention,  leaving  the  present 
number  thirty-five. 

Zachari^h  H.  Goldsmith. 

Brunswick  parish.  King  George  county.  The 
spiritual  condition  of  this  parish  has  much  im^ 
proved.  Since  making  our  last  report,  one  mar- 
riage has  been  solemnized,  four  have  been  admitted 
to  the  apostolic  rite  of  confirmation,  two  funeral* 
have  been  attended,  and  four  persons  have  been 
added  to  the  communion,  making  the  present 
number  fourteen. 

Zachariah  H.  Goldsmith. 

The  rector  of  Hamilton  and  Leeds  parishes^ 
Fauquier,  reports,  that  there  has  been  some  addt- 
tion  to  the  number  of  communicants  in  both  par- 


CONVENTION  OF  1833. 


28& 


ishes;  but  deaths  and  removals  have  kept  their 
actual  number  about  the  same  as  reported  to  the 
last  Convention.  Communicants  in  both  parishes 
about  sixty — baptisms  nine— marriages  eight — 
funerals  nine— Sunday  Schools  two,  one  in  each 
parish,  and  both  promising  much  usefulness. 

Among  the  tokens  for  good  for  which  the  rector 
has  to  be  thankful,  is  an  increasing  spirit  of  hber- 
ahty  towards  rehgious  and  charitable  institutions, 
especially  in  Leeds  parish.  Geo.  Lemon. 

The  rector  of  St.  Thomas's  Church,  Orange 
courthouse,  reports,  that  he  took  charge  of  this 
congregation  in  August  last,  when  he  met  Bishop 
Meade,  who  preached,  held  a  confirmation,  and 
admitted  several  to  the  Lord's  Supper.  Since 
that  time  a  vestry  has  been  formed,  and  materials 
are  in  a  considerable  state  of  forwardness  for  the 
erection  of  a  commodious  church.  The  rector 
has  regularly  performed  service  here  every  alter- 
nate Lord's  day,  and  lectured  once  a  week ;  he 
also  preaches  once  a  month  for  the  special  benefit 
of  the  coloured  people,  and  hopes  to  be  able  to  do 
still  more  for  this  neglected  race  of  his  fellow- 
creatures.  There  is  a  Sabbath  School,  but  as  yet 
not  well  organized. 

The  number  of  communicants  added  by  the 
bishop  five,  by  the  rector  twelve,  total  number 
twenty-six. 

Baptisms  thirty-five,  two  of  which  were  cases 
of  adults,  and  four  were  cases  of  coloured  children 
— marriages  five. 

The  rector  of  St.  Thomas's  also  reports,  that 
he  has  under  his  care  Walker's  Church  in  Albe- 
marle, where  he  preaches  once  a  month,  and  that 
he  also  preaches  at  a  place  in  Louisa  county,  call- 
ed Free  Union,  sufficiently  near  for  the  people  of 
Walker's  congregation  to  attend,  and  thus  avail 
themselves  of  two  services  in  the  month. 

William  G.  H.  Jones. 

Bristol  parish,  Petersburg,  It  gives  me  much 
satisfaction  to  state,  that  the  attendance  on  public 
worship  in  this  parish  is  better  ow  than  probably 
it  has  ever  been,  and  great  hopes  are  entertained 
that  the  good  effects  thence  resulting  will,  in  due 
time,  be  made  manifest.  In  other  respects,  no 
great  change  has  taken  place  since  last  Conven- 
tion. A  very  few  only  have  been  added  to  the 
number  of  communicants.         Andrew  Syme. 

Parish  of  St.  James,  Northam,  Goochland. 
There  has  been  but  little  change  in  the  condition 
or  prospects  of  this  parish  since  it  was  last  report- 
ed to  the  Convention,  Two  members  have  been 
added  to  the  communion — baptisms  five,  one  adult 
and  four  children— one  marriage. 

J.    DOUGHEN. 

Not  being  prepared  to  take  the  whole  charge  of 
a  parish,  with  the  approbation  of  our  bishop  I 
have  been  residing  in  Richmond,  as  the  most  cen- 
tral position  with  regard  to  three  neighbouring 
counties,  Chesterfield,  Charles  City,  and  King 
William  ;  in  which,  once  a  month  in  each,  I  have 
been  preaching  since  the  first  of  January.  It  gives 
me  pleasure  to  mention  the  exertions  of  a  few 
friends  of  the  Episcopal  Church,  through  the  in- 
strumentality of  whom  it  has  been  sustained  for 
some  time,  under  many  difficulties,  in  the  two  first 
named  counties.  Within  a  few  years  past  an  old 
church  in  each  of  these  has  been  repaired.  Resi- 
dent ministers  among  these  people  would  do 
much  for  the  cause  of  Christ.  Our  congregations 
increase.  They  hear  the  gospel  apparently  with 
much  attention.  Parke  F.  Berkeley. 

Christ  Church,  Richmond.  The  rector  of  this 
chur<!h  states,  that  the  number  of  communicants 
reported  by  him  to  the  last  Convention  was  sixty  ; 
since  that  time  there  have  been  eleven  added,  six 
have  removed  or  withdrawn,  and  two  have  died, 

T 


making  the  present  number  sixty-three— mar- 
riages nine— baptisms  eight,  two  adults—  funerals 
fourteen — confirmed  twelve.  The  number  of  his 
hearers  has  increased,  and  while  in  many  points 
the  prospects  of  his  church  are  pleasing,  he  re- 
grets that  he  cannot  advert  to  any  very  manifest 
spiritual  advancement. 

William  F.  Lee,  Rector. 

Christ  Church,  Norfolk,  Elizabeth  River  par- 
ish. Since  the  last  report  to  the  Convention^ 
there  have  been  eighty-four  baptisms,  in  five 
cases  of  adults ;  there  have  been  confirmed  thir- 
ty-three persons;  there  have  been  fifteen  mar- 
riages; there  have  been  forty-four  funerals,  in 
twenty  cases  of  children  under  fourteen  years 
of  age  ;  and  twenty-six  persons  have  been  added 
to  the  communion,  making  the  present  number 
two  hundred  and  thirty-eight ;  of  communicants, 
eight  have  died,  six  have  removed,  and  ten  have 
withdrawn.  These  are  all  the  changes,  except 
the  reorganization  and  great  increase  of  the 
Sunday  School.  The  congregation  continues  to 
flourish,  and,  through  God's  blessing,  to  enjoy 
great  temporal,  and  some  spiritual  prosperity. 
Henry  W.  Ducachet,  Rector. 

Report  of  Lexington  parish,  Amherst  county, 
and  of  Nelson  parish.  Inquiring  for  the  materials 
of  a  report,  they  are  not  found  of  such  an  interest, 
ing  character  as  the  minister  would  delight  to 
bring  before  the  Convention.  While  the  house 
of  God  has  been  generally  well  attended,  there 
has  not  been  observed  that  deep  and  serious  con- 
sideration of  the  truth  as  coming  from  God  to 
man,  which  is  so  ardently  to  be  desired  by  those 
who  believe  in  the  worth  and  duration  of  the  soul. 

In  New -Glasgow  there  is  discovered  no  im- 
provement in  spiritual  things.  Attendance  upon 
church  is  sometimes  good,  but  it  has  to  be 
lamented  that  there  are  many  more  hearers  than 
doers  of  the  word. 

The  congregation  which  worships  at  Callaway's 
is  believed  to  be  improving  in  knowledge  and  at- 
tachment to  the  church.  There  is  here  mani- 
fested a  wilhngness  to  give  to  all  objects  which 
are  intended  to  promote  the  glory  of  God  upon 
earth.  Besides  some  contributions  to  the  Theo- 
logical Seminary,  it  is  expected  to  raise  a  scholar, 
ship  upon  Bedell's  plan.  Two  have  been  added 
to  the  communion.  Instruction  in  the  catechism 
has  not  been  withheld  from  children.  The  colour- 
ed people  attend  numerously,  and  it  is  hoped  with 
benefit  to  their  souls.  The  church  edifice  has 
been  rendered  comfortable,  as  well  in  winter  as 
summer.  Not  a  few  who  belong  to  this  church 
could  respond  to  the  interrogation,  Lovest  thoii 
me '{    Lord,  thou  knowest  that  I  love  thee. 

An  effort  has  been  made  to  reorganize  the 
church  located  upon  Rockfish  river.  A  vestry 
has  been  elected,  and  the  old  Episcopal  church 
is  either  to  be  repaired,  or  else  removed  to  a  more 
convenient  site.  The  number  of  communicants 
is  twelve,  four  added,  and  two,  who  had  been 
warmly  attached  to  the  church  during  her  most 
forlorn  state,  have  died. 

A  church  which  will  cost  about  twelve  hundred 
dollars  is  to  be  built  this  summer  in  the  neigh- 
bourhood of  Lovingston,  the  county  seat  of  Nelson, 
upon  land  given  by  Mr.  Robert  Rives,  sen.,  to  be 
under  the  control  of  the  Episcopal  denomination. 

From  the  ladies  of  New-Glasgow  there  has 
been  paid  something  to  the  cause  of  missions,  and 
from  those  of  Callaway's  Church  to  aid  in  studies 
preparatory  for  the  mniistry.  The  other  two 
churches  in  Amherst,  which,  until  the  past  year, 
have  been  under  my  care,  are  now  destitute  of 
the  regular  ministration  of  the  word,  to  the  sefi- 
ous  regret  of  many. 


390 


CONVENTION  OF  183a 


To  a  young  man  of  proper  qualifications,  a 
rtioderate  support,  but  a  kind  reception,  would  be 
extended.  The  whole  number  of  communicants 
thirty-nine,  six  added — funerals  twelve — baptisms 
eight — marriages  eight.       Charles  H.  Page. 

Christ  Church,  Alexandria,  D.-C.  Rev.  Charles 
Mann,  rector.  Since  the  last  Convention,  the 
church  building  occupied  by  this  congregation  has 
been  entirely  repaired,  and  the  interior  fitted  up 
in  a  very  neat  and  handsome  manner,  at  an  ex- 
pense of  several  hundred  dollars.  A  missionary 
association  has  been  formed,  auxiliary  to  the  Do- 
mestic and  Foreign  Missionary  Society  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  which  comprises 
every  member  of  the  communion,  and  is  intended 
to  embrace,  if  possible,  every  member  of  the  con- 
gregation :  its  prospects  of  a  liberal  support  are 
very  flattering  indeed.  There  is  also  connected 
with  this  church  an  Auxiliary  Education  Society, 
which  has  contributed  about  sixty  dollars  to  the 
funds  of  the  parent  society  during  the  past  year. 
A  Benevolent  Society,  sustained  by  the  untiring 
efforts  of  several  valuable  ladies  in  the  congrega- 
tion, disburses  annually  about  one  hundred  dollars 
in  clothing  the  poorer  children  of  the  Sunday 
School,  and  in  administering  to  the  wants  of  the 
indigent  generally.  There  are  two  Bible  cleisses, 
one  under  the  care  of  the  rector,  and  the  other  of 
a  member  of  the  Theological  Seminary.  The 
Sunday  School  is  in  a  very  flourishing  and  inter- 
esting state,  the  number  of  scholars  being  only 
limited  by  the  accommodations  afforded  in  the  lec- 
ture-room. To  the  persevering  and  judicious  ef- 
forts of  many  gentlemen  connected  with  the  Theo- 
logical Seminary,  our  Sunday  Schools  and  other 
benevolent  institutions  are  indebted  for  much  of 
the  success  which  attends  upon  their  exertions  ; 
and  justice  to  that  institution  requires  us  to  say, 
that  the  zeal  of  its  members  to  promote  the  best 
interests  of  the  community  for  many  miles  around 
the  spot  on  which  it  is  located,  renders  it  a  rich 
blessing  indeed. 

There  have  been  nineteen  additions  to  the  com- 
munion in  Christ  Church  during  the  past  year, 
six  males  and  thirteen  females — five  have  with- 
drawn. The  number  reported  last  year  was  one 
hundred  and  thirty,  added  nineteen,  total  one 
hundred  and  forty-nine ;  withdrawn  five ;  one  hun- 
dred and  thirty-one  whites,  thirteen  coloured, 
total  one  hundred  and  forty-four.  Baptisms,  two 
white  adults  and  twenty -nine  infants,  and  five  col- 
oured, total  thirty-six — confirmed  (belonging  to 
congregation)  twelve — marriages  five — funerals 
nine.  Charles  Mann,  Rector. 

Antrim  parish,  Halifax  county.  The  present 
aspect  of  this  parish  is  in  some  respects  less 
cheering  than  formerly.  In  many  instances  anxi- 
ety has  given  place  to  indifference,  and  power  to 
lukewarmness.  Only  seven  communicants  have 
been  added,  and  of  these  one  has  removed,  ma- 
king the  present  number  thirty-eight — confirma- 
tions twenty-eight — baptisms,  adults  four,  infants 
nine — marriages  two — funerals  five. 

Since  the  last  Convention  a  glebe  has  been 
purchased,  and  a  pM-sonage  fitted  up  for  the  use 
of  the  rector.  Liberal  contributions  have  been 
made  by  individuals  to  the  Missionary  Society  of 
our  church,  and  to  the  Theological  School  of  the 
diocess.  Charles  Dresser. 

St.  Andrew's  Church,  Camden  parish,  Pittsyl- 
vania  county.  Since  January,  1  have  devoted 
one  Sunday  a  month  to  this  infant  parish.  When 
the  weather  would  permit,  the  congregation  has 
been  large  and  attentive.  There  is  a  flourishing 
Sunday  School  taught  in  the  church,  and  could 
the  services  of  a  resident  clergyman  be  enjoyed, 
few  parishes,  it  is  believed,  would  be  more  flour- 


iishing.  One  communicant  has  been  added  the 
last  year,  one  has  removed,  and  one  died,  leaving 
the  present  number  eleven — confirmations  six — 
infant  baptisms  two — marriages  two — one  funeral. 
Charles  Dresser. 
St.  Margaret's  Church,  Caroline  county.  The 
rector  reports  that,  during  the  past  year,  fifteen 
have  been  added  to  the  communion,  present  num- 
ber of  communicants  forty-five — baptisms  eleven 
(one  adult)— funerals  nine— one  marriage — con- 
firmed eleven.  He  also  reports  that  the  prospects 
in  this  parish  are  encouraging — subscriptions  are 
now  raising  for  the  erection  of  two  cwiimotlious 
brick  churches,  and  for  repairing  the  old  building 
— it  is  expected  they  will  be  completed  the  pres- 
ent year. 

He  would  further  report,  that  he  has  preached 
occasionally  in  Berkeley  parish,  Spotsylvania, 
where  a  vestry  has  lately  been  elected,  and  sub- 
scriptions commenced  for  the  erection  of  a  church. 
The  labours  of  a  pious  and  active  missionary  are 
much  needed  in  this  parish  and  the  adjoining 
county  Louisa.  W.  Friend. 

St.  George's  Church,  Fredericksburg.  The 
minister  of  this  church  has  nothing  of  espeeial  in- 
terest to  report  concerning  its  present  state.  If 
he  should  say  that  the  religious  sensibility  of  the 
congregation  is  not  so  great  as  at  some  former 
periods,  it  is  what  all  would  be  prepared  to  hear 
who  know  any  thing  of  the  history  of  religion  in 
this  unfriendly  world.  There  is,  however,  noth- 
ing of  which  we  can  seriously  complain,  but,  on 
the  contrary,  much  to  inspire  confidence  and 
awaken  gratitude  to  God.  However  unfaithful 
we  may  have  been,  there  is  still  continued  cause 
for  recording  the  loving  kindness  and  tender  mer- 
cies of  the  Lord. 

Religious  institutions  command,  a  general  re- 
spect among  us.  The  numbers  fiUing  the  sanc- 
tuary proclaim  the  influence  and  ascendency  of 
divine  truth.  We  do  what  we  can  to  prevent  the 
people  from  mistaking  the  "  form"  for  the  power 
of  religion. 

There  has  been  no  abatement  of  active  zeal  in 
the  cause  of  Christian  benevolence.  Much  has 
been  done  in  this  way  through  the  past  year.  The 
people  do  not  only  love  in  word,  but  in  deed,  and 
in  truth. 

The  congregation  has  erected  since  the  last 
Convention  a  commodious  vestry-room.  One 
scholarship  in  the  Theological  Seminary  of  Vir- 
ginia has  been  endowed  for  five  years,  and  a 
second  is  in  a  fair  way  of  being  soon  completed. 
A  promising  youth,  taken  from  the  Sunday  School, 
has  been  sent  to  college  by  the  liberality  of  a 
few,  in  order  to  his  ultimate  preparation  for  the 
ministry. 

Our  Sunday  Schools  (male,  female,  and  infant) 
contain  about  two  hundred  and  fifty  children,  in- 
structed by  upwards  of  fifty  teachers.  Our  Bible 
classes  contain  from  sixty  to  seventy  persons. 
The  rest  of  our  societies  continue  to  receive  their 
share  of  patronage,  and  to  exercise  a  salutary  in- 
fluence on.  the  interests  of  the  church. 

It  may  here  be  proper  to  mention  the  favour 
which  has  been  recently  shown  our  Female 
Charity  School — a  legacy  amounting  to  $10,000 
having  been  left  it  by  the  late  Miss  Sophia  Carter, 
of  Prince  William  county. 

Baptisms  eighteen^  one  adult— confirmed  four- 
teen— communicants  one  hundred  and  eighty-five 
— marriages  nine — funerals  seventeen — families 
about  one  hundred. 

Edward  C.  M'Guire. 

St.  Paul's  Church,  Lynchburg.  The  number 
of  communicants  reported  last  year  was  fifty 
eight,  deceased  and  removed  since  that  time  four, 


CONVENTION  OF  1833. 


291 


Rflded  eight,  present  number  sixty-two — baptisms, 
of  infants  two — one  marriage — funerals  five. 

A  small  society  of  female  communicants  have 
testified  their  interest  in  the  prosperity  of  our  be- 
loved Zion,  by  raising  the  sum  of  seventy-five  dol- 
lars for  the  use  of  our  Education  Society. 

F.  G.  Smith. 

Christ  Church,  Winchester.  In  taking  a  review 
of  the  past  year,  the  rector  has  abundant  cause  of 
thankfulness.  There  is  in  the  congregation  more 
apparent  religious  feeling,  and  more  devout  at- 
tachment to  the  church,  than  at  any  former 
period  ;  but  the  Almighty  has  laid  his  hand  heavi- 
ly upon  the  congregation,  having  removed  by 
aeath  six  of  our  oldest  and  most  highly  esteemed 
members.  The  public  ministrations  and  social 
exercises  continue  to  be  well  attended.  The 
Sunday  School  has  never  been  in  a  more  prosper- 
ous state.  There  is  in  the  congregation  a  Mis- 
sionary Society,  a  Female  Education  Society, 
a  Society  of  Industry,  a  Mite  Society,  and  three 
Bible  classes  ;  all  of  which  receive  efficient  atten- 
tion. Since  the  last  Convention  six  respectable 
families,  from  a  conviction  of  the  excellence  of 
our  apostolic  church,  have  been  united  to  our 
congregation;  nineteen  have  been  added  to  the 
communion ;  six  members  have  died  ;  one  re- 
mains suspended ;  and  two  have  removed — leav- 
ing the  present  number  of  communicants  one 
hundred  and  five — baptisms  twenty-two — marria- 
ges four — deaths  ten — confirmed  twenty-one. 

The  congregation  at  Mill  Creek  continues  very 
flourishing ;  the  rector  deeply  regrets  his  visits  to 
the  parish  can  only  be  monthly.  There  are  forty- 
one  communicants,  after  deducting  four  deceased 
and  two  removed — marriages  two — baptisms  nine. 
J.  E.  Jackson,  Rector. 

St.  Stephen's  Church,  St.  Mark's  parish,  Cul- 
pepper. The  rector  would  report,  that  since  he 
took  charge  of  this  church  in  June  last,  eight 
persons  have  been  added  to  the  communion,  three 
have  died,  four  removed — present  number  of  com- 
municants forty-five — baptisms  eight,  of  children 
— marriages  four. 

There  are  some  cases  of  seriousness,  but  abun- 
dant cause  for  deep  humiliation. 
.  Nearly  one  half  of  his  time  has  been  devoted  to 
the  interests  of  the  church  in  Bloomfield  parish, 
Madison  county.  There  he  found  but  six  indi- 
viduals who  were  attached  to  our  communion. 

Since  he  has  been  labouring  among  them,  the 
Lord  has  added  twenty-four  to  their  number, 
fourteen  of  whom  are  gentlemen — present  number 
of  communicants  thirty— baptisms  fifteen,  adults 
seven,  children  eight. 

A  contract  has  been  made  for  the  erection  of  a 
church,  which  will  cost  f  1,800  or  $2,000 :  $1,400 
have  been  subscribed.  "The  Lord  has  done 
great  things  for  us,  whereof  we  are  glad." 

Archibald  H.  Lamon. 

Christ  Church,  Lancaster  county.  The  rector 
reports,  that  during  the  past  year  he  has  devoted 
his  time  almost  exclusively  to  the  two  congrega- 
tions in  this  parish,  except  during  a  necessary  ab- 
sence of  more  than  three  months.  We  have  great 
reason  to  be  thankful  to  the  great  Head  of  the 
church,  for  the  blessings  he  has  been  pleased  to 
bestow  upon  this  portion  of  our  Zion. 

When  the  rector  entered  upon  his  duties,  about 
sixteen  months  ago,  the  Episcopal  Church  in  this 
section  of  the  state  was  nearly  extinct.  But 
thirteen  communicants  could  be  found  in  the  two 
counties  of  Lancaster  and  Northumberland.  A 
Bible  class  has  been  in  operation  during  a  part  of 
the  year  past,  consisting  in  all  of  twenty-four 
members,  six  of  whom  have  united  with  the 
church.  Communicants  thirteen,  died  two,  ad- 
T2 


ded  twenty-five,  present  number  thirty-six — bap* 
tisms,  adults  five,  children  forty-nine,  total  fifty- 
four — funerals  five — number  of  persons  confirmed 
twenty-seven.  Ephraim  Adams,  Rector. 

St.  James's  Church,  Shelburne  parish,  Lees* 
burg.  The  present  minister  took  charge  of  this 
parish  the  first  of  June  ;  since  which  time,  he  has 
reason  to  hope  that  the  great  Head  of  the  church 
has  not  been  unmindful  of  us. 

The  good  seed  which  has  been  sown  by  his 
pious  and  faithful  predecessors,  he  has  reason  to 
hope,  is  springing  up,  and  that  his  own  labours 
have  not  been  altogether  in  vain.  Eighteen  have 
been  added  to  the  communion — twenty-three  con- 
firmed—eleven baptized — deaths  eight — one  mar- 
riage— whole  number  of  communicants  sixty -five. 
Efforts  have  been  made  either  to  enlarge  the  pres- 
ent church  building,  or  to  erect  a  new  and  more 
commodious  one;  which  we  are  encouraged  to 
hope  will  be  done  at  no  distant  period.  The  pres- 
ent state  of  the  congregation  is  encouraging ;  the 
Sabbath  School  flourishing ;  the  Bible  -class 
hitherto  well  attended.  There  is  also  a  Mission- 
ary Society,  and  Sewing  Society,  the  proceeds 
of  which  are  appropriated  to  benevolent  purposes. 
We  have,  however,  deeply  to  lament  that  there  is 
so  little  of  that  interest  manifested  on  the  part  of 
the  congregation  generally,  that  the  Infinitely  im- 
portant concerns  of  eternity  demand. 

The  church  is  closed  one  Sabbath  in  the 
month,  the  minister  oflSciating  on  that  day  at  Al- 
die  and  Middleburg,in  which  two  places  there  are 
nine  comrmunicants.  Geo.  A  die. 

St.  Anne's  and  Fredericksville  parishes,  Albe- 
marle. In  making  a  report  of  his  labours  for  the 
past  year,  the  rector  cannot  avoid  expressing  his 
gratitude  to  the  great  Head  of  the  church,  that  he 
has  been  made  the  instrument,  he  trusts,  of  some 
little  good  to  the  people  among  whom  he  has  been 
called  to  preach  the  gospel.  Some  of  the  encour- 
aging circumstances  to  which  he  feels  bound  to 
allude  are  these  :  the  completion  and  consecration 
of  one  new  church  at  an  expense  of  not  less  than 
$1,800— the  commencement  of  another,  which  will 
be  completed  some  time  during  the  present  year^ 
and  which,  with  the  others,  will  make  four  com- 
fortable churches  in  this  county — the  commence- 
ment also  of  five  scholarships  on  the  plan  of  a 
gentleman  of  Virginia — the  favourable  disposi- 
tion manifested  towards  our  church  by  those  who 
are  not  of  her  communion,  in  admitting  the  puri- 
ty of  her  doctrines,  the  excellence  of  her  forms, 
and  the  piety  of  her  members — and  last,  but  not 
least,  the  great  liberality  and  punctuality  of  some 
of  his  people  in  contributing  to  the  temporal  sup- 
port of  their  minister. 

He  has,  however,  to  lament  with  great  sorrow^ 
that  he  has  met  with  not  a  few  embarrassments 
to  his  usefulness.  Among  which  may  be  reckon- 
ed the  great  extent  of  his  charge — a  want  of 
spirituality  and  zeal  among  his  people — the  exist- 
ence of  too  much  worldly-mindedness— a  back- 
wardness in  confessing  Christ  before  men — an  ap' 
parent  indifference  by  them  in  the  support  of  their 
Sunday  Schools,  their  Education  and  Tract  So- 
cieties, &c. 

In  St.  Anne's  parish  there  have  been  during  the 
past  year  twenty-four  persons  confirmed — two 
adult  baptisms,  twelve  infant  baptisms — two  mar- 
riages— three  funerals — number  of  communicants 
thirty-one. 

In  Fredericksville  parish  there  have  been  twen- 
ty-five confirmed — three  adult  baptisms,  five  in- 
fant baptisms — two  funerals — three  marriages — 
number  of  communicants  fifty-one. 

Whole  number  in  both  parishes,  forty-nine  con- 
firmed—five adult  baptisms,  seventeen  infant  bapr 


292 


CONVENTION  OF  1833. 


tisms— five  marriages— five   funerals^eighty-six 
communicants.  Zacharuh  Mead. 

The  rector  of  Cumberland  parish,  in  giving  to 
the  Convention  an  account  of  his  stewardship, 
presents  the  following  as  the  state  of  the  church 
under  his  care : — Comtrtunicants  in  all  seventeen, 
additions  five,  lost  by  death  one — funerals  ten, 
three  are  whites,  seven  are  blacks— marriages 
three— one  baptism.  The  church  spoken  of  in 
his  last  report  was  finished,  all  to  lathing  and 
plastering,  before  the  close  of  the  last  year,  and  is 
now  about  to  be  completed.  Siiite  the  last  Con- 
vention his  labours  have  been  considerably  inter- 
rupted by  ill  health,  particularly  durmg  the  last 
three  or  four  months.  The  prejudices  against  our 
church  seem  to  be  fleeing  before  the  light  of  truth, 
and  the  people  begin  to  prize  her  excellence. 
Though  the  attendance  on  our  services  has  gen- 
erally been  very  good,  it  is  humiliating  to  ac- 
knowledge, that  the  state  of  vital  religion  is  quite 
low.  We  have  much  need  to  pray  that  the  Lord 
would  raise  us  higher  in  the  scale  of  true  godli- 
ness, and  make  us  more  abundant  in  the  fruits 
thereof.  A  moderate  degree  of  interest,  however, 
19  felt  in  all  the  benevolent  operations  of  the  day. 
Charles  C.Taliaferro. 

St.  Anne's  and  South  Famham  parishes,  Essex 
county.  The  pastor  has  nothing  of  much  interest 
to  report.  He  does  not  think  that  the  state  of 
religion  has  very  visibly  improved  since  the  last 
Convention.  The  attendance  upon  the  services 
of  the  sanctuary  is  not  greater  ;  the  condition  of 
the  Bible  classes  and  Sunday  Schools  more  dis- 
couraging. But  there  are  still  some  gracious 
evidences  of  the  continued  presence  and  blessing 
(rf  the  exalted  Head  of  the  church.  Among  these, 
one  of  the  most  important  is  the  increase  of  a  mis- 
sionary spirit,  giving,  as  it  ever  does,  sure  indica- 
tions of  growth  in  that  divine  charity  which  leads 
to  every  good  work. 

St.  Mary's  parish,  Port  Royal,  Caroline  county. 
The  pastor  of  St.  Anne's  and  South  Famham 
still  continues  his  labours  at  this  place,  and  has 
gathered  in  some  fruit  to  the  glory  of  God's  grace. 
It  was  reported  to  the  last  Convention  that  meas- 
ures had  been  taken  to  erect  a  church.  Though 
circumstances  not  necessary  to  be  mentioned 
have  delayed  this  work,  preparations  for  it  have 
gradually  progressed,  and  it  is  confidently  be- 
lieved that  another  Convention  will  not  meet  be- 
fore its  completion.  The  congregation  is  an  in- 
teresting one  ;  a  good  work  seems  to  be  going  on 
among  its  members. 

Lunenburg  parish,  Warsaw,  Richmond  county. 
Since  June  last,  the  pastor  of  St.  Anne's  and  South 
Famham  has  preached  at  this  place  twice  a  month, 
and  found  much  cause  to  thank  the  Lord  for  en- 
abling him  to  do  so.  Here,  as  in  the  surrounding 
region,  considerable  religious  excitement  has  ex- 
isted during  the  past  year,  and  our  labours  have 
been  mercifully  blessed  to  save  precious  souls. 
A  brick  church,  forty-eigTit  feet  by  thirty-five,  hav- 
ing a  vestibule  and  one  end  gallery,  has  been 
recently  commenced.  Its  corner-stone  was  laid 
by  Bishop  Meade  during  his  late  episcopal  visit 
to  the  Northern  Neck,  and  the  walls  are  now 
going  up  with  a  promising  prospect  of  the  house 
being  speedily  finished. 

Immediately  connected  with  Lunenburg  is 
Famham  parish,  containing  an  old  and  venerable 
church,  which  was  within  a  few  years  in  a  toler- 
able state  of  preservation,  but  is  now  so  ruined 
that  scarcely  any  thing  remains  save  the  walls, 
which  are  still  sound.  At  this  time  there  is  an 
effort  making  to  repair  it  thoroughly.  The  most 
costly  part  of  the  work  is  already  under  contract, 
and  it  is  hoped  that  another  for  the  remaipder  will 


soon  be  made.  Of  the  communicants  belonging 
to  this  parish  several  are  connected  with  the  con- 
gregation in  Lunenburg,  but  would,  of  course,  if 
there  was  any  shepherd  to  gather  them,  belong  to 
one  established  within  their  own  limits.  And 
then  these  two,  with  perhaps  another  neighbour- 
ing church,  will  form  a  large  and  important  field 
for  the  labours  of  any  suitable  minister  of  God's 
word,  willing  to  spend  and  be  spent  in  his  Master's 
service. 

During  a  part  of  the  last  and  present  month, 
Bishop  Meade  visited  these  parishes.  In  the  four 
first  mentioned  forty  persons  were  confirmed,  and 
a  most  salutary  impression  made  upon  the  com- 
munity. It  is  very  evident,  both  from  their  words 
and  deeds,  and  we  think  it  important  to  record  it 
as  a  fact  connected  with  the  present  condition  of 
the  people  under  our  pastoral  care,  that,  becoming 
gradually  better  acquainted  with  the  primitive  and 
scriptural  character  of  the  church,  their  attach- 
ment to  it  grows,  and  their  gratitude  to  God  for 
bringing  and  keeping  them  within  its  pale  abounds 
more  and  more. 

St.  Anne's  parish.  Communicants  thirty-one — 
one  death,  coloured — baptisms  fifteen,  thirteen 
coloured — burials  two — marriages  five,  two  col- 
oured. 

South  Famham.  Communicants  twenty-two 
—one  removed — baptisms  two — one  burial. 

St.  Mary's.  Conmiunicants  thirteen — baptisms 
six — buried  one. 

Lunenburg.  Communicants  twenty-seven — one 
death — baptized  eight,  one  adult,  four  coloured — 
burials  three — married  three. 

Jno.  p.  M'Guire,  Rector. 

The  late  minister  of  St.  Peter's,  Tillotson,  re- 
ports, that  during  the  past  year  he  has  preached 
alternately  at  this  church  and  Caira,  Cumberland. 
Circumstances  have  compelled  him  to  leave  this 
highly  interesting  and  most  eligible  field,  but  he 
hopes  that  it  is  only  to  make  room  for  a  more 
faithful  labourer.  Such  a  one  would  receive  a 
cordial  welcome,  and,  it  is  believed,  a  support 
fully  adequate  to  his  individual  wants.  Confirmed 
eighteen — communicants  thirty-six — added  five — 
baptisms  eight,  four  adults  and  four  infants — mar- 
riages two— one  death.  J.  S.  Swift. 

Trinity  Church,  Augusta  parish,  Staunton. 
Communicants  added  twelve,  total  number  fifty 
—baptisms  (ten  aidults)  thirty— deaths  nine — mar- 
riages twelve.  W.  G.  Jackson. 

Edward  Valentine. 

Abingdon  and  Ware  parishes,  Gloucester.  In 
these  parishes  there  have  been  six  baptisms  and 
three  funerals— ten  members  have  been  added  to 
our  communion,  total  thirty-eight — two  marriages 
have  been  solemnized  in  an  adjoining  parish. 

Jno.  Cole. 

St.  John's  Church,  Henrico  parish.  Nine  mar- 
riages— nine  baptisms — fourteen  funerals — thirty 
communicants.  Edward  W.  Peet. 

St.  John's  Church,  Hampton.  During  the  past 
year  two  communicants  have  been  removed  by 
death — three  heretofore  reported  are  now  residing 
in  other  parts  of  the  diocess,  and  three  have  been 
added  to  our  communion— present  number  twelve. 

Old  Point  Comfort.  Three  communicants  have 
removed,  and  six  have  been  added — present  num- 
ber thirteen.  In  the  Sunday  School  we  have  seven 
teachers — thirty-eight  scholars — marriages  four — 
baptisms  eighteen — burials  twenty-one. 

Mark  L.  Chevers. 

The  rector  of  Russell  parish,  Bedford  county^ 
reports  to  the  Convention,  that  but  little  has  been 
done  in  his  parish  during  the  past  year  towards  the 
extension  of  the  church.  Throughout  all  the 
region  in  which  he  labours,  there  has  been  a  gen- 


CONVENTION  OF  1833. 


293 


cral  indifference  towards  religion.  The  houses  of 
public  worship  are  thinly  and  irregularly  attended  ; 
the  zeal  of  rnultitudes  has  abated  ;  and  many  who 
gave  fair  promise  of  being  faithful  servants  of  the 
cross,  have  returned  to  the  world.  The  rector  is 
pained  to  say,  that  his  congregations  have  been 
affected  by  the  prevailing  spirit  of  lukewarmness ; 
and  he  has  had  the  mortification  to  see  some  of 
the  communicants  apostatize  from  the  faith,  and 
bring  upon  themselves  the  necessity  of  being  sep- 
arated from  the  communion  of  the  saints.  Yet, 
amid  these  discouragements,  there  are  causes  for 
gratitude  to  God.  Some  valuable  additions  have 
been  made  to  the  communion ;  the  members  gen- 
erally are  becoming  more  decidedly  attached  to 
the  distinctive  principles  and  doctrines  of  the 
church.  In  obedience  to  a  resolution  of  the  last 
Convention,  the  rector  has  endeavoured,  by  the 
circulation  of  Episcopal  books  and  tracts,  to  in- 
struct the  people  in  the  true  principles  of  the 
church  :  a  duty  the  importance  and  necessity  of 
which  he  has  been  taught  by  painful  experience. 
There  is  also  another  cause  for  encouragement  in 
the  proofs  of  an  increasing  confidence  in  the  sound- 
ness of  our  doctrines  and  the  piety  of  our  mem- 
bers. Plainly  many  are  beginning  to  see  in  these 
perilous  times,  when  dangerous  heresies  are  boldly 
propagated,  and  when  contention  and  strife,  with 
many  other  fruits  of  the  flesh,  are  encouraged  by 
the  divisions  of  new  sects  continually  multiplying, 
that  our  ancient  church  presents  to  the  humble  and 
honest  inquirer  after  truth  a  place  of  quiet  and 
an  ark  of  safety.  Baptisms,  of  adults  five,  of  in- 
fants twenty-six — burials  two — marriages  ten — 
communicants,  removed  four,  died  two,  added 
fourteen ;  present  number  one  hundred. 

Nicholas  H.  Cobbs. 

St.  Paul's,  Norfolk.  The  venerable  parish 
church  of  Norfolk  borough,  built  near  a  century 
ago,  has,  during  the  last  year,  been  entirely  and 
very  neatly  renewed  in  its  interior,  and  consecra- 
ted under  the  name  of  St.  Paul's. 

Two  or  three  months  since  I  entered  on  the 
duties  of  its  rectorship.  The  pews  were  soon  dis- 
posed of  by  sale  and  rent,  and  in  want  of  more 
room  we  proceeded  to  erect  galleries,  which  are 
now  very  nearly  finished.  An  organ  has  been 
lately  ordered.  A  flourishing  Sunday  School  is 
in  operation,  for  which  a  good  library  has  been 
obtained.  Four  or  five  new  communicants  were 
lately  added — total  number  about  twenty-five. 
The  prospects  of  the  congregation,  on  the  whole, 
seem  greatly  encouraging. 

Ebenezer  Boyden. 

Norborne  parish,  Berkeley  county.     When  the 

firesent  rector  took  charge  of  this  parish  in  June 
ast,  it  was  under  discouraging  circumstances. 
For  some  time  previous  it  had  been  destitute  of 
regular  services,  and  consequently  the  usual  zeal 
and  interest  of  EpiscopaUans  in  the  prosperity  of 
the  church  had  in  a  measure  abated.  But,  with 
gratitude  to  Almighty  God,  he  is  now  happy  to 
report  a  more  favourable  state  of  things.  Since 
his  assumption  of  the  pastoral  charge  of  this 
parish,  the  Lord  has  been  graciously  pleased  to 
visit  it  in  mercy.  At  an  association  held  in  Sep- 
tember last,  thirty-three  persons  were  added  to 
the  communion ;  many  more  are  still  in  an  inqui- 
ring state  of  mind  ;  but,  owing  to  the  difficulty  of 
procuring  regular  communion,  have  been  pre- 
vented from  making  a  public  profession  of  religion. 
We  have  a  flourishing  Sunday  School,  and  two 
Bible  classes.  The  Education  and  Missionary 
Societies  are  in  a  way  of  receiving  liberal  encour- 
agement. Of  the  communicants,  four  have  been 
lost,  three  by  removal  and  one  by  death — pres- 
emi  number  of  communicants  one  hundred  and 


eighteen— marriages  ten— baptisms  ten,  two  adults 
and  eight  infants. 

W.  P.  C.  Johnson. 

Trinity  Church,  Portsmouth  parish.  The  rector 
reports,  with  gratitude  to  the  great  Head  of  the 
church,  that  there  have  been  added  to  the  com- 
municants in  his  parish  during  the  past  year  eight 
persons.  But  must  with  sorrow  add,  that  he  has 
been  compelled  to  expel  from  the  communion  one 
of  his  members ;  and  has  performed  the  burial- 
services  for  thirty  persons,  more  than  hall' of  whom 
died  of  the  cholera. 

The  societies  in  connexion  with  this  congrega- 
tion he  believes  to  be  about  in  the  same  state  as 
when  last  reported.  One  or  two  families  have 
joined  the  congregation,  and  as  many  have  left. 
The  general  attendance  upon  the  services  of  the 
sanctuary,  he  thinks,  has  somewhat  improved ;  and, 
upon  the  whole,  he  is  encouraged  to  hope  that  his 
labours  have  not  been  altogether  in  vzdn.  Mar- 
riages eleven — baptisms,  nineteen  children  and  one 
adult,  twenty — communicants,  eight  added,  five 
removed,  one  expelled  ;  present  number  thirty- 
nine — burials  thirty. 

J.  H.  WiNGFIELD. 

St.  Andrew's  parish,  Brunswick  county,  and 
Bath  parish,  Dinwiddle  county.  The  condition 
of  these  parishes  is  apparently  the  same  a,s  when 
last  reported ;  and  it  is  a  subject  of  deep  regtet 
and  humiliation  to  the  rector,  that  helias  no  cheei:- 
ing  account  to  render,  either  of  the  enlargemenl 
of  our  Zion,  or  of  the  increase  of  spiritual  life 
among  its  members,  in  the  region  of  country  com- 
mitted to  his  charge.  There  have  been  baptized 
in  the  two  parishes  thirteen,  three  adults  and  ten 
children — confirmed  sixteen — four  have  been  ad- 
mitted to  the  communion — two  communicants 
have  removed,  and  the  present  number  is  forty- 
seven— marriages  eight — funerals  five,  aU  of  chil- 
dren. 

The  difference  of  religious  views  and  practices 
which  prevails  throughout  the  country,  renders  it 
impracticable  to  comply  strictly  with  that  part  of 
the  29th  canon  of  the  General  Convention  which 
requires  that  a  register  should  be  kept  by  the 
clergyman  of  the  families  within  his  cure.  Many 
families  contain  members  of  several  different 
denominations ;  those  of  which  the  rector  of 
these  parishes  is  exclusively  the  pastor  amount  to 
twenty-four. 

John  Grammer,  Jr. 

St.  Martin's  parish,  Hanover  and  Louisa.  But 
little  requiring  special  notice  has  occurred  in  this 
parish  during  the  past  year.  Since  our  last  report, 
the  new  church  then  mentioned  as  being  com- 
pleted has  been  consecrated  to  the  service  of 
God.  Thirteen  persons  have  been  confirmed. 
Seven  children  and  one  adult  have  been  received 
in  baptism.  A  few  have  been  added  to  the  com- 
munion, and  some  have  removed,  leaving  the 
present  number  sixty-four.  About  $500  have  been 
contributed  to  the  various  benevolent  institutions 
connected  with  the  church,  and  probably  as  much 
more  subscribed  to  the  Theological  Seminary. 
In  speaking  of  these  contributions,  i  should  do 
injustice  to  the  individuals  concerned  were  I  not 
to  take  special  notice  of  $270  contributed  to  the 
Education  Society,  by  the  indefatigable  zeal  and 
industry  of  a  Working  Society,  consisting  of  a 
few  young  ladies.  Owing  to  the  continued  in- 
disposition of  the  rector,  he  has  been  unable  during 
the  past  year  to  extend  his  labour  as  usual  much 
beyond  the  limits  of  his  own  parish.  He  has, 
however,  occasionally  visited  those  of  St.  Paul's 
and  Trinity,  in  both  of  which  they  are  anxious 
to  obtain  the  services  of  an  Episcopal  minister. 
In  the  latter  they  are  now  building  a  place  for 


294 


CONVENTION  OF  1653. 


public  worship,  with  the  hope  of  getting  their 
wants  speedily  supplied,  and  are,  I  believe,  ready 
to  commence  one  in  the  former,  so  soon  as  they 
see  a  probability  of  having  a  minister  to  preach 
in  it,  John  Cooke. 

Berkeley  parish,  Spotsylvania.  This  parish  ha^ 
for  some  years  been  without  a  regular  ministry. 
Within,  the  last  three  years  it  has  occasionally 
been  visited  by  the  Rev.  John  Cooke,  the  Rev. 
Caleb  J.  Cood,  and  the  Rev.  William  Friend. 
There  exists  an  increasing  interest  in  the  cause 
of  the  church.  A  vestry  has  lately  been  organized, 
and  a  subscription  for  an  Episcopal  church  com- 
pienced.  We  believe  that  the  sum  of  ^200  dollars 
could  be  raised  for  the  support  of  a  minister,  m- 
dependent  of  his  board. 

Within  the  period  above  mentioned,  there  have 
been  several  baptisms,  marriages,  and  funerals ; 
but  the  precise  number  not  known — communi- 
pants  about  eight.  E.  Berkeley. 

Geo.  Tylek. 

Bruton  paxish,  Williamsburg.  Baptisms,  one 
white  and  three  coloured  children,  in  all  four — 
marriages,  three  of  white  and  five  of  coloured 
persons,  in  all  eight — funerals,  two  parishioners 
and  six  not  of  the  parish,  in  all  eighth— communi- 
cants, two  have  died,  three  removed,  and  three 
been  added ;  total  at  present  sixty -three,  of  whom 
two  are  coloured  persons. 

The  number  oi  famihes  belonging  to  the  con- 
gregation at  present  is  forty-one — the  number  of 
adults  is  one  hundred  and  three,  and  of  children 
.eighty-two.  The  number  reported  four  years  ago 
was  one  hundred  and  twelve  adults,  and  one 
hundred  children ;  but,  besides  those  who  have 
died,  we  have  lost  in  the  meantime  by  removal 
eighteen  adults  and  twenty-two  cliildren. 

Our  Sunday  School,  however,  has  not  dimin- 
ished. It  still  numbers  about  forty  scholars,  while 
our  parish  hbrary  has  advanced  from  a  hundred 
to  a  hundred  and  forty -seven  volumes.  In  other 
respects,  the  congregation  is  statistically  the  same 
as  when  last  reported  ;  but  whether  true  religion 
has  been  advancing  in  the  hearts  and  characters 
pi  our  people,  must  be  left  to  their  own  con- 
sciences, arid  to  the  Searcher  of  hearts. 

An  arrangement  has  been  made  this  spring  for 
me  to  preach  once  a  month  in  James  City,  and  I 
have  twice  officiated  at  Hickory  Neck  Church  to 
full  and  attentive  congregations. 

^,  Empie,  Rectoy. 

The  report  of  the  board  of  trustees  of  the 
Theological  School  of  Virginia,  together  with 
that  of  their  treasurer,  were  presented  and  read 
by  the  Rev.  Edward  C.  M'Guire,  and  received. 

JReport  of  the  Board  of  Trustees  of  the  Theological 
School  of  Virginia. 

In  presenting  the  twelfth  annual  report  of  their 
proceedings  to  the  Convention,  the  trustees  would 
not  be  unmindful,  but  gratefully  acknowledge  that 
good  Providence  which  has  hitherto  worked  with 
them,  and  graciously  prospered  their  humble  en- 
deavours in  behalf  of  the  important  institution 
with  the  promotion  of  Ayhose  mterests  they  have 
been  charged. 

By  the  last  annual  report,  you  were  informed, 
that  in  consequence  of  increasing  applications  for 
admission  into  the  seminary,  the  speedy  erection 
pf  an  additional  building  had  become  indispensa- 
bly necessary.  The  existing  edifice  could  accom- 
toodate  but  twenty  students,  while  thirty  were 
actually  connected  with  the  institution.  Of  these, 
several  had  been  under  the  necessity  of  seeking 
abodes  in  the  neighbourhood,  and  one  was  com- 


pelled to  withdraw  altogether,  from  the  impossi- 
oility  of  procuring  accommodations.  Under  these 
circumstances,  the  board  felt  constrained  to  obey 
the  manifest  mtmiations  of  Providence,  and  pro- 
ceed at  once,  in  reliance  on  the  tried  hberality  of 
the  friends  of  the  church,  to  make  arrangements 
for  the  erection  of  another  building. 

That  there  might  be  no  delay  m  ascertaining 
the  support  which  would  be  given  to  such  a  meas- 
ure, a  meeting  was  held  during  the  Convention, 
as  many  of  you  remember,  with  express  reference 
to  the  above  object.  With  the  gratifying  and  un- 
expected success  which  crowned  that  effort,  the 
most  of  you  are  acquainted.  More  than  $7,000  in 
subscriptions  were  added  on  that  occasion  to  the 
funds  of  the  institution.  Thus  encouraged,  the 
trustees  proceeded  forthwith  to  provide  for  the 
erection  of  a  house  corresponding  in  style  and 
dimensions  with  the  one  already  in  use.  The 
superintendence  and  execution  of  the  undertaking 
were  confided  to  competent  individuals,  and  the 
house  was  completed  m  time  for  the  reception  of 
students  at  the  commencement  of  the  session  be- 
ginning in 

The  necessities  of  the  institution,  arising  from 
the  inadequacy  of  its  general  fund,  demanded  the 
adoption  Of  still  additional  means  of  augmenting 
its  resources.  For  this  end  an  agent  was  ap>- 
pointed  (Mr.  George  W.  Nelson,  a  student  in  the 
seminary)  with  authority  to  make  applications  for 
funds  throughout  the  diocess.  This  duty  was 
faithfully  discharged  by  Mr.  Nelson  during  the 
last  summer.  Though  straitened  in  regard  to 
time  by  his  connexion  with  the  seminary,  and  of 
course  unable  to  extend  his  efforts  beyond  a  lim- 
ited portion  of  the  state,  he  yet  procured  subscrii>- 
tions  to  the  amount  of  $3,500,  of  which  sum  $1,257 
Were  received  in  hand,  and  duly  remitted  by  him 
to  the  treasurer  of  the  seminary. 

It  is  with  pleasure  we  announce  the  internal 
prosperity  which  has  marked  the  progress  of  the 
institution  through  the  past  year.  The  number  of 
students  has  exceeded  that  of  any  previous  pe- 
riod. Thirty-three  young  men  have  shared  its 
signal  advantages.  Nor  have  any  of  them  failed 
to  make  the  very  best  improvement  of  their  privi- 
leges. The  professors  bear  unquahfied  testimony 
to  their  punctuality  and  industry,  as  well  as  to 
their  satisfactory  and  creditable  progress  in  the 
acquisition  of  useful  knowledge.  The  course  of 
study  has  been  the  same  as  heretofore  pursued, 
being  that  prescribed  by  the  statutes,  and  so  often 
staled  to  this  body  as  to  render  repetition  unne- 
cessary. 

Since  the  last  report,  and  on  the  Sunday  succeed- 
ing the  Convention,  seven  of  the  students  were  ad- 
mitted to  the  ministry,  and  five  more  are  expected 
to  undergo  examination  for  orders  during  the  pres- 
ent session.  Our  diocess  has  shared  the  zealous 
and  edifying  services  of  a  portion  of  those  advanced 
to  the  holy  office  at  the  time  above  specified,  and 
many  waste  places  bear  witness  to  the  efficacy  of 
their  pious  and  active  labours.  Sohtary  places 
have  been  made  glad,  and  the  desert  to  blossom  as 
the  rose.  The  beneficence  which  endowed  and 
sustained  in  vigorous  action  this  important  estab- 
lishment, has  thus,  in  the  economy  of  Providence, 
been,  as  it  were,  exhaled  and  diffiised  over  our 
land,  and,  descending  in  refreshing  showers  on 
many  a  dry  and  barren  spot,  is  already  yielding  a 
rich  and  precious  harvest  of  spiritual  good  to  man 
and  glory  to  God.  Duly  estimating  the  impor- 
tance of  these  objects,  what  surprising  value  must 
be  attached  to  this  sacred  charity.  Who  that  feels 
at  all  the  glow  of  religious  aft'ection,  does  not  find 
his  heart  burn  within  him  at  the  contemplation 
of  such  fruits  of  Christian  love  and  liberality.    Aie 


CONVENTION  OF  1833. 


29^ 


they  not  worth  all  the  sacrifices  which  may  have 
been  made  for  them. 

At  the  hazard  of  a  seeming  importunity,  we 
must,  in  closing,  refer  to  the  continued  necessities 
of  the  institution,  and  beg  your  prayers  and  other 
benefactions  in  its  behalf.  It  is  the  offspring  of 
your  past  liberality,  and  has  been  the  cherished 
object  of  your  nursing  care.  You  will  not  then 
desert  it  now,  and  give  it  up  to  premature  decay 
and  final  dissolution.  There  is  yet  need  of  another 
edifice,  which,  connecting  the  two  existing  struc- 
tures, shall  give  increased  beauty  to  the  whole,  and 
more  ample  accommodations  to  the  increasing 
number  of  students.  The  endowment  of  another 
professorship  is  also  a  desideratum.  The  board, 
at  a  large  meeting,  adopted  some  measures  for  its 
accomplishment,  not  doubting  of  the  hearty  con- 
currence of  Christian  friends,  and  of  the  prosper- 
ing smile  of  God.  Agents  have  been  appointed 
principally  with  a  view  to  the  assistance  expected 
from  other  diocesses,  yet  trusting  to  the  continued 
zeal  and  munificence  of  our  own. 

The  treasurer's  account,  appended  hereto,  will 
show  the. state  of  our  funds,  how  they  are  invested, 
.and  how  well  secured. 

The  Trustees. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Lee,  from  the  executive  com- 
mittee of  the  Missionary  Society,  presented  the 
following  report,  accompanied  with  the  treasu- 
rer's account,  which  were  read  and  approved: — 

The  executive  committee  of  the  Missionary 
Society  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in 
Virginia,  in  making  the  annual  report  required  of 
them,  regret  that  it  is  not  in  their  power  to  present 
a  more  encouraging  account  of  their  operations 
during  the  past  year. 

They  still  have  to  deplore  the  paucity  of  min- 
isters in  our  church,  which  has  compelled  them 
to  disregard  the  frequently-repeated  calls  for  help 
which  are  made  to  them.  They  have  not  been 
enabled  to  procure  the  services  of  a  single  mis- 
sionary for  any  length  of  time  during  the  last 
year.  The  president  was  authorized  to  engage, 
during  the  summer  months,  the  services  of  one  of 
the  parochial  clergy,  whose  health  required  a  tem- 
porary absence  from  his  charge,  to  officiate  at  an 
important  parish  in  the  county  of  Greenbrier,  but 
they  are  not  now  able  to  state  to  what  extent  he 
was  enabled  to  perform  the  services  to  which  >he 
was  appointed. 

The  Rev.  Annerley  Stewart  was  furnished  with 
a  horse  at  the  expense  of  $100,  to  enable  him  to 
.do  missionary  duty  in  the  counties  of  Louisa  and 
-Spotsylvania  ;  but  having  afterward  declined  that 
sphere  of  labour,  the  horse  is  now  in  the  posses- 
sion of  the  treasurer  of  the  society. 

The  treasurer's  account,  herewith  exhibited, 
shows  that  he  has  received  the  sum  of  $155  72 
during  the  past  year,  and  expended  $102  50. 
And  the  funds  of  the  society  at  this  time  amount 
to  $933  22. 

Although  the  Missionary  Society  of  Virginia 
has  been  enabled  as  yet  to  do  but  little  towards 
supplying  the  vast  destitution  of  the  ministrations 
of  our  church  in  this  diocess,  they  still  feel  dis- 
posed to  exhort  the  members  of  the  church  to  aid  in 
the  accumulation  of  a  fund  which  may  be  employed 
in  some  future  day,  when,  through  the  blessing  of 
God  upon  our  Education  Societies  and  Theological 
Seminaries,  there  shall  arise  up  those  who,  filled 
with  the  zeal  of  Christian  ministers,  and  burning 
with  love  for  Christ  and  his  church,  shall  pre- 
sent themselves  as  labourers  in  the  ripening  har- 
vest. With  the  prayer  that  that  day  may  soon 
arrive,  your  committee  respectfully  submit  this  re- 
port. 


Kind  and  amount  of  funds,  viz. : — 
5  shares  of  Virginia  Bank  stock,  sup- 
posed to  be  Worth  $110  per  share,  -  $550  00 
3  shares  of  Farmers'  Bank   stock  of 

Virginia,  worth  $110  per  share,      -     330  00 
Cash  in  bank  to  the  credit  of  the  treas- 
urer,   -         -         -         -         -         -       53  22 


Total  amount,  -  -  .  .  $933  23 
E.  E.         Thomas  Nelson,  Treasurer. 

Dr.  Jacqueline  A.  Marshall,  a  lay  delegate  of 
Hamilton  parish,  Fauquier  county,  appeared  arid 
took  his  seat. 

Mr.  Edmund  1.  Lee,  from  the  committee  ap- 
pointed to  examine  the  state  of  the  fund  for  the 
permanent  support  of  the  episcopate  in  this 
diocess,  presented  the  following  report : — 

The  committee  upon  the  episcopal  fund  report, 
there  are  eighty-one  shares  of  the  stock  of  the 
Farmers'  Bank  of  Alexandria,  and  nine  shares 
of  the  stock  of  the  Bank  of  Alexandria,  and  $125 
in  the  hands  of  the  trustees  to  be  invested,  of 
which  $10  were  contributed  since  the  last  Conven- 
tion by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Crawford.  That  during  the 
present  Convention,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Cobbs  has  paid 
$10  from  Russell  parish,  Bedford  county. 

Stocks, $6,100  00 

Cash, 135  00 


$6,235  00 
On  motion  of  Rev.  Wm.  G.  H.  Jones, 
Resolved,  That  the  committee  appointed  to 
revise  the  constitution  and  canons  of  the  church, 
be  instructed  to  take  into  special  consideration 
whether  it  comports  with  the  interests  of  the 
church  that  any  one  should  be  elected  as  a  dele- 
gate who  is  not  a  regular  communicant  of  the 
church. 

On  motion,   Resolved,  That  the  Convention 
do  now  adjourn  until  5  o'clock  this  afternooa, 
Saturday  Afternoon. 
The  proceedings  of  the  standing  committee 
during  the  last  year  were  presented  and  read. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Franklin  G.  Smith,  from  the 
committee  on  the  treasurer's  account,  made  the 
following  report  :— - 

The  committee  on  the  treasurer's  accounts  re- 
spectfully report,  that  they  have  examined  the 
same,  and  find  them  correct — the  various  items  be- 
ing ascertained  by  proper  vouchers.  The  balance 
of  the  contingent  fund  at  this  time  remaining  in 
the  hands  of  the  treasurer  is  $655  75,  and  the 
balance  for  the  support  of  the  bishop  is  $32,  as 
appears  by  the  accompanying  accounts. 

F.  G.  Smith,  Chairman, 
On  motion  of  Mr.  George  W.  Nelson, 
Resolved,  That  the  Convention  do  recon- 
sider the  vote  adopting  the  resolution  instruct- 
ing the  committee  appointed  to  revise  the  con- 
stitution and  canons  of  the  church  to  take  into 
special  consideration  whether  it  comports  with 
the  interests  of  the  church  that  any  one  should 
be  elected  as  a  delegate  who  is  not  a  regular 
communicant  of  the  church. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Burwell  Bassett, 
Resolved,  That  the   said  resolution  be  laid 
upon  the  table. 

The  Convention  then  proceeded  to  the  elec- 
tioDi  by  ballot^  of  a  'standing  committee  of  the 


m6 


CONVENTION  OF  1833, 


church  in  this  diocess  for  the  ensuing  year  ; 
tvhereupon  the  following  gentlemen  were  duly 
elected,  viz.  :  the  Rev.  Reuel  Keith,  D.  D.,  the 
Rev.  Edward  R.  Lippit,  the  Rev.  Charles 
Mann,  Mr.  Edmund  I.  Lee,  Mr.  John  Hooff,  and 
Mr.  John  Gray. 

On  mption  of  Mr.  Hugh  Nelson, 
Resolved,  That  the  clergy  of  this  diocess  be 
Requested  to  take  up  a  collection  at  their  re- 
spective churches  on  the  Sunday  preceding  the 
4th  of  July,  in  behalf  of  the  Colonization  So- 
ciety, and,  by  a  short  address  at  the  time,  to  call 
the  attention  of  their  respective  congregations  to 
this  important  subject. 

The  Convention  then  proceeded  to  the  elec- 
tion, by  ballot,  of  eight  delegates,  to  represent 
this  diocess  in  the  next  General  Convention  of 
the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  United 
States  of  America ;  whereupon  the  following 
gentlemen  were  duly  elected,  viz  :  Rev.  Henry 
W.  Ducachet,  M.  D.,  Rev.  N.  H,  Cobbs,  Rev. 
John  Grammer,  Rev.  Edward  C.  M'Guire,  Mr. 
Thomas  Marshall,  Mr.  James  M.  Garnett,  Mr. 
John  G.  Williams,  and  Mr.  John  Nelson. 

Resolved,  That  the  thanks  of  this  Conven- 
tion are  due,  and  hereby  tendered,  to  the  citizens 
of  Richmond,  for  their  kindness  and  hospitality 
to  the  members  of  this  Convention. 

Resolved,  That  the  treasurer  be  directed  to  pay 
to  the  doorkeeper  of  the  Convention  ten  dollars. 
Resolved,  That  the  treasurer  pay  the  expen- 
ses of  the  bishops  and  the  delegates  to  the  Gen- 
eral Convention,  in  case  of  a  meeting  of  the 
same  before  the  next  Convention  of  this  diocess. 
The  bishops  having  retired,  Mr.  Burwell  Bas- 
sett  was  called  to  the  chair. 

Resolved,  That  the  Rev.  Wm.  F.  Lee,  Rev. 
E.  W.  Peet,  and  Mr.  Hilary  Baker,  be  a  com- 
mittee to  raise  by  assessment  among  the  diflferent 
parishes,  having  reference  to  the  number  of  com- 
municants reported  to  the  Convention,  the  sum 
of  three  hundred  dollars,  to  be  paid  to  Bishop 
Moore  at  the  next  Convention  for  his  episcopal 
services,  and  that  said  committee  inform  the 
clergyman  of  each  parish  of  the  proportion  re- 
quired from  his  parish.  And,  Resolved,  That 
the  clergy  be  required  to  raise  the  sum  so  as- 
sessed, and  pay  it  in  at  the  next  Convention. 

The  Convention  then  proceeded  to  the  choice 
of  the  executive  committee  of  the  Missionary 
Society,  which  resulted  in  the  election  of  Mr. 
John  G.  WiUiams,  secretary,  and  Mr.  Thos.  Nel- 
son, treasurer,  and  Rev.  Edward  C.  M'Guire, 
Rev.  Henry  W.  Ducachet,  Rev.  Nicholas  H. 
Cobbs,  Rev  JohnGrammer>  Rev.  Adam  Empie, 
Rev.  Wm.  P.  Lee,  Rev.  E.  W.  Peet,  Mr.  John 
Nelson,  Mr.  George  M.  Carrington,  and  Mr. 
Samuel  C.  Nichols,  as  members  of  the  execu- 
tive committee. 

Resolved,  That  1,200  copies  of  the  minutes 
t)f  this  Convention  be  printed,  and  distributed 
among  the  parishes  of  this  diocess. 

On  motion.  Resolved,  That  the  Convention 
do  now  adjourn,  to  meet  in  the  town  of  Staun- 
lOn,  on  the  third  Wednesday  in  May  next. 

Richard  Channing  Moore, 
Bishop  of  the  Diocess  of  Virginia. 
Teste,         John  G.  Williams,  Secretary. 


APPENDJX. 

On  Sunday  night,  the  members  of  the  Conven* 
tion  having  assembled  around  the  altar,  in  the  Mon- 
umental Church,  Bishop  Moore  delivered  the  fol" 
lowing  address : — 

Brethren  op  the  Clergy  and  Laity, — It 
has  been  mv  constant  practice  to  convene  you 
around  the  altar,  at  the  close  of  our  Conventional 
labours,  in  order  to  bid  you  an  affectionate  farewell 
prior  to  your  departure  to  your  respective  parishes, 
and  to  assure  you  of  the  deep  interest  I  feel  in 
your  welfare  and  personal  happiness. 

To  the  neighbourhoods  and  distant  congregations 
I  once  visited  with  great  delight,  I  have  bidden, 
through  the  effects  of  local  infirmities,  a  final 
adieu  :  and  it  is  only  upon  the  return  of  our  Con- 
ventional meetings  that  I  am  blessed  with  the 
sight  of  my  old  friends,  and  am  permitted  to  shake 
by  the  hand  a  family  of  clergymen,  who  have  been 
set  apart  to  the  ministry  of  the  gospel  by  myself. 
In  examining  the  record  of  the  clergy  of  the 
diocess  this  afternoon,  I  discovered  that  in  a  list  of 
fifty -six  individuals,  forty-four  of  the  number  have 
received  the  imposition  of  my  own  hands,  and  have 
been  clothed  with  ministerial  authority  by  myself. 
The  satisfaction  I  derive  from  such  a  consideration 
is  increased  by  the  knowledge  I  have  of  their  useful- 
ness, and  the  hope  I  entertam  of  their  continuance 
in  well-doing.  The  success  which  has  hitherto 
attended  your  labours  should  excite  in  your  minds 
the  greatest  gratitude  to  God,  and  stimulate  you 
to  the  most  unwearied  efforts  in  the  cause  of  the 
gospel.  Be  determined,  I  beseech  you,  to  make 
full  proof  of  your  ministry.  Preach  Jesus  Christ 
and  him  crucified.  Confine  your  attention  to  the 
sacred  duties  of  your  office.  Avoid  all  interfe- 
rence in  political  matters,  and  that  Being  who  has 
so  signally  crowned  your  labours  with  success,  will 
never  leave  you  nor  forsake  you. 

We,  my  clerical  brethren,  may  never  meet  again 
on  a  similar  occasion.  Two  years,  from  the  lo- 
cation of  the  next  Convention,  must  necessarily 
pass  away  before  we  shall  see  each  other  again. 
Death,  in  the  meantime,  may  step  in  and  thin  our 
ranks,  and  our  Divine  Master  may  summon  some 
of  you  or  myself  into  eternity.  Living  in  the 
faithful  discharge  of  our  sacerdotal  obligations, 
Death,  remember,  will  be  deprived  of  his  ter- 
rors, and  a  crown  of  rejoicing  be  given  to  us  by 
that  Jesus  who  is  appointed  judge  of  both  the 
quick  and  the  dead.  The  salutation  of  "Well 
done,  good  and  faithful  servants,"  will  greet  our 
ears,  as  the  portals  of  heaven  expand  for  our  re- 
ception, and  that  rest  provided  for  the  people  of 
God  be  our  final  reward.  In  all  your  trials,  my 
beloved  sons,  may  the  Almighty  be  your  refuge, 
and  underneath  you  may  he  ^lace  the  everlasting 
arms  of  his  love. 

My  brethren  of  the  laity,  accept,  I  entreat  you, 
my  best  wishes  for  your  present  and  eternal  hap- 
piness. Some  of  you  whom  I  have  seen  around 
me  during  our  present  session,  were  members  of 
the  first  Convention  I  ever  attended  in  this  diocess. 
The  clergy  were  then  a  small  band ;  but  small  as 
that  number  was,  you  gave  us  your  support,  and 
united  your  efforts  with  us  in  the  resuscitation  of 
the  church  of  our  fathers.  The  Almighty  has 
blessed  our  labours  with  such  success  as  the  most 
sanguine  mind  could  not  have  anticipated.  Our 
congregations,  which  then  amounted  to  little  more 
than  twenty,  have  increased  to  upwards  of  one 
hundred ;  and  our  clergy,  which  then  consisted  of 
six  or  eight  effective  men,  now  number  about 
sixty.  You,  my  brethren,  have  been  co-workers 
with  us.  You  merit  our  thanks,  and  deservedly 
enjoy  our  united  confidence  and   regard.     We 


CONVENTION  OF  1834. 


297 


have  but  one  interest,  and  that  interest  is  the 
glory  of  God  and  the  salvation  of  souls. 

My  labours  the  last  year  have  been  confined  to 
a  small  circle.  Few,  however,  as  have  been  the 
duties  I  have  discharged,  1  now  mention  them  for 
your  satisfaction.  After  the  last  Convention  had 
adjourned,  I  admitted,  in  Alexandria,  eight  candi- 
dates to  deacons'  orders,  and  three  deacons  to 
the  order  of  priesthood.  In  July  I  visited  Smith- 
field,  in  company  with  the  Rev,  Wm.  F.  Lee,  and 
preached  and  administered  the  Lord's  Supper  in 
the  old  church,  to  a  very  large  and  deeply-im- 
pressed congregation.  On  Good  Friday,  which 
occurred  the  5th  of  April,  I  administered  the  rite 
of  confirmation  in  Christ  Church,  in  this  city,  to 
thirteen  persons.      After  which  I  was  called  to 


Norfolk,  in  which  place  I  preached,  and  conse- 
crated  St.  Paul's  Church,  and  also  instituted  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Boyden  rector  of  the  same.  In  Christ 
Church,  which  is  under  the  care  of  the  Ilev.  Dr. 
Ducachet,  I  preached,  and  confirmed  thirty-three 
persons ;  and  on  the  Monday  following  I  visited 
Mr.  Wingfield's  parish  in  Portsmouth,  preached  to 
a  large  congregation,  and  confirmed  three  individ- 
uals. Six  candidates  were  admitted  by  myself 
this  morning  in  the  Monumental  Church  to  dea- 
cons' orders,  and  two  deacons  were  at  the  same 
time  advanced  to  the  priesthood,  by  my  worthy 
friend  the  assistant  bishop  of  this  diocess. 

Brethren,  I  now  bid  you  farewell,  and  may  the 
Lord  be  with  you  all — Amen. 

RiCHAKD   ChANNING   MoOBE. 


Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of  a  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  of  the  Diocess  of 
Virginia,  which  assembled  in  the  town  of  Staunton,  on  the  ilst  of  May,  1834, 


This  being  the  day  appointed  for  the  annual 
meeting  of  the  Convention  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church  in  the  Diocess  of  Virginia, 
the  Right  Rev.  William  Meade,  D.  D.,  assist- 
ant bishop  of  the  diocess,  with  several  clergy- 
men and  lay  delegates,  attended  divine  service 
in  Trinity  Church.  • 

After  the  consecration  of  the  church  to  the 
worship  of  Almighty  God,  morning  prayers 
were  read  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Empie,  and  a  sermon 
preached   by  the  Rev.  J.  E.  Jackson. 

The  Right  Rev.  William  Meade  took  the 
chair  as  president  of  the  Convention,  and  Hilary 
Baker,  of  Richmond,  was  appointed  secretary 
of  the  meeting. 

The  following  clergymen,  entitled  to  seats  in 
the  Convention,  appeared,  viz. : — 

The  Rev.  Ephraim  Adams,  Christ  Church, 
Lancaster  county ;  the  Rev.  George  Adie,  Shel- 
burne  parish,  Loudoun  county;  the  Rev.  C.  W. 
Andrews,  Frederick  parish,  Frederick  county  ; 
the  Rev.  Nicholas  H.  Cobbs,  Russell  parish, 
Bedford  county  ;  the  Rev.  John  Cole,  Ware  and 
Abingdon  parishes,  Gloucester  county ;  the  Rev. 
Charles  Dresser,  Antrim  parish,  Halifax  county  ; 
the  Rev.  Henry  W.  Ducachet,  M.  D.,  Christ 
Church,  Norfolk  borough  ;  the  Rev.  Adam  Em- 
pie,  D.  D.,  reclor  of  Bruton  parish,  and  Presi- 
dent of  William  and  Mary  College  ;  the  Rev. 
John  Grammer,  St.  Andrew's  and  Bath  parishes, 
Dinwiddle  county  ;  the  Rev.  Thomas  Jackson, 
assistant  minister  of  Monumental  Church,  Rich- 
mond ;  the  Rev.  J.  E.  Jackson,  Christ  Church, 
Winchester ;  the  Rev.  William  M.  Jackson, 
Grace  Church,  Berry ville,  Frederick  county  ;  the 
Rev.  Wm.  G.  Jackson,  Trinity  Church,  Staun- 
ton; the  Rev.  Wm.  P.  C.  Johnson,  Norborne 
parish,  Berkeley  county ;  the  Rev.  William  G. 
H.  Jones,  St.  Thomas  Church,  Orange  court- 
house ;  the  Rev.  Reuel  Keith,  D.  D.,  Professor 
in  Theological  Seminary ;  the  Rev.  Archibald 
H.  Lamon,  St.  Stephen's  Church,  St.  Mark's 
parish,  Culpepper  county ;  the  Rev.  George 
Lemon,  Hamilton  and  Leeds  parishes,  Fauquier 
county  ;  the  Rev.  Charles  Mann,  Professor  in 
Theological  Seminary ;  the  Rev.  Edward  C. 
M'Guire,  St.  George's  Church,  Fredericksburg ; 
the  Rev.  J.  P.  M'Guire,  St.  Anne's  and  South 


Farnham  parishes,  Essex  county  ;  the  Rev.  Geo. 
W.  Nelson  ;  the  Rev.  Chas.  H.  Page,  Lexington 
parish,  Amherst  county  ;  the  Rev.  Franklin  G. 
Smith,  St.  Paul's  Church,  Lynchburg ;  the  Rev. 
Job  Sydney  Swift ;  the  Rev.  John  H.  Wing- 
field,  Portsmouth  parish,  Norfolk  county;  the 
Rev.  George  Woodbridge,  Christ  Church,  Rich- 
mond. 

The  Rev.  John  Grammer  and  Mr.  John  T. 
Clarke  were  appointed  a  committee  to  examine 
the  certificates  of  the  lay  delegates. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  Convention 
do  now  adjourn  until  this  afternoon,  at  4  o'cloclc, 

Wednesday  Afternoon. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

The  committee  to  whom  were  referred  the 
certificates  of  the  lay  delegates,  reported  as 
follows  : — 

The  committee  appointed  to  examine  the  cer*- 
tificates  of  lay  delegates  report,  that  the  certifir 
cates  of  the  following  persons  are  conformable 
to  the  canon,  to  wit  :— 

Charles  C.  Pinckney,  churches  at  Wickliflfe 
and  Berry  ville  ;  Edmund  Berkeley  and  Lewis 
K.  Boggs,  Berkeley  parish,  Spotsylvania  coun- 
ty ;  Thomas  L.  Robertson,  Christ  Church,  Nor- 
folk borough;  J.  C.  Sheldon,  Bruton  parish, 
Williamsburg  ;  A.  Forbes,  St.  Paul's  Church, 
Norfolk  borough  ;  Bartholomew  C.  Chinn,  Farn- 
ham parish,  Richmond  county ;  Mr.  Dangerfield, 
Frederick  parish,  Frederick  county  ;  Junius  A. 
Clay,  Tillotson  parish,  Buckingham  county ; 
Benjamin  F.  Taliaferro,  St.  Mary's  parish, 
Caroline  county ;  Mann  A.  Page,  St.  Thomas 
parish,  Orange  county ;  Rawleigh  W.  Downman, 
Christ  Church  parish,  Lancaster  county ;  Seth 
Ward,  St.  Paul's  Church,  Lynchburg ;  William 
B.  Whitten,  Russell  parish,  Bedford  county ; 
James  L.  Woodville  and  Thomas  N.  Burwell, 
Botetourt  parish,  Botetourt  county ;  John  F. 
Conway,  Broomfield  parish,  Madison  county  ; 
John  B.  Branham,  Lunenburg  parish,  Richmond 
county  ;  John  Gray,  St.  George's  parish,  Fred- 
ericksburg ;  William  M,  Waller,  Lexington  par- 
ish, Amherst  county;  William  F.  Alexander, 
Christ  Church,  Fairfax  parish,  Alexandria ;  R. 
G.  Montgomery,  Shelburne  parish,  St.  James's 


298 


CONVENTION  OF  1834. 


Church,  Leesburg ;  John  H.  Peyton,  Augusta 
parish,  Augusta  county  ;  Joseph  F.  Montgomery, 
Nelson  parish.  Nelson  county  ;  Hilary  Baker, 
Christ  Church,  Richmond  ;  Robert  Rose,  Kan- 
awha parish,  Kanawha  county  ;  Joseph  Mur- 
den,  Portsmouth  parish,  Norfolk  county  ;  John 
T.  Clarke,  Antrim  parish,  Halifax  county. 

And  that  a  certificate  of  the  appointment  of 
Carter  H.  Harrison  as  the  delegate  from  the 
Monumental  Church,  Richmond,  was  presented, 
which  not  being  according  to  the  canon,  is  here- 
with submitted  to  the  Convention — which  report 
and  document  were,  on  motion  of  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Empie,  laid  upon  the  table. 

On  motion  of  Rev.  John  Grammer,  seconded 
by  the  Rev.  Henry  W.  Ducachet,  M.  D.,  Hilary 
Baker,  of  Richmond,  was  elected  secretary  of 
the  Convention. 

On  motion.  Resolved,  That  the  following 
rules  of  order,  adopted  by  the  last  Convention 
for  the  government  of  their  proceedings,  be  the 
rules  of  proceeding  during  the  present  Conven- 
tion. 

1.  The  business  of  every  day  shall  be  intro- 
duced with  prayer. 

2.  When  the  president  takes  the  chair,  no 
member  shall  continue  standing,  or  shall  after- 
ward stand  up,  except  to  address  the  chair. 

3.  No  member  shall  absent  himself  from  the 
service  of  the  house  unless  he  have  leave,  or  be 
unable  to  attend. 

4.  When  any  member  is  about  to  speak  in 
debate,  or  deliver  any  matter  to  the  house,  he 
shall,  with  due  respect,  address  himself  to  the 
president,  confining  himself  strictly  to  the  point 
in  debate. 

5.  No  member  shall  speak  more  than  twice 
an  the  same  debate  without  leave  of  the  house. 

.6.  A  question  being  once  determined  shall 
stand  as  the  judgment  of  the  house,  and  shall 
not  be  again  drawn  into  debate  during  the  same 
session,  unless  with  the  consent  of  two  thirds 
of  the  house. 

7.  While  the  president  is  putting  any  ques- 
tion, the  members  shall  continue  in  their  seats, 
?ind  shall  not  hold  any  private  discourse. 

8.  Every  member  who  shall  be  in  the  house 
.when  any  question  is  put,  shall,  on  a  division, 
be  counted,  unless  he  be  personally  interested 
in  the  decision. 

9.  No  motion  shall  be  considered  as  before 
the  house  unless  it  be  seconded,  and,  when  re- 
quired, reduced  to  writing. 

10.  When  any  question  is  before  the  house,  it 
shall  be  determined  upon  before  any  new  subject 
is  introduced,  except  the  question  of  adjourn- 
ment. 

11.  The  question  on  a  motion  of  adjourn- 
ment shall  be  taken  before  any  other,  and  with- 
out debate. 

18.  When  the  house  is  about  to  rise,  every 
member  shall  keep  his  seat  until  the  president 
shall  leave  the  chair. 

13.  None  of  the  rules  of  order  shall  be  sus- 
pended without  the  concurrence  of  two  thirds 
of  the  members  present. 

14.  The  president  shall,  in  his  discretion,  se- 
lect a  pew  within  the  limits  of  those  allotted  for 


the  use  of  the  members,  which  pew  shall  be  ap- 
propriated for  the  accommodation  of  visiting  cler- 
gymen and  students  of  the  Theological  School, 
who  may  be  invited  to  the  same  by  the  president 
without  any  special  application  to  the  Conven- 
tion. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  Dr.  Empie,  Rev. 
George  Lemon,  Rev.  E.  C.  M'Guire,  Rev.  H.  W. 
Ducachet,  Rev.  John  Grammer,  Rev.  Nicholas 
H.  Cobbs,  Mr.  John  Gray,  Mr.  Mann  Page,  Mr. 
Thomas  L.  Robertson,  and  Mr.  Seth  Ward,  be 
a  committee  to  take  into  consideration  the  state 
of  the  church  in  this  diocess,  and  report  thereon 
to  this  Convention. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  Charles  Dresser, 
Rev.  Franklin  G.  Smith,  and  Mr.  John  T. 
Clarke,  be  a  committee  to  examine  the  parochial 
reports. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  Thomas  Jackson  and 
Mr.  Carter  H.  Harrison  be  a  committee  to  ex- 
amine the  treasurer's  accounts. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  Charles  Mann,  Rev. 
Dr.  Keith,  and  Mr.  John  Gray,  be  a  committee 
to  examine  the  fund  for  the  support  of  widows 
and  orphans  of  deceased  clergymen. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Edmund  I.  Lee,  Rev, 
Geo.  Adie,  and  Rev.  John  P.  M'Guire,  be  a  com- 
mittee to  examine  the  accounts  of  the  treasurer 
of  the  fund  for  the  permanent  support  of  the 
episcopate  in  this  diocess. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  C.  W.  Andrews, 
Rev.  G.  W.  Nelson,  and  Mr.  Thomas  N.  Bur- 
well,  be  a  committee  on  the  treasurer's  accounts 
of  the  Missionary  Society. 

The  secretary  received  the  following  contri- 
butions from  sundry  parishes  in  this  diocess  for 
the  contingent  fund,  and  towards  the  remunera- 
tion of  Bishop  Moore  for  his  episcopal  services, 


Contingent 
Fund. 

For  E. ier. 

°Li^- 

Raleigh  parish,  Amelia  coun- 

ty, -         -         -         -        -$10  00 

$0  00 

Lexington    parish,    Amherst 

county,    - 

5  00 

5  00 

Rtissell  parish,  Bedford  county, 

30  00 

000 

Martinsburg  and  Zion  church- 

es, Berkeley  county. 

14  00 

000 

Botetourt    parish,    Botetourt 

county,    -         -         -         - 

12  00 

0  00 

Bath  parish,  Dinwiddle  county, 

9  50 

3  50 

St.  Andrew's  parish,  Bruns- 

wick county,     - 

15  00 

3  50 

Sapony  Church,  Chesterfield 

county,    -         -         -         - 

15  00 

0  00 

St.  Luke's  Church,  parish  of 
Newport,  Isle  of  Wight,     - 

5  00 

000 

St.  Peter's  Church,  Tillotson 

parish,  Buckingham  county. 

17  00 

3  00 

St.  Paul's  Church,  Lynchburg, 

15  00 

8  12i 

St,  Margaret's  parish,  Caroline 

county,    -         -         -         - 

9  50 

0  00 

St.  Mary'p   parish,    Caroline 

county,    -        -        - 

8  00 

3  00 

Broomfield    parish,   Madison 

county,    -         - 

5  00 

5  00 

Amount  carried  forward,     $170  00    $31  12^ 


CONVENTION  OP  1834. 


299 


Amount  brought  forward,  $170  00     $31  12  J 
Christ  Church,  Winchester,       15  00       13  30 
Frederick    parish,    Frederick 

county,  -  -  -  -  10  00  7  35 
Ware  and  Abingdon  parishes, 

Gloucester,       -         -  -  20  30^       5  32 

Antrim  parish,  Halifax  county,  20  00  6  00 
Bruton  parish,  Williamsburg,  15  00  6  00 
Christ      Church,      Lancaster 

county,    -         -         -         -    30  00         5  06^ 
St.    James's    Church,    Lees^ 

burg,        -        -        -        -    26  50       10  00 
Christ  Church,  Norfolk  bor- 
ough,      -         -         -         -    30  00       35  00 
St.    Paul's   Church,   Norfolk 

borough,  -         -        -         -    10  00       00  00 
Trinity  Church,  Portsmouth,     15  00         5  18| 
St.  Thomas's  parish,  Orange 

county,  -  -  -  -  10  00  5  00 
Camden  parish,   Pittsylvania 

county,    -         -         -         -      1  00       00  00 
Bristol  parish,  Petersburg,         30  GO       10  00 
St.   George's  parish,  Freder- 
icksburg, -         -         -    20  00       20  00 
Berkeley  parish,  Spotsylvania 

county,  -  -  -  -  3  87i  1  12i 
Christ  Church,   Mill    Creek, 

Berkeley  county,       -         -      5  00         5  00 
Nelson  parish,  Nelson  county,      5  00         5  00 
North  Farnham  parish,  Rich- 
mond county,  -         -         -      5  00       00  00 
St.  Paul's    Church,  Alexan- 
dria,        -         -         -         -    25  00       00  00 
Monumental    Church,    Rich- 
mond,     -         -         -         -    30  00       24  08 
Christ  Church,  Richmond,         15  00       10  92 
St.  John's  Church,  Hampton, 

Elizabeth  City  parish,  -  5  00  2  00 
Church  at  Old  Point  Comfort,  00  00  5  00 
St.  Martin's  parish,   Hanover 

and  Louisa  counties,  -    20  00         8  00 

Westover  parish,  Charles  City 

county,  -  -  -  -  7  48  2  52 
Christ  Church,  Alexandria,  -  30  00  10  50 
Trinity  Church,  Staunton,  -  5  20  9  80 
Hamilton     parish,     Fauquier 

county.  -  -  -  -  15  00  5  00 
Leedsparish,  Fauquier  county,  15  00  5  00 
St.     Anne's    parish,     Essex 

county,  -  -  -  -  16  00  10  00 
South  Farnham  parish,  Essex 

county,  -  -  -  -  8  00  2  00 
St.  Mark's  parish,  Culpepper 

county,  -  -  -  -  1?  86  7  14 
St.  John's   Church,  Henrico 

parish,  Henrico  county,      -    15  00         5  00 
St.  Stephen's  parish,  Culpep- 
per county,       -         -         -    12  86         7  14 
fJumberland    parish,    Lunen- 
burg county,     -         -         -      6  36         3  64 


Gain  in  change, 


$679  44  $287  21 
5 


$287  26 
On  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  Convention 
do   now   adjourn   until   to-morrow  morning,  9 
o'clock. 


Thursday,  May  22,  1834. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjourn- 
ment, and  was  opened  with  prayer  by  the  Right 
Rev.  Bishop  Meade,  who  took  the  chair  as 
president. 

The  Rev.  John  Cooke,  rector  of  St.  Martin's 
parish,  Hanover  and  Louisa  counties ;  Rev. 
Charles  C.  Taliaferro,  rector  of  Cumberland 
parish,  Lunenburg  county ;  and  Rev.  Alexander 
Norris,  rector  of  Westover  parish,  Charles  City 
county  ;  and  Mr,  George  M.  Carrington,  a  dele- 
gate from  St.  John's  Church,  Henrico  parish ; 
Mr.  Jacob  Fackler,  a  delegate  from  Christ 
Church,  Winchester ;  Mr.  Joseph  Arthur,  a 
delegate  from  Christ  Church,  Norborne  parish, 
Berkeley  county ;  and  Mr.  Edward  Valentine, 
a  delegate  from  St.  John's  Church,  Hampton, 
appeared  and  took  their  seats. 

The  president  read  the  following  report  of 
episcopal  services  during  the  year  ending  May, 
1834,  by  the  Right  Rev.  Richard  Channing 
Moore,  D.  D.,  Bishop  of  Virginia. 

Richmond,  Mny  17,  1834.  " " 

Dear  Brethren, — Enfeebled  by  age  and  local 
infirmities,  I  am  obliged  to  confine  my  episcopal 
services  within  a  narrow  compass ;  and  am  pre- 
vented from  travelling,  except  by  water,  or  in 
those  parts  of  the  diocess  which  furnish  me  with 
smooth  and  easy  roads.  Had  I  the  ability  of 
moving  at  large  that  I  formerly  possessed,  I  should 
have  made  an  effort  to  attend  the  present  Conven- 
tion, and  to  assist  in  the  council  of  the  church. 
My  heart,  brethren,  is  with  you;  and  you  have 
my  fervent  prayers  for  the  blessing  of  God  upon 
your  labours. 

In  the  month  of  October  last  I  visited  Alexan- 
dria, and  attended  a  meeting  of  the  trustees  of  the 
Theological  Seminary ;  at  which  time  the  con-  . 
cerns  of  that  institution  were  particularly  consid- 
ered, and  measures  were  adopted  to  secure  it  a 
certain  and  permanent  support.  For  that  purpose, 
the  Rev.  Charles  Mann  was  appointed  to  raise 
funds  to  carry  into  effect  the  benevolent  design  of 
its  patrons  ;  and  as  it  will  be  impossible  to  proceed 
successfully  without  further  pecunwry  aid,  L  most 
earnestly  hope  that  the  application  of  the  agent  of 
the  seminary  may  meet  with  a  cordial  reception 
from  our  friends,  and  the  assistance  for  which  he 
may  apply  be  freely  and  cheerfully  contributed. 
During  my  visit  in  Alexandria  I  preached  in  both 
churches,  to  full  and  attentive  congregations ;  and 
it  is  with  great  pleasure  I  inform  the  Convention, 
that  the  vestry  of  St.  Paul's  Church,  in  that  city, 
have  tilled  the  vacancy  occasioned  by  the  resigna- 
tion and  removal  of  the  Rev.  William  Jackson, 
with  the  appointment  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Johnston 
as  their  rector.  On  my  return  from  Alexandria, 
I  officiated  both  in  Norfolk  and  Portsmouth. 

In  December  I  admitted,  in  Christ  Church,  city 
of  Richmond,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Woodbridge  to  the 
priesthood.  He  was  presented  by  the  Rev.  Thomas 
Jackson ;  the  serrnon  wras  delivered  by  the  Rev. 
Robert  B.  Croes,  ai;id  the  Lord's  Supper  adminis- 
tered by  myself  and  the  clergy  who  were  present. 

In  the  month  of  March  I  rode  to  the  county  of 
Hanover,  at  which  time  I  ordained  Mr.  George 
W.  Nelson  a  deacon,  who  was  presented  by  the 
Rev.  John  Cooke ;  the  sermon  was  delivered  by 
myself,  and  the  Lord's  Supper  also  administered. 

On  Good  Friday,  March  28,  I  held  a  confirma- 
tion in  Christ  Church  in  this  city ;  upon  which 
occasion  I  preached,  and  confirmed  t\yelye  pejr 
sons. 


500 


CONVENTION  OF  1834. 


In  the  month  of  April  I  visited  ^he  county  .of 
Essex,  attended  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Croes,  who 
preached  on  the  23d  of  the  month  in  Vauter's 
Church ;  and  on  the  24th  1  preached  in  the  same 
place,  and  administered  the  Lord's  Supper. 

On  the  25th  of  the  same  month  I  proceeded  to 
Port  Royal,  in  the  county  of  Caroline,  at  which 
place  I  preached  to  a  large  and  attentive  congre- 
gation ;  and  in  the  evening  of  the  same  day,  an 
excellent  discourse  •  was  delivered  in  a  private 
house  by  the  Rev.  J.  P.  M 'Guire.  It  is  with  pleas- 
ure I  inform  the  Convention,  that  in  Port  Royal  a 
church  is  to  be  immediately  erected. 

My  next  visit  was  to  Fredericksburg,  being 
Snnday,  the  27th,  in  which  town  I  preached  in  the 
morning  and  at  candle-light,  to  large  and  attentive 
congregations. 

From  Fredericksburg  I  proceeded,  in  company 
with  the  Rev.  E.  C.  M'Guire,  to  the  county  of 
Caroline ;  consecrated  a  handsome  new  church ; 
confirmed  a  number  of  adults  ;  preached  to  a  large 
and  attentive  congregation,  and  administered  the 
Lord's  Supper. 

From  Grace  Church  I  rode,  in  company  with 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Friend,  to  Mr.  Dickenson's,  who  re- 
sides near  the  courthouse  in  Caroline  county; 
and  on  Tuesday,  the  29th,  1  preached  to  a  very 
respectable  and  attentive  congregation.  It  is  with 
great  pleasure  I  inform  the  Convention,  that  a  new 
church  will  be  erected  in  that  place  the  present 
year. 

On  the  6th  of  May  I  fulfilled  an  appointment  in 
Charles  City  county,  in  company  with  the  Rev. 
Thomas  Jackson  and  Mr.  Croes  ;  and,  assisted  by 
the  above-named  clergymen,  I  admitted  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Norris  to  the  priesthood.  Prayers  were  read 
by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Croes,  and  an  appropriate  dis- 
course delivered  by  the  Rev.  Thomas  Jackson.  I 
expect  to  consecrate  a  new  church  in  that  county 
this  autumn. 

On  the  11th  instant  I  confirmed  in  St.  John's 
Church,  in  this  city,  twelve  persons  ;  upon  which 
.occasion  the  discourse  was  delivered  by  the  Rev. 
Mr., Croes,  who  officiates  in  that  church. 

I  remain,  dear  brethren,  your  sincere  friend  and 
pastor, 

Rlohard  Channino  Moore, 

The  Right  Rev.  William  Meade,  D.  D.,  As- 
45istant  Bishop  Of  Virginia,  presented  the  follow- 
ing report : — 

Dear  Brethren, — Through  the  merciful  prov- 
idence of  God  we  are  permitted  to  meet  together 
once  more,  for  the  purpose  of  rendering  an  ac- 
count of  our  labours  and  success  in  the  ministry 
during  the  past  year,  and  of  deliberating  on  the 
best  measures  for  promoting  the  spiritual  interests 
of  our  Zion.  My  account  must  commence  with 
the  concluding  services  of  our  last  Convention, 
when  I  united  with  the  beloved  father  (whose  age 
and  infirmity  prevent  his  being  with  us  at  this 
time)  in  the  ordination  of  eight  persons,— six  of 
whom  were  admitted  to  the  order  of  deacons, 
and  two  to  that  of  priests.  After  the  duties  of  the 
Convention  were  over,  1  returned  home  by  the 
way  of  Fredericksburg,  where  I  preached  on  Wed- 
nesday evening,  and  administered  the  rite  of  con- 
firmation to  five  persons.  During  the  month  of 
June  I  spent  two  days  in  Winchester,  preaching 
several  times  in  that  place.  In  the  month  of  July 
I  visited  Alexandria,  with  the  view  of  attending 
the  annual  examination  of  the  students  of  our 
seminary.  This  took  place  on  the  10th.  I  was 
much  gratified  by  the  exercises  on  that  occasion, 
and  more  deeply  impressed  than  ever  with  the  im- 
portance of  the  institution,  and  the  duty  of  a  punc- 
tual attention  to  its  public  examinations.    To  my 


brethren  of  the  clergy  especially,  and  to  the  trus- 
tees, I  would  present  this  as  an  interesting  and 
important  occasion  worthy  of  their  attention.    It 
will  be  rendered  particularly  interesting  oh  the 
approaching  anniversary,  by  the  ordination  oif  a 
large  number  of  young  candidates  for  the  minis- 
try.    On  the  Sunday  following  the  examination  I 
preached  twice  in  Alexandria,  and  confirmed  thir- 
teen persons.     On  leaving  Alexandria  I  visited 
Haymarket,  Aldie,  and  Middleburg,  rieacbing  at 
each  of  those  places.     On  the  two  last  days  of 
July  and  the  first  of  August,  I  was  engaged,  in 
company  with  my   brethren,    Mr.  Lemon,    Mr. 
A  die,  and  Mr.  Andrews,  in  rehgious  services  at 
Upperville,  a  flourishing  village  in  Fauquier,  on 
the  border  of  Loudoun  county.    We  spent  an 
agreeable,  and,  we  hope,  useful  time,  in  frequent 
services,  beginning  with  the  rising  sun,  ahd  hav- 
ing also  mid-day,  afternoon,  and  evening  exercises. 
On  Sunday,  for  the  first  time,  we  administered  the 
communion  in  this  place  to  a  little  band  of  believ- 
ers.   I  confirmed  also  seven  persons  at  the  same 
time.     I  am  happy  to  state,  that  the  zeal  of  our 
friends  in  and  about  this  place  has  led  them  to 
undeitake  the  erection  of  a  neat  church,  which 
will  be  finished  in  the  course  of  the  coming  year. 
After  the  servicies  at  Upperville  I  was  enabled  to 
have  an  association  in  my  own  parish,  by  the  help 
of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Mann,  Mr.  Brooke,  and  Mr.  Adie, 
who,  during  three  days,  preached  to  highly  grati- 
fied, and,  I  hope,  edified  congregations.    At  the 
close  of  our  services  we  were  equally  surprised 
and  delighted  by  the  arrival  of  my  brother,  the 
Bishop  of  North  Carolina,  who  concluded  the 
meeting  by  a  very  appropriate  and  impressive  dis- 
course.    On  this  occasion  two  were  confirmed. 
On  the  7th  of  August  I  set  out  on  a  tour  through 
the  counties  of  Berkeley  and  Jeflisrson,  preaching 
the  first  day  at  Bunker's  Hill.     On  the  8th  and 
9th  I  ofl!iciated,  in  conjunction  with  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Jones  of  Jefferson,  at  Hedge's  Chapel,  where  I 
confirmed  twenty-six,  baptized  two  infants,  and 
administered  the  communion.     Here,  as  usual, 
the  congregations  were  large  and  attentive,  as- 
sembling at  the  hour  of  eleven  o'clock,  engaging 
in  holy  exercises  during  the  customary  period, 
leaving  the  house  of  God  for  a  short  time,  then 
re-assembling  for  the  afternoon  service,  and  again 
filling  the  house  at  night.    A  large  portion  of  the 
evening  congregations,  I   am  told,  consisted  of 
those  who  remained  at  home  during  the  two  first 
services.    This  example  is  worthy  of  imitation. 
On  the  10th  we  repaired  to  Martinsburg,  about 
seven  miles  distant,  where  we  met  with  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Drane,  from  Hagerstown,  who  preached  on 
the  occasion  of  the  ordination  of  Mr.  Johnson, 
who  was  then  clothed  with  the  authority  of  a 
priest.     I  preached  twice  in  Martinsburg,  baptized 
two  infants,  confirmed  seven,  and  administered 
the  communion.     From  Martinsburg  I  went  to 
Smith  field,  where  I  officiated  on  the  12th  and 
13th,  in  conjunction  with  Mr.  Jones,  W.  M.  Jack- 
son, and  Mr.  Johnson.    On  the  evening  of  the 
13th  and  the  morning  of  the  14th  I  was  in  Charles- 
town,  and  on  the  latter  day  confirmed  nine  per- 
sons.   The  15th,   16th,  and  17th  were  spent  at 
Harper's  Ferry,  where  I  was  aided  in  ministerial 
duties  by  Wm.  M.  Jackson.     On  the  morning  of 
the  18th  I  proceeded  to  Shepherdstown,  and  found 
the  inhabitants  of  the  place  in  the  utmost  conster- 
nation by  reason  of  the  cholera,  which  had  made 
its  appearance  a  few  days  before,  and  hurried 
some  of  its  citizens  into  eternity.    Not  wishing  to 
be  or  seem  to  be  either  rash  or  cowardly  in  duty, 
I  submitted  it  to  the  proper  guardians  of  the 
health  of  the  place,  whether  I  should  proceed 
with  the  previously-appointed  services.    By  theix 


CONVENTION  OF.  1834. 


301 


advice  I  omitted  all  night  services,  and  only  con- 
vened those  who  were  disposed  to  attend  on  the 
morning  and  afternoon  on  one  day,  and  on  the 
morning  of  the  following.  One  of  these  services 
was  held,  by  particular  request,  in  the  Lutheran 
Church,  whose  minister  was  absent.  Mr.  Jones 
and  myself  endeavoured,  by  suitable  discourses,  to 
improve  the  afflictive  season. 

After  remaining  at  home  a  short  time,  I  Com- 
menced a  tour  of  preaching  through  some  of  the 
counties  lying  under  the  Blue  Ridge.  1  left  home 
on  the  2d  of  September;  on  the  4th,  preached  at 
the.  Fork's  Church  to  a  large  congregation,  bap- 
tized one  child,  and  confirmed  eight  persons. 

The  congregation  was  then  and  had  long  been 
under  the  pastoral  care  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Woodville. 
At  this  place  had  he  most  conscientiously  and 
punctually  met  with  his  people  for  many  years ; 
here  had  1  often  met  him  in  my  travels  through 
that  region  of  country  during  the  last  twenty-two 
y«ars,  and  here  it  was  that  I  saw  him  for  the  last 
time,  on  the  occasion  just  mentioned.  Provi- 
dence has  removed  him  from  a  scene  of  sincere 
obedience  on  earth,  to  one  of  glorious  enjoyment 
in  heaven.  He  has  left  an  affectionate  family  to 
mourn  the  loss  of  a  kind  husband  and  tender  fa- 
ther, and  many  friends  to  cherish,  with  sincere  re- 
spect, the  memory  of  a  conscientious  Christian 
minister. 

Oh  the  5th  and  6th  of  September  I  was  en- 
gaged in  duty  at  Culpepper  courthouse,  where  I 
preached  three  times,  confirmed  twelve  persons, 
and  administered  the  communion.  The  7th,  8th, 
and  9th  were  spent  in  like  manner  at  Orange 
courthouse,  where  I  preached  to  a  large  and  at- 
tentive congregation  three  times,  confirmed  six- 
teen persons,  and  administered  the  communion. 
In  this  place,  where  we  never  had  at  any  time 
very  regular  services,  and  of  late  years  scarce  any, 
God  has  been  very  gracious  to  us,  in  sending  a 
pastor  who  found  favour  in  the  eyes  of  the  people, 
and  who  has  been  the  instrument  of  awakening  a 
good  number  to  a  lively  sense  of  eternal  things. 
I  found  the  members  of  our  church  in  that  place 
engaged  in  the  erection  of  an  excellent  house  for 
public  worship,  which  I  presume  is  now  comple- 
ted. May  it  be  well  filled  with  devout  worshippers. 
On  the  10th  I  proceeded,  in  company  with  Mr. 
Jones  and  Wm.  M.  Jackson,  to  Stanardsville, 
where,  during  the  morning  and  afternoon,  we  sev- 
erally addressed,  in  a  private  house,  a  large,  atten- 
tive, and  deeply-impressed  congregation.  We  all 
felt  as  if  God  indeed  was  among  us.  On  the  11th 
and  12th  we  were  engaged  in  like  manner  at  Trin- 
ity Church,  between  Stanardsville  and  Madison 
courthouse.  Here  I  preached  twice,  confirmed 
three,  and  administered  the  communion.  One  of 
the  persons  Confirmed  was  an  old  soldier  of  the 
revolution,  who  had  lived  to  his  83d  year  before 
he  became  a  soldier  of  the  cross.  I  was  aware, 
before  he  rose  up  and  approached  the  place  where 
he  was  to  make  his  vows,  that  he  was  a  comrade 
of  my  father's  under  Washington.  He,  however, 
was  not  aware  that  I  was  the  son  of  his  old  fellow- 
soldier,  nor  had  I  opportunity  to  inform  him  until 
I  was  engaged  in  administering  the  holy  rite ;  and 
then  when  I  announced  the  fact,  that  here  was  an 
old  soldier  who  had  served  under  Washington  with 
my  father,  now  come  to  enlist  under  the  banner 
of  one  greater  than  Washington,  he  was  entirely 
overcome — burst  into  tears,  and  melted  the  whole 
assembly.  I  trust  there  were,  on  that  occasion, 
other  tears  than  those  of  mere  human  sympathy. 
We  thought  that  it  was  plainly  to  be  seen  that 
some  hearts  were  touched  from  above  with  a  feel- 
ing above  all  earthly  feeljngs.  May  the  event, 
prove  that  we  were  not  mistaken.    Our  next  ser- 


vices were  at  Madison  courthouse,  on  the  13th, 
14th»  and  15th.  They  were  renewed  four  times 
each  day,  when  we  closed  them. 

It  was  indeed  a  joyful  season  for  rehgion  and 
the  church  at  Madison.  Fifteen  months  before, 
and  I  scarcely  knew  a  place  in  our  state  which 
promised  less  to  the  labours  of  a  minister  of  our 
church  ;  and  at  this  time  I  confirmed  twenty-three 
warm-hearted  disciples  of  Christ,  and  zealous 
friends  of  our  church,  and  saw  a  neat  and  durable 
brick  edifice  rising  out  of  the  ground  to  be  a  place 
for  the  worship  of  God.  God  had  visited  this 
place  with  the  abundance  of  his  grace.  He  had 
most  signally  blessed  the  faithful  preaching  of  his 
word  by  ministers  of  different  denominations.  He. 
had  sent  to  those  who  were  inchned  to  our  com- 
munion an  humble  and  faithful  man,  who,  la- 
bouring in  season  and  out  of  season,  and  going 
from  house  to  house,  was  Ihe  instri^ment  of  gath- 
ering together  an  interesting  little  band,  with 
whom  I  spent  some  of  the  happiest  days  of  my 
ministry.  While  I- was  there,  besides  the  above- 
mentioned  exercises,  in  which  I  was  greatly  as- 
sisted by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Jones  and  Mr.  Wm.  G. 
Jackson  from  Staunton,  I  also  admitted  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Lamon,  their  minister,  to  priests'  orders. 
After  parting  with  our  dear  friends  at  Madison,  I 
turned  my  steps  towards  the  new  county  of  Rap- 
pahannock. On  the  16th. I  reached  the  residence 
of  Dr.  Thornton,  and  in  the  afternoon,  according 
to  appointment,  preached  a  funeral  sermon  on  the 
occasion  of  the  death  of  the  amiable  and  esteemed 
Dr.  Hawes.  This  gentleman  was  for  many  years 
a  member  of  congress,  and  was  highly  esteemed, 
by  all  who  knew  him.  His  benevolence  was  of 
no  ordinary  character,  and  his  testimony  to  tho- 
truth  and  excellence  of  Christianity  was  very  de- 
cided. In  his  will  he  has  made  generous  provis-' 
ion  for  more  than  a  hundred  slaves,  whom  he' 
has  directed  to  be  colonized  in  Africa.  On  the- 
following  day  I  went  for  the  first  time  to  visit  an 
old  and  venerable  mother  in  Israel,  who  for  a  Jongt 
time  had  been  deprived  of  the  services  of  tho- 
church  which  she  loved,  except  when,  on  spe- 
cial occasion,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Woodville,  who  lived 
at  a  great  distance  from  her,  brought  them  to  her 
house.  Mrs.  Thornton  had  turned  her  house  into 
a  church  on  this  occasion,  and  invited  her  neigh- 
bours and  relations  to  unite  in  the  solemn  services. 
She  wished  once  more  to  partake  of  the  Holy 
Supper.  It  had  been  a  long  time  since  she  had 
enjoyed  this  privilege,  and  it  might  be  the  last  op- 
portunity,'for  she  was  far  advanced,  in  the  vale  of 
tears,  though  then  as  well  as  usual.  But  she  de- 
sired to  perform  another  duty  also.  In  her  infan- 
cy, Christian  parents  had  made  a  promise  in  her 
behalf  which  she  had  never  had  an  opportunity  of 
fulfilling.  She  had  never  ratified  her  baptismal 
engagement  in  the  rite  of  confirmation,  and  now, 
even  in  her  old  age,  begged  leave  with  all  humility 
tofulfil  this  act  of  righteousness.  It  was  according- 
ly performed,  and  it  is  hoped  that  those  present 
did  not  regard  it  as  an  idle  and  unnecessary  cere- 
mony even  in  her. 

After  this,  together  with  some  pious  neighbours 
and  relations,  she  partook  of  the  Lord's  Supper. 
Her  whole  character  was  calculated  to  impress 
upon  the  minds  of  all  who  knew  her  the  truth  of 
the  Saviour's  words,  that  we  must  enter  the  king 
dom  of  heaven  as  little  children.  On  the  follow- 
ing day  I  left  this  neighbourhood,  but  let  it  be  re- 
membered, as  evidence  of  the  uncertainty  of  life, 
and  to  show  how  mysterious  are  the  ways  of 
Providence,  that  in  five  days  after  I  left  the  man- 
sion of  this  venerable  lady,  God  was  pleased  sud- 
denly and  unexpectedly  to  call  her  to  himself. 
Sh6  seemed  to  have  obtained  that  which  she  had 


302 


CONVENTION  OF  1834. 


long  J>een  seeking  for,  and  then  had  leave  to  de- 
part in  peace.  On  the  day  after  my  leaving  Rap- 
pahannock I  preached  at  Port  Royal,  and  the 
next  day  reached  home.  In  the  course  of  three 
weeks  I  again  set  out,  with  a  view  to  yisit  certain 
places  in  the  lower  part  of  the  state  on  the  eastern 
shore.  I  determined,  however,  to  take  this  oppor- 
tunity of  visiting  some  other  places  which  lay  in 
the  roqte.  On  Friday,  the  11th  of  October,  I  left 
home  and  preached  that  day  at  Upperville.  Sat- 
urday and  Sunday  I  spent  at  Haymarket.  The 
Weather  was  so  inclement  and  the  house  so  open, 
that  the  congregation  on  the  first  day  was  small. 
On  the  day  following  the  Lord's  day  the  weather 
was  good,  and  the  congregation  was  large  and  at- 
tentive, Theliouse  in  which  I  preached  was  an 
old  deserted  courthouse,  which,  nevertheless,  was 
capable  of  being  converted  into  a  comfortable 
church,  at  a  very  moderate  expense.  At  the  con- 
clusion of  the  services  I  addressed  them  on  the 
condition  of  the  neighbourhood  and  the  house  in 
which  we  were  assembled,  and  promised  that  if 
they  would  convert  the  house  into  a  becoming 
place  of  worship,  I  wOuld  visit  them  again  in  the 
month  of  July,  and  dedicate  it  to  God,  and  perform 
all  the  hoVy  ordinances  of  the  church  ih  it.  As  I 
canie  down  from  the  pulpit,  two  gentlemen  assured 
me  it  should  be  done ;  and  I  am  happy  to  learn  that 
their  promise  has  already  been  sacredly  fulfilled. 
If  God  spare  my  life  I  will  endeavour  to  fulfil  my 
part,  and  hope  that  some  of  my  brethren  will  be 
there  to  aid  in  the  good  work. 

On  the  afternoon  of  the  Sabbath  just  mentioned 
I  rode  to  Brenfcsville,  where  I  preached  in  the 
courthouse  to  a  full  assembly  of  attentive  hearers. 
I  am  happy  to  inform  the  Convention,  that  these 
two  places  are  now  enjoying  the  regular  though 
too  unfrequent  services  of  the  church.  The  Rev. 
Mr.  Berkeley,  though  engaged  in  completing  his 
studies  at  the  seminary,  finds  time  to  visit  each 
of  them  once  in  four  weeks.  We  hope  the  time 
is  not  far  distant  when  more  frequent  services  will 
be  rendered.    I   next  visited  Dumfries,  where  I 

E reached  on  Moriday,  and  was  followed  by  an  ex- 
ortation  from  Mr.  Adie.  I  then  proceeded  to 
Alexandria,  in  order  to  meet  the  managers  of  the 
Education  Society,  and  the  trustees  of  our  semi- 
nary, I  also  preached  on  Friday  night  in  Alexan- 
dria. On  Saturday  I  reached  Fredericksburg, 
and  preached  there  on  Sunday,  administering  the 
rite  of  confirmation.  On  Monday  I  proceeded  to 
Richmond,  and  preached  on  Tuesday  night  in  the 
Monuniental  Church.  On  Wednealay  morning 
I  left  Richmond  in  the  steamboat,  and  reached 
Shirley,  the  seat  of  Mr.  Hill  Carter,  in  time  to 
meet  a  congregation  ^t  the  old  Westover  Church 
by  12  o'clock.  This  excellent  building  has  been 
neatly  fitted  up,  and  is  now  a  decent  and  comfort- 
able house  of  worship.  A  goodly  number  of  fami- 
Kes,  attached  to  our  communion,  assemble  in  the 
church  of  their  ancestors  every  other  Sabbath, 
under  the  ministry  of  one  of  the  Alumni  of  our 
seminary.  On  the  following  day  I  preached  at  the 
Lower  Church,  which  is  a  new  building,  erected 
within  the  last  two  years.  The  friends  of  our 
church  in  Charles  City  are  able,  and  I  believe 
willing,  henceforth  to  support  a  minister,  and  I 
therefore  regard  this  parish  as  one  permanently 
established.  On  Friday  morning  I  again  got  into 
the  steamboat,  and  went  as  far  as  James  City, 
landing  where  Mr.  Bassett's  carriage  was  ready  to 
convey  me  to  Williamsburg.  I  tarried  four  days 
in  Wilhamsburg,  and  preached  or  lectured  eight 
times,  assisting  also  in  the  communion.  My  next 
field  of  labour  was  Gloucester  county,  where  I 
preached  five  days  in  succession,  twice  at  Abing- 
d6n  Church,  and  three  times  at  Ware  Church,  ad- 


ministering the  communion  and  confirmation  at 
the  latter  place.  On  one  of  these  occasions  I  was 
called  upon  to  perform  the  funeral  rites  over  the 
remains  of  one  of  the  most  pure  and  pious  of  the 
saints  of  God  on  earth,  Mrs.  Dr.  Nelson  of  that 
parish,  who,  from  early  youth,  had  been  a  hvely 
specimen  of  the  beauty  of  holiness.  On  the  even- 
ing of  Saturday  I  preached  to  the  servants  at  Dr. 
Taliaferro's,  and  on  the  next  evening  lectured  at 
Mr.  Roy's,  in  Matthews  county.  On  Monday 
morning,  through  the  great  kindness  and  generos- 
ity of  Mr.  Tompkins  of  that  county,  a  packet  wna 
ready  to  carry  myself  and  Mr.  Cole  to  the  eastern 
shore,  which  we  reached  in  the  course  of  the  af- 
ternoon, and  were  enabled  to  have  a  service  at  the 
house  of  Mrs.  Parker,  in  Eastville,  the  same  night.' 
On  the  next  day  we  had  divine  service,  morn- 
ing and  evening,  in  the  new  church  at  Eastville. 
On  Wednesday  morning  I  preached  at  Hungar's 
Church,  an  old  and  venerable  edifice.  In  the  af- 
ternoon at  Bellhaven,  and  at  night,  in  conjunction 
with  Mr.  Cole,  at  Mr.  Wyatt's.  On  Thursday  we 
passed  into  Accomack  county,  when  I  preached 
at  Pongoteague  church,  another  venerable  build- 
ing, more  than  130  years  old,  but  still  firm  and  in 
good  repair.  Here  I  baptized  four  children,  two 
whites  and  two  coloured.  In  the  afternoon  I  dis- 
coursed on  confirmation,  after  a  sermon  from  Mr. 
Cole,  and  at  night  I  preached  at  Onancock,  some 
miles  distant.  On  the  following  day  I  preached 
again  at  Pongoteague,  baptized  one  adult,  confirm- 
ed five,  and  administered  the  communion.  At  night 
I  preached  again  to  a  full  house  at  Mr.  Bayne's.  X 
preached  again  on  Saturday  morning  at  the  same 
church,  organized  an  Education  Society,  and  in 
the  afternoon  proceeded  to  Judge  Upshur's,  in  the 
neighbourhood  of  Hungar's  Church,  where  1  again 
preached  on  the  following  day,  being  the  Sabbath, 
and  administered  the  communion.  On  the  even- 
ing of  the  same  day  I  exhorted  after  Mr.  Cole,  at 
Eastville,  preached  there  the  next  day,  and  con- 
firmed six  persons.  I  was  much  encouraged  by 
the  zeal  of  a  goodly  number  of  our  remaining 
friends  in  Northampton  and  Accomack,  who  de- 
termined, by  uniting  their  contributions,  to  secure 
to  themselves  the  services  of  a  missionary,  in  ad- 
dition to  those  which  they  already  enjoy.  I  have 
been  pleased  to  hear  that  they  have  obtained  the 
object  of  their  wishes.  Having  concluded  my  du- 
ties on  the  eastern  shore,  I  crossed  the  bay,  and 
reached  Norfolk  on  Wednesday  evening.  On 
Thursday  I  went  to  Suffolk,  and  preached  there 
that  night,  exhorted  also  the  following  night  after 
Mr.  Boyden,  who  accompanied  me  to  that  place. 
On  Saturday  I  returned  to  Norfolk,  and  lectured  at 
the  house  of  Mr.  Pollard  in  the  evening.  In  the 
morning,  which  was  th^  Sabbath,  I  preached  for 
Dr.  Ducachet ;  in  the  afternoon,  for  Mr.  Wingfield,. 
at  Portsmouth ;  and  at  night,  returning  to  Norfolk, 
at  St.  Paul's,  for  Mr.  Boyden.  On  Monday  night 
I  again  preached  for  Mr.  Boyden,  and  leaving  Nor- 
folk the  following  day,  spent  the  night  at  Old 
Point,  and  preached  to  the  officers  and  soldiers 
stationed  at  that  place.  After  this  I  returned 
without  delay,  and  reached  home  by  the  following 
Sabbath.  Since  then  I  have  taken  no  long  journey, 
nor  performed  much  episcopal  duty.  I  visited  the 
District  during  the  winter,  chiefly  with  the  view 
of  attending  the  annual  meeting  of  the  American 
Colonization  Society.  I  spent  one  Sabbath  in 
Washington  and  Georgetown,  and  one  in  Alex- 
andria. I  have  also  visited  Winchester  twice,'  and 
confirmed  six  persons ;  Wickliffe  once,  confirming 
two  persons  ;  and  Cool  Spring,  in  Fauquier  coun 
ty,  once,  confirming  five.  On  each  of  these  occa- 
sions (with  one  exception),  I  spent  two  days  in 
preaching  and  administering  the  Lord's  Supper, 


CONVENTION  OF  1834. 


303 


I  have  only  to  annex  to  this  rapid  narrative  of  my 
episcopal  labours,  the  few  particulars  occurring  on 
my  journey  to  this  place.  I  reached  Luray,  in 
company  with  Mr.  "Wm.  M.  Jackson,  on  Tuesday, 
the  13th,  and  preached  there  on  the  afternoon  of 
the  day  ;  on  the  same  evening  I  baptized  a  child 
at  the  house  of  Mr.  Blackford,  and  united  in  reli- 
gious services  with  Mr.  Jackson,  at  a  schoolhouse, 
where  worship  is  often  held,  for  the  benefit  of  the 
workmen  who  are  employed  about  the  iron  works 
of  Mr.  Blackford. 

On  the  following  morning,  before  leaving  that 
place,  I  administered  the  rite  of  confirmation  to 
Mrs.  Blackford,  whose  age  and  infirmity  prevented 
her  attendance  on  any  public  place  where  that 
office  was  performed.  On  the  evening  of  the  same 
day  we  reached  Col.  Lewis's,  in  the  neighbourhood 
of  Port  Republic,  and  on  the  following  morning 
preached  at  that  place. 

On  Saturday,  the  Hth,  we  reached  the  place  in 
which  we  are  now  assembled.  On  the  following 
day  I  accompanied  the  pastor  of  this  congregation 
to  a  new  church  about  seven  miles  distant,  when 
I  consecrated  to  the  service  of  God  a  neat  brick 
edifice,  which  was  not  large  enough  to  hold  the 
numbers  which  desired  admission.  I  preached 
twice  on  that  day  to  large  assemblies  of  attentive 
hearers.  On  the  evening  of  the  same  I  preached 
to  the  servants  at  the  house  of  Mr.  Churchman. 
On  Monday  morning,  according  to  notice,  I  again 
attended  at  the  same  interesting  spot,  when,  after 
a  sermon  from  Mr.  William  Jackson,  of  Frederick 
parish,  I  addressed  them  at  some  length  on  the 
subject  of  confirmation ;  and  then,  after  an  inter- 
val of  an  hour,  the  house  was  again  filled,  when  I 
first  preached,  and  then  administered  the  rite  of 
confirmation  to  seventeen  persons.  This  congre- 
gation has  been  the  child  of  many  prayers  and 
much  anxiety  to  its  present  and  former  pastor,  and 
may  it  realize  all  their  fondest  hopes  and  expecta- 
tions. 

Having  thus  rendered  an  account  of  my  joumey- 
ings  and  public  ministrations,  it  may  not  be  im- 
proper to  mention  two  humble  efforts  made  during 
the  interval  of  the  above-mentioned  visitation,  to 
promote  the  cause  of  religion  in  our  church  and 
our  land.  In  compliance  with  your  request  at  our 
last  Convention,  I  have  written  and  circulated  a 
pastoral  letter  on  the  very  important  duty  of  giving 
religious  instruction  to  our  servants.  I  know  the 
difficulties  of  the  task,  but  I  know  that  both  min- 
isters and  people  are  far  too  ready  to  magnify  these 
difficulties,  and  satisfy  themselves  with  very  insuf- 
ficient excuses  for  its  neglect.  If  the  love  of  im- 
mortal souls,  which  is  the  true  spirit  of  Christ,  did 
but  reign  in  our  hearts  as  it  ought  to  do,  we  should 
be  more  apt  to  teach  these  our  poor  ignorant  fel- 
low-creatures, and  less  apt  at  finding  out  excuses 
for  ou  r  neglect  of  them.  I  commit  the  feeble  effort 
in  their  behalf  to  God  and  your  consciences,  ho- 
ping that  it  may  not  be  altogether  in  vain. 

I  have  also  just  completed  the  publication  of  a 
small  book  of  family  prayers,  which  I  trust  may 
be  an  acceptable  offering  to  God  and  to  the  Chris- 
tian families  under  our  charge.  If  the  work  shall 
only  induce  one  family  to  worship  God  which  has 
hitherto  neglected  it,  or  shall  assist  to  the  better 
performance  of  this  duty  one  which  may  already 
nave  lived  in  the  performance  of  this  godly  prac- 
tice, I  shall  be  abundantly  rewarded  for  any  labour 
expended  on  the  collection.  If  my  brethren,  after 
examination,  shall  approve  the  collection,  they 
will  of  course  recommend  its  use  to  their  congre- 
gations. 

And  now,  commending  these  my  feeble  endeav- 
ours to  the  favour  of  Him  without  whom  nothing 
is  holy,  nothing  is  strong,  I  submit  this  record  of 


the  same  to  my  brethren  and  firiends,  and  assure 
them  of  my  continued  and  increasing  affection  for 
them  all.  W,  Meapr, 

Assistant  Bishop  of  Virginia. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Carter  H.  Harrison, 

Resolved,  That  the  secretary  enter  upon  the 
journal  of  this  Convention  the  death  of  its  late 
secretary,  John  G.  Williams. 

Resolved,  That  while  we  bow  with  humility 
to  this  afflictive  dispensation  of  God,  we  cannot 
but  deplore  it  as  one  that  has  deprived  the  Con- 
vention of  the  services  of  a  faithful  officer,  the 
church  of  a  useful  and  devoted  friend,  and  so- 
ciety at  large  of  a  valuable  member. 

Resolved,  lastly,  That,  in  token  of  the  sym- 
pathy of  this  Convention  in  the  bereavement 
which  the  family  of  the  deceased  has  sustained, 
a  copy  of  these  resolutions  be  forwarded  to  them 
by  the  secretary. 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.Wm.  G.  H.  Jones,  Mr. 
Alexander  Garret  was  admitted  to  a  seat  in  this 
Convention  as  delegate  from  Frederick syille  par- 
ish, Albemarle  county. 

The  business  of  the  Convention  was  suspend- 
ed, for  the  purpose  of  attending  divine  service 
by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Smith,  and  a  sermon  by  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Cobbs. 

After  divine  service  Bishop  Meade  took  the 
chair.  The  parochial  reports  were  received, 
read,  and  referred  to  the  committee  on  parochial 
reports. 

A  petition  was  presented  by  the  Rev.  Will- 
iam M.  Jackson,  from  certain  members  and- 
friends  of  the  Episcopal  Church  residing  in 
Berryville  and  its  vicinity,  to  divide  the  parish, 
of  Frederick  so  as  to  form  another  distinct  one 
therein,  to  be  called  "  Wickliffe  parish,  Freder- 
ick county." 

On  motion. 

Resolved,  That  the  prayer  of  the  petitioners 
be  granted. 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  William  G.  H.  Jones^ 

Resolved,  That  this  Convention  continues  to 
feel  a  hvely  interest  in  the  temperance  reforma- 
tion. 

Resolved,  That  each  clergyman  of  this  church 
be,  and  is  hereby  requested,  to  insert  in  his  re- 
port to  the  next  Convention  such  facts  in  refer- 
ence to  the  temperance  cause  as  he  shall  think 
promotive  of  such  cause. 

The  Rev.  Franklin  G.  Smith  presented  a 
memorial  from  the  vestry  of  St.  Paul's  Church, 
which  was  read,  and  referred  to  the  committee 
on  the  state  of  the  church. 

And  the  Convention  adjourned  till  to-morrow 
morning,  at  9  o'clock. 

Friday,  May  23,  1834. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjourn- 
ment, and  was  opened  with  prayer  by  Bishop 
Meade,  who  took  the  chair  as  president. 

Mr.  Philip  Slaughter,  a  delegate  from  St. 
Stephen's  Church,  Culpepper;  Mr.  Walter  Coles, 
from  Abingdon  parish,  Gloucester  county  ;  and 
Mr.  J.  B.  Breckenridge,  from  Ware  parish, 
Gloucester    county,  appeared   and    took   their 


The  president  read  a  letter  from  one  of  the 


304 


CONVENTION  OF  1834. 


professors  of  the  University  of  Virginia :  where- 
upon the  Rev.  William  G.  H.  Jones  offered  the 
following  preamble  and  resolution,  which  were 
adopted,  viz. : — 

Whereas  a  letter,  addressed  to  a  niember  of 
this  Convention  by  onfe  of  the  professors  of  the 
university,  has  been  read  to  the  same,  in  which 
an  earnest  desire-  is  expressed  that  a  minister 
ofv  our  communion  may  be  obtained  for  the 
purpose  of  performing  religious  services  for  the 
benefit  of  tne  professors  and  students  during 
the  ensuing  session  : — therefore, 

Resolved,  That  this  Convention  does  highly 
approve  the  determination  of  the  professors  and 
students  to  supply  the  university  with  ministe- 
rial services  by  their  own  liberal  contributions, 
and  wishes  them  the  most' abundant  success. 

Resolved,  alsd.  That  this  Convention  would 
take  pleasure  in  seeing  any  of  our  ministers  who 
may  be  called  to  this  station,  taking  part  in  so 
praiseworthy  an  undertaking. 

The  president  of  the  Convention  called  the 
Rev.  George  Lemon  to  the  chait,  and  refired. 

On  motion  of  the  Rev!  H.  W.  Ducachet,  the 
revised  constitution  and  canons  was  made  the 
order  of  the  day  for  the  session  immediately  after 
divine  service. 

The  Rev.  Charles  Mann,  from  the  committee 
for  examining  the  accounts  of  the  treasurer  of 
the  fund  for  the  relief  of  the  widows  and  or- 
phans of  deceased  clergymen,  made  the  follow- 
ing report,  which  was  read  and  accepted  :— 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  ac- 
counts of  the  treasurer  of  the  society  for  the  sup- 
port of  the  widows  and  orphans  of  deceased  cler- 
gymen of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  beg 
leave  to  report,  that  they  have  examined  the  same, 
and  find  them  correct. 

At  the  last  session  of  this  body,  a  committee  was 
formed  with  directions  to  pubUsh  and  distribute 
the  constitution  of  this  society,  in  connexion  with 
any  information  they  might  be  able  to  obtain  as  to 
its  present  state  and  future  prospects.  The  chair- 
man of  this  was  also  chairman  of  that  committee, 
and  states,  that  the  duty  assigned  them  has  been 
performed,  and  the  constitution  of  the  society  is 
here  for  distribution  among  the  clergy.  The  so- 
ciety, it  will  be  seen,  is  an  association  of  individu- 
als for  their  own  benefit  or  that  of  their  families, 
""and  in  no  other  way  connected  with  the  Conven- 
tion than  through  the  interest  this  body  feels  in 
the  welfare  of  the  clergy  and  their  families.  The 
conuiiittee  would  recommend  to  the  clergy  to  be- 
come ^subscribers  at  once  to  this  institution,  and 
to  sustain  it  with  a  systematic  exertion  such  as  its 
importance  demands,  Deducting  the  amount  of 
stock  in  the  Bank  of  Alexandria,  the  whole  of 
which  the  committee  fear  will  be  lost,  there  will 
.  be  the  very  important  sura  of  $7,761  46.  If  this 
,8um  of  $7,000  was  yearly  added  to  by  a  subscrip- 
tion oSf  only  five  dollars  by  each  clergyman,  it 
might  be  shown,  from  the  operations  of  societies 
of  this  kind  elsewhere,  that  a  perfect  security 
would  be  afforded  to  each  member  that  his  family, 
in  the  event  of  his  death,  would  have  some  small 
provision  made  for  their  wants  :  a  subscription  of 
fifteen  or  twenty  dollars  might  and  would  secure 
at  least  the  necessaries  of  life  for  those  who  would 
be  otherwise  destitute.  The  experience  of  other 
diocesses  should  furnish  an  important  lesson  to 
the  clergy  of  this.  In  many  of  them,  a  subscriber 
for  a  few  years  to  an  institution  like  this,  may  rest 


assured  that  a  provision,  much  more  ample  than 
he  could  make  m  any  other  way,  has  been  secured 
to  his  family.  In  Maryland  many  cases  have  oc- 
curred where  an  annuity  of  $160  per  annum  has 
been  secured,  with  an  equal  sum  from  the  dispo- 
sable funds  of  the  society.  In  Pennsylvania  and 
New- York  still  more  important  provisions  have 
been  made  for  the  families  of  clergymen,  and  by 
their  own  exertions  ;  and  all  these  societies  were  . 
once  as  feeble  as  this.  The  committee  trust  the 
clergy  will  no  longer  neglect  this,  but  determine 
hereafter  to  give  it  the  attention  it  deserves. 

C.  Mann,  Chairman. 
The  fumis  are  a^  follows : — 
106  shares  of  Farmers'  Bank  of  Alex- 
andria stock,  at  par,     '      -        -  J5,300  00 
Five  shares  of  Alexandria  Bank  stock, 

at  par,  -         -         -         -      1,000  00 

One  share  of  Bank  of  Virginia  stock,      100  00 
Note  and  bond  bearing  interest  of  six 

per  cent.,  -         *         -         -      2,200  00 

Cash  on  hand^     -        -        -        -         16r  46 

$8,761  46 

A  claim  against  the  estate  of  Robert 
Andrews,  not  in  the  hands  of  the 
treasurer,  with  interest  from  30th 
April,  1829,      -         -        -        .       $399  23 

Whereupon  it  was 

Resolved,  That  the  clergy  be  requested  to 
meet  in  the  lecture-room  of  this  church  to-mor- 
row morning,  at  8  o'clock,  to  reorganize  the 
society,  and  to  take  such  measures  as  they  deem 
expedient  to  promote  its  interests. 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Cobbs,  the  follow- 
ing preamble  and  resolution  were  adopted : — 

Whereas  the  assistant  bishop  of  this  diocess, 
in  consequence  of  his  frequent  and  long  journeys 
in  discharge  of  the  duties  of  the  episcopate,  is 
under  the  necessity  of  employing  an  assistant  in 
his  parish,  to  whom  the  half  of  his  salary  as 
rector  is  appropriated  : — therefore. 

Resolved,  That  the  treasurer  be  directed  to 
pay  annually  to  the  assistant  bishop,  out  of  the 
contingent  fund,  the  sum  of  three  hundred  dol- 
lars, besides  paying  the  necessary  expenses  in- 
curred in  the  discharge  of  his  episcopal  duties. 

The  Rev.  Thomas  Jackson,  from  the  commit- 
tee for  examining  the  treasurer's  account,  pre- 
sented the  following  report,  which  was  read  and 
accepted : — 

The  committee  appointed  to  examine  the  treas- 
urer's account  beg  leave  respectfully  to  report,  that 
they  have  performed  that  duty,  and,  upon  a  com- 
parison of  the  several  items  with  the  accompany- 
mg  vouchers,  find  all  correct.  Among  the  exhibits 
they  find  two  $5  notes  returned  as  counterfeit, 
which  are  submitted  to  the  Convention  to  be  dis- 
posed of.  The  balance  on  hand,  as  per  account, 
is  $689  74^,  of  whicli  sum  $15  74  is  the  balance 
remaining  in  the  hands  of  the  treasurer  of  the  fund 
for  the  support  of  the  bishop,  leaving  $674  for  the 
contingent  fund.  Thomas  Jackson. 

The  Rev.  C.  W.  Andrews,  from  the  com- 
mittee to  whom  was  referred  the  account  of  the 
treasurer  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Mission- 
ary Society  of  Virginia^  reported  the  same  cor- 
rect. 


CONVENTION  OF  1834. 


305 


Resolved,  That  the  Convention  do  now  pro- 
ceed to  consider  and  determine  where  the  next 
Convention  of  the  church  in  this  diocess  shall 
be  held. 

A  discussion  of  this  subject  ensued,  which 
continued  till  the  business  of  the  Convention 
was  suspended,  for  the  purpose  of  attending  di- 
vine service  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Keith,  and  a  ser- 
mon by  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Meade. 

After  divine  service  the  president  took  the 
chair ;  when,  on  motion,  the  Convention  adjourn- 
ed until  4  o'clock  this  afternoon. 

Friday  afternoon. — The  Convention  met 
pursuant  to  adjournment.  Mr.  Edward  C.  Mar- 
shall, a  delegate  from  Leeds  parish,  Fauquier 
county,  appeared  and  took  his  seat. 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  Franklin  G.  Smith, 
the  order  of  the  day  was  suspended,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  taking  up  and  disposing  of  the  unfinished 
business.  The  discussion  having  continued  for 
some  time,  it  was,  on  motion, 

Resolved,  That  the  next  annual  Convention 
of  this  diocess  be  held  in  the  town  of  Lynch- 
burg, on  the  third  Wednesday  in  May,  1835. 

Mr.  James  K.  Marshall,  a  delegate  from  St. 
James's  Church,  Warrenton,  Fauquier  county, 
appeared  and  took  his  seat. 

The  Convention  then  proceeded  to  the  order 
of  the  day.  The  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Meade, 
from  the  committee  appointed  at  the  last  Con- 
vention to  revise  and  alter  the  constitution  and 
canons  of  the  church  of  this  diocess,  laid  their 
report  before  the  Convention. 

Upon  motion  made  and  seconded,  the  reading 
of  the  report,  article  by  article,  was  commenced ; 
when,  upon  motion  of  Rev.  Dr.  Empie,  the  or- 
der of  the  day  was  again  suspended,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  receiving  a  memorial  upon  the  subject 
of  the  order  of  the  day  from  Bruton  parish. 
The  said  memorial  having  been  read  and  laid 
upon  the  table,  the  consideration  of  the  order 
of  the  day  was  resumed,  and,  after  a  short  debate, 
the  Convention  adjourned  until  to-morrow  morn- 
ing, at  9  o'clock. 

Saturday,  May  24,  1834. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjourn- 
ment, and  was  opened  with  prayer  by  the  Right 
Rev.  Bishop  Meade,  who  took  the  chair  as  pres- 
ident. 

The  committee  on  parochial  reports  made  the 
following  report,  which  was  read  and  accepted : — 

The  committee  to  whom  were  referred  the  pa- 
rochial reports,  herewith  return  the  same,  abridged 
and  condensed,  to  be  entered  on  the  journal.  They 
have  also  prepared  an  abstract,  exhibiting  at  one 
view  the  state  of  the  church,  so  far  as  the  defect- 
ive character  of  many  reports  will  permit.  From 
many  parishes  enjoying  the  stated  services  of  the 
church,  no  reports  have  been  received ;  and  of 
those  referred  to  them,  many  appear  to  have  been 
drawn  up  without  any  reference  to  the  prescribed 
form.  They  would  therefore  respectfully  recom- 
mend that  a  similar  form  be  again  published,  and 
that  in  future  the  names  of  those  clergymen  who 
neglect  to  fulfil  the  requisitions  of  the  first  section 
of  the  fifty-first  canon  of  the  General  Convention, 
be  spread  upon  the  journals. 
By  order  of  the  committee, 

Charles  Dresser,  Chairman. 
U 


Christ  Church,  Lancaster  county.  Ephraim 
Adams,  rector.  Communicants,  added  two,  died 
three,  suspended  one,  present  number  thirty-three 
—baptisms,  infants  (principally  coloured),  thirty- 
five — funerals  six.  Amount  collected  for  the  dif- 
ferent institutions  connected  with  the  church, 
$206  61. 

Shelburne  parish,  Leesburg,  Loudoun  county* 
George  Adie,  rector.  Communicants,  added  six, 
removed  four,  died  two,  total  seventy-one— bap- 
tisms, white  infants  twelve,  coloured  infants  four, 
total  sixteen — marriages  five — funerals  six — fami- 
lies about  forty. 

Connected  with  this  church  there  is  a  flourish- 
ing Sunday  School,  numbering  about  one  hundred 
and  twenty  white  scholars,  and  about  thirty  col- 
oured; the  coloured  scholars  being  taught  orally. 
Also  a  Bible  class,  the  members  of  which  are  all 
Sunday  School  teachers.  Also  a  Missionary  So- 
ciety, Mite  Society,  and  Sewing  Society,  which 
are  doing  much  for  the  cause  of  religion  and  be- 
nevolence. The  present  rector  officiates  every 
Sunday  in  St.  James's,  except  the  second  in  the 
month.  He  preaches  also  once  a  fortnight  to  a 
large  and  attentive  coloured  congregation,  who 
occupy  the  church  in  the  afternoon ;  and  has 
reason  to  hope  his  labours  have  been  blessed 
among  them. 

Upperville.  Communicants,  added  five,  total 
fourteen — confirmations  ten— families  fourteen. 

The  congregation  here  are  engaged  in  building 
a  handsome  little  church,  in  the  Gothic  orders 
Prospects  seem  to  be  encouraging.  The  present 
minister  has  been  officiating  here  on  the  morning 
of  the  second  Sunday  in  the  month.  There  is  a 
Sunday  School  here  also. 

Middleburg  and  Aldie.  Communicants,  added 
two,  total  twelve— baptisms,  white  mfants  four^ 
coloured  twelve,  total  sixteen — one  marriage — 
famihes  ten.  There  is  a  Sunday  School  at  each 
of  these  places. 

The  present  rector  officiates  in  the  afternoon  of 
the  second  Sunday  in  the  month  in  the  former 
place,  and  in  the  evening  at  the  latter. 

Frederick  parish,  Frederick  county.  There  are 
four  churches  in  this  parish,  and  two  ministers, 
besides  the  assistant  bishop. 

Communicants  one  hundred  and  twenty-five, 
seven  added  during  the  last  year. 

Baptisms  seventeen — burials  three — marriages 
four— Sunday  Schools  three— scholars  one  hun- 
dred and  twenty.  One  parish  Ubrary,  one  hundred 
and  twenty  volumes.  Regular  places  of  preach- 
ing five.  Contributions  to  the  Virginia  Bible  So- 
ciety last  year  about  $550  ;  contributions  to  the 
Education  Society  about  $250 ;  to  the  Coloni- 
zation Society,  $350;  to  the  Greek  Mission, 
$100.  There  are  also  in  the  parish  two  flourish- 
ing Temperance  Societies. 

To  the  above  statement  it  may  be  added,  that 
each  of  the  ministers  preaches  regularly  to  the 
coloured  persons,  sometimes  in  the  churches,  and 
at  other  times  in  private  houses.  The  attendance 
of  our  congregations  is  generally  good,  and  the 
state  of  religion,  if  not  so  warm  and  zealous  as 
could  be  desired,  yet  such  as  to  give  encourage- 
ment to  the  ministers  to  hope  that  their  labour  is 
not  in  vain  in  the  Lord. 

In  addition  to  the  statement  above,  it  may  be 
proper  to  state,  that  one  of  the  Education  Socie- 
ties has  established  a  scholarship  in  the  Theologi- 
cal Seminary,  called  the  Wickliffe  scholarship. 

Russell  parish,  Bedford  county.  N.  H.  Cobbs, 
rector.  Communicants,  added  seven,  removed 
seven,  died  four,  total  ninety-six— baptisms,  of 
adults  three,  of  white  children  thirteen,  of  colour- 
ed children  seven,  total  twenty-three— marriagee 


306 


CONVENTION  OF  1834. 


ten — ^burials  ten.   The  number  of  Episcopal  fami- 
lies about  sixty. 

Although  the  parish  has  sustained  a  severe  loss 
by  deaths  and  removals,  and  although  during  the 

East  year  the  additions  to  the  communion  have 
een  few  in  number,  yet  the  rector  cherishes  the 
belief  that  the  general  interests  of  the  church  are 
not  discouraging.  The  preaching  of  the  gospel 
is  uniformly  listened  to  with  devout  attention,  and 
the  distinctive  principles  of  the  church  are  becom- 
ing more  generally  knowTi  and  more  cordially 
adopted.  The  rector  is  also  encouraged  by  the 
prospect  of  being  useful  in  his  preaching  to  the 
coloured  people,  for  whose  benefit  he  holds  a 
second  service  on  each  Sunday.  When  he  com- 
menced his  labours,  a  few  years  ago,  among  this 
too  much  neglected  people,  he  doubted  whether 
they  could  ever  be  brought  to  be  interested  in  the 
liturgy  ;  but  he  now  finds  from  experience,  that, 
ignorant  and  uneducated  as  they  are,  they  may  be 
taught  to  unite  in  a  considerable  portion  of  the 
worship  of  the  church,  particularly  in  the  general 
confession,  the  Lord's  prayer,  the  creed,  and  the 
ante-communion  service.  And  he  is  now  fully 
convinced  that  one  of  the  most  direct  and  efficient 
means  of  building  them  up  in  the  pure  faith  of  the 
gospel,  will  be  to  instruct  them  in  the  forms  and 
services  of  the  church.  Indeed,  the  rector  can 
Iruly  say,  that  he  never  duly  appreciated  the  value 
and  importance  of  forms  of  prayer  till  he  began 
his  feeble  labours  among  the  coloured  people. 

Abingdon  and  Ware  parishes,  Gloucester  coun- 
ty. John  Cole,  rector.  Communicants,  added 
two,  removed  one,  died  three,  total  thirty-six — 
baptisms,  infants  ten,  viz.,  white  eight,  coloured 
two — confirmations  ten — marriages  six,  one  col- 
oured— funerals  nine — number  of  famihes  thirty- 
seven. 

Antrim  parish,  Halifax  county.  Charles  Dres- 
ser, rector.  Communicants,  added  five,  total  forty- 
three — baptisms,  of  adults  four,  of  children  ten, 
total  fourteen — marriages  four — funerals  seven, 
of  these  four  were  of  coloured  persons — Sunday 
Schools  two,  containing  together  upwards  of  one 
hundred  scholars — famihes  attached  to  the  church 
thirty-five,  containing  about  one  hundred  and  fifty 
persons,  though  not  all  baptized.  During  the 
greater  part  of  the  year  a  second  service  has  been 
held  on  Sunday,  chiefly  for  the  benefit  of  the  col- 
oured population.  A  growing  interest  in  the  reli- 
gious improvement  of  this  part  of  the  community 
18  manifest.  One  gentleman  designs  building  a 
chapel  exclusively  for  the  benefit  of  his  servants. 

Camden  parish,  Pittsylvania  county.  Commu- 
nicants, added  one,  died  one,  total  eleven — bap- 
tisms, of  adults  one,  of  children  six,  total  seven — 
one  funeral. 

The  number  of  families  attached  to  the  church 
in  this  county  is  small.  By  the  labours  of  a  zeal- 
ous and  active  missionary,  it  is  believed  they  would 
soon  be  increased.  Few  parts  of  the  state  can 
more  properly  be  considered  missionary  ground. 

Christ  Church,  Norfolk,  EUzabeth  River  parish. 
Henry  W.  Ducachet,  rector.  Communicants, 
added  fifteen,  removed  four,  died  seven,  with- 
drawn one,  present  total  two  hundred  and  thirty- 
five — baptisms,  adults  five,  viz.,  white  four,  col- 
oured one ;  infants  forty-nine,  viz.,  white  forty-six, 
coloured  three,  total  fifty-four— marriages  thirteen 
— funerals,  adults  thirteen,  children  eleven,  total 
twenty-four.  The  number  of  famihes  in  so  large 
a  congregation  cannot  be  accurately  ascertained, 
but  they  are  estimated  at  about  three  hundred. 
The  amount  of  money  collected  for  various  reh- 
gious  and  charitable  objects  is  about  ^1,500.  A 
parish  library  has  been  begun,  agreeably  to  the 
recommendation  of  the  last  Convention. 


Bruton  parish,  Williamsburg.  A.  Empie,  rec- 
tor. Communicants,  removed  one,  died  two,  ad- 
ded three;  vvhites  sixty-one,  coloured  two;  total 
sixty-three— baptisms,  white  infants  seven,  col- 
oured four,  total  eleven — marriages,  white  four, 
coloured  two,  total  six — funerals,  parishioners 
eight,  strangers  five,  total  thirteen— famihes  forty- 
eight,  adults  one  hundred  and  three,  children 
eighty-two,  total  one  hundred  and  eighty -five — 
catechumens  twenty — scholars  in  Sunday  School 
forty,  teachers  in  the  same  six— members  in 
the  Female  Bible  class  thirty-one— cont'ributtons, 
Contingent  Fund,  ?^15  ;  episcopal  services,  $5 ; 
Church  Missionary  Society  of  this  state,  $20 ; 
Virginia  Bible  Society,  ^217  91.  Benevolent  so- 
cieties, Bible,  Tract,  and  Missionary  Society,  La- 
dies' Working  Society. 

By  means  of  fairs  and  subscriptiorts,  about  $700 
have  been  raised  towards  procuring  an  organ. 
The  parish  library  has  increased  from  one  hun- 
dred and  forty-seven  to  one  hundred  and  seventy- 
one  volumes,  and  there  are  about  two  hundred 
volumes  in  the  Sunday  School  library.  There 
are  only  two  coloured  persons  belonging  to  the- 
congregation,  and  these  two  are  communicants. 
When  Dr.  Wilmer  took  charge  of  the  congrega- 
tion in  1826,  he  found  but  twenty  communicants. 
His  successor  in  1827  found  thirty,  and  for  two 
years  past  the  number  has  been  sixty-three.  The 
rector  officiated  regularly  once  a  month  at  Hick- 
ory Neck  Church,  in  James  City,  until  last  Sep- 
tember, since  which  time,  owing  to  the  condition 
of  his  health  and  eyes,  that  service  has  been  dis- 
continued.  God  willing,  it  shall  soon  be  resumed. 

St.  Andrew's,  Brunswick  county,  and  Bath, 
Dinwiddle  county.  John  Grammer,  jr.,  rector. 
Communicants  added,  two  white  and  one  colour- 
ed, three,  died  one,  total  forty-nine — baptisms,  in- 
fants, eight  white,  three  coloured,  total  eleven — 
marriages  eight— funerals,  white  six,  coloured 
twelve,  total  eighteen— number  of  families  about 
twenty-four. 

Collected  for  different  institutions  connected 
with  the  church,  viz. : — Missionary  Society,  $70  ; 
Theological  Seminary,  $76 ;  Education  Society, 
$40 ;  assessment  for  bishop,  $7 ;  Convention  Funa, 
$23  50 ;  donation  for  indigent  students,  $50 ;  total, 
$266  50. 

The  spiritual  condition  of  these  parishes  pre- 
sents nothing  particularly  worthy  of  report.  But 
while  the  rector  mourns  over  the  slow  progress 
which  Scripture  piety,  enhghtened  zeal,  and 
Christian  love  are  making  among  the  members  of 
his  flock,  he  is  constrained  with  shame  to  fear 
that  the  cause  may  be  found  in  the  languor  of  his 
own  zeal,  and  the  inadequacy  of  his  own  exer- 
tions. For  the  convenience  of  many  members  of 
each  congregation,  an  effort  is  making  for  provi- 
ding a  place  of  worship  nearly  central  to  the  pres- 
ent churches  ;  and  it  is  hoped,  that  when  greater 
facilities  are  afforded  for  attendance  upon  the  ordi- 
nances of  the  gospel,  their  administration  will  be 
accompanied  by  effects  more  sanctifying  and  per- 
ceptible. 

St.  Stephen's  Church,  Culpepper  county.  A. 
H.  Lamon,  rector.  Communicants,  added  eight, 
removed  two,  present  number  fifty-one — baptisms, 
adults  one,  children  five— confirmations  ten — one 
marriage — funerals  five. 

No  material  change  has  taken  place  in  the 
spiritual  condition  of  this  congregation  since  the 
last  Convention.  There  is  connected  with  the 
church  a  Sunday  School  of  about  thirty  scholars. 

A  scholarship  has  been  established  in  the  Sem- 
inary of  Virginia,  and  the  first  payment  made.  The 
vestry  are  making  arrangements  for  the  purchase 
of  a  parsonage,  and  the  permanent  location  of  a 


CONVENTION  OF  1834. 


307 


minister  among  them.  There  is  preaching  once 
a  month  to  a  large  and  attentive  congregation  of 
coloured  persons. 

Broomtield  parish,  Madison  county.  Commu- 
nicants, atMed  eleven,  removed  two,  present  num- 
ber thirty-nine,  one  of  whom  is  a  coloured  person 
— baptisms,  ten  children — marriages  two — con- 
firmed twenty-two. 

In  this  parish  the  prospects  for  extending  the 
church  are  becoming  better.  The  prejudices  ex- 
isting against  us  where  the  church  was  known 
only  through  evil  report,  have  been  in  a  great  de- 
gree removed,  and  now  our  ministrations  are  at- 
tended with  greater  interest. 

We  have  a  Sunday  School  of  about  twenty 
scholars,  in  connexion  with  the  church.  Contri- 
butions have  been  made  to  the  Education  and 
Missionary  Societies.  Preaching  once  a  month 
for  the  special  benefit  of  the  coloured  population. 

Christ  Church,  Winchester.  J.  E.  Jackson, 
rector.  But  few  changes  have  occurred  in  this 
congregation  during  the  past  year.  The  benevo- 
lent societies  have  received  more  attention  and 
better  support  than  for  many  previous  years.  The 
Ladies'  Society  of  Industry  have  made  their  pas- 
tor a  patron  of  the  Domestic  and  Foreign  Mis- 
sionary Society,  and  of  the  Education  Society. 
There  have  been  also  liberal  contributions  from 
the  other  societies  of  the  congregation  to  the 
General  Missionary  Society  of  our  church,  Infant 
Schools  in  Greece,  the  Education  Society,  Sun- 
day Schools,  and  for  erecting  an  Episcopal  church 
in  Monrovia. 

During  the  past  year  there  have  been  eleven 
added  to  the  communion  ;  one  member  has  died, 
seven  have  removed,  and  one  remains  suspended, 
leaving  the  present  number  of  communicants  one 
hundred  and  eight— baptisms  five,  coloured  two, 
total  seven — marriages  six — deaths  five — confirm- 
ed six.  The  congregation  at  Mill  Creek  contin- 
ues very  interesting  ;  there  are  forty-two  communi- 
cants— one  marriage — baptisms  five — deaths  two. 

Trinity  Church  and  Trinity  Chapel,  Augusta 
parish.  W.  G.  Jackson,  rector.  Communicants, 
added  twenty-five,  removed  three,  total  seventy — 
baptisms,  adults  two,  children  twenty-eight, 
white,  total  thirty — confirmations  seventeen — 
marriages,  seven  white  and  three  coloured,  total 
ten— funerals  three — number  of  families  sixty, 
adults  one  hundred  and  eighty,  infants  two  hun- 
dred and  forty.  The  rector  would  state  that, 
owing  to  the  peculiar  state  of  this  infant  church, 
his  people  have  done  but  little  for  those- various 
benevolent  institutions  which  call  for  the  prayers 
and  pecuniary  assistance  of  all.  During  the  past 
year  the  chapel  has  been  neatly  finished  by  the 
commendable  zeal  of  its  members  and  friends,  at 
an  expense  of  upwards  of  ^700.  The  ladies  of 
Trinity  Church,  by  their  untiring  perseverance 
and  industry,  have  raised  during  the  pa«t  year 
$500  towards  liquidating  the  debt  of  this  church. 

Norborne  parish,  Berkeley  county.  W.  P.  C. 
Johnson,  rector.  Communicants,  died  one,  re- 
moved five,  added  one,  total  one  hundred  and 
nineteen — baptisms,  four  adults  and  thirty-three 
children,  total  thirty-seven — confirmed  thirty-two 
— marriages  eleven — funerals  five — contributions 
to  benevolent  objects  during  the  past  year,  $103 
75. 

St.  Thomas's  Church,  Orange  courthouse. 
Wm.  G.  H.  Jones,  rector.  The  rector  takes 
pleasure  in  informing  this  Convention  that  his 
congregation  have  erected  a  new  and  very  neat 
church,  which,  it  is  hoped  and  believed,  will  be 
ready  for  consecration  about  the  last  of  July  or 
the  first  of  August.  The  expense  of  the  house 
will  be  about  ^,000.    The  Sunday  School  is  in  a 

U2 


better  condition  than  when  last  reported,  and 
numbers  thirty  scholars.  The  coloured  popu- 
lation still  continue  to  receive  regular  atten- 
tion from  the  rector.  The  ladies  have  nearly 
completed  a  subscription  for  one  scholarship  at 
the  Theological  Seminary  of  Virginia.  There  is 
no  doubt  of  its  speedy  completion.  There  is  a 
Temperance  Society  in  this  parish,  numbering 
about  three  hundred  members.  Confirmed  fif- 
teen. This  congregation  may  be  considered  as 
having  been  reorganized  last  year,  when  the  rec- 
tor found  nine  communicants.  Reported  to  the 
last  Convention  twenty-six,  present  number 
thirty-four,  one  dead,  one  removed — baptisms,  in- 
fant, seven — marriages  six — funerals  eleven — 
Episcopal  families  thirty-two. 

Walker's  Church,  Albemarle  and  Free  Union, 
Louisa.  (Combined.)  These  churches  receive 
services  once  a  month.  They  are  sufliciently 
near  for  mutual  attendance.  Present  number  of 
communicants  in  both  nineteen,  two  dead— bap- 
tisms, infant,  six— families  twelve. 

The  rector  of  Hamilton  and  Leeds  parishes, 
Fauquier,  reports  the  addition  of  five  to  the  num- 
ber of  communicants  ;  the  whole  number  of  com- 
municants is  between  sixty  and  seventy — con- 
firmations five — baptisms  about  ten — marriages 
fourteen — funerals  eight.  There  is  a  Female 
Education  Society  and  a  Female  Colonization 
Society  in  Hamilton  parish,  which  continue  to 
contribute  something  to  their  respective  objects. 
From  Leeds  parish  about  $200  are  contributed 
annually  to  religious  and  charitable  objects.  It 
is  hoped  that  a  new  church  will  be  begun,  if  not 
finished,  during  the  present  year,  in  this  parish. 
There  is  a  Temperance  Society  in  each  parish. 
Geo.  Lemon. 
The  late  rector  of  Christ  Church,  Alexandria, 
Fairfax  parish,  having  been  induced  to  resign  it, 
under  a  conviction  that  he  could  better  promote 
the  interests  of  religion  by  endeavouring  to  sus- 
tain the  "  Society  for  Educating  pious  Young  Men 
for  the  Ministry  of  the  Episcopal  Church,"  and  to 
complete  the  plans  of  the  church  in  reference  to 
the  Theological  Seminaiy  of  the  diocess,  would 
now  report  to  the  Convention  that  the  past  year 
has  not  been  so  productive  of  those  fruits  which  a 
Christian  minister  and  a  Christian  people  would 
desire,  as  the  former  years  of  his  labours  among 
them.  In  July  past  the  assistant  bishop  held  a 
confirmation  in  Alexandria,  at  which  time  seven 
persons  of  this  congregation  were  confirmed,  five 
of  whom  were  subsequently  admitted  to  the  com- 
munion, two  having  been  previously  admitted  to 
that  ordinance ;  two  of  the  communicants  have 
died,  two  have  removed  to  another  congregation 
— one  adult  has  been  baptized,  and  thirty-five  in- 
fants, of  whom  twenty-three  were  white,  and 
twelve  coloured — there  have  been  four  marriages, 
and  twelve  funerals.  The  Sunday  School  con- 
tains about  the  same  number  of  scholars  as  was 
reported  last  year,  and  some  hundred  volumes  of 
valuable  books  have  been  added  to  its  library. 
Two  Bible  classes,  one  male  and  one  female,  are 
still  maintained,  through  the  kindness  of  gentle- 
men belonging  to  the  Theological  Seminary,  and 
the  benevolent  societies  have  been  supported  as 
usual.  And  a  Bishop  Moore's  scholarship  is  about 
being  established,  a  part  of  the  fund  having  been 
already  received.  Soon  after  the  last  Convention, 
the  rector  established  a  meeting  for  coloured  per- 
sons on  one  evening  of  each  week,  which  was 
tolerably  well  attended,  until  his  engagements 
with  the  Education  Society  and  Theological  Semi- 
nary, added  to  the  duties  of  the  parish,  made  it 
impossible  for  him  to  carry  it  on.  The  state  of 
religion  in  the  Episcopal  and  all  other  churches  in 


308 


CONVENTION  OF  1834. 


the  town  seems  much  less  cheering  than  for 
years  past  furnishing  a  subject  of  deep  regret  to 
the  pious  part  of  the  community. 

St.  George's  Church,  Fredericksburg.  Edward 
e.  M'Guire,  rector.  From  various  causes,  the 
number  of  communicants  has  diminished,  though 
it  is  not  believed  that  the  piety  or  zeal  of  the  peo- 
ple has  declined.  Our  religious  and  benevolent 
societies  received  their  usual  share  of  attention. 
Through  our  Sunday  Schools  and  Bible  classes, 
we  endeavour  faithfully  to  sow  the  good  seed  of  the 
divine  word,  while  our  Auxiliary  Missionary  and 
Education  Societies  are  labouring  to  advance  the 
mportant  interests  contemplated  in  their  forma- 
tion. The  Prayer  and  Tract  Society  is  yet  highly 
useful  in  its  operations.  Our  Female  Missionary 
Society  is  alone  inefficient,  and  that  altogether  from 
the  extreme  difficulty  of  procuring  missionaries. 
Something  has  been  done  of  late  for  the  spiritual 
improvement  of  our  coloured  population.  The 
time  seems  to  have  arrived  with  us  for  successful 
efforts  in  their  behalf  Recent  endeavours  to  in- 
struct them  by  preaching  have  been  attended  by 
the  most  encouragmg  indications  of  usefulness. 
The  word  preached  has  been  most  gladly  re- 
ceived, and  much  gratitude  expressed  for  the  sym- 
pathy of  the  church,  and  her  care  for  them  in  their 
destitute  and  neglected  condition. 

Baptisms  twenty-five — communicants  one  hun- 
dred and  sixty — marriages  eight — funerals  twelve. 

St.  Anne's  and  South  Farnham  parishes,  Essex 
county.  John  P.  M'Guire,  rector.  St.  Anne's, 
communicants,  one  coloured,  total  thirty-four — 
baptisms,  white  infants  nine,  coloured  one,  total 
ten— marriages  three — funerals  six. 

South  Farnham.  Communicants  twenty — bap- 
tisms, white  infants  three,  coloured  fifteen,  total 
eighteen — marriages  three — funerals  two. 

St.  Mary's  parish,  Caroline  county.  Communi- 
cants fifteen. 

Lunenburg  parish,  Richmond  county.  Com- 
municants twenty-nine — baptisms,  white  adults 
one,  white  infants  four,  coloured  one,  total  six — 
funerals  four. 

The  number  of  families  cannot,  for  several 
causes,  be  now  stated  with  any  degree  of  accuracy. 

Amount  collected  for  the  different  institutions 
connected  with  the  church,  part  of  which  was  re- 
ceived immediately  previous  to  the  last  Conven- 
tion, but  not  before  reported,  5^319  20. 

Amount  collected  and  subscribed  in  St.  Anne's 
parish  for  the  Virginia  Bible  Society,  after  a  ser- 
mon by  the  Rev.  Wm.  M.  Atkinson,  its  general 
agent,  ■'^144  97. 

Since  the  last  Convention,  "  Associations  for 
the  promotion  of  Christianity"  through  the  insti- 
tutions of  the  church  have  been  formed  in  all  the 
above  parishes  ;  those  in  the  two  first  are  perfectly 
organized.  There  is  also  in  St.  Anne's  a  "  Fe- 
male Association,"  designed  to  co-operate  with 
the  more  general  one.  The  services  heretofore 
performed  in  St.  Mary's  parish,  CaroUne  county, 
are  still,  by  God's  help,  continued.  The  church 
at  Port  Royal  is  now  under  contract,  and  to  be 
finished  during  the  current  year.  Lunenburg 
parish,  with  two  others  in  its  immediate  neighbour- 
hood, have  secured  the  services  of  the  Rev.  G.  W. 
Nelson.  The  new  church  now  being  erected,  and 
the  old  one  in  Farnham  parish  which  is  repairing, 
will  probably  be  finished  this  year. 

Lunenburg  and  Farnham  parishes,  Richmond 
county.  The  rector  has  so  recently  taken  charge 
of  these  parishes,  that  he  can  only  report  that  they 
present  an  interesting  and  encouraging  field  of 
labour ;  and  that  he  humbly  trusts,  should  he  be 
spared  to  another  Convention,  to  be  able,  through 
the  blessing  of  Providence,  to  present  a  mbre  par- 


ticular and  interesting  report.  In  addition  to  thcee 
two  parishes,  he  has  under  his  charge  the  Ycomico 
Church,  in  tlae  county  of  Westmoreland. 

G.  W.  Nelson. 

Cumberland  parish,  Lunenburg  county.  C.  C, 
Taliaferro,  rector.  Communicants  twenty-six, 
added  ten,  died  one — baptisms,  infant,  four — mar- 
riages two— funerals  four.  Notwithstanding  my 
labours  have  been  somewhat  interrupted  by  sick- 
ness, &c.,  the  state  of  the  church  gives  just  cause 
of  gratitude  to  its  friends,  1  have  Bible  class 
and  Sunday  School  instructions  going  on  in  both 
ends  of  my  parish,  by  which  there  is  a  promise  of 
much  good.  The  spirit  of  missions  and  of  general 
benevolence  is  on  the  increase.  The  ladies  are 
doing  what  they  can  for  the  support  of  missionary 
operations,  by  their  Working  Society,  &lc.  We 
have  formed  a  scholarship  at  $75  for  three  years, 
for  the  education  of  some  young  men  for  the  min- 
istry. The  Colonization  Society  has  some  well- 
wishers  and  supporters  among  us.  I  have  nearly 
completed  a  subscription,  on  Gerrit  Smith's  plan, 
of  raising  $100  for  ten  years,  by  twenty  persons 
paying  five  each  year.  St.  John's  Church  has 
made  me  life  member  of  the  A.  T.  Society,  by  pay- 
ing $20.  The  cause  of  temperance  also  finds  sup- 
porters from  our  communion.  For  the  last  six 
months  I  have  paid  renewed  attention  to  the  col- 
oured people  01  my  neighbourhood,  preaching  on 
the  afternoon  of  every  other  Wednesday  and  Sun- 
day, with  the  most  pleasing  prospect  of  success. 
The  masters  of  the  servants  feel  the  duty  of  provi- 
ding for  their  spiritual  welfare  so  great,  that  they 
contemplate  building  a  church  expressly  for  them. 

Westover  parish,  Charles  City  county.  Alex. 
Norris,  rector.  The  reorganization  of  this  parish 
commences  with  the  present  year.  Communi- 
cants eighteen — baptisms,  infants,  three  white  and 
five  coloured,  total  eight— confirmations  four — mar- 
riages two — funerals  six — families  about  nineteen. 
Collected  for  the  Colonization  Society  $36— for 
the  Missionary  Society  $10— Bible  Society  $5 — 
Education  Society  $5,  total  $56. 

Smce  May  last,  with  the  exception  of  about  six 
weeks'  absence  on  a  visit  to  North  Carolina,  I  have 
regularly  officiated  in  two  churches  in  this  parish, 
preaching  alternately  at  each  on  Sundays  in  the 
morning,  and  preaching  to  the  servants,  sometimes 
in  the  morning  before  going  to  church,  and  in  the 
afternoon,  either  at  church  or  on  their  estates.  I 
have  also  preached  to  a  free  coloured  congregation 
every  other  Saturday.  What  good  has  been  done, 
time  and  eternity  will  show. 

While  present  appearances  are  such  as  to  call 
for  much  humility  and  prayer,  it  is  just  to  say,  that 
we  have  been  occasionally  relieved  from  feelings 
of  despair,  and  have  been  incited  to  hope  that  good 
has  been  and  may  be  done  in  this  parish. 

St.  Paul's  Church,  Norfolk  parish.  Ebenezer 
Boyden,  rector.  Communicants,  added  twenty- 
eight — removed  three— died  five,  total  forty-five 
baptisms,  adults  three,  infants  thirteen,  total  six- 
teen—marriages four — funerals  ten — contributions 
to  missions  and  other  benevolent  objects,  $200. 

The  rector  has  met  the  servants  of  the  congre- 
gation weekly  on  the  Sabbath,  to  instruct  them  in 
religion,  and  has  felt  encouraged  by  their  attend- 
ance and  seriousness.  A  good  organ  has  been  ob- 
tained for  the  church,  and  the  prospects  of  the 
congregation  are  generally  encouraging 

St.  Paul's  Church,  Lynchburg.  F.  G.  Smith, 
rector.  A  parish  association  has  been  organized 
during  the  past  year  to  raise  and  appropriate 
funds  for  Domestic  Missions,  Foreign  Missions, 
the  Sunday  School,  and  parochial  library.  This 
association  promises  to  be  highly  useful. 

Communicants,  removed  oinei-— deceased  thiee^ 


CONVENTION  OF  1834. 


309 


added  fourteen,  present  number  sixty-four — mar- 
riages three — baptisms,  of  adults  three,  of  infants 
thirteen — funerals  seven. 

Trinity  Church,  Portsmouth  parish,  Norfolk 
county.  Jno.  H.Wingfield,  rector.  Marriages  nine 
— baptisms,  of  infants  sixteen — communicants,  ad- 
ded two,  removed  one,  died  four,  total  thirty-seven 
— funerals  sixteen — families  sixty— adults  one 
hundred  and  seventy — children  one  hundred  and 
ten — Sunday  School  teachers  eight — scholars 
forty. 

A  parish  library  has  been  commenced,  which 
contains  at  present  more  than  one  hundred  vol- 
umes ;  and  a  class  formed  for  the  study  of  Jack- 
son's Lessons  on  the  Morning  Services  of  the 
Church. 

There  is  a  Temperance  Society  in  this  parish 
numbering  about  two  hundred  members,  and  con- 
tinually increasing. 

Christ  Church,  Richmond.  Geo.  Woodbridge, 
rector.  Communicants,  added  twenty-five,  remo- 
ved seven,  died  three,  total  seventy-eight — bap- 
tisms, of  adults  eight,  of  infants  ten. 

There  have  been  twelve  confirmations,  four 
marriages,  and  seven  funerals. 

There  have  been  transmitted  during  the  past 
year  cSlOO  to  the  Domestic  and  Foreign  Mission- 
ary Society  of  our  church,  and  $50  to  the  Amer- 
ican Tract  Society,  to  be  appropriated  to  the  Epis- 
copal Mission  in  Greece. 

There  have  been  collected  $159  for  the  support 
of  the  Sunday  Schools  connected  with  Christ 
Church,  and  a  small  sum  for  the  purpose  of  forming 
a  parish  library. 

The  Sunday  Schools  connected  with  the  church 
are  in  a  flourishing  condition.  Besides  the  school 
at  the  church,  which  has  been  divided  into  a  male 
and  female  department,  there  has  been  one  estab- 
lished in  connexion  with  the  church  at  a  distance 
from  it,  which  promises  to  be  a  useful  auxiliary. 

During  the  last  year  I  preached  to  the  coloured 
people  a  few  times,  but  circumstances  occurred  to 
prevent  regular  services.  Arrangements  have, 
however,  now  been  made  by  the  Episcopal  Church 
of  Richmond,  to  preach  regularly  to  them  in  the 
lecture-room  of  the  Monumental  Church. 

Lexington  parish,  Amherst  county,  and  Nelson 
parish,  Nelson  county.  C.  H.  Page,  rector. 
Communicants,  added  six,  died  one,  total  number 
sixty-eight — baptisms  about  twenty,  viz.:  eight 
whites,  twelve  coloured — marriages  six — funerals 
eleven.  Sunday  Schools  are  established  in  the 
neighbourhood  of  all  the  churches  except  one. 

A  society  for  the  promotion  of  temperance  and 
a  Female  Bible  Society  have  been  organized  in 
New-Glasgow.  Contributions  have  been  made  to 
the  Colonization  Society,  to  the  Foreign  and  Do- 
mestic Missionary  Society,  and  to  the  Education 
Society. 

Preachmg  at  long  intervals  to  the  different  con- 
gregations of  my  charge,  and  leading  the  life  of  a 
missionary  rather  than  of  a  pastor,  I  am  often  de- 
prived of  the  opportunity  of  nurturing  good  im- 
pressions, which,  with  the  aid  of  private  counsel 
and  exhortation,  might  become  fixed  and  perma- 
nent. 

A  comnjodious  brick  church  has  been  built  in 
the  neighbourhood  of  Lovingston,  in  which  it  is 
hoped  and  prayed  that  many  souls  may  be  born  to 
glory  and  to  God.  There  are  some  in  the  congre- 
gations serious,  but  they  are  not  fully  satisfied 
that  they  ought  to  confess  Christ  publicly.  For 
the  benefit  of  the  coloured  population,  regular  ser- 
vices are  held  in  the  churches  upon  the  Lord's 
day,  and  occasional  services  in  private  houses. 

St.  Martin's  parish,  Hanover  and  Louisa  coun- 
lies.     John   Cook,  rector.     Communicants,  re- 


moved four,  died  one,  total  fifty-eight — ^baptisms, 
of  white  infants  three,  coloured  three,  total  six — 
marriages  two — funerals  seven — families  forty — 
adults  one  hundred  and  twenty-five,  infants  one 
hundred— collected  for  benevolent  objects,  $300. 

This  parish  was  reorganized  about  the  year  1812, 
but  never  enjoyed  the  advantages  of  a  settled 
ministry  until  about  1816,  since  which  time 
it  has  had  almost  uninterrupted  services  to  the 
present.  The  present  rector  has  no  means  of  as- 
certaining the  number  of  communicants  at  that 
time,  but  presumes  they  were  very  few.  Whea 
he  took  charge  of  it,  in  1825,  there  were  forty-one, 
since  which  time  fifty  have  been  added.  The  sev- 
eral benevolent  societies  heretofore  reported  are 
still  in  operation,  but,  I  regret  to  add,  some  of  them 
are  not  so  active  as  formerly. 

St.  Paul's  Church,  Alexandria.  J.  T.  Johnson, 
rector.  Communicants,  added  six,  removed  four, 
died  four,  total  one  hundred  and  forty — baptisms, 
one  white  adult  and  thirty-three  infanis.  total  thir- 
ty-four— marriages  three — funerals  eight — amount 
collected  for  the  different  institutions  of  the  church, 
exclusive  of  $560  in  part  payment  of  a  new  organ, 
$172  50.     For  general  fund,  now  transmitted,  $25. 

The  rector  has  been  in  charge  of  this  church 
since  the  20th  of  October  last.  He  has  every 
reason,  however,  to  rejoice  in  its  present  state 
and  prospects.  Thus  far  the  congregation  has 
been  increasing.  The  institutions  connected  with 
the  church  are  flourishing,  particularly  the  Sun- 
day School,  which  numbers  on  its  list  two  hun- 
dred and  four  scholars,  eleven  male  and  seventeen 
female  teachers,  and  two  male  superintendents. 
The  average  attendance  is  about  one  hundred 
and  fifty. 

Although  but  few  communicants  have  been 
added,  yet  the  rector  has  assurance  that  the  work 
of  grace  is  going  on.  Many  who  have  not  yet 
made  an  open  profession,  have  been  led  by  the 
Spirit  to  a  serious  communing  with  their  own 
hearts,  which,  he  trusts  and  prays,  will  ultimately 
result  in  the  conviction,  that  "  Christ  is  the  power 
of  God  to  salvation." 

St.  John's  Church,  Hampton.  Mark  L.  Che- 
vers,  rector.  Communicants,  removed  one,  died 
one,  total  ten— marriages  six — baptisms,  six  in- 
fants— funerals  seven — collected  for  the  contin- 
gent fund,  $5 — bishop's  episcopal  services,  $2. 

The  church  at  Old  Point  Comfort.  Communi- 
cants, added  five,  removed  two,  died  one,  total 
fifteen— marriages  nine— baptisms,  eight  infants — 
funerals  fourteen — Sunday  School  teachers  five — 
scholars  about  forty — collected  for  the  bishop's 
episcopal  services,  $5. 

A  regular  weekly  service  is  held  at  this  place, 
for  the  particular  benefit  of  coloured  persons, 
which  is  not  only  numerously  attended,  but  ap- 
pears to  be  highly  appreciated.  Some  who  a 
short  time  since  seemed  to  be  careless  and  indif- 
ferent spectators,  now  take  a  lively  interest  in  re- 
ligious exercises.  And  of  some  few  we  believe  it 
may  be  said,  with  gratitude  to  God,  "  they  have 
found  peace"  in  believing  in  Jesus  Christ. 

St.  Paul's  parish,  King  George  county.  Zacha- 
riah  H.  Goldsmith,  rector.  Baptisms  seven — 
marriages  four — funerals  five — communicants  thir- 
ty-four. 

Brunswick  parish.  Baptisms  eleven — marria- 
ges three — funerals  two — one  communicant  with- 
drawn, one  removed,  total  eleven. 

St.  Margaret's  parish,  and  Grace  Church,  St. 
Mary's  parish.  William  Friend,  rector.  Commu- 
nicants, added  six,  removed  two,  died  one,  total 
forty-eight — baptisms  two — confirmations  five — 
marriages  two  —  funerals,  white  six,  coloured 
twelve. 


310 


CONVENTION  OF  1834. 


The  rector  finds  it  difficult  to  report  precisely 
the  number  of  families  under  his  pastoral  charge, 
for  many  contain  members  of  tlifferent  denomina- 
tions. Those  of  which  he  is  exclusively  the  pas- 
tor amount  to  about  thirty.  There  are  two  Sun- 
day Schools,  one  Bible  class,  one  Temperance 
Society,  containing  about  seventy  members,  one 
Bible  Society,  auxiliary  to  the  "  Bible  Society  of 
"Virginia." 

The  rector  reports  that  a  brick  church  has  been 
built  during  the  past  year,  in  St.  Mary's  parish, 
which  was  cunsecraied  in  April  last  by  the  Right 
Rev,  Bishop  Moore.  A  vestry  has  been  chosen, 
and  the  church  is  now  organized  in  this  parish. 
In  St.  Margaret's  parish  the  old  church  has  been 
thoroughly  repaired  during  the  past  year.  At  the 
Bowling  Green  the  materials  are  provided  and 
contracts  are  made  for  the  erection  of  a  brick 
church  the  present  year.  Systematic  efibrts  are 
now  being  made  for  the  religious  instruction  of  the 
slaves. 

Bristol  parish,  Petersburg.  Andrew  Syme,  rec- 
tor. The  number  of  conamunicants  of  this  parish 
is  seventy,  ten  of  whom  have  been  added  since 
last  Convention,  seven  have  removed,  four  have 
died  ;  there  have  been  seven  baptisms,  all  white  ; 
there  have  been  no  confirmations  for  more  than 
three  years ;  there  have  been  six  marriages,  four- 
teen funerals.  The  number  of  families  is  about 
eighty;  the  number  of  children  not  ascertained. 
The  female  association,  denominated  the  "Wil- 
jner  Education  Society,"  have  transmitted  to 
Alexandria  the  sum  of  ^140,  the  produce  of  their 
labour  since  last  Convention ;  nineteen  dollars 
have  been  collected  for  the  Colonization  Society. 
The  Sunday  School  is  in  a  prosperous  condition, 
there  being  some  excellent  teachers  engaged  in 
promoting  its  success.  The  prospects  of  the 
church  are  encouraging ;  the  attendance  on  the 
ordinary  ministrations  on  the  Lord's  day  is  gener- 
ally very  good.  The  incumbent  being  far  ad- 
vanced in  life,  the  congregation,  with  great  liberal- 
ity, have  adopted  measures  to  support  an  assistant. 
A  young  clergyman  from  New-york  has  been  en- 
gaged for  that  purpose.  He  is  very  acceptable  to 
the  people,  and  it  is  hoped,  by  the  blessing  of  God, 
much  good  will  redound  to  all  concerned. 

Berkeley  parish,  Louisa  county.  There  have 
been  no  additions  to  the  number  of  communicants 
the  last  year.  The  few  families  attached  to  our 
communion  are  anxious  to  obtain  the  services  of  a 
minister.  A  small  church,  we  hope,  will  be  ready 
for  consecration  in  a  few  weeks.  Collected  for 
bishop's  assistant  fund,  $1  12 ;  contingent  fund, 
$3  88.  Ed.  Berkeley,  Delegate. 

Botetourt  parish,  Botetourt  county.  Communi- 
cants, added  three,  removed  two,  died  three,  total 
thirteen ;  the  number  of  Episcopal  families  can 
hardly  be  positively  stated. 

The  delegate  reports  to  the  Convention  that 
this  parish  is  at  present  without  a  clergyman.  He 
is,  however,  gratified  to  say,  that  one  is  confident- 
ly expected  in  a  few  months  to  reside  in  the  par- 
ish as  a  regular  pastor,  for  whose  comfortable  sup- 
port an  adequate  provision  has  already  been  made. 
The  delegate  thinks  that  in  no  part  of  the  diocess 
jire  there  better  materials  for  the  building  up  of 
the  church  than  in  Botetourt  county ;  evidently 
within  a  few  years  a  kind  feeling  towards  the 
church  has  been  steadily  increasing  and  strength- 
ening among  a  large  portion  of  the  community. 
Thomas  N.  Burwell,  Delegate. 

The  committee  appointed  to  examine  the 
state  of  the  fund  for  the  permanent  support  of 
the  episcopate  of  this  diocess,  presented  the  fol- 
lowing report,  which  was  read  and  accepted,  viz. : 


Since    the   last  Convention,  there  has  been 
added  to  the  shares  of  the  stock  of  the  Farmers' 
Bank  seven  shares,  so  that  there  is  in  stocks  of 
the  Farmers'  and  Alexandria  Banks,  at  the  par 
value  of  the  shares,         -         -         -  f6,200  00 
Cash  in  hand,  waiting  for  an  oppor- 
tunity to  invest  it  in  stocks   of 
either  the  Farmers'  or  Potomac 
Bank, 112  00 


(Signed,) 


$6,312  00 
Edmund  J.  Lee. 


The  Convention  proceeded  to  the  election, 
by  ballot,  of  a  standing  committee  of  the  church 
in  this  diocess  for  the  ensuing  year ;  where- 
upon the  following  gentlemen  were  duly  elect- 
ed, viz. :  the  Rev.  Reuel  Keith,  D.  D.,  Rev. 
Charles  Mann,  Rev.  Henry  W.  Ducachet,  M.  D., 
Mr.  John  Gray,  Mr.  R.  W.  Downman,  and  Mr. 
Alexander  Garrett. 

And  to  an  election,  by  ballot,  of  eight  delegates 
to  represent  this  diocess  in  the  next  General 
Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church 
in  the  United  States  of  America:  whereupon 
the  following  gentlemen  were  duly  elected,  viz.  : 
Rev.  Henry  W.  Ducachet,  M.  D.,  Rev.  N.  H. 
Cobbs,  Rev.  Reuel  Keith,  D.  D.,  Rev.  Adam 
Empie,  D.  D.,  Mr.  Thomas  Marshall,  Mr.  Wm. 
H.  M'Farland,  Mr.  Edward  Colston,  and  Mr. 
John  Nelson. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  John  H.  Peyton, 

Resolved,  That  the  thanks  of  this  Conven- 
tion be  presented  to  the  Right  Rpv.  Assistant 
Bishop,  for  his  very  impressive  ^nd  appropriate 
sermon  upon  the  subject  of  temperance,  deliv- 
ered on  yesterday,  and  that  he  be  respectfully 
requested  to  furnish  a  copy  thereof  for  publica- 
tion. 

The  report  of  the  board  of  trustees  of  the  Theo- 
logical School  of  Virginia,  together  with  that  of 
their  treasurer,  were  read  and  accepted,  viz. : — 

In  submitting  their  annual  report  to  the  Con- 
vention, the  board  of  trustees  of  the  Theological 
School  of  Virginia  would  gratefully  acknowledge 
that  the  institution  still  continues  to  enjoy  the  fa- 
vour and  blessing  of  Almightv  God,  and  to  realize, 
and  more  than  realize,  the  hopes  entertained  by 
its  patrons  and  friends,  of  its  usefulness  in  furnish- 
ing the  church  with  a  regular  supply  of  pious,  en- 
lightened, and  efficient  ministers. 

From  the  reports  of  the  professors,  it  appears 
that  the  number  of  students  during  the  present 
session  has  been  as  high  as  thirty-nine,  viz. : — 
thirteen  in  the  junior,  fourteen  in  the  middle,  and 
twelve  in  the  senior  class.  They  have  been  uni- 
formly correct  in  their  deportment  and  conduct, 
and  diligent  in  preparing  for  the  great  work  to 
which  they  expect  to  be  devoted;  are  actuated, 
as  the  professors  hope  and  believe,  by  the  best  and 
purest  motives,  and  promise  to  become,  by  the 
help  of  Him  "  without  whom  nothing  is  strong, 
nothing  is  holy,"  able  and  successful  ministers  of 
the  New  Testament.  The  course  of  study  in 
which  they  have  been  engaged  is  that  prescribed 
in  the  rules  for  the  government  of  the  seminary, 
and  their  progress  has  been  as  great  as  could  be 
reasonably  expected.  The  number  sent  forth 
from  the  seminary  the  present  session,  it  is  ex- 
pected,  will  be  fourteen,  a  larger  proportion  of 
whom  than  usual  will  remain  in  the  diocess  of 
Virginia. 


CONVENTION*  OF  1834. 


311 


The  treasurer's  report,  herewith  presented,  will 
show  the  state  of  the  funds. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  trustees  in  Alexandria,  in 
October  last,  the  Rev.  Charles  Mann  was  appoint- 
ed Professor  of  Pastoral  Theology,  and  general 
agent  for  the  seminary  and  the  Education- Socie- 
ty, one  half  of  his  salary  to  be  paid  by  the  latter. 
He  has  recently  resigned  his  parish,  and  entered 
upon  the  duties  of  his  appointment.  The  board 
regard  the  connexion  of  this  gentleman  with  the 
institution  as  an  important  measure,  and  expect 
much  benefit  to  result  from  it.  At  their  meeting 
in  October,  finding  the  present  buildings  already 
filled,  and  unwilling  that  any  of  those  who  might 
be  desirous  of  entering  our  institution  should  be 
excluded  by  the  impossibility  of  getting  accommo- 
dated theYe,  they  resolved  to  make  arrangements 
for  the  speedy  erection  of  the  centre  building,  to 
■connect  the  two  wings,  according  to  the  original 
plan.  They  regret,  however,  to  find,  that  the 
funds  of  the  seminary  have  shared  in  the  general 
pecuniary  embarrassment  to  such  an  extent  as  to 
render  it  impracticable  to  accomplish  this  impor- 
tant measure  during  the  present  year.  The 
growth  of  the  institution,  therefore,  which  has 
hitherto  been  regularly  increasing  since  it  com- 
menced, a  few  years  since,  without  funds,  and 
with  but  one  professor  and  one  pupil,  must  now, 
for  the  first  time,  receive  a  check.  We  have  no 
accommodations  for  more  than  forty  students. 
And  here  the  interesting  inquiry  arises,  whether 
our  seminary  has  reached  the  full  dimensions 
which  it  was  destined  by  the  providence  of  God 
to  attain  ?  When  we  reflect  on  the  many  signal 
proofs  of  the  divine  approbation  it  has  experienced, 
and  the  great  amount  of  good  it  has  already  ac- 
complished— when  we  call  to  mind  the  great  and 
glorious  object  of  that  ministry  which  it  provides, 
how  important  it  is  to  the  world,  how  beneficial 
to  society,  how  essential  to  the  prosperity  of  our 
own  beloved  church — when  we  think  of  the  waste 
places  of  Zion,  the  loud  and  numerous  calls  for 
ministers  within  our  own  borders,  the  deplora- 
ble condition  in  heathen  lands  of  so  many  of  that 
race  of  intelligent  and  immortal  beings,  to  every 
individual  of  whom  the  great  Redeemer  has  com- 
manded us  to  preach  his  gospel — in  a  word,  when 
we  reflect  that  the  Saviour's  declaration,  "  truly 
the  harvest  is  great,  but  the  labourers  are  few,"  is 
almost  as  applicable  to  our  times  as  his  own,  and 
the  command  to  pray  the  Lord  of  the  harvest  that 
he  would  send  forth  more  labourers  into  his  har- 
vest, quite  as  binding  upon  us  as  upon  those  who 
heard  it  from  his  own  lips,  it  becomes  a  question 
of  the  deepest  interest  and  solemnity,  whether  the 
friends  of  God  and  of  man  within  the  diocess  of 
Virginia  will  compel  us  to  deny  the  privileges  of 
our  institution  to  any  of  those  young  servants  of 
Christ  who  feel  constrained  by  his  love  to  devote 
themselves  to  the  arduous  and  self-denying  la- 
bours and  duties  of  the  gospel  ministry  ?  Shall 
the  number  of  our  students,  which  may  be  almost 
indefinitely  enlarged,  henceforth  be  fixed  at  forty  ? 
Shall  an  institution  which  might,  by  the  blessing 
of  God,  in  a  few  years,  send  forth  annually,  at  a 
moderate  computation,  fifty  well-educated  and 
well-qualified  labourers,  be  contented  with  send- 
ing forth  only  a  dozen  ?  with  supplying  only  a  fee- 
ble rill  instead  of  an  abundant  stream  to  refresh 
and  gladden  a  thirsty  and  dying  world  with  the 
waters  of  life  ?  Shall  such  be  the  destiny  of  the 
Theological  School  of  Virginia.  ?  We  trust  not. 
We  believe  it  to  be  the  work  of  God.  We  hope 
he  will  put  it  into  the  hearts  of  those  whom  his 
bountiful  providence  has  supplied  with  the  means, 
to  contribute  whatever  funds  may  be  required  to 
furnish  accommodations  for  all  who  may  seek  ad- 


mission within  its  walls ;  will  raise  up  to  enjoy  its 
advantages  as  many  pious  and  intelligent  candi- 
dates for  the  ministry  as  can  profitably  pursue 
their  studies  at  our  institution  ;  will  provide  them 
with  a  suflScient  number  of  professors,  who  shall 
be  men  in  all  respects  qualified  for  their  station ; 
with  an  ample  library  ;  in  short,  with  every  oppor- 
tunity and  every  means  of  becoming  burning  and 
shining  lights  in  the  church. 

All  which  is  respectfully  submitted  by  the  trus- 
tees. 

Resolved,  That  the  Rev.  George  Wood- 
bridge,  Mr.  Hilary  Baker,  and  Mr.  George  M. 
Carrington,  be  a  committee  to  raise  by  assess- 
ment among  the  different  parishes,  having  refer- 
ence to  the  number  of  communicants  reported 
to  the  Convention,  the  sum  of  three  hundred 
dollars,  to  be  paid  to  Bishop  Moore,  at  the  next 
Convention,  for  his  episcopal  services ;  and 
that  said  committee  inform  the  clergyman  of 
each  parish  of  the  proportion  required  from  his 
parish  :  and, 

Resolved,  That  the  clergy  be  required  to 
raise  the  sum  so  assessed,  and  pay  it  at  the 
next  Convention. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Empie,  from  the  committee  on 
the  state  of  the  church,  made  the  following  re- 
port, viz.  :-r- 

The  committee  on  the  state  of  the  church  beg 
leave  respectfully  to  present  the  following  report ; 
a  report  in  every  item  and  clause  of  which  they 
have  unanimously  concurred  : — 

In  reference,  first  of  all,  to  the  memorial  referred 
to  them  from  the  wardens,  vestrymen,  and  laymen 
of  St.  Paul's  Church,  Lynchburg,  they  would 
commence  by  observing,  that  the  spirit  which 
prompted  and  breathes  through  that  memorial  is 
worthy  of  all  commendation.  It  evinces  pecuhar- 
ly  and  emphatically  the  spirit  of  our  church  and 
the  spirit  of  the  gospel,  inasmuch  as  it  manifests 
an  anxiety  to  unite,  in  one  holy  system,  the  piety 
of  the  heart  with  all  the  vital  truths  of  our  blessed 
religion,  and  as  it  proposes  to  extend  the  hallowed 
influence  of  each  of  these,  through  the  medium 
of  the  divinely-appointed  institutions  of  the  church. 
And  with  all  the  plenitude  of  this  spirit,  may  the 
great  Head  of  the  church  endue  every  member  of 
our  Zion. 

But  your  committee  are  not  prepared  to  adopt 
or  to  recommend  the  plan  suggested  by  your  me. 
morialists.  Fixed  and  stated  quarterly  associations 
throughout  the  diocess  could  not  accommodate 
themselves  to  the  circumstances  of  our  clergy  and 
churches  ;  and  by  the  adoption  of  a  fixed  and  un- 
bending system,  we  should  render  them  often  im- 
practicable, and  thus  defeat  the  very  purposes 
they  are  designed  to  subserve.  The  rule  adopted 
and  recommended  by  the  Convention  of  1831,  ap- 
pears, upon  the  whole,  by  far  the  best,  since  ex- 
perience has  not  raised  a  single  objection  against 
it.  That  rule  leaves  associations  voluntary,  and 
dependant  upon  previous  concert  as  to  time  and 
place,  and  the  clergy  who  shall  be  members  of 
them ;  because  this  appears  the  best  mode  of 
adapting  them  to  the  ever-varying  circumstances 
of  the  church  and  the  clergy. 

Before  passing  from  this  topic,  your  committee 
think  it  important  to  add  two  remarks,  which 
have  upon  it  an  immediate  bearing.  Although  it 
be  eminently  advisable  and  important  that  we 
should  endeavour  to  explain  and  inculcate  ali  the 
distinctive  principles  of  our  church,  and  to  remove 
every  popular  objection  and  prejudice  against  our 
communion,  yet  we  hold  this  to  be  the  peculiar 


312 


CONVENTION  OF  1834, 


duty  of  the  clergy  individually,  in  their  respective 
parishes,  and  not  the  appropriate  business  of  asso- 
ciations, as  the  memorialists  suppose.  Associa- 
tions should  be  designed  not  so  much  for  instruc- 
tion, as  for  the  purpose  of  exciting  the  lukewarm 
and  the  formalist,  and  of  carrying  the  most  stirring 
appeal  to  the  hearts  of  the  impenitent. 

There  is  to  this  rule  but  one  exception,  and  that 
suggests  an  important  distinction  which  we  deem 
it  necessary  to  state. 

Associations  are  the  most  important,  the  most 
desirable,  arid  the  most  likely  to  be  useful,  when 
they  are  held  in  new  and  in  destitute  parishes,  or 
in  those  which  enjoy  only  occasionally  or  irregular- 
ly the  services  of  our  church.  Here  they  are  the 
most  wanted  and  the  most  loudly  called  for — 
here  they  will  be  sure  to  do  the  most  good.  To 
these  the  clergy  are  most  earnestly  advised  to 
give  their  leisure  time.  And  here  familiar  instruc- 
tions, as  well  as  warm  and  earnest  exhortations, 
may  be  peculiarly  appropriate. 

Next  to  these,  it  is  certainly  most  desirable  that 
associations  should  be  holden  in  parishes  where 
religion  is  in  a  state  of  deep  declension,  and  where 
the  zeal,  and  energy,  and  persevering  efforts  of  the 
associated  clergy  may  probably  be  instrumental, 
through  divine  grace,  in  effecting  a  revival.  And 
though  we  would  not  be  understood  to  discourage 
the  holding  of  associations  in  parishes  where  re- 
ligion is  more  flourishing,  yet  we  think  that  par- 
ishes which  are  new,  destitute,  or  only  occasion- 
ally served,  and  parishes  which  are  siitfering  un- 
der the  palsy  of  a  spiritual  slumber,  call  upon  us 
most  loudly  for  this  kind  of  help,  have  the  first 
claim  to  our  attention,  and  furnish  occasions 
where  associations  are  most  likely  to  be  useful, 
and  the  very  occasions  for  which  Providence  originally 
appohited  and  intended  them. 

Your  committee,  however,  cannot  take  leave  of 
this  subject  without  repeating,  with  all  the  energy 
they  possess,  the  solemn  caution  that  is  spread 
out  on  the  Journal  of  1832.  The  errors  and  extrav- 
agances  of  a  false  zeal  and  a  bewildering  fanati- 
cism are  multiplying  all  around  us,  in  spite  even 
of  the  loudest  censures  and  opposition  of  the  most 
prudent  and  pious  of  all  the  different  denomina- 
tions. And  the  deepest  anxiety  is  felt  lest  any  mem- 
ber of  our  beloved  communion  should  be  drawn 
into  the  approbation  or  adoption  of  any  one  of 
what  are  termed  "  the  new-light  measures,"  all  of 
vyhich  we  would  be  understood  most  explicitly  to 
disclaim  and  to  condemn,  as  tending  to  produce 
only  a  spurious  and  pernicious  excitement,  and  as 
constituting,  not  simply  an  equivocal  system  of 
expedients,  but  the  merest  machinery  and  excess- 
es of  fanaticism. 

Among  the  subjects  that  call  upon  us,  not  only 
for  congratulations,  but  also  for  ardent  gratitude 
to  the  great  Head  of  the  church,  your  committee 
would  mention  the  steady  progress  of  religion 
throughout  the  diocess,  and  the  decided  improve- 
ment that  seems  to  have  taken  place  in  attach- 
ment to  the  distinctive  principles  of  our  church. 
In  bringing  these  principles  before  their  congrega- 
tions, many  of  the  clergy  seem  to  have  taken  the 
most  laudable  pains.  And  it  is  earnestly  hoped 
that  this  praiseworthy  example  will  be  universally 
followed,  and  as  earnestly  recommended  ;  that,  as 
far  as  circumstances  permit,  an  increased  atten- 
tion may  be  paid  to  our  rubrics  and  our  canons. 

Your  committee  feel  impelled,  by  the  impor- 
tance of  this  topic,  to  urge  it  with  peculiar  ear- 
nestness, inasmuch  as,  from  their  own  experience 
and  observation,  they  feel  the  most  unbounded  as- 
surance, that  the  most  efficacious,  and,  under  the 
divine  blessing,  the  only  infallible  security  against 
the  fanatical  "  inventions  of  men  in  the  worship 


of  God,"  and  against  the  deplorable  and  soul- 
wasting  disorders  and  heresies  which  follow  in 
their  train,  has  ever  been  and  ever  will  be  found 
to  be  a  strict  and  conscientious  adherence  to  the 
rubrics  and  canons,  to  the  ordinances  and  institu- 
tions of  the  church.  God  himself  has  joined  the 
leading  truths  and  duties,  the  rich  promises  and 
blessings,  with  the  ordinary  institutions  and  ordi- 
nances of  religion  ;  and  what  God  has  joined  to- 
gether let  not  man  put  asunder. 

In  conclusion,  your  committee  would  most  ear- 
nestly urge  upon  the  clergy  the  rehgious  instruc- 
tion of  young  and  old  among  that  portion  of  "  the 
degraded  race  of  man"  with  which  an  inscrutable 
Providence  has  been  pleased  to  afflict  our  coun- 
try. For  their  moral  and  spiritual  wants  we  are 
as  imperatively  bound  to  provide  as  for  their  tem- 
poral ;  and  if  the  myriads  under  bondage  which 
have  "  perished  for  lack  of  knowledge"  shall  one 
day  be  required  at  our  hands,  it  may  well  curdle 
the  warm  blood  at  the  fountain  to  look  forward  to 
the  tremendous  account  that  must  hereafter  be 
rendered  in  by  ministers  and  by  masters. 

God,  in  his  mercy,  dispose  every  one  to  lay  thi» 
solemn  subject  to  heart,  and  to  act,  habitually 
and  daily,  under  the  persuasion,  that,  by  the  ap- 
pointment of  high  Heaven,  the  souls  of  his  ser- 
vants as  well  as  of  his  children  are  intrusted  to 
his  care. 

All  this  is  now  most  respectfully  submitted. 
A.  Empie,  Chairman. 

The  Rev.  George  W.  Nelson  offered  the  fol- 
lowing resolution,  which  was  unanimously 
adopted  : — 

Resolved,  That  the  thanks  of  this  Convention 
be  and  are  hereby  presented  to  Mr.  John  Gray, 
treasurer  of  the  Theological  Seminary  of  Vir- 
ginia, for  the  disinterested  zeal  with  which  he 
has  gratuitously  devoted  his  time  and  labour  to 
the  discharge  of  the  duties  of  that  office  ;  and 
that  the  skill  he  has  displayed  in  the  manage- 
ment of  its  funds  merits  their  highest  confi- 
dence. 

The  Convention  proceeded  to  the  choice  of 
the  executive  committee  of  the  Missionary  So- 
ciety, which  resulted  in  the  election  of  Mr. 
Hilary  Baker  as  secretary,  Mr.  Thomas  Nelson 
as  treasurer,  and  the  Rev.  E.  C.  M'Guire,  Rev. 
H.  W.  Ducachet,  M.  D.,  Rev.  Nicholas  H. 
Cobbs,  Rev.  John  Grammer,  Rev.  Adam  Emr 
pie,  D.  D.,  Rev.  George  Woodbridge,  Rev. 
Thomas  Jackson,  Mr.  John  Nelson,  Mr.  George 
M.  Carrington,  and  Mr.  Orrin  Williams,  as 
members  of  the  executive  committee. 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  H.  W.  Ducachet, 

Resolved,  That  a  committee  of  two  persons 
be  appointed  to  examine  the  journals  of  this 
Convention,  from  the  first  organization  of  the 
church  in  this  diocess,  to  ascertain  and  report 
what  resolutions  have  at  various  times  been 
passed  by  this  body,  and  still  remain  in  force  ; 
and  which  of  such  resolutions,  if  any,  ought  to 
be  rescinded  and  abolished,  and  which  ought  to 
stand  as  the  judgment  and  declarations  of  this 
body  ;  and  that  they  report  to  the  next  Conven- 
tion. And  the  president  appointed  the  Rev.  H. 
W.  Ducachet,  M.  D.,  and  the  Rev.  John  H. 
Wingfield,  said  committee. 

Resolved,  That  the  assistant  bishop  of  this 
diocess,  with  the  aid  of  any  of  the  clergy  or  laity 
whom  he  may  call  to  his  assistance,  be  and  axp 


CONVENTION  OF  1835. 


313 


hereby  requested  to  prepare,  from  time  to  time, 
such  tracts  or  sermons  as  they  may  deem  suita- 
ble for  the  religious  instruction  of  servants. 

The  Rev.  H.  W.  Ducachet,  Mr.  R.  W. 
Downman,  and  Mr.  Alexander  Garrett,  having 
resigned  as  members  of  the  standing  committee, 
the  Convention  proceeded  to  an  election,  by  bal- 
lot, to  fill  the  vacancies,  which  resulted  in  the 
choice  of  the  Rev.  Edward  R.  Lippit,  Mr.  Ed- 
mund J.  Lee,  and  Mr.  John  Hooff. 

Resolved,  That  the  further  consideration  of 
the  constitution  and  canons  of  the  church  be 
postponed  till  the  next  annual  meeting  of  the 
Convention. 

Resolved,  That  the  thanks  of  this  body  are 
due,  and  are  hereby  tendered,  to  the  inhabitants 
of  Staunton,  for  their  kindness  and  hospitahty 
to  the  members  of  this  Convention. 

Resolved,  That  the  treasurer  be  directed  to 

f)ay  the  doorkeeper  of  the  Convention  ten  dol- 
ars. 

Resolved,  That  the  secretary  be  requested  to 
transmit  a  copy  of  the  Journal  of  this  Conven- 
tion to  the  secretaries  of  the  several  Conven- 
tions of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  and 
of  the  General  Convention,  with  a  request  that 
copies  of  their  journals,  constitutions,  and  canons 
shall  be  transmitted  to  him  for  the  use  of  the 
members  of  the  Convention  in  Virginia. 

Resolved,  That  the  treasurer  be  directed  to 


pay  the  expenses  of  the  secretary  in  attending 
this  Convention. 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  Thomas  Jackson, 

Resolved,  That  the  7th  canon  be  amended  by 
adding  to  the  words,  "  as  the  offence  may  de- 
serve,'^ ^^  provided  it  be  not  a  heavier  penalty 
than  that  which  the  council  of  presbyters  shall 
recommend,"  so  that  the  said  clause  of  the  canon 
may  read  thus  : — The  bishop  shall  proceed  to 
reprove,  suspend,  or  degrade  him,  as  the  offence 
may  deserve :  provided  it  be  not  a  heavier  pen- 
alty than  that  which  the  council  of  presbyters 
shall  recommend. 

Resolved,  unanimously,  That  the  thanks  of 
this  Convention  be  tendered,  through  the  rector 
of  this  church,  to  the  minister  and  congregation 
of  the  Presbyterian  church  in  this  place,  for 
their  liberal  and  kind  offer  of  their  church  for 
the  use  of  the  Convention. 

The  proceedings  of  the  standing  committee 
during  the  last  year  were  presented  and  read. 

Resolved,  That  1,500  copies  of  the  minutes 
of  this  Convention  be  printed,  and  distributed 
among  the  parishes  of  this  diocess. 

Resolved,  That  the  Convention  now  adjourn, 
after  the  singing  of  the  133d  Psalm,  and  prayer, 
with  the  benediction  of  the  bishop. 

William  Meade, 
Assistant  Bishop  of  Virginia. 

Hilary  Baker,  Secretary. 


Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of  a  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  of  the  Diocess  of 
Virginia,  which  assembled  in  the  town  of  Lynchburg,  on  the  20/^  day  of  May,  1835. 


This  being  the  day  appointed  for  the  annual 
meeting  of  the  Convention  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church  in  the  Diocess  of  Virgina,  the 
Right  Rev.  William  Meade,  D.  D.,  assistant 
bishop  of  the  diocess,  with  a  number  of  the 
clergy  a^d  laity,  assembled  at  eleven  o'clock 
A.  M.,  in  St.  Paul's  Church. 

Morning  prayers  were  read  by  the  Right  Rev. 
Bishop  Meade,  and  a  sermon  was  preached  by 
the  Rev.  William  G.  H.  Jones,  rector  of  St. 
Thomas's  Church,  Orange  county. 

The  Right  Rev.  William  Meade  took  the 
chair  as  president  of  the  Convention. 

A  list  of  the  clergy  entitled  to  seats  was  called 
over  by  the  secretary,  and  the  following  an- 
swered to  their  names  and  took  their  seats  : — 

Rev.  Ephraim  Adams,  Christ  Church,  Lan- 
caster ;  Rev.  George  Adie,  Shelburne  parish, 
Loudoun  ;  Rev.  Parke  F.  Berkeley,  Raleigh 
parish,  Amelia ;  Rev.  William  V.  Bowers,  St. 
Martin's  parish,  Hanover  and  Louisa  ;  Rev. 
Hobart  M.  Bartlett,  assistant  minister  of  Bristol 
parish,  Petersburg;  Rev.  Nicholas  H.'Cobbs, 
University  of  Virginia ;  Rev.  Charles  Dresser, 
Antrim  parish,  Halifax ;  Rev.  William  Friend, 
St.  Margaret's  parish,  Caroline  ;  Rev.  John 
Grammer,  Bath  parish,  Dinwiddie,  and  St.  An- 
drew's, Brunswick  ;  Rev.  Thomas  Jackson,  as- 
sistant minister  of  Monumental  Church,  Rich- 
mond ;  Rev.  William  G.  Jackson,  Augusta  par- 
ish, Augusta  ;  Rev.  William  G.  H.  Jones,  St. 
Thomas's  Church,  Orange  ;  Rev.  Archibald  H. 
Lamon,  St.  Stephen's  Church,  Culpepper  and 


Bloomfield  parish,  Madison ;  Rev.  William  F. 
Lee,  Richmond ;  Rev.  George  Lemon,  Hamilton 
and  Leeds  parishes,  Fauquier ;  Rev.  Charles 
Mann,  Professor  in  the  Theological  Seminary 
of  Va. ;  Rev.  Edward  C.  M'Guire,  St.  George's 
parish,  Fredericksburg  ;  Rev.  John  P.  M'Guire, 
St.  Anne's  and  South  Farnham  parishes,  Essex  j 
Rev.  William  H.  Mitchell,  St.  George's  parish, 
Accomack,  and  Christ  Church,  Eastville  ;  Rev. 
Alexander  Norris,  Westover  parish,  Charles 
City  ;  Rev.  George  W.  Nelson,  Lunenburg  and 
Farnham  parishes,  Richmond  county  ;  Rev.  C. 
H.  Page,  Amherst  and  Lexington  parishes,  Am- 
herst, and  Calloway  Church,  Nelson  ;  Rev. 
Frankhn  G.  Smith,  St.  Paul's  Church,  Lynchr 
burg  ;  Rev. W.  Steele,  St.  James's  parish,  Meck- 
lenburg ;  Rev.  Philip  Slaughter,  Dettingen  and 
Leeds  parishes.  Prince  William  ;  Rev.  Charles 

C.  Taliaferro,  Cumberland  parish,  Lunenburg ; 
Rev.  Joseph  B.  Wilmer,  St.  Anne's  parish,  Al- 
bemarle ;  Rev.  John  H.  Wingfield,  Trinity 
Church,  Portsmouth  ;  Rev.  William  N.  Ward, 
Clarksburg,  Harrison  county ;  Rev.  John  W. 
Woodville,  St.  Mark's  parish,  Culpepper ;  Rev. 

D.  M.  Wharton,  officiating  in  Russell  parish, 
Bedford,  and  Fincastle,  Botetourt. 

The  Rev.  Thomas  Jackson  and  the  Hon. 
Hugh  Nelson,  who  were  appointed  a  committee 
to  examine  the  certificates  of  the  lay  delegates, 
reported  the  following  individuals  entitled  to 
seats  in  the  Convention,  and  the  Convention 
concurred  in  their  report,  viz.  : — 

Upton  Beall,  Grace  Church,  Caroline  ;  Thur- 


314 


CONVENTION  OF  1836. 


mer  Hoggard,  Trinity  Church,  Portsmouth  ; 
Henry  B.  Streshley,  St.  Anne's  parish,  Essex ; 
Samuel  H.  Lewis,  Augusta  parish,  Staunton  ; 
Daniel  Garland,  Lunenburg  parish,  Richmond 
county  ;  John  Gray,  St.  George's  parish,  Fred- 
ericksburg ;  Nelson  Sale,  Russell  parish,  Bed- 
ford ;  Abram  B.  Hooe,  St.  Paul's  and  Bruns- 
wick parishes,  King  George  ;  Richard  Walke, 
St.  Paul's  Church,  Norfolk ;  David  M.  Walke, 
Christ  Church,  Norfolk  ;  Thomas  Atkinson, 
Cumberland  parish,  Lunenburg ;  B.  Harrison 
Randolph,  Monumental  Church,  Richmond  ; 
Seth  Ward,  St.  Paul's  Church,  Lynchburg; 
Col.  Alexander  Brown,  Calloway's  Church, 
Nelson  parish.  Nelson ;  Charles  R.  Gibbs, 
Bloomfield  parish,  Madison  ;  Junius  A.  Clay, 
Tillotson  parish,  Buckingham ;  Thomas  N.  Bur- 
well  and  Thomas  Shanks,  Fincastle  and  Union 
Churches,  Botetourt  parish ;  Thomas  G.  Cole- 
man, St.  Mark's  Church,  Antrim  parish,  Halifax  ; 
John  Nelson,  St.  James's  parish,  Mecklenburg ; 
"Thomas  L.  Latane,  South  Farnham,  Essex ; 
William  M.  Waller,  Lexington  parish,  Amherst ; 
Hugh  Nelson,  Fredericksville  parish,  Albe- 
marle ;  Philip  Nelson,  Frederick  parish,  Fred- 
erick ;  Hilary  Baker,  Christ  Church,  Richmond. 
On  motion  of  the  Rev.  William  F.  Lee, 
Resolved,  ^hat  the  following  rules  of  order, 
adopted  by  the  last  Convention  for  the  govern- 
ment of  their  proceedings,  be  the  rules  of  pro- 
.ceeding  during  the  present  Convention. 

1.  The  business  of  every  day  shall  be  intro- 
-duced  with  prayer. 

2.  When  the  president  takes  the  chair,  no 
member  shall  continue  standing,  or  shall  after- 
ward stand  up,  except  to  address  the  chair. 

3.  No  member  shall  absent  himself  from  the 
service  of  the  house  unless  he  have  leave,  or  be 
unable  to  attend. 

4.  When  any  member  is  about  to  speak  in 
debate,  or  deliver  any  matter  to  the  house,  he 
shall,  with  due  respect,  address  himself  to  the 
president,  confining  himself  strictly  to  the  point 
in  debate. 

5.  No  member  shall  speak  more  thaij  twice 
in  the  same  debate  without  leave  of  the  house. 

6.  A  question  being  once  determined  shall 
stand  as  the  judgment  of  the  house,  and  shall 
not  be  again  drawn  into  debate  during  the  same 
session,  unless  with  the  consent  of  twx)  thirds 
of  the  house. 

7.  While  the  president  is  putting  any  ques- 
tion, the  members  shall  continue  in  their  seats, 
and  shall  not  hold  any  private  discourse. 

8.  Every  member  who  shall  be  in  the  house 
when  any  question  is  put,  shall,  on  a  division, 
be  counted,  unless  he  be  personally  interested 
in  the  decision. 

9.  No  motion  shall  be  considered  as  before 
the  house  unless  it  be  seconded,  and,  when  re- 
quired, reduced  to  writing. 

10.  When  any  question  is  before  the  house,  it 
shall  be  determined  upon  before  any  new  subject 
is  introduced,  except  the  question  of  adjournment. 

11.  The  question  on  a  motion  of  adjourn- 
ment shall  be  taken  before  any  other,  and  with- 
put  debate. 

12.  When  the  house  is  about  to  rise,  every 


member  shall  keep  his  seat  until  the  president 
shall  leave  the  chair. 

13.  None  of  the  rules  of  order  shall  be  sus- 
pended without  the  concurrence  of  two  thirds 
of  the  members  present. 

14.  The  president  shall,  in  his  discretion, 
select  a  pew  within  the  limits  of  those  allotted 
for  the  use  of  the  members,  which  pew  shall  be 
appropriated  for  the  accommodation  of  visiting 
clergymen  and  students  of  the  Theological 
School,  who  may  be  invited  to  the  same  by  the 
president  without  any  special  application  to  the 
Convention. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  Edward  C.  M'Guire, 
Rev.  John  Grapimer,  Rev.  Nicholas  H.  Cobbs, 
Rev.  George  Lemon,  Rev.  Thomas  Jackson, 
Messrs.  Thomas  N.  Burwell,  Hugh  Nelson,  and 
Walter  Coles,  be  a  committee  to  take  into  con- 
sideration the  state  of  the  church  in  this  diocess, 
and  report  thereon  to  this  Convention. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  John  H.  Wingfield, 
Rev.  Charles  Dresser,  and  the  Rev.  George  W. 
Nelson,  be  a  committee  to  examine  the  parochial 
reports. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  P.  F.  Berkeley, 
Messrs.  Sale,  Atkinson,  and  Hoggard,  be  a  com- 
mittee to  examine  the  treasurers  accounts. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  Charles  Mann,  Rev. 
John  P.  M'Guire,  and  Mr.  John  Gray,  be  a  com- 
mittee to  examine  the  fund  for  the  support  of 
widows  and  orphans  of  deceased  clergymen. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  Charles  H.  Page, 
Rev.  George  Adie,  and  Mr.  Philip  Nelson,  be 
a  committee  to  examine  the  accounts  of  the 
treasurer  of  the  fund  for  the  permanent  support 
of  the  episcopate  in  this  diocess. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  William  V.  Bowers, 
Rev.  William  G.  Jackson,  Rev.  William  F.  Lee, 
and  the  Rev.  Hobart  M.  Bartlett,  be  a  commit- 
tee on  the  treasurer's  accounts  of  the  Mission- 
ary Society. 

On  motion.  Resolved,  That  this  Convention 
will  meet  daily  at  9  o'clock  A.  M. 

Resolved,  That  the  consideration  of  the  pro- 
posed revision  of  the  constitution  and  canons 
of  the  church  be  made  the  order  of  the  day  for 
each  day  of  the  Convention,  at  10  o'clock  A.  M., 
until  the  subject  be  fully  disposed  of. 
And  the  Convention  adjourned. 

Thursday,  May  21,  1835. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjourn- 
ment. 

The  minutes  of  the  preceding  meeting  were 
read  and  approved. 

The  following  members  p{  the  Convention, 
not  present  before,  appeared  and  took  their 
seats,  viz.  : — 

Rev.  Reuel  Keith,  D.  J).,  Professor  in  Theo- 
logical Seminary  of  Virginia ;  Rev.  George 
Woodbridge,  rector  of  Christ  Church,  Rich- 
mond;  Rev.  Charles  B.  Dana,  rector  of  Christ 
Church,  Fairfax  parish  ;  Mr.  James  M.  Bell,  jr., 
lay  <lelegate  from  St.  Stephen's  Church,  Cul- 
pepper ;  Mr.  Walter  Coles,  lay  delegate  from 
Christ  Church,  St.  Anne's  parish,  Albemarle  ; 
Mr.  Edmund  Fontaine,  lay  delegate  from  St. 
Martin's,  Hanover  and  Louisa  ;  IVIr.  Thomas  T. 


CONVENTION  OF  1835 


315 


Bouldin,  lay  delegate  from  St.  Thomas's  Church, 
Orange. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  order  of  the 
day  be  postponed  until  to-morrow. 

The  secretary  received  the  following  contri- 
butions for  the  Contingent  Fund,  and  towards 
the  remuneration  of  Bishop  Moore  for  his  epis- 
copal services,  viz.  : — 


Christ  Church,  Lancaster,     - 
Shelburne  parish,  Loudoun,  - 
Raleigh  parish,  Amelia,  and 
Dale  parish,  Chesterfield,  - 
St.  Martin's  parish,  Hanover 
and  Louisa,      -         -         - 
Fredericksville  parish,  Albe- 
marle,     -         -         -         - 
Antrim  parish,  Halifax, 
Camden  parish,  Pittsylvania, 
St.  Margaret's  parish,  Caro- 
line,   and    Grace   Church, 
Spotsylvania, 
St.   Andrew's  pari.sh,   Bruns- 


Fund. 

$20  00 
20  00 

Bp.  Fund. 

$  5  00 
14  25 

30  00 

3  58 

20  00 

10  00 

20  00 
20  00 
00  00 

10  00 
7  00 
1  50 

-     10  00 


5  00 


wick,       -         -         -         - 

14  57) 
6  32': 

6  86 

Bath  parish,  Dinwiddie, 

Monumental  Church,  Richmond,  30  00  ' 

00  00 

Augusta  parish,  Augusta,      - 

20  00 

12  00 

St.  Thomas's  parish.  Orange, 

10  00 

5  00 

Ploomfield  parish,  Madison, 

5  50 

4  50 

St.  Stephen's   Church,    Cul- 

pepper, 

8  00 

8  00 

Hamilton  and  Leeds  parishes, 

Fauquier,          -         -         - 

30  00 

10  00 

St.    George's   parish,    Fred- 

ericksburg,      -         -         - 

20  00 

20  00 

St.  Anne's  parish,  Essex,     - 

20  00 

10  00 

South  Farrjham  parish,  Essex, 

8  00 

2  25 

St.    George's   parish,    Acco- 

mack, and  Christ  Church, 

Eastville,          _         _         _ 

2  52 

10  08 

Westover  parish,  Charles  City, 

8  04 

2  60 

Lunenburg  parish,  Richmond 

county,    -         -         -         - 

00  00 

6  50 

Amherst  parish  and  Lexington 

parish,     -         -         -         - 

10  00 

5  00 

St.  Paul's  Church,  Lynchburg, 

15  00 

9  00 

Calloway  Church,  Nelson,    - 

12  00 

3  00 

St.  James's  parish,  Mecklen- 

burg,      .         -         -         - 

10  00 

8  00 

Cumberland  parish,   Lunen- 

burg,      -         - 

10  00 

15  00 

St.  Anne's  parish,  Albemarle, 

10  00 

3  00 

Trinity  Church,  Portsmouth, 

15  00 

5  00 

St.  Mark's  parish,  Culpepper, 

10  00 

2  00 

Russell  parish,  Bedford, 

30  00 

00  00 

Botetourt  parish,  Botetourt, 

16  00 

8  00 

Christ  Church,  Fairfax  parish. 

30  00 

15  00 

St.  Paul's  Chujch,  King  George 

,  10  GO 

2  75 

Tillotson  parish,  Buckingham, 

7  00 

3  00 

Brunswick  parish,  King  George 

,    1  25 

00  00 

St.  Paul's  Church,  Norfolk, 

10  00 

5  00 

Christ  Church,  Norfolk, 

35  00 

30  00 

Newport  parish.  Isle  of  Wight 

5  00 

00  00 

Frederick  parish,  Frederick, 

15  00 

5  00 

Norborne  parish,  Berkeley,    - 

8  00 

17  00 

Amount  carried  forward,    $582  20  $289  77 


C«Btiiij;ent 

Fund.         Bp.  Fund. 

Amount  brought  forward,  $582  20  $289  77 
St.  John's  Church,  Henrico,       15  00         5  00 
St.  Paul's  Church,  Alexandria,  25  00 
Bruton  parish,  Wilhamsburg,     15  00 
Christ  Church,  Richmond,     -     25  00 
Contributed   by  some  ladies 

from  Albemarle,        -        -     00  00 


00  00 

5  00 

00  00 


2  00 


$662  20  $301  77 

The  president  read  the  following  address  and 
report  of  episcopal  services  during  the  year 
ending  May,  1835,  by  the  Right  Rev.  Richard 
Channing  Moore,  D.  D.,  Bishop  of  Virginia. 

To  the  Clergy  and  Laity  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  of  the  Diocess  of  Virginia,  assembled  in 
Convention  in  the  town  of  Lynchburg,  May  20th, 
18.35. 

Dear  Brethren, — It  would  have  afforded  me 
great  satisfaction  to  have  formed  one  of  your  num- 
ber in  the  council  of  the  church  now  assembled  in 
Convention  ;  but  the  recollection  of  the  sufferings 
to  which  a  long  journey,  over  rough  roads,  always 
subjects  me,  has  deprived  me  of  the  gratification, 
and  obliged  me  to  submit  to  the  painful  necessity 
of  remaining  at  home. 

Among  those  circumstances  connected  with  the 
promotion  of  the  church  of  which  we  are  mem- 
bers, the  duty  of  making  some  standing  provision 
for  the  aid  of  our  newly-formed  congregations, 
and  the  support  of  the  clergy  who  minister  in 
sacred  things,  has  deeply  impressed  my  mind,  and 
influenced  me  to  address  you  on  this  subject. 

The  inadequate  support  received  by  the  clergy 
thus  situated  gives  them  a  just  claim  to  our  at- 
tention, and  calls  upon  us  for  a  vigorous  and  united 
effort  to  sustain  them  and  their  congregations  in 
their  religious  exertions.  The  removal  of  the 
clergy  from  Virginia,  and  sometimes  from  one 
parish  to  another  in  the  diocess — removals  fre- 
quently attended  with  results  injurious  to  the 
former,  and  always  to  the  congregations  left  in  a 
destitute  state — arises,  I  am  confident,  more  gen- 
erally from  necessity  than  from  the  love  of  change. 
The  want  of  support  cannot  fail  of  producing  un- 
easiness in  the  mind  of  a  clergyman,  and  of  para- 
lyzing his  exertions  ;  and,  as  a  natural  conse- 
quence, gives  rise  to  dissatisfaction  in  the  breasts 
of  the  people  of  his  charge.  To  remove  these  dif- 
ficulties, and  to  produce  a  state  of  things  more 
stable  and  permanent,  forms  a  subject  of  most  in- 
tense interest ;  and  as  the  measure  I  am  now  to 
propose  has  been  successfully  adopted  by  the 
authority  of  the  church  in  several  of  our  sister 
diocesses,  I  indulge  the  hope  that  my  suggestion 
will  meet  with  your  approbation,  and  thus  lead  to 
the  most  happy  results. 

The  plan,  my  beloved  brethren,  to  which  I  al- 
lude, and  would  now  recommend  to  your  atten- 
tion, is  in  accordance  with  the  system  recom- 
mended to  the  Corinthian  Christians  by  the  Apos- 
tle Paul,  when  pleading  in  behalf  of  the  afflicted 
and  empoverished  churches  of  Judea.  "  Now, 
concerning  the  collection  for  the  saints,  as  I  have 
given  orders  to  the  churches  of  Galatia,  even  so 
do  ye.  Upon  the  first  day  of  the  week  let  every 
one  of  you  lay  by  him  in  store,  as  God  hath  pros- 
pered him." 

The  course  thus  proposed  by  St.  Paul,  embraces 
in  its  view  a  perfect  knowledge  of  human  nature. 
He  knew  that  it  was  more  convenient  to  lay  by 
in  store  a  small  weekly  sum,  than  to  subscribe  at 
once  a  large  amount ;  and  that,  however  small  the 


316 


CONVENTION  OF  1835. 


gift  thus  regularly  bestowed  may  be,  that  at  the 
end  of  the  year  it  would  amount  to  something 
considerable  ;  and  that  when  collectively  gathered 
into  the  treasury  of  the  Lord,  it  would  furnish 
a  supply  adequate  to  relieve  the  necessities  of  the 
church,  and  to  remove  the  suff'enngs  contemplated 
in  his  benevolent  design.  Let  each  individual, 
then,  attached  to  the  church  in  Virginia,  pursue 
the  same  course.  Let  him,  on  every  Lord's  day, 
lay  by  in  store  some  small  sum  for  the  relief  of  our 
newly-formed  parishes,  and  the  partial  support  of 
the  clergy  othciating  in  them.  Let  that  sum  thus 
deposited  be  considered  sacred  to  the  purposes 
for  which  it  was  laid  by  ;  and,  at  the  end  of  the 
year,  the  church  will  find  itself  in  possession  of  a 
fund  equal  to  our  wants — a  fund  which  will  enable 
us  not  only  to  contribute  to  the  ease  and  comfort 
of  the  clergy  now  engaged  in  ministerial  duty  in 
the  parishes  alluded  to,  but  which  will  inspire 
those  neighbourhoods  which  are  at  present  desti- 
tute of  public  worship  to  form  themselves  into 
congregations,  and  to  enjoy  those  privileges  to 
which  they  were  accustomed  in  early  life,  which 
were  so  dear  to  their  departed  parents  and  friends. 

The  Convention  must  be  sensible,  that  in  the 
plea  which  I  now  offer  in  behalf  of  the  clergy,  I 
am  not  pleading  for  a  support  unreasonable  and. 
extravagant.  I  ask  only  for  a  sufficiency  to  enable 
them  to  live  in  comfort.  I  ask  not  for  any  of  the 
luxuries  of  life ;  1  am  only  soliciting  for  a  pro- 
vision which  will  render  them  above  want,  and 
which  will  enable  their  children  to  appear  in  the 
society  in  which  they  move  decently  habited,  and 
properly  instructed. 

Should  the  mmds  of  any  of  the  people  of  our 
.charge  be  impressed  with  the  idea  that  this  is  al- 
ready the  situation  of  the  clergy  embraced  in  the 
proposal,  a  journey  through  some  of  our  parishes 
would  convince  them  of  their  mistake.  On  a  late 
tour  through  an  extensive  district  of  this  diocess, 
I  met  with  an  instance  of  extreme  penury  in  the 
,case  of  a  truly  pious,  well-educated,  and  excellent 
.clergyman  belonging  to  our  communion.  Patient 
under  his  sufferings,  humble  as  a  little  child,  he 
poured  no  complaint  whatever  in  my  ears ;  but 
being  told  by  a  wealthy  and  humane  neighbour 
.of  his  wants,  I  was  surprised  at  the  fortitude  he 
manifested  and  the  silence  he  had  observed ;  and 
when,  returning  to  my  home,  I  mentioned  his  sit- 
iiation  to  some  ladies  of  my  congregation,  they, 
moved  by  those  feeUngs  of  compassion  pecuhar  to 
their  sex,  promptly  sent  him  some  temporary  as- 
sistance. 

As  a  proof  of  the  benefits  which  may  be  reason- 
ably expected  from  the  adoption  and  prosecution 
of  the  measure  submitted  to  your  consideration,  I 
ihink  it  my  duty  to  present  to  your  view  the  for- 
mer low  condition  and  the  present  prosperous 
state  of  the  church  in  my  native  diocess. 

At  my  admission  to  deacons'  orders,  forty-eight 
years  ago,  I  constituted  the  sixth  or  seventh  cler- 
gyman in  that  diocess — a  diocess  which  now  num- 
bers two  hundred  labourers  in  the  vineyard  of  the 
Lord.  The  means  to  which  that  astonishing  in- 
crease may  be  chiefly  attributed,  is  the  unremitting 
attention  they  have  paid  to  the  sustenance  of  the 
clergy  in  their  new  parishes,  by  relief  from  their 
missionary  fund. 

By  pursuing,  my  brethren,  the  same  course,  we 
may  expect  similar  results ;  and  should  my  valued 
assistant  in  the  episcopate  live  to  my  present  age, 
he  may  look  for  a  similar  increase  in  the  clergy 
of  this  diocess,  and  behold,  in  congregations  now 
in  a  state  of  infancy,  assemblies  both  strong  and 
numerous;  and  in  others  which  I  trust  will  be 
planted  by  his  hand,  he  will,  with  joy  of  heart, 
Behold  them  growing  into  manhood,  worshipping 


the  God  of  their  fathers  with  the  same  form  of 
sound  words  with  which  they  worshipped  him, 
and  training  up  their  children  in  the  use  of  that 
liturgy  which  distinguishes  our  Zion — a  liturgy 
which  will  defend  her  from  heresy  and  schism, 
and  secure  obedience  to  the  faith  once  delivered 
to  the  saints. 

Yes,  brethren,  the  church  within  whose  pale 
we  were  received  in  baptism,  forms  a  plant  which 
God's  right  hand  hath  planted.  Let  us,  then,  re- 
member her  in  all  our  prayers,  and  assist  her  with 
all  our  energies,  and  we  shall  soon  see  the  wil- 
derness and  the  sohtary  places  made  glad,  and 
behold  the  desert  rejoicing  and  blossoming  as  the 
rose. 

Another  topic  which  requires  my  attention,  is 
the  Common  Prayer-Book  and  Tract  Society  in 
this  city — a  concern  which  the  members  of  that 
association  have  pressed  upon  my  recollection  as 
one  of  the  most  leading  importance  to  the  interest 
of  the  church.  It  is  their  wish  that  I  should  sug- 
gest and  recommend  to  the  congregations  of  our 
communion  in  this  diocess  the  formation  of  socie- 
ties similar  to  their  own,  for  the  more  general  dif- 
fusion of  our  excellent  and  much-loved  liturgy. 
As  an  encouragement  to  comply  with  their  desire, 
they  have  requested  me  to  present  to  the  view  of 
the  Convention  a  resolution  adopted  by  them  at 
a  late  meeting  of  their  board  of  managers— a  reso- 
lution which  will  furnish  every  auxiliary  society 
with  the  prayer-book  at  the  reduced  price  of  half 
the  former  cost.  The  following  is  the  resolution 
referred  to : — 

"  On  motion  of  the  Rev.  Thomas  Jackson,  it 
was 

"  Resolved,  That  the  prayer-books  which  have 
been  heretofore  sold  at  twenty-five  cents,  shall,  in 
future,  be  supplied  to  all  congregations  and  mem- 
bers thereof  who  take  up  an  annual  collection  in 
aid  of  the  funds  of  the  society,  or  who  are  individ- 
ually members  of  it,  at  the  price  of  twelve  and  a 
half  cents,  and  that  the  large  plain-bound  copies 
of  the  same  be  furnished  at  fifty  cents  each." 

The  above  resolution,  brethren,  appears  so  lib- 
eral, and  is  so  well  calculated  to  render  the  circu- 
lation of  our  prayer-book  so  general  throughout 
the  church,  that  I  most  cordially  recommend  it  to 
tile  notice  of  the  Convention,  and  most  earnestly 
request  the  adoption  of  the  measure. 

I  must  also  beg  leave  to  call  the  attention  of  the 
Convention  to  the  Southern  Churchman,  edit- 
ed by  the  Rev.  William  F.  Lee,  in  this  city.  The 
Southern  Churchman  has  been  hitherto  conducted 
with  so  much  moderation  and  respect  for  the  opin- 
ions of  other  Christian  societies,  that  I  can  cheer- 
fully recommend  it  to  the  members  of  the  church 
throughout  the  diocess.  It  is  true  that  the  Rev. 
editor  will  feel  himself  bound  to  inculcate  and 
faithfully  to  guard  the  distinctive  principles  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church.  Although  such  will 
be  the  case,  I  am  sure  that  his  own  good  sense 
will  always  influence  him  to  avoid  controversy, 
when  controversy  can  possibly  be  avoided,  and 
never  wantonly  to  attack  the  opinions  held  dear 
by  other  churches. 

Having  thus  touched  on  those  topics  considered 
of  leading  importance,  I  shall  now  proceed  to  fur- 
nish you  with  a  concise  view  of  my  episcopal 
labours  since  the  last  Convention. 

In  the  month  of  July,  1834,  I  visited  Alexan- 
dria, preached  in  both  churches,  and  admitted  the 
following  persons  to  deacons'  orders : — J.  Dela- 
plane,  George  E.  Winslow,  William  C.  Russell, 
D.  M.  Wharton,  William  F.  Bowers,  John  Martin, 
Chester  Newell,  Edward  Christian,  Joseph  P. 
Wilmer,  I.  Woart,  and  William  N.  Ward.  In  the 
month  of  October  1  again  left  Richmopd  in  CQmi' 


CONVENTION  OF  1835. 


317 


pany  with  the  Rev.  Mr.  Mann  and  the  Rev.  John 
Cooke,  and  commenced  my  labours  in  Fredericks- 
burg. On  Sunday,  October  18lh,  1  preached,  ad- 
mitted to  deacons'  orders  Mr.  Richard  Johnson 
and  Mr.  William  Johnson,  and  to  the  priesthood 
Rev.  Charles  B.  Dana,  rector  of  Christ  Church, 
Alexandria.  On  Monday  1  preached  in  Lamb's 
Creek  Church,  baptized  one  child,  and  confirmed 
its  mother.  On  I'uesday  1  preached  in  St.  Paul's 
Church,  King  George  county.  On  Wednesday  1 
preached  at  Mattox  Bridge;  on  Thursday  at  Rich- 
mond courthouse,  where  I  held  a  confirmation. 
On  Friday  I  preached  in  Farnham  Church.  On 
Saturday,  at  White  Chapel,  Lancaster  county,  Mr. 
Mann  preached,  and  I  administered  the  Lord's 
Supper  and  confirmed  eight  persons;  and  on  Sun- 
day, in  Christ  Church,  I  preached  and  administer- 
ed the  Lord's  Supper.  The  Monday  following  we 
rode  to  Ycomico  Church,  Northumberland  coun- 
ty, at  which  place  the  Rev.  Mr.  Cooke  preached, 
and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Mann  and  myself  followed  with 
addresses.  On  Tuesday  I  preached  in  the  Meth- 
odist Church  at  the  courthouse,  and  confirmed  one 
lady.  On  Wednesday  I  preached  at  Wicomico 
Church,  Westmoreland  county,  administered  the 
Lord's  Supper,  and  confirmed  one  person.  On 
Thursday  we  crossed  the  river  to  the  town  of  Rap- 
pahannock, where  the  Rev.  G.  W.  Nelson  preach- 
ed in  the  morning,  Mr.  Adams  in  the  afternoon, 
and  Mr.  Mann  in  the  evening.  On  Friday  morn- 
ing I  preached,  administered  the  Lord's  Supper, 
and  then  rode  to  Mr.  Waring's,  in  Essex  county. 
On  Saturday  the  services  were  conducted  by  the 
clergy  who  were  in  company  with  me,  and  on 
Sunday  I  preached  and  administered  the  Lord's 
Supper.  On  Monday  Mr.  Cooke  and  myself  bade 
the  clergy  farewell,  and  returned  to  our  respective 
homes.  In  November  I  visited  Charles  City  coun- 
ty, preached,  consecrated  a  new  church,  and  ad- 
ministered the  Lord's  Supper.  On  the  17th  of 
April  I  held  a  confirmation  in  Christ  Church,  Rich- 
mond. On  the  21st  of  April  1  admitted  Mr.  John 
W.  Woodville  to  deacons'  orders,  on  which  occa- 
sion the  Rev.  Mr.  Croes  preached.  On  the  4th  of 
May  I  admitted  to  the  priesthood  the  Rev.  Charles 
Andrews,  of  Frederick  county,  when  the  Rev. 
William  F.  Lee  preached.  On  the  22d  of  April  I 
visited  Norfolk,  preached  in  Portsmouth  on  Sun- 
day, the  26th,  and  in  the  afternoon  in  Norfolk.  I 
admitted  to  deacons'  orders  in  Portsmouth  Mr. 
Cameron  F.  M'Rae,  when  Bishop  Meade  preach- 
ed, and  on  the  30th  went  to  Smithfield  and  conse- 
crated a  new  church,  and  on  the  1st  of  May  or- 
dained Mr.  Harvy  Stanly  a  deacon,  and  adminis- 
tered the  Lord's  Supper,  on  both  which  occasions 
Bishop  Meade  preached.  The  two  last  mentioned 
deacons  belong  to  the  diocess  of  North  Carolina, 
and  were  ordained  at  the  request  of  Bishop  Ives, 
who  has  sailed  for  Europe. 

Richard  Channing  Moore. 

The  Right  Rev.  William  Meade,  D.  D.,  assist- 
ant bishop  of  Virginia,  delivered  the  following 
address ; — 

To  the  Clergy  and  Laity  of  the  Episcopal  Church 
of  Virginia,  assembled  at  Lynchburg,  May  2Qth, 
1835. 

Dear  brethren  and  friends, — Allow  me  to 
add  to  the  report  of  our  much  respected  and  be- 
loved father  in  Christ,  an  account  of  such  acts  as 
I  have  been  able  to  perform  during  the  past  year. 
Most  of  you  were  present  when,  after  the  adjourn- 
ment of  our  last  Convention  in  the  town  of  Staun- 
ton, and  at  an  early  hour  of  the  Sabbath,  I  admin- 
istered the  rite  of  confirmation  to  forty  persons, 
and  at  a  subsequent  hour  admitted  to  the  order  ot 


priesthood  the  Rev.  W.  G.  Jackson,  and  to  tha* 
of  deacon  Messrs.  Philip  Slaughter  and  John  F. 
Clark.  On  the  following  morning  I  left  Staunton 
on  my  way  to  the  west,  and  reached  Lewisburg 
on  the  third  day.  There  I  remained  nearly  three 
days,  preached  four  times,  and  confirmed  three 
persons.  Our  friends  in  this  place  are  few  but 
zealous,  and  appeared  very  anxious  to  have  the 
regular  services  of  the  church  there.  It  would  be 
very  desirable  to  have  a  missionary  in  that  region 
of  country.  On  leaving  Lewisburg  I  proceeded 
to  Kanawha,  and  reached  Charlestown  on  Tuesday 
morning.  I  remained  here  two  days,  and  perform- 
ed service  four  times,  confirmed  one,  baptized 
seven,  and  administered  the  communion.  On 
Tuesday  morning  I  left  Charlestown  for  Coals- 
mouth,  about  twelve  miles  distant,  where  we  have 
a  small  church  and  congregation.  There  I  preach- 
ed twice,  confirmed  one  person,  administered  the 
communion,  and  baptized  seven  children.  The 
prospects  of  the  church  in  Kanawha  are  brighten- 
ing. A  zealous  and  acceptable  minister  is  now 
labouring  there.  A  church  will  soon  be  erected 
in  Charlestown,  and  a  larger  one  built  at  Coals' 
mouth.  It  is  hoped  that  ere  long  the  services  of 
two  ministers  may  be  required.  On  the  evening 
of  the  second  day  which  I  spent  at  Coalsmouth,  1 
descended  the  Kanawha  in  a  steamboat,  and  as- 
cending the  Ohio,  reached  Parkersburg  on  the  29th,- 
and  spent  three  days  in  that  place,  preached  five 
times,  baptized  one  child,  confirmed  four  persons, 
and  administered  the  communion.  We  had  na 
place  of  public  worship  in  Parkersburg,  but  I  re- 
ceived assurances  that  this  deficiency  should  not 
long  continue.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Wheat,  of  Marietta, 
has  charge  of  our  little  flock  in  this  place,  and  of- 
ficiates every  other  Sabbath.  I  tarried  one  day 
with  him  at  Marietta,  and  preached  once  in  that 
place.  On  Monday  night  I  proceeded  to  Wheel- 
ing, reached  there  the  following  day,  and  spenfe 
the  4th  and  5th  days  of  June  in  religious  services.. 
On  the  6th  I  proceeded  to  Steubenville,  in  Ohio,, 
where  I  spent  a  day  with  the  Rev.  I.  Morse,  and 
preached  once  for  him.  Mr.  Morse  has  for  many 
years  rendered  very  effectual  services  to  two  of 
our  congregations  in  Brooke  county — the  one  at 
Wellsburg  and  the  other  at  St.  John's.  He  ac-' 
coinpanied  me  to  Wellsburg,  where  we  spent  the 
Sabbath,  and  each  of  us  preached.  We  spenfe 
Monday  and  Tuesday  at  St.  Johns,  about  seven- 
miles  distant,  where  I  preached  twice,  confirmed- 
seven,  and  administered  the  communion.  On  the 
following  day  I  preached  again  at  Wellsburg,  and 
confirmed  seven.  I  then  returned,  in  company 
with  Mr.  Morse,  to  Wheeling,  where  we  spent 
several  days  in  frequent  services.  During  my  stay 
at  Wheeling  I  preached  or  lectured  twelve  times, 
administered  the  communion,  and  confirmed  thir- 
ty-six persons.  I  now  turned  my  steps  home- 
ward, and,  passing  through  a  part  of  Pennsylvania, 
reached  Union  town  on  the  23d,  and  from  thence 
went  to  Morgantown,  where  I  preached  on  the 
evening  of  the  24th,  and  also  the  next  morning. 
On  Thursday  I  reached  Clarksburg,  which  is  in 
the  heart  of  western  Virginia.  There  I  spent  three 
days,  preached  five  times,  baptized  one  adult  and 
twelve  children,  confirmed  five  persons,  and  ad- 
ministered the  communion. 

The  people  of  Clarksburg  and  Morgantown  ex- 
pressed a  strong  desire  to  have  a  minister  sent  to 
them,  and  I  was  truly  happy  to  be  able  to  grat- 
ify their  request  in  a  manner  well  calculated  to 
promote  the  interests  of  religion  and  the  church 
in  that  region.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Ward,  who  was 
ordained  in  Alexandria  in  July  last,  went  to 
Clarksburg  in  the  fall,  and  has  since  been  faith- 
fully and  acceptably  labouring  in  those  two  places. 


318 


CONVENTION  OF  1835. 


On  Monday  following,  after  the  services  at  Clarks- 
burg, I  preached  a  funeral  sermon  at  Mrs.  Wat- 
son's, about  thirty  miles  from  Clarksburg,  in  which 
neighbourhood  Mr.  Ward  has  since  established 
regular  services.  On  Tuesday  night  I  reached 
Uniontown,  Pa.,  again,  and  preached  in  that  place. 
On  Wednesday  morning  1  set  out  in  the  stage,  and 
came  to  Alexandria  by  the  way  of  Hagerstown, 
Fredericktown,  and  Baltimore.  In  Alexandria, 
with  Bishop  Moore,  I  attended  the  examination 
of  the  students  of  our  seminary  for  three  succes- 
sive days,  at  the  conclusion  of  which  eleven  young 
men  were  ordained  deacons.  I  then  returned 
home,  and,  after  spending  a  few  weeks  there,  set 
out  in  a  short  visitation  to  Prince  William  county. 
I  was  much  gratified  in  being  able  to  set  apart  to 
the  exclusive  worship  of  Almighty  God  a  most 
excellent  building  at  Haymarket,  which  was  Origi- 
nally a  courthouse,  and  had  been,  without  altera- 
tion, used  for  many  years  for  religious  meetings. 
It  has  been  recently  secured  by  the  friends  of  the 
church,  and  very  neatly  and  comfortably  fitted  up 
for  public  worship.  In  this  place  I  was  engaged, 
together  with  the  Rev.  Mr.  Adie,  in  the  perform- 
ance of  religious  services  during  the  8th,  9th,  and 
10th  of  August.  Our  meetings  were  long  and  in- 
teresting, and  calculated  to  encourage  our  hopes 
that  good  was  done.  The  sacrament  was  admin- 
istered, and  thirteen  persons  confirmed.  In  the 
afternoon  of  the  Sabbath,  as  on  another  occasion 
at  a  private  house,  I  preached  to  the  coloured  per- 
sons, who  appeared  attentive  and  thankful.  On 
the  two  following  days  we  were  engaged  in  simi- 
lar services  at  Brentsville,  where  four  persons 
were  confirmed.  These  two  places  afford  a  fine 
field  of  labour  to  a  minister  of  the  gospel ;  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Slaughter  is  now  employed  in  it.  Oii  the  23d 
of  September  I  was  called  upon  to  perform  epis- 
copal duty  in  the  church  at  Berryville,  where  I 
admitted  four  persons  to  the  rite  of  confirmation ; 
and  on  the  3d  of  October  I  was  called  on  to  per- 
form the  same  duty  in  Port  Royal,  where  I  con- 
firmed two  persons.  On  the  23d  of  October  I  again 
left  home,  in  order  to  attend  a  general  meeting  of 
the  friends  of  the  temperance  reformation  in  Vir- 
ginia, to  be  held  at  Charlottesville  on  the  30th. 
On  the  first  evening  I  reached  Fauquier  court- 
house, and  preached  that  night.  On  the  following 
evening  I  preached  at  Culpepper  courthouse,  and 
proceeded  the  next  day  to  Madison  courthouse. 
Here,  in  company  with  the  Rev.  Mr.  Slaughter, 
Mr.  Lemon,  and  Mr.  Jones,  I  spent  two  days,  and 
consecrated  the  new  church  at  that  place.  On 
Monday  I  proceeded  to  Orange  courthouse,  where 
I  consecrated  a  new,  handsome,  and  most  conve- 
nient church,  and  preached  and  administered  the 
communion.  Thence  I  proceeded  to  Walker's 
Church,  where  I  preached  on  the  29th,  and  on  the 
next  day  reached  Charlottesville  in  time  to  attend 
the  very  large  and  respectable  assemblage  of  dele- 
gates from  all  parts  of  the  state,  who  came  together 
in  order  to  consult  how  they  might  best  promote 
an  object  which  I  know  to  be  dear  to  your  hearts. 
I  was  happy  to  meet  with  a  goodly  number  of  the 
clergy  and  laity  of  all  denominations  on  this  inter- 
esting occasion,  and  also  with  gentlemen  of  emi- 
nence from  distant  parts  of  our  land,  who  came  to 
encourage  us  to  more  zeal  in  this  good  cause.  I 
feel  confident  that  our  aeliberations  and  resolu- 
tions resulted  in  much  good,  and  that  the  temper- 
ance reformation  in  Virginia  received  no  slight 
impulse  from  that  convention.  On  the  following 
Sunday  I  preached  at  Charlottesville  to  a  very  full 
assembly;  on  the  next  day  at  Walker's  Church, 
where  seven  were  confirmed.  On  Tuesday  night 
1  preached  again  at  Orange  courthouse,  and  on 
Thursday  night  at  Warrenton.    After  this  I  re- 


mained at  home  in  the  discharge  of  parochial 
duties  until  the  middle  of  January,  when,  in  obe- 
dience to  what  appeared  to  my  mind  a  call  from 
Providence,  I  felt  it  to  be  my  duty  to  accept  the 
invitation  of  the  large  and  interesting  congregation 
of  Christ  Church,  Norfolk,  to  become  its  pastor. 
In  so  doing  I  distinctly  stated  to  the  same,  that  I 
could  not  for  a  moment  think  of  neglecting  any 
previous  and  higher  obligation  to  the  diocess,  and 
that  time  and  trial  only  could  decide  whether  it 
be  practicable  to  perform  my  duties  to  the  diocess 
and  to  that  congregation  so  as  to  satisfy  the  rea- 
sonable expectation  of  both.  As  to  my  prospects 
of  usefulness  in  this  new  charge,  I  must  refer  you 
to  my  parochial  report.  As  one  evidence,  how- 
ever, that  I  am  not  a  little  encouraged  to  believe 
that  the  gracious  smiles  of  our  Emmanuel  are 
vouchsafed  to  the  people  of  this  charge,  let  me 
mention  that  on  Easter-Sunday  twenty-four  per- 
sons were  added  to  the  communion,  and  on  the 
second  Monday  in  this  month  ten  others  were 
confirmed,  with  a  view  to  the  communion  when  it 
shall  next  be  administered.  Since  I  have  been  in 
Norfolk  I  have  preached  three  times  in  Ports- 
mouth, and  also  visited  the  churches  in  Princess 
Anne,  in  each  of  which  I  preached  once.  I  have 
also  visited  Smithfield  in  company  with  Bishop 
Moore  and  Mr.  Wingfield,  where  I  preached  twice, 
once  at  the  consecration  of  the  new  church  in  that 
place,  and  again  at  the  ordination  of  Mr.  Stanly, 
from  the  diocess  of  North  Carolina.  In  the  month 
of  March  I  accompanied  the  Rev.  Mr.  Mann,  the 
agent  of  our  Theological  Seminary,  and  our  breth- 
ren, the  Rev.  Messrs.  Henshaw  and  Johns,  from 
Maryland  to  Petersburg  and  Richmond,  chiefly 
with  the  view  of  recommending  the  cause  of  our 
beloved  seminary  to  the  churches  in  those  places. 
While  in  Petersburg  I  preached  three  times.  On 
the  latter  occasion,  by  particular  request,  I  pre- 
sented to  a  respectable  congregation  in  the  Epis- 
copal Church,  the  very  interesting  subject  of  the 
temperance  reformation.  While  in  Richmond  I 
preached  three  times,  once  in  each  of  the  churches, 
and  confirmed  three  persons  in  St.  John's  Church. 
I  also  took  a  very  humble  part  in  the  interesting 
meetings  which  were  held  in  the  Monumental 
Church  for  the  benefit  of  our  seminary,  and  in  the 
celebration  of  the  anniversary  of  the  Virginia  Bible 
Society.  I  cannot  omit  here  to  express  my  grate- 
ful recollection  of  the  very  signal  service  rendered 
to  the  cause  of  piety  in  general,  and  especially  to 
the  Theological  Seminary  of  our  diocess  and  the 
Bible  Society  of  Virginia,  by  the  zeal  and  ability 
of  the  two  brethren  already  mentioned,  from  the 
diocess  of  Maryland.  Their  labours  in  Norfolk, 
Petersburg,  and  Richmond,  will  long  be  remem- 
bered, and  their  beneficial  effects,  I  trust,  be  per- 
manently felt.  On  my  way  to  the  Convention  I 
passed  through  Charles  City,  where  I  preached  in 
both  of  the  churches,  administering  the  Lord's 
Supper  each  time,  and  baptizing  one  child.  On 
the  last  Sabbath  I  preached  twice  in  Richmond. 
I  have  only  to  add,  that  I  have  not  been  unmindful 
of  the  requests  made  by  the  last  Convention  in 
relation  to  the  tracts  for  the  benefit  of  servants, 
and  the  discourse  on  the  subject  of  temperance. 
As  the  Rev.  Mr.  Lee  was  about  to  commence  a 
weekly  religious  paper  in  Richmond,  I  thought  it 
best  to  present  the  tracts  to  the  public,  in  the  first 
place,  through  the  medium  of  that  paper,  and  af- 
terward to  republish  such  as  might  be  deemed 
most  suitable  in  another  form.  I  have  already 
published  a  considerable  number  of  pieces  for  this 
purpose,  and  hope  they  have  been  used  by  the 
subscribers  to  that  paper  in  the  manner  recom- 
mended. But  let  me  here  remind  my  brethren  of 
the  clergy  and  laity,  that,  with  such  a  pressure  of 


CONVENTION  OF  1835. 


319 


duty  resting  upon  me,  and  such  long  absence  from 
the  place  of  my  residence,  it  is  impossible  that  I 
can  execute  so  important  a  trust  as  this  without 
much  assistance  from  them.  It  is  a  common 
concern,  and  will,  I.  hope,  interest  many  hearts 
and  engage  many  hands.  I  have  published,  ac- 
cording to  request,  the  sermon  on  temperance, 
the  one  half  of  the  edition  for  the  benefit  of  the 
Convention  of  the  diocess,  and  the  other  half  for 
the  use  of  others  who  have  called  for  its  publica- 
tion. 

In  these  and  all  other  labours  of  love,  it  is  most 
gratifying  to  me  to  know  that  1  have  the  hearty 
co-operation  of  so  many  beloved  brethren  and  es- 
teemed laymen  of  our  church. 

May  the  Master  whom  we  serve  accept  and 
bless  our  poor  efforts,  and  make  them  instrumen- 
tal to  his  glory,  is  the  prayer  of  your  friend  and 
brother,  W.  Meade, 

Assistant  Bishop  of  Virginia. 

The  session  was  then  suspended,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  attending  divine  service  by  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Wilmer,  and  a  sermon  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Bart- 
lett,  after  which  the  session  was  resumed. 

The  parochial  reports  having  been  received 
and  read,  were  referred  to  the  committee  on  pa- 
rochial reports. 

A  petition  from  certain  members  of  Kanawha 
parish,  praying  for  a  division  of  the  same  and  the 
organization  of  a  new  parish,  to  be  called  St. 
Mark's  parish,  Kanawha,  was  received  and  re- 
ferred to  a  committee  consisting  of  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Mann,  Rev.  Mr.  Lemon,  and  Mr.  Philip 
Nelson. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the 
above  petition  reported,  that  the  prayer  of  the 
petitioners  is  reasonable,  and  that  they  have 
complied  with  the  requisitions  of  the  canon  in 
such  cases  made  and  provided.     Whereupon, 

Resolved,  That  the  prayer  of  the  petitioners 
be  granted. 

And  then  the  Convention  adjourned. 

Friday,  May  22,  1835. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjourn- 
ment. 

The  minutes  of  the  preceding  day  were  read 
and  approved. 

The  following  members  of  the  Convention, 
not  present  before,  appeared  and  took  their 
seats,  viz.  : — 

The  Rev.  Adam  Empie,  D.  D.,  rector  of 
Bruton  parish,  Williamsburg. 

Doctor  J.  F.  Montgomery,  lay  delegate  from 
Bruton  parish,  Williamsburg. 

Thomas  Smith,  Esq.,  lay  delegate  from  Christ 
Church,  Fairfax  parish. 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Cobbs,  the  Con- 
vention went  into  the  election  of  a  standing 
committee,  and  the  Rev.  Reuel  Keith,  D.  D., 
Rev.  Charles  Mann,  Rev.  Charles  H.  Page,  John 
Gray,  Hugh  Nelson,  and  Thomas  N.  Burwell, 
Esqrs.,  were  duly  elected. 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  William  G.  Jackson, 
Resolved,  That  in  future  the  Convention  will 
discourage  the  informal  method  of  electing  a 
standing  committee  pro  tem. 

The  Rev.  John  P.  M'Guire,  from  the  board 
of  managers  of  the  Theological  School,  made 
the  following  report,  which  was  accepted. 


■  Report  of  the  Board  of  Trustees  of  the  Theological 
School  of  Virginia. 

In  presenting  their  report  to  the  Conveiition,  the 
trustees  have  again  to  begin  with  grateful  ac- 
knowledgments to  the  God  of  all  mercy,  for  the 
kind  providence  and  fostering  care  still  so  gra- 
ciously extended  to  the  institution  whose  interests 
have  been  committed  to  their  trust.  This  is  the 
fourteenth  anniversary  on  which  it  has  been  their 
duty  to  report  their  proceedings,  with  the  condi- 
tion and  prospects  of  this  invaluable  institution ; 
and  from  year  to  year,  both  justice  and  gratitude 
have  urged  them  to  confess  that  our  God  is  good, 
and  his  mercy  endureth  for  ever.  Nothing  but  his 
special  favour  could  have  brought  );our  seminary 
to  its  present  condition  of  increasing  prosperity 
and  usefulness.  From  the  beginning  it  was  a 
work  of  faith,  as  well  as  a  labour  of  love.  With- 
out funds  or  other  worldly  resources  bearing  any 
comparison  to  its  wants,  the  commencement  of  its 
career  was  indeed  a  day  of  small  things,  and  we 
may  truly  say  it  lived  by  faith.  If  its  friends  had 
acted  upon  human  principles,  or  been  governed  by 
human  probabilities,  long  since  would  the  whole 
scheme  have  been  given  up.  But  by  God's  grace 
their  faith  failed  not,  and  now,  though  there  re- 
mains much  to  be  done,  yet  it  has  certainly  real- 
ized the  fondest  anticipations  of  its  most  devoted 
advocates.  Already  has  it  been  the  means  of  im- 
parting the  necessary  theological  education  to 
about  eighty-seven  young  men,  who  have  been 
clothed  with  the  ministerial  office,  and  through 
whose  labours  we  have  good  reason  to  believa 
that  there  will  be  gathered  into  the  kingdom  of 
God  many  precious  souls — souls  more  precious,, 
far  more  valuable,  than  the  whole  material  uni- 
verse. On  the  seminary  hill  there  is  an  establish- 
ment sufficient  to  accommodate  two  professors- 
and  their  families,  with  rooms  for  sixty  students, 
and  a  library.  There  is  likewise  an  invested 
fund  amounting  to  upwards  of  twenty  thousand 
dollars ;  and  of  subscriptions  yet  to  be  collected, 
part  in  two  and  three  years,  and  the  balance  in 
four  and  five,  from  twelve  to  fourteen  thousand 
dollars.  All  which  we  desire  to  record  to  the  glory 
of  God's  grace. 

Much  as  we  had  been  before  favoured,  the  peri- 
od embraced  by  the  present  report  has  been  not 
less  distinguished  by  the  divine  blessing.  On  the 
Sunday  after  the  last  Convention,  one  of  the  stu- 
dents was  ordained  in  Trinity  Church,  Staunton, 
by  the  Right  Reverend  the  Assistant  Bishop.  In 
the  month  of  July  last,  the  public  examination  of 
the  students  of  the  seminary  took  place.  The 
duties  of  that  occasion  commenced  on  Monday, 
the  7th,  and  continued  through  three  days,  one 
being  allowed  for  the  examination  of  each  class, 
and  the  whole  terminating  much  to  the  satisfac- 
tion of  the  examiners.  On  Thursday,  the  10th, 
eleven  of  those  examined  having  finished  the  ap- 
pointed course,  were  admitted  to  the  order  of  dea- 
cons by  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Moore,  D.  D.,  in 
Christ  Church,  Alexandria.  At  a  subsequent  pe- 
riod three  others  were  admitted  to  the  ministry, 
making,  since  the  last  report,  fifteen  ordinations. 
A  goodly  proportion  of  these  are  now  labouring  in 
this  diocess,  and  the  rest  have  either  returned  to 
the  diocesses  from  which  they  came,  or  settled  in 
such  other  places  as  the  interests  of  religion  and 
the  church  seemed  to  require. 

In  the  past  year  our  funds  have  considerably 
increased,  and  are  now  in  a  more  prosperous  con- 
dition than  they  have  ever  been.  As  greatly  con- 
tributing to  this  important  result,  we  must  refer 
to  the  very  useful  labours  of  our  general  agent, 
the  Rev.  Charles  Mann,  who  has  exerted  himself 
to  raise  a  fund  for  the  establishment  of  a  xiew 


320 


CONVENTION  OF  1835. 


professorship,  and  also  obtained  the  efficient  aid 
of  other  gentlemen  friendly  to  the  institution.  To 
these,  one  and  all,  but  particularly  the  Rev. 
Drs.  Henshaw  and  Johns,  of  the  diocess  of  Ma- 
ryland, this  board  presents  its  cordial  thanks,  be- 
lieving, at  the  same  time,  that  it  expresses  the 
feelings  of  the  Convention.  The  amount  of  sub- 
scriptions obtained  by  the  general  agent,  with  the 
aid  just  named,  exceeds  twelve  thousand  dollars, 
and  a  part  of  it  has  been  already  collected. 

Since  the  last  report  the  centre  building  has 
been  erected,  at  a  cost  of  about  $5,000,  and  is  of 
great  convenience  and  value.  Besides  giving  a 
finish  to  the  whole  edifice,  which  adds  greatly  to 
its  beauty,  it  furnishes  a  large  dining-room,  very 
much  needed,  and  twelve  rooms  for  students. 

During  the  present  session  thirty-two  young 
men  have  been  connected  with  the  seminary.  Of 
this  number  six  have  left  it,  three  to  be  ordained, 
and  three  at  their  own  request.  Two  of  these  last 
will  probably  return  again,  and  the  third  pursue 
his  studies  in  private.  Of  their  conduct  and  prog- 
ress generally,  the  professors  speak  in  the  most 
favourable  terms.  The  usual  course  of  study  has 
been  attended  to,  and  also  the  various  plans  for 
spiritual  improvement  heretofore  mentioned.  It 
is  worthy  of  notice,  that  a  Bible  Society  has  been 
formed  in  the  institution,  and  a  Charity  School 
for  the  benefit  of  the  neighbouring  poor.  And  it 
is  worthy  of  special  notice,  as  well  as  of  gratitude 
to  God,  that  an  admirable  and  growing  missionary 
spirit  now  exists  among  the  young  men.  The 
claims  of  a  dying  world  seem  to  be  in  a  measure 
appreciated,  and  we  trust  that  the  great  Head  of 
the  church  is  breathing  into  their  hearts  some- 
thing of  that  love  which  brought  him  on  his  mis- 
sion of  mercy  to  our  ruined  race.  One  has  al- 
ready offered  himself  to  the  General  Missionary 
Society  for  foreign  service,  and  others  have  deter- 
mined to  follow  his  example  at  an  early  day. 

Upon  the  whole,  your  Theological  Seminary 
presents  an  aspect  well  calculated  to  fill  the  heart 
with  joy  for  the  present,  and  cheer  it  with  bright 
hopes  for  the  future.  Past  experience  with  re- 
gard to  it  clearly  teaches  us  what  the  church  of 
God  has  learned  in  every  age  ;  that  the  work  of 
faith  is  never  in  vain  in  the  Lord.  At  the  same 
time  it  urges  us  to  attempt  much  more.  We  do 
not  desire  great  things  for  ourselves,  and  shall  not 
attempt  great  things  upon  the  principles  of  this 
world.  There  is  certahily  ground  for  other  simi- 
lar establishments  to  occupy  a  Umit  beyond  which 
ours  may  not  extend.  But  equally  certain  is  it 
that  we  have  not  reached  that  point :  nay,  it  is 
still  far  out  of  sight,  and  a  vast  labour  remains  for 
us  to  perform.  We  are  not  yet  prepared  to  sup- 
port a  third  professor  at  all  comfortably  :  indeed, 
we  could  not  support  even  two,  without  the  pow- 
erful aid  of  that  faithful  friend,  "  The  Society  for 
Educating  Young  Men  for  the  ministry  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church."  Our  library  is  yet 
very  imperfect :  we  require  more  buildings,  and 
many  other  things  are  needed  to  meet  all  our 
wants.  Other  institutions,  founded  for  the  same 
all-important  and  blessed  purposes  with  our  own, 
have  been  richly  endowed  at  one  single  effort  of 
some  noble,  generous,  and  Christian  spirit ;  hun- 
dreds of  thousands  of  dollars  have  from  time  to 
time  been  given  to  them  ;  buildings,  finished  and 
furnished  complete,  have  been  provided  for  their 
use  ;  very  frequently  some  individual,  largely  pos- 
sessed of  this  world's  goods,  remembers  them  in 
the  final  disposition  of  his  property ;  so  invest- 
ing for  their  benefit  a  large  amount,  that  through 
them  it  may  for  many  generations  be  a  blessing 
to  man ;  and  not,  as  too  many  do,  leaving  thou- 
sands to  be  spent  by  the  hand  of  folly  and  vice,  a 


curse  to  those  who  spend  them,  and  a  blightingf 
mildew  to  whole  families  and  neighbourhoods. 
And  shall  we,  strongly  pressed  by  many  wants  as 
we  still  are,  be  charged  with  extravagant  de- 
mands, if  we  say  there  are  yet  many  thousands 
needed  for  this  school  of  the  prophets  ?  It  can- 
not be  :  we  are  not  disposed  to  reflect  so  deeply 
upon  the  sound  sense  and  charity  of  the  Christian 
community,  as  to  think  this  possible.  With  great 
confidence,  therefore,  we  again  appeal  to  our  tried 
friends,  and  all  who  love  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  in 
sincerity,  for  their  continued  prayers  in  our  behalf, 
and  such  pecuniary  aid  as,  by  God's  blessing,  they 
may  be  enabled  to  afford.  We  do  not  fear  for  the 
future,  having  so  largely  experienced  the  favour 
of  our  covenant  God,  and  verily  believing  that 
whatever  the  church  is  bound  to  do  she  is  able  to 
do.  But  each  of  her  members  should  recollect 
that  in  her  responsibilities  and  duties  he  is  neces- 
sarily concerned,  and  must  discharge  his  own  in- 
dividual obligations,  or  answer  for  it  in  the  "  great 
and  dreadful  day."  Let  those,  then,  who  have 
much,  give  accordingly ;  and  those  who  have  lit- 
tle, remember  the  poor  widow's  two  mites,  and 
follow  her  example.  In  all  let  there  be  a  willing 
mind,  and  the  day  may  soon  arrive  when  their 
overflowing  liberality  must  be  arrested,  as  that  of 
the  Jews  was :  "  The  people  bring  much  more  than 
enough  for  the  service  of  the  work  which  the 
Lord  commanded."  Do  not  permit  the  success 
of  the  past  year  to  make  upon  any  the  impression 
that  the  work  is  finished,  and  their  aid  no  longer 
required.  A  few  more  vigorous  exertions,  and  the 
work  will  be  finished.  May  our  God  hasten  this 
blessed  consummation. 

All  which  is  respectfully  submitted  by  the  trus- 
tees. 

The  house  proceeded  to  the  order  of  the  day, 
which  was  the  consideration  of  the  proposed 
amendments  to  the  constitution  and  canons  of 
the  church. 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Mann,  the  follow- 
ing amendment  to  the  first  article  of  the  con- 
stitution, which  was  proposed  and  adopted  at  the 
last  Convention,  and  laid  over  for  the  ratifica- 
tion or  rejection  of  this  Convention,  was  taken 
up,  viz. :  the  addition  to  the  end  of  the  article  of 
the  following  words  :  "  And  in  the  event  of  the 
existence  of  an  epidemic  disease,  or  any  other 
good  cause  rendering  it  necessary  or  expedient 
to  alter  the  place  fixed  on  for  any  meeting  of 
the  Convention,  the  bishop  may  change  the 
place  or  the  time,  or  both,  at  his  discretion." 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Dresser,  Resolv- 
ed, That  the  further  consideration  of  this  article 
be  postponed  until  after  the  consideration  of  the 
remaining  articles  of  the  amended  constitution. 

A  recess  of  the  Convention  then  occurred,  to 
attend  divine  service  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Bartlett, 
and  a  sermon  by  the  Rev.  Adam  Empie,  D  D. 

After  service,  on  motion  of  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Keith,  the  foHawing  additional  rule  of  order  was 
adopted.  "  All  questions  of  order  shall  be  de- 
cided in  the  first  instance  by  the  chair  without 
debate  ;  an  appeal,  however,  may  be  made  from 
his  decision  to  the  Convention,  by  any  member 
of  the  same." 

The  Convention  then  resumed  the  considera- 
tion of  the  amendments  to  the  constitution  and 
canons. 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Mann,  the  second 
article  of  the  Constitution,  as  reported  by  th» 


CONVENTION  OF  1835. 


321 


committee  to  whom  the  subject  of  the  revision 
of  the  constitution  and  canons  had  been  refer- 
red by  a  previous  Convention,  was  amended  by 
striking  out  the  words,  "  or  if  there  be  no  ves- 
try, by  at  least  twelve  persons  who  may  with 
propriety  be  considered  as  members  of  the  Prot- 
estant Episcopal  Church  duly  notified  :  and  the 
election  shall  be  certified  by  at  least  five  mem- 
bers of  this  church." 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  William  F.  Lee,  the 
same  article  was  farther  amended,  by  adding 
after  the  words  *'  e.Y-ofRcio," — "  no  person  un- 
der ecclesiastical  censure  or  process  shall  be  en- 
titled to  a  seat  in  the  Convention." 

It  was  moved  by  the  Hon.  Hugh  Nelson,  that 
the  second  article  of  the  constitution  terminate 
with  the  word  "ministers,"  in  the  third  line 
from  the  end  of  the  same,  which  was  decided  in 
the  negative. 

It  was  then  moved  by  the  same,  and  second- 
ed by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Empie,  to  strike  out  the 
last  proviso  of  the  second  article  of  the  consti- 
tution— in  these  words,  "  provided  also,  that  in 
every  case,  the  delegate  or  delegates  shall  be 
communicants  in  the  church." 

Mr.  Thomas  Smith  proposed  to  amend  the 
amendment  by  inserting  the  word  "  practicable" 
before  the  word  "  case"  in  the  last  Unebut  one. 

But,  before  these  propositions  were  acted 
upon,  the  Convention  adjourned  until  4  o'clock 
P.M. 

Friday  Afternoon. 

The  consideration  of  the  amendment  proposed 
by  Mr.  Smith  to  the  second  article  of  the  revi- 
sed constitution  was  resumed  and  contmued. 

The  question  being  taken  on  concurring  in 
said  amendment,  it  was  decided  in  the  negative. 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Grammer,  the 
further  consideration  of  the  other  amendment 
was  postponed  until  to-morrow  morning,  at  9 
o'clock  ;  to  which  hour  the  Convention,  on  mo- 
tion, then  adjourned. 

Saturday,  May  23,  1835. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjourn- 
ment, and  was  opened  with  prayer  by  the  Rt. 
Rev.  Bishop  Meade. 

The  minutes  of  the  preceding  day  were  read 
and  approved. 

The  Convention  resumed  the  consideration 
of  the  amendment  to  the  second  article  of  the 
revised  constitution,  which  proposed  to  strike 
out  the  last  proviso  in  the  same. 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  John  Grammer,  Re- 
solved, That  the  question  be  taken  by  orders, 
and  that  the  ayes  and  noes  be  recorded. 

The  Rev.  William  G.  H.  Jones  moved  a  call 
of  the  house,  which  was  ordered. 

Col.  Samuel  H.  Lewis  and  Mr.  Daniel  Gar- 
land were  excused  from  voting  on  this  ques- 
tion ;  and  Dr.  J.  F.  Montgomery  explained 
the  vote  which  he  should  give  as  in  accordance 
with  the  views  of  the  parish  which  he  represent- 
ed, but  not  with  his  own. 

The  question  was  then  taken  upon  the  prop- 
osition to  strike  out  as  above,  and  decided  in 
the  negative  by  the  following  vote  : — 

Ayes — Rev.  Hobart  M.  Bartlett,  Adam  Empie, 


D.  D.,  Thomas  Jackson,  William  G.  Jackson, 
William  H.  Mitchell,  Alexander  Norris,  George 
W.  Nelson,  Charles  H.  Page,  F.  G.  Smith,  J. 
P.  B.  Wilmer,  and  John  H.  Wingfield— II. 

Noes— Rt.  Rev.  William  Meade,  D.  D.,  Rev. 
Ephraim  Adams,  George  Adie,  P.  F.  Berkeley, 
William  V.  Bowers,  Nicholas  H.  Cobbs,  Charles 
B.  Dana,  Charles  Dresser,  William  Friend,  John 
Grammer,  William  G.  H.  Jones,  Reuel  Keith, 
D.  D.,  Archibald  H.  Lamon,  William  F.  Lee, 
George  Lemon,  Charles  Mann,  Edward  C. 
M'Guire,  John  P.  M'Guire,  William  Steele, 
Philip  Slaughter,  Charles  C.  Taliaferro,  Will- 
iam N.  Ward,  D.  M.  Wharton,  George  Wood- 
bridge,  and  John  W.  Woodville — 25. 

Ayes — Messrs.  Walter  Coles,  Edmund  Fon- 
taine, John  Gray,  J.  F.  Montgomery,  Hugh 
Nelson,  B.  H.  Randolph,  and  Thomas  Smith — 7. 

Noes — Messrs.  Thomas  Atkinson,  Hilary  Ba- 
ker, Upton  Beall,  James  M.  Bell,  jun.,  Thomas 
T.  Bouldin,  Alexander  Brown,  Thomas  N.  Bur- 
well,  Junius  A.  Clay,  Thomas  G.  Coleman, 
Charles  R.  Gibbs,  Thurmer  Hoggard,  Abram  B. 
Hooe,  Thomas  L.  Latane,  Philip  Nelson,  John 
Nelson,  Nelson  Sale,  Henry  B.  Streshly,  Rich- 
ard Walke,  David  M.  Walke,  William  M.  Wal- 
ler, and  Seth  Ward— 21. 

The  second  article,  as  amended,  was  then 
adopted. 

The  third  article  was,  on  motion  of  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Grammer,  amended,  by  changing  the  word 
"  six"  into  the  word  "  twelve"  in  both  instances 
in  which  it  occurs,  and  then  adopted. 

The  fourth  and  fifth  articles  were  adopted, 
without  amendment. 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Lee,  the  sixth 
article  was  amended  by  inserting  after  the  word 
"  necessary,"  in  the  fifth  line,  "  or  when  requi- 
red by  the  standing  committee."  The  same 
article  was,  on  motion  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Empie, 
further  amended,  by  striking  out  the  words,  "  as 
often  as  he  may  think  expedient,"  and  inserting 
in  lieu  of  them  the  word  "  annually." 

And,  on  motion  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Dresser,  the 
same  article  was  further  amended,  by  striking 
out  the  last  sentence,  as  follows  :  "  Whenever  it 
shall  be  necessary  for  the  bishop  to  visit  any 
part  of  this  diocess,  he  shall  be  authorized  to 
call  a  clergyman  from  any  part  of  the  diocess  to 
supply  his  place  in  the  duties  of  his  parochial 
charge,  for  not  more  than  two  Sundays,"  and, 
as  thus  amended,  was  adopted. 

The  seventh  article  was,  on  motion  of  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Lee,  amended,  by  inserting  after  the 
word  *'  next,"  in  the  fourth  line,  the  words,  "  an- 
nual Convention  or  until  the  next,"  so  as  to  read, 
"  who  shall  continue  in  office  until  the  next  an- 
nual Convention,  or  until  the  next  election  of  a 
president,"  and,  as  thus  amended,  was  adopted. 

The  eighth  and  ninth  articles  were  adopted 
without  amendment. 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Lee,  the  tenth 
article  was  amended  by  inserting  in  the  third 
line  the  words,  "  who  shall  be  communicants 
of  the  church  in  the  diocess,"  after  the  words 
"  lay  order,"  and,  as  thus  amended,  was  adopted. 

The  eleventh  article  was  adopted  without 
amendment. 


322 


CONVENTION  OF  1835. 


The  twelfth  article  reported  by  the  commit- 
tee in  the  following  words — "  This  constitution 
shall  be  unalterable,  except  in  the  following 
manner :  a  proposition  for  any  change  shall  be 
introduced  in  writing,  and  considered  in  Con- 
vention, and,  if  approved  of  by  a  majority  of  two 
thirds  of  the  next  ensuing  Convention,  the 
change  shall  then  take  place  ;  and  the  consti- 
tution, so  altered,  shall  be  valid  and  obligatory" 
— was  amended,  by  substituting  in  lieu  of  the 
same  the  thirteenth  article  of  the  present  con- 
stitution. 

The  first  article,  as  approved  of  by  the  last 
Convention,  was  adopted. 

On  motion,  it  was  Resolved,  That  the  consti- 
tution, as  above  amended,  be  transmitted  to  the 
several  vestries  for  their  action  thereon. 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Mann,  the  con- 
sideration of  the  revised  canons  was  postponed 
until  the  next  Convention. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Page,  from  the  committee  on 
the  episcopal  fund,  made  the  following  report : — 

The  chairman  of  the  committee  upon  the  state 
of  the  episcopal  fund  reports,  from  the  only  doc- 
ument to  which  they  have  had  access,  that  since 
the  last  report  there  have  been  added  to  the  bank- 
— stock  in  the  Farmers'  Bank  two  shares  of  that 
bank,  and  one  share  of  the  Bank  of  Potomac. 
The  number  of  shares  held  in  the  Farmers'  Bank 
is  ninety.  He  also  further  reports,  that  the  trus- 
tees have  to  their  credit  in  the  Farmers'  Bank 
one  hundred  and  fourteen  dollars,  which  they  ex- 
pect to  invest  in  the  stock  of  this  bank. 

Charles  H.  Page. 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Cobbs,  the  fol- 
lowing preamble  and  resolutions  were  adopt- 
ed : — 

Whereas  this  Convention  have  heard  with 
great  pleasure  of  the  exertions  now  making  by 
the  Virginia  Bible  Society  to  rouse  the  whole 
Christian  world  to  an  effort  (in  deppndance  on 
Divine  assistance)  to  place  the  Bible  in  every 
accessible  readmg  family  on  earth  within  a 
definite  period  ;  and  have  witnessed  with  equal 
satisfaction  the  general  acceptance  with  which 
this  enterprise  has  been  received,  and  the  cor- 
diality with  which  it  has  been  thus  far  sustain- 
ed by  the  churches  under  their  care  : 

Resolved,  That  they  do  most  heartily  renew 
the  recommendation  given  by  them  in  1833,  of 
the  objects  of  the  society,  to  all  the  churches 
under  their  care;  recommending  to  them  to 
sustain  those  objects  by  the  prayer  of  faith,  by 
generous  contribution,  and  by  every  proper  ex- 
ertion of  their  influence. 

Resolved,  That  they  recommend  the  Rev. 
Wm.  M.  Atkinson,  the  general  agent  of  the 
society,  to  the  support  of  the  churches  of  this 
diocess,  in  the  execution  of  the  important  duties 
with  which  he  is  charged. 

Resolved,  That  this  Convention  do  most  cor- 
dially recommend  the  objects  of  the  Virginia 
Bible  Society,  referred  to  in  the  preamble,  to 
the  support  of  all  Protestant  Episcopalians  in 
the  United  States,  and  throughout  the  world. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Mann,  from  the  committee  on 
the  accounts  of  the  treasurer  of  the  society  for 
the  relief  of  widows  and  orphans  of  clergymen 


in  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  made  the 
following  report,  which  was  accepted. 

The  cx)mmittee  on  the  accounts  of  the  treas- 
urer of  the  society  for  the  rehef  of  the  widows  and 
orphans  of  clergymen  in  the  Protestant  Episco- 
pal Church,  beg  leave  to  report,  that  they  have 
examined  the  same,  and  find  it  in  all  respects 
correct,  and  renew  the  thanks  which  have  here- 
tofore been  given  to  the  amiable  and  benevolent 
geiitleman  who  has  so  long  gratuitously  fulfilled 
the  oflfice  of  treasurer  and  secretary.  By  his  re- 
port it  appears,  that  $1,100  of  the  capital  of  the 
society  has  been  lost  by  the  failure  of  the  Bank  of 
Alexandria  ;  and  that  there  remains  the  very  im- 
portant sum  of  §8,104  96,  yielding  an  annual  in- 
come of  about  $400.  There  are  but  two  annui- 
tants, whose  claims  together  do  not  amount  to 
more  than  $48  per  annum,  leaving  a  balance  in 
favour  of  the  society's  annual  income  of  upwards 
of  $350.  Could  the  annual  contributions  of  even 
a  majority  of  the  clergy  be  received,  in  addition 
to  this  surplus  increase,  there  would  soon  be  ac- 
cumulated a  fund  amply  sufficient  to  secure  the 
ends  of  this  benevolent  -association,  and  to  assist 
materially  in  the  support  of  the  indigent  families 
of  deceased  ministers.  But,  in  the  present  state 
of  the  society,  few  of  the  clergy  can  be  induced 
to  connect  themselves  with  it,  from  a  conviction 
that  no  funds  can  be  sufficiently  secure  which 
are  left  in  the  hands  of  an  individual,  however 
trustworthy,  who  is  responsible  to  no  body  capa- 
ble in  law  of  enforcing  a  claim  against  him.  The 
fact  of  this  unwillingness  led  the  chairman  of  this 
committee,  at  the  last  meeting  of  the  Convention, 
to  recommend  a  correspondence  with  the  society 
incorporated  in  Maryland  for  similar  objects,  with 
a  view  of  ascertaining  whether,  through  their 
agency,  greater  security  could  be  given  to  the 
funds,  and  greater  confidence  in  their  permanen- 
cy. This  correspondence  has  been  entered  into, 
and  there  is  reason  to  believe  all  the  object  it  had 
in  view  may  be  secured.  The  committee  would, 
however,  recommend  an  application  to  the  legisla- 
ture of  Virginia  for  an  act  of  incorporation,  and,  in 
the  event  of  its  failure,  then  an  application  to  the 
society  in  Maryland.  The  views  of  the  commit- 
tee are  expressed  in  the  following  resolution. 
Charles  Mann,  Chairman. 

Resolved,  That  the  standing  committee  of 
this  diocess  be  requested  to  inquire  into  the  ex- 
pediency of  obtaining  an  act  of  incorporation 
from  the  legislature  of  Virginia,  and,  in  the 
event  of  failing  in  that  object,  of  connecting  the 
society  of  this  diocess  for  the  relief  of  widows 
and  orphans  of  deceased  clergymen  of  the  Prot- 
estant Episcopal  Church,  with  the  society,  in- 
corporated for  the  same  purpose,  in  the  diocess 
of  Maryland.  And  if  the  terms  oflfered  by  that 
society  be  such  as  said  committee  approve,  that 
they  be  authorized  to  transfer  the  funds  of  this 
society  to  the  treasurer  of  that  institution,  to 
be  held  in  trust  for  the  purposes  set  forth  in  the 
constitution  of  the  society  of  this  diocess  for  the 
relief  of  widows  and  orphans  of  deceased  clergy- 
men of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church. 

The  funds  arc  as  follows : — 

113  shares  of  Farmers'  Bank,  Alex- 
andria, stock,  at  par,  -         -  $5,6.50  00 
5  shares  of  Alexandria  Bank  stock, 


Carried  forward,  $5,650  00 


CONVENTION  OF  1835. 


323 


Brought  forward,  $5,650  00 

1  share  Bank  of  Virginia  stock,  at 

par,  -         -         -         -         -        100  00 

Note  and  bond,  bearing  interest  of  6 

percent.,  ...         -     2,200  00 

Cash  on  hand,       -         -        -         -        154  96 

$8,104  ye 

The  Rev.  Edward  C.  M'Guire,  from  the  com- 
mittee on  the  state  of  the  church,  made  the  fol- 
lowing report : — 

The  committee  on  the  state  of  the  church  beg 
leave  to  present  the  following  report : — 

Having  availed  themselves  of  all  the  sources  of 
information  within  their  reach,  the  committee 
feel  themselves  authorized  in  congratulating  their 
brethren  on  the  favourable  aspect  presented  by 
the  church  in  this  diocess.  The  zealous  devo- 
tion to  their  duties  evinced  by  the  clergy,  and 
hearty  co-operation  of  the  laity  in  every  good  work, 
furnish  pleasing  topics  of  grateful  contemplation, 
and  the  sure  pledges  of  increasmg  strength  and 
abounding  prosperity  to  our  Zion.  The  religion 
of  the  Saviour  is  one  of  means;  and  in  their 
faithful  employment  the  most  excellent  results 
may  be  expected  as  the  heaven-ordained  fruit. 
As  he  who  sows  his  fields  may  fairly  calculate 
that  his  labour  will  not  be  in  vain,  so  the  efforts 
expended  on  the  vineyard  of  the  Lord  will  surely 
be  crowned  in  the  end  with  the  richest  success. 

In  this  allusion  to  encouraging  appearances  in 
the  state  of  the  diocess,  the  progress  of  the  in- 
visible church  is  not  specially  contemplated,  for, 
we  must  say,  there  is  not  before  us  the  evidence 
of  any  very  signal  increase  in  this  respect.  We 
refer  more  particularly  to  the  general  growth  of 
the  church — the  extension  of  her  borders— the 
erection  of  church  edifices — the  appearances  of 
energy  among  her  members — all  indicating  a 
healthy  action  throughout  the  whole  system.  In 
these  things  we  see  the  ordained  means  of  pre- 
serving the  faith  in  its  purity,  and  of  securing  to 
the  church  that  divinely-promised  blessing  which 
shall  keep  alive  upon  her  altars  the  vestal  fires  of 
true  religion,  and  perpetuate  her,  as  its  consecra- 
ted nursery,  to  the  remotest  periods  of  time. 

The  general  attention  which  is  given  to  the 
religious  tuition  of  youth  by  Sunday  Schools 
and  Bible  classes,  connecting  information  on  the 
distinctive  principles  of  the  church  with  the 
higher  illuminations  of  scriptural  knowledge,  sup- 
plies a  ground  of  pleasing  reflection  in  anticipation 
of  those  substantial  fruits  which  have,  in  every 
age  of  the  church,  attended  well  directed  and 
sustained  catechetical  instruction. 

There  is  much  to  gratify  the  Christian  bosom 
in  the  increased  regard  which  has  been  recently 
extended  by  the  church  to  the  spiritual  necessities 
of  our  coloured  population.  Of  late  years,  they 
have  shared  more  largely  the  pastoral  attentions 
of  the  clergy  than  at  any  former  period.  In  more 
frequent  ministerial  labours  among  them,  the  best 
influences  have  been  exerted  in  their  behalf- 
such  as  have  already  been  marked  by  decidedly 
salutary  results.  It  is  hoped  that  ministers  and 
masters  will  foster  a  growing  sense  of  their  re- 
sponsibilities on  this  point,  and  duly  consider  the 
words  of  Christ,  in  all  their  comprehensiveness 
and  divine  authority,  when  he  said,  "  Feed  my 
sheep." 

Your  committee  concur  in  the  recommendation 
emanating  from  the  venerable  senior  bishop,  re- 
specting the  system  of  "  weekly  oftierings"  in  aid 
of  a  fund  for  the  relief  of  our  infant  and  weaker 
X2 


parishes.  Regarding  this  measure  as  one  of  tried 
excellence,  we  commend  it  as  evidently  calcula- 
ted to  produce  important  practical  results  to  the 
church,  vvithout  proving  a  sensible  inconvenience 
to  her  friends.  A  small  weekly  sum  given  by 
many  individuals,  will  in  the  aggregate  form  an 
imposing  revenue,  not  felt  by  the  contributors, 
while  immense  good  is  effected  by  its  ultimate 
judicious  appropriation. 

The  Convention  recollect  the  recommendation 
of  the  Virginia  Prayer-Book  and  Tract  Society, 
by  the  same  respected  authority.  Your  commit- 
tee would  add  their  efforts  to  bring  this  matter 
distinctly  before  the  church.  The  importance  of 
circulating  the  prayer-book  and  suitable  reli- 
gious tracts  through  the  diocess  is  well  under- 
stood, and  we  know  of  no  plan  better  calculated 
to  effect  this  desirable  end  than  the  one  just  re- 
ferred to.  This  society  invites  the  formation  of 
auxiliaries,  and  offers  important  advantages  to 
them.  A  resolution  of  the  society  proposing  to 
furnish  the  prayer-book  at  half  price  to  all  those 
congregations  in  which  collections  might  be 
taken  up  in  aid  of  its  funds,  is  imbodied  in  the 
bishop's  address,  and  certainly  presents  induce- 
ments which  are  entitled  to  the  consideration  of 
the  church. 

The  committee  have  concurred  in  recommend- 
ing a  measure  to  the  Convention,  whose  adoption 
they  deem  of  considerable  importance.  The  refer- 
ence is  to  a  principle  regulating  the  annual  Con- 
ventions, in  regard  to  the  place  of  meeting.  Much 
inconvenience  has  been  experienced  under  pres- 
ent circumstances  in  unnecessary  consumption 
of  time,  by  protracted  and  sometimes  unedifying 
debate,  growing  out  of  various  and  conflicting 
views  and  wishes  on  this  point.  By  fixing  per- 
manently the  places  of  meeting,  with  a  due  regard 
to  the  reasonable  claims  of  all  sections  of  the  dio- 
cess, and  to  a  proper  alternation  between  the  up- 
per and  lower  districts  of  the  state,  it  is  believed 
that  much  would  be  done  towards  satisfying  the 
minds  of  individuals,  and  removing  temptations  to 
undue  anxiety  and  unseemly  exertions  in  diverting 
the  Convention  from  its  proper  routine  of  impar- 
tial annual  migration.  In  conformity  with  these 
views,  the  following  towns  are  named  as  suitable 
places  for  the  future  meetings  of  the  Convention, 
and  in  the  order  of  their  enumeration,  viz. : — 
Fredericksburg,  Petersburg,  Winchester,  Rich- 
mond, Charlottesville,  Alexandria,  Staunton,  Nor- 
folk, and  Lynchburg. 

All  which  is  respectfully  submitted. 

Edward  C.  M'Guire,  Chairman. 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Dresser,  the 
names  of  Richmond  and  Norfolk,  in  the  last 
paragraph,  were  transposed,  and  the  report  was 
accepted. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Wingfield,  from  the  committee 
on  parochial  reports,  made  the  following  report, 
which  was  accepted  : — 

The  committee  to  whom  were  referred  the 
parochial  reports,  having  discharged  the  duty  as- 
signed them,  herewith  return  the  same,  to  be  en- 
tered on  the  journal.  They  have  also  prepared 
an  abstract,  showing  at  one  view  the  state  of  the . 
church  in  those  parishes  from  which  reports  have 
been  received.  It  is,  however,  very  imperfect,  in 
consequence  of  the  neglect  of  clergymen  to  draw 
up  their  reports  according  to  the  prescribed  form. 
In  compliance  with  a  resolution  of  the  last  Con- 
vention, they  herewith  furnish  a  list  of  those 
clergymen,  having  care  of  souls,  from  whom  no 
reports  have  been  received,  viz. :—  Rev.  C.  W. 
Andrews,  William  Armstrong,  Ebenezer  Boyden» 


324 


CONVENTION  OF  1835. 


Mark  L.  Chevers,  Josias  Clapham,  John  Cole, 
William  M.  Jackson,  A.  Jones,  and  Jacob  Keel- 
ing.    Signed  by  order  of  the  committee. 

J.  H.  Wing  FIELD,  Chairman. 

Monumental  Church,  Richmond.  R.  C.  Moore, 
rector — communicants  one  hundred  and  eighty — 
baptisms,  three  adults,  forty-four  children,  total 
forty-seven,  Sunday  School  is  in  a  very  promis- 
ing condition,  and  every  pew  on  the  ground  floor 
is  rented. 

At  a  general  meeting  in  the  Monumental  Church, 
upwards  of  $4,000  were  subscribed,  chiefly  by  that 
congregation,  for  the  Theological  Seminary.  Two 
scholarships  have  been  formed  by  sundry  individ- 
uals for  eaucating  young  men  for  the  holy  minis- 
try ;  and  $100  contributed  by  the  auxiliary  society 
for  the  same. 

A  collection  has  been  taken  up  to  aid  the  funds 
of  the  Prayer-Book  and  Tract  Society  ;  and  an- 
other in  favour  of  the  Virginia  Bible  Society. 
Collections  also  have  been  made  to  promote  the 
interests  of  the  Sunday  School,  and  the  Saturday 
Sewing  School,  the  last  of  which  has  recently 
been  estabHshed  for  the  benefit  of  poor  children. 

There  has  been  this  year  an  increase  in  the  con- 
tribution to  the  Missionary  Society.  Three  classes 
have  been  formed  for  Biblical  instruction,  which 
together  number  about  one  hundred. 

Christ  Church,  Norfolk,  Elizabeth  River  parish. 
The  rector  entered  upon  his  charge  the  middle  of 
January  last,  and  was  soon  encouraged  to  hope 
that  an  unusual  seriousness  was  taking  possession 
of  the  minds  of  a  considerable  number  of  his  hear- 
ers. This  was  greatly  increased,  and  in  many  in- 
stances brought  to  a  happy  conclusion,  by  some 
deeply-interesting  services,  which  were  performed 
during  five  or  six  successive  days  in  the  latter 
part  of  March.  At  that  time  the  Rev.  Mr.  Mann, 
accompanied  by  two  esteemed  brethren  from 
Baltimore,  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Henshaw  and  Johns, 
paid  a  visit  to  Norfolk,  with  the  view  of  making 
collections  for  our  Theological  Seminary  at  Alex- 
andria. The  reptor  availed  himself  of  this  oppor- 
tunity to  have  frequent  religious  services,  with  a 
view  to  the  spiritual  interests  of  his  congregation. 
In  this  he  was  cordially  supported  by  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Boyden,  minister  of  St.  Paul's  Church,  and  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Wingfield,  of  Portsmouth,  whose  congre- 
gations shared  in  the  services. 

Bishop  Moore  also  came  down  from  Richmond, 
and  lent  us  much  affectionate  aid.  Our  services 
were  continued  for  six  successive  days,  and  divi- 
ded between  the  three  congregations.  At  an  early 
hour  of  the  morning  a  goodly  number  met  togeth- 
er with  the  ministers  in  one  of  the  churches,  and, 
by  suitable  exercises,  were  prepared  for  the  large 
assemblies  at  the  hour  of  eleven,  and  at  night.  At 
these  meetings,  besides  the  prayers  and  hymns, 
several  short  addresses  were  delivered,  well  cal- 
culated to  make  them  interesting  and  profitable. 
The  sermons,  also,  in  the  after  part  of  the  day, 
were  usually  followed  by  short  and  touching  ex- 
hortations. An  interest  proportioned  to  the  zeal 
and  sound  judgment  whiqh  were  put  forth  on  the 
occasion  was  soon  awakened,  and  continued  to 
increase  to  the  conclusion  of  the  services.  All 
who  were  present  at  those  exercises  expressed 
themselves  well  pleased,  and  hoped  for  the  fre- 
quent return  of  tnem.  The  fruits  thereof  have 
been  such  as  to  gratily  the  hearts  of  all  the  friends 
of  the  church.  Concerning  thirty  persons,  who 
have  since  made  a  public  profession  of  religion, 
the  minister,  after  much  intercourse  with  most  of 
them,  entertains  the  pleasing' hope  that  they  have 
l)assed  from  death  unto  life.  They  appear  deter- 
mined to  answer  the  description  of  God's  people, 
that  is,  to  be  a  peculiar  people,  zealous  of  good 


works.  The  most  happy  effect  seems  also  to  have 
been  produced  upon  the  old  professors  of  religion. 
They  have  been  stirred  up  to  more  zeal,  and  been 
made  to  remember  the  time  of  their  first  love,  and 
to  do  their  first  vvorks. 

One  evidence  of  an  awakened  interest  in  behalf 
of  the  kingdom  of  Christ  was  furnished  before  the 
close  of  our  services,  in  the  liberal  subscriptions 
of  four  thousand  dollars  to  our  seminary. 

The  rector  has  seen  other  evidences,  in  the 
readiness  manifested  by  the  congregation  to  en- 
gage in  every  good  work  recommended  by  him. 

The  Sunday  School  has  increased  considerably, 
numbering  thirty  teachers,  and  one  hundred  and 
eighty  scholars.  The  instructions  in  the  cate- 
chism, delivered  every  Saturday  afternoon  in  Lent, 
were  well  attended  by  parents  and  children. 

The  little  children  have  formed  themselves  into 
a  Missionary  Society  on  the  plan  of  weekly  offer- 
ings, of  one,  two,  or  three  cents  each — and  in  a 
short  time  have  raised  nearly  twenty-five  dollars. 

Shortly  before  the  rector  left  Norfolk  for  the 
Convention,  he  presented  the  wants  of  the  Mis- 
sionary Society  to  the  congregation,  and  express- 
ed a  hope  thai  the  adults  would  adopt  the  plan  al- 
ready so  happily  pursued  by  the  young  catechu- 
mens. Between  forty  and  fifty  names  were  im- 
mediately sent  in,  and  an  assurance  given  that  a 
regular  Missionary  Society  would  be  formed 
among  the  gentlemen,  and  the  good  work  prose- 
cuted during  his  absence.  He  is  happy,  also,  to 
state  to  the  Convention,  that  the  cause  of  the  Tem- 
perance Society  finds  increasing  favour  among  the 
members  of  our  church  in  Norfolk.  During  the 
association  above  mentioned,  a  meeting  was  ap 
pointed  in  Christ  Church  for  addresses  on  this  sub- 
ject ;  but  in  consequence  of  rain,  which  prevented 
a  full  assembly,  it  was  postponed.  Subsequent 
meetings  have  been  held  in  the  town  since  that 
time,  at  which  he  was  gratified  to  see  a  consider 
able  number  of  those  belonging  to  our  commu- 
nion to  enrol  their  names. 

Upon  the  whole,  the  rector,  in  considering  the 
state  of  the  congregation,  has  reason  to  thank  God 
and  take  courage.  According  to  the  requisition 
of  the  canon  he  states,  that  on  the  list  furnished 
by  his  predecessor  there  were  t*vo  hundred  and 
sixteen  communicants  when  he  took  charge  of 
the  congregation — to  these  twenty-four  have  been 
added,  and  six  are  ready  to  unite  on  the  first  op- 
portunity. There  have  been  nineteen  baptisms, 
one  of  which  was  an  adult.  Thirty  have  been 
confirmed.  There  have  been  seven  funerals  and 
five  marriages. 

All  which  is  respectfully  submitted  by  the  rector, 
William  Meade, 
Assistant  Bishop  of  Virginia. 

Christ  Church,  Lancaster  county.  Ephraim  Ad- 
ams, rector.  Communicants,  added  eleven  (two 
of  whom  are  from  another  parish),  removed  three, 
excommunicated  two  (one  of  whom  is  a  coloured 
person),  present  number  forty — baptisms,  adults 
two,  infants  thirty-five,  viz.,  white  seventeen,  col- 
oured eighteen,  total  thirty-seven  —  confirmed 
eight — one  marriage — funerals  eleven,  viz.,  white 
six,  coloured  five.  The  amount  of  money  collect- 
ed for  the  different  institutions  connected  with  the 
church  is  $443  25. 

Two  societies  were  formed  in  the  course  of  the 
last  year,  which  have  contributed  much  towards 
strengthening  the  bonds  of  union  among  the  mem- 
bers of  the  church,  and,  we  trust,  towards  the  ad- 
vancement of  the  cause  of  religion  generally — a 
"  Protestant  Episcopal  Female  Society  for  the 
spread  of  the  gospel,"  and  a  "  Protestant  Episco- 
pal Prayer-Book  and  Tract  Society,"  formed  by 
the  gentlemen  of  the  parish. 


CONVENTION  OF  1835. 


325 


The  Bible  class  is  in  the  same  state  of  prosper- 
ity as  at  the  period  of  the  last  Convention.  The 
cause  of  temperance  is  prosperous — many  mem- 
bers have  been  added  to  the  society  during  the 
last  year. 

Shelburn  parish,  Leesburg,  Loudoun  county. 
George  Adie,  rector.  Communicants,  added  five, 
removed  four,  died  two,  whole  number  seventy. 
The  circumstances  of  the  congregation  nearly  as 
last  reported.  Baptisms  twenty-two — marriages 
ten— funerals  seven. 

Upperville.  No  material  change  since  the  last 
report.  The  completion  of  the  church  has  been 
delayed,  in  consequence  of  the  unfaithfulness  of 
some  of  the  contractors ;  but  we  hope  measures 
will  be  adopted  by  the  friends  of  our  Zion  in  that 
neighbourhood  to  secure  its  speedy  completion. 

Middleburg  and  Aldie.  Nearly  as  last  reported. 
The  rector  continues  to  preach  frequently  to  a 
large  and  attentive  coloured  congregation  in  Lees- 
burg, and  hopes,  from  the  increased  attention  and 
good  order  uniformly  observed,  that  his  labours  in 
that  department  have  not  been  altogether  in  vain. 
Raleigh  and  Dale  parishes,  Amelia  and  Ches- 
terfield counties.  P.  F.  Berkeley,  rector.  Com- 
municants, removed  two,  died  one,  present  number 
twenty-seven — baptisms,  infants  three — marriages 
four — funerals,  white  one,  coloured  five,  total  six 
— families  twenty-six,  adults  seventy-seven,  chil- 
dren forty-six.  Collected  for  the  dift'erent  institu- 
tions connected  with  the  church,  ^233  25. 

The  rector  took  charge  of  these  parishes  the 
first  of  February.  To  them  his  whole  time  is 
given,  with  the  exception  of  one  Sunday  in  the 
month,  on  which  he  preaches  at  Genito,  in  Pow- 
hatan. In  two  of  these  counties  the  services  of 
the  afternoon  of  Sunday  are  in  behalf  of  the  ser- 
vants. The  Education  and  Missionary  Societies 
are  in  active  operation.^  There  is  also  a  voluntary 
association  of  eight  of  ten  little  girls,  members 
of  a  private  school,  in  behalf  of  the  support  of  their 
minister  ;  to  whose  comfort,  as  well  as  gratifica- 
tion, the  results  have  added  much.  Considerable 
interest  is  manifested  by  a  few  in  the  exercises  of 
a  Bible  class,  and  of  a  monthly  prayer-meeting  for 
missions. 

St.  Martin's  parish,  Hanover  and  Louisa  coun- 
ties. William  V.  Bowers,  Rector.  Communi- 
cants, added  eight,  removed  tour,  died  three,  total 
fifty-seven — baptisms,  adults  two,  infants  eight, 
total  ten — marriages  two — funerals  twelve — num- 
ber of  families  forty.  Amount  collected  for  benev- 
olent purposes  upwards  of  $250. 

The  present  rector  has  had  charge  of  this  par- 
ish htile  more  than  nine  months,  since  1st  of  last 
August.  How  far  the  truth,  through  his  instru- 
mentality, has  been  felt  upon  the  hearts  of  his 
hearers,  he  is  unable  to  say,  but  he  sincerely  hopes 
that  in  some  degree  it  has  been  with  sanctifying  and 
saving  power.  There  are  two  Sunday  Schools, 
one  of  which  has  been  formed  this  spring.  No. 
1  contains  ten  teachers  and  fifty -two  scholars  ; 
No.  2  fifteen  teachers  and  forty  scholars  ;  attend- 
ance in  both  about  ninety  pupils.  Meetings  have 
been  held  on  Sunday  afternoons  for  the  coloured 
population  :  from  fifty  to  one  hundred  have  attend- 
ed in  good  weather.  There  are  several  benevolent 
societies,  and  the  missionary  concert  of  prayer  is 
held  every  month. 

St.  John's  Church,  Henrico  parish.  Robert  B. 
Croes,  oihciating  minister.  Communicants,  added 
fourteen,  removed  six,  present  number  thirty- 
seven — baptisms,  two  of  adults,  and  sixteen  of 
children,  total  eighteen — fourteen  marriages,  and 
twenty-eight  burials.  Fifteen  persons  have  been 
confirmed. 
The  Sunday  School  at  the  present  time  cannot 


be  considered  as  flourishing.  There  are  twelve 
teachers,  nine  of  whom  are  generally  diligent  and 
punctual.  The  number  of  scholars  registered  is 
about  one  hundred  and  ten.  A  brick  building  has 
been  erected  in  the  churchyard,  which  is  used 
both  for  the  Sunday  School  and  a  week-day 
school ;  dimensions,  37  feet  by  25  ;  cost,  $750.  In 
the  spring  of  1833  more  than  $900  were  raised  by 
the  members  of  the  female  association  of  this  par- 
ish, by  means  of  a  fair.  Of  this  sum  $800  will  be 
appropriated  towards  the  erection  of  a  tower,  and 
$100  towards  the  purchase  of  a  bell.  -$64  have 
been  contributed  by  the  pew-holders  of  the  church 
for  the  General  Episcopal  Sunday  School  Union. 
As  to  "  spiritual  things,"  the  officiating  nainister 
has  thus  far  met  with  very  little  to  encourage  his 
heart. 

Hanover,  May  15,  1835.  Owing  to  the  situation 
of  my  health,  and  the  destitute  condition  of  many 
congregations  around  me  which  have  been  long 
soliciting  my  services,  I  determined,  shortly  after 
the  last  Convention,  to  resign  my  charge  of  St. 
Martin's  parish,  which  I  had  held  for  ten  years, 
and  to  devote  my  time,  as  far  as  I  should  be  able, 
to  their  service.  Having  procured  during  the  last 
summer  the  services  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Bowers  to 
supply  my  place,  I  have  since  been  endeavouring 
to  supply  the  wants  of  the  destitute  in  some  of  the 
surrounding  counties.  But,  owing  to  the  extreme 
severity  of  the  winter,  and  other  causes  not  under 
my  control,  I  have  as  yet  been  able  to  accomplish 
nothing  worth  reporting,  but  to  discover  an  ex- 
tensive field  of  labour,  and  the  earnest  solicitude 
of  many  to  have  the  regular  services  of  our  church. 
John  Cooke. 
Christ  Church,  Alexandria,  Fairfax  parish. 
Charles  B.  Dana,  rector.  Communicants,  added 
eight,  died  one,  total  one  hundred  and  twenty,  of 
whom  twelve  are  coloured — baptisms,  children, 
white  eighteen,  coloured  four,  total  twenty-two — 
confirmations  three — marriages  three  —  funerals 
thirteen — number  of  families  seventy.  Amount 
contributed  for  different  institutions  connected 
with  the  church  about  $270.  With  this  church 
are  connected  a  very  flourishing  Sunday  School, 
which  is  furnished  with  a  library  of  nearly  five 
hundred  volumes  ;  two  Bible  classes,  and  several 
benevolent  societies. 

The  rector  took  the  charge  of  this  church  the 
first  of  July,  1834  ;  and,  although  nothing  of  very 
special  interest  has  marked  its  reUgious  character 
since  that  time,  still  there  have  some  things  oc- 
curred which  call  for  gratitude  on  the  part  of  the 
minister,  and  for  the  prayers  of  those  whose 
hearts  are  interested  in  the  advancement  of  the 
Redeemer's  cause.  The  congregation  has  been 
gradually  increasing;  lectures  during  the  week 
have  generally  been  well  attended,  and  the  appa- 
rent interest  with  which  divine  truth  has  been 
heard,  inspires  the  hope  that  the  gospel  is  not 
preached  in  vain. 

Mount  Laurel  Church,  Antrim  parish,  Halifax 
county.  John  T.  Clark,  minister.  Communi- 
cants, added  one,  total  eleven— baptisms,  adult 
one,  children  three— faraihes  attached  to  the 
church  nine— a  small  Sunday  School  is  kept  up, 
chiefly  by  the  zeal  and  diUgence  of  one  female. 
During  a  greater  part  of  the  year,  a  second  ser- 
vice has  been  held  in  the  church  lor  the  benefit  of 
the  coloured  population,  and  a  third  service  at 
private  houses  in  the  neighbourhood,  A  few 
friends  of  the  church  have  procured  a  deserted 
meeting-house,  at  a  place  called  Rock  Spring, 
which  they  are  repairing  for  an  Episcopal  church, 
St.  John's  Church,  Moore  parish,  Campbell 
county.  This  church  has  been  without  any  regu- 
lar services  since  the  departure  from  this  diocess 


326 


CONVENTION  ^OF  1836. 


of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Osgood.  The  congregation, 
which  had  become  entirely  dispersed,  has  not  yet 
been  all  collected  again.  It  is,  however,  increas 
ing,  and  there  is  promise  of  some  additions  to  the 
communion.  Communicants,  known,  seven — one 
funeral— catechumens  fourteen. 

St.  Mark's  Church,  Antrim  parish,  Halifax 
county.  Charles  Dresser,  minister.  Communi- 
cants, added  three,  died  one,  removed  one,  total 
thirty-three— baptisms,  adult  one,  children  five, 
total  six — marriages  seven— funerals  six,  twro  of 
coloured  persons.  Connected  with  this  congre- 
gation are  a  small  Sunday  School  and  Bible  class. 
Measures  have  been  taken  for  the  erection  of  a 
church  in  the  village  of  Meadsville,  about  nine 
miles  from  the  courthouse.  The  Education  and 
Missionary  Societies  in  this  parish  having  been 
found  less  efficient  than  was  desirable,  the  plan 
of  "  weekly  oflFerings"  to  these  charities  has  been 
adopted,  and  the  result  promises  to  be  a  much 
larger  incohie  than  formerly. 

St.  Andrew's  Church,  Camden  parish,  Pittsyl- 
vania. Communicants,  added  two,  total  thirteen 
— baptisms,  adult  one,  children  four,  total  five — 
marriages  four — funerals  four.  At  the  courthouse 
in  this  county,  where  I  have  preached  several 
times  during  the  spring,  a  favourable  disposition 
has  been  manifested  towards  the  church.  Could 
they  have  more  preaching,  much  good  would  no 
doubt  result. 

St.  Margaret's  and  Grace  Churches,  Caroline 
county.  William  Friend,  rector.  Communicants 
fifty— baptisms,  two  white,  six  coloured,  total 
eight— one  marriage— funerals,  two  white,  eight 
coloured,  total  ten. 

The  rector  has  but  little  of  interest  to  report 
respecting  the  churches  under  his  care.  The 
congregations  are  usually  large  and  attentive,  and 
there  is  exhibited  much  apparent  interest  in  the 
concerns  of  religion. 

The  Temperance  Society  has  received  several 
accessions  during  the  past  year ;  but  there  is 
reason  to  fear  that  this  cause,  so  conducive  to  the 
interests  of  religion  and  the  welfare  of  society,  is 
rapidly  declining  among  us. 

St.  Andrew's  parish,  Brunswick  county,  and 
Bath  parish,  Dinwiddle  county.  John  Grammer, 
rector.  Communicants,  added  three,  removed 
two,  died  one,  total  three,  present  number  forty- 
nine — baptisms,  white  adults  three,  infants  nine, 
coloured  infants  six,  total  eighteen — marriages, 
white  five,  coloured  one,  total  six — funerals, 
white  twelve,  coloured  eight,  total  twenty — the 
number  of  families  is  about  twenty.  Of  the  indi- 
viduals who  could  be  properly  reported  as  belong- 
ing to  the  congregations,  the  number  cannot  be 
ascertained.  The  collections  for  different  institu- 
tions connected  with  the  church  have  amounted 
to  $328  89. 

The  Sunday  School  at  Bath  parish  still  con- 
tihues  its  operations ;  and  although  the  number  of 
scholars  is  and  always  has  been  small,  and  the 
school  sustained  almost  entirely  by  the  efforts  of 
one  family,  yet  the  moral  and  spiritual  benefit 
that  has  evidently  resulted  from  it  furnishes  a 
strong  motive  to  increased  zeal  and  diligence. 

The  condition  of  these  parishes  is  much  the 
same  that  it  was  at  the  time  of  the  last  report ; 

S resenting  but  little  to  encourage,  but  much  to  be 
eplored. 

Hungar's  Church,  Hungar's  parish,  Northamp- 
ton county.  S.  S.  Gunter,  rector.  Communi- 
cants, added  six,  removed  one,  died  one,  total 
thirty-three — baptisms  thirty-five — confirmations 
six— marriages  twenty-four — funerals  twenty-five. 
Within  the  last  year,  that  part  of  the  rector's  tune 
formerly  given  to  the  new  church,  Eastville,  has 


been  transferred  to  the  Union  Chapel,   where 
there  are  large  and  attentive  congregations. 

Trinity  Church  and  Trinity  Chapel,  Augusta 
parish.  William  G.  Jackson,  rector.  Communi- 
cants, added  sixteen,  removed  three,  died  one, 
total  eighty-two — funerals  four — marriages,  white 
seven,  coloured  three,  total  ten — baptisms,  white 
children  twenty-seven,  coloured  three,  white 
adults  two,  total  thirty-two.  Families  about  sixty- 
five. 

There  are  three  Bible  classes  under  the  care  of 
the  rector.  The  Sunday  School  is  well  sustain- 
ed. It  numbers  about  eighty-five  scholars,  who 
are  instructed  by  thirteen  teachers. 

It  may  be  well  to  state,  that  one  of  my  most 
valued  and  beloved  parishioners  expects  to  em- 
bark for  Greece  early  in  the  ensuing  fall.  While 
the  parish  will  deeply  feel  the  loss  which  it  will 
sustain  in  the  removal  of  Miss  Baldwin,  yet  it 
cannot  but  rejoice  in  being  privileged  to  add  so 
important  a  re-enforcement  to  that  missionary  sta- 
tion. 

A  scholarship  has  been  established  in  the  Theo- 
logical Seminary  of  Virginia,  and  the  first  pay- 
ment (S7.5)  made,  and  $185  contributed  to  the 
funds  of  the  same  institution. 

The  Bible,  the  Temperance,  and  other  Socie- 
ties, have  not  been  forgotten  in  our  prayers  and 
alms,  and  a  fund  is  now  raising,  by  monthly  con- 
tributions, for  Domestic  and  Foreign  Missions. 

A  plan  has  been  matured  for  a  weekly  collec- 
tion of  the  charities  of  the  church. 

Norborne  parish,  Berkeley  county.  W.  P.  C. 
Johnson,  rector.  Communicants,  removed  six, 
present  number  one  hundred  and  fifteen — bap- 
tisms, infants,  nine — marriages  fifteen — funerals 
four. 

There  have  been  no  material  changes  in  this 
parish  since  my  last  report.  The- various  benevo- 
lent institutions  connected  with  the  church  still 
continue  to  receive  encouragement.  There  is  a 
large  and  interesting  congregation  of  coloured 
persons,  to  whom  I  officiate  once  a  month. 

St.  Paul's  Church,  Alexandria.  J.  T.  John- 
son, rector.  Communicants,  added  eight,  remo- 
ved six,  died  four,  total  one  hundred  and  thirty- 
seven — baptisms,  white  adults  three,  white  in- 
fants twenty -one,  coloured  infants  six,  total  thirty 
— confirmed  twelve — marriages  three — funerals 
twenty-two.  Number  of  families  not  exactly 
known. 

Amount  collected  for  different  institutions  con- 
nected with  the  church,  $185  65,  exclusive  of 
$500,  balance  due  on  a  new  organ.  For  the  gen- 
eral fund,  enclosed,  $25. 

The  institutions  connected  with  the  church 
are  all  in  a  flourishing  condition,  viz. :— Sunday 
School,  Missionary,  and  Tract  Societies.  The 
number  of  scholars  actually  belonging  to  the 
Sunday  School  amount  to  two  hundred  and  four, 
sixty-seven  in  the  male  department,  one  hundred 
and  thirty-seven  in  the  female — under  the  charge 
of  nine  male  and  sixteen  female  teachers,  and 
two  superintendents.  Of  those  added  to  the 
communion  during  the  past  year,  five  were  teach- 
ers in  the  school  at  the  time  of  their  connexion 
with  the  church. 

The  congregation  has  been  and  is  steadily  in- 
creasing :  the  services  of  the  sanctuary  are  re- 
markably well  attended,  and  harmony  prevails. 
God  grant  that  all  may  "  hold  the  faith  in  unity 
of  spirit,  in  the  bond  of  peace,  and  in  righteous- 
ness of  Ufe." 

St.  Thomas's  Church,  Orange  county.  W.  G. 
H.  Jones,  rector.  Communicants,  added  one,  re- 
moved three,  total  thirtv-two — baptisms,  adult 
one,  childrea  eleven,  total  twelve — confirmations 


CONVENTION  OF  1835. 


327 


three — marriages  eight — funerals  five.  Families 
thirty-two. 

Walker's  Church,  Albemarle.  Communicants, 
added  three,  died  one,  total  fifteen — one  funeral — 
confirmations  seven.     Families  ten. 

The  new  church  at  Orange  courthouse  has 
been  completed,  and  is  neat  and  commodious. 
Expense  about  $3,500,  about  $1,000  of  which  is 
still  unpaid  ;  arrangements,  however,  are  making 
for  the  removal  of  the  debt,  and  the  rector  relies 
much  upon  the  zeal  and  self-denial  of  the  ladies 
of  his  charge  to  effect  this  object.  The  Orange 
Female  scholarship  at  the  Theological  Seminary 
of  Virginia  has  been  completed.  There  is  a  Sun- 
day School  of  twenty-five  or  thirty  scholars,  and  a 
small  Bible  class  of  young  ladies.  The  temper- 
ance cause  continues  to  progress — the  number  of 
members  in  the  county  not  exactly  known.  The 
coloured  population  both  in  Orange  and  at  Walk- 
er's Church  receive  stated  services,  and  the  pros- 
pects in  both  congregations,  upon  the  whole,  are 
encouraging. 

St.  Stephen's  Church,  Culpepper  and  Bloom- 
field  parish,  Madison  oounty.  A.  H.  Lamon,  rec- 
tor. Communicants,  added  three,  removed  four- 
teen, died  two,  total  seventy-seven — baptisms, 
adult  one,  children,  twenty-one  white,  two  col- 
oured, total  twenty-four — marriages  nine— funer- 
als eight.  Amount  collected  for  different  institu- 
tions connected  with  the  church  about  $120. 

Hamilton  and  Leeds  parishes,  Fauquier  county. 
Communicants,  added  seven,  two  of  which  are 
accessions  from  other  parishes,  whole  number 
about  seventy — baptisms  six — marriages  nineteen 
— funerals  three.  The  number  of  families  up- 
wards of  forty. 

The  congregation  in  Hamilton  parish  is  gener- 
ally good,  and  frequently  very  large  ,-  that  in  Leeds, 
comparatively  small.  There  is  a  Temperance 
Society  within  the  limits  of  each  parish. 

Kanawha  parish.  John  Martin,  rector.  Com- 
municants, Charlestown  fourteen  ;  Coal  fourteen  ; 
Saline's  three  ;  total  thirty-one — one  funeral— one 
marriage— baptisms  seven,  adults  two.  $42  have 
been  collected  for  the  missionary  objects  of  the 
church,  and  $1,500  subscribed  towards  the  erec- 
tion of  a  church,  and  the  hope  is  indulged  that  the 
building  will  be  commenced  during  this  summer. 

St.  George's  Church,  Fredericksburg.  E.  C. 
M'Guire,  rector.  Communicants,  added  nine,  re- 
moved six,  died  three,  total  one  hundred  and  sixty 
— baptisms,  adults  two,  infants  fourteen,  total 
sixteen — marriages  twelve — funerals  seventeen. 
Number  of  families  one  hundred.  Adults  and  in- 
fants five  hundred.  Sunday  School  teachers 
thirty-five,  scholars  two  hundred.  Members  of 
Bible  class  fifty. 

Amount  contributed  to  various  institutions, 
charitable  and  religious,  $1,000,  besides  $1,040 
subscribed  in  April  to  the  Theological  Seminary 
of  Virginia. 

In  the  state  of  the  congregation  there  is  nothing 
worthy  of  special  notice.  Our  condition  is  very 
much  what  it  was  at  the  period  of  our  last  report. 

There  is  an  encouraging  amount  of  zeal  and 
activity  with  us  in  behalf  of  our  religious  and  be- 
nevolent institutions. 

The  Prayer-Book  and  Tract  Society  is  opera- 
ting advantageously  to  the  church  in  our  section 
of  the  country.  The  Female  Missionary  Society 
have  had  a  useful  missionary  in  their  employ  for 
the  last  five  months. 

The  temperance  reformation  has  many  friends 
with  us.  Monthly  meetings  are  held  by  its  mem- 
bers for  the  public  discussion  of  subjects  connect- 
ed with  this  important  cause,  and  a  growing  inter- 
est in  its  behalf  seems  to  prevail.    The  claims  of 


the  coloured  population  have  been  regarded  by  us 
to  some  extent. 

St.  Anne's  and  South  Farnham  parishes,  Essex 
county.     John  P.  M'Guire,  rector. 

St.  Anne's.  Communicants,  added  two,  total 
thirty-six,  one  coloured— baptisms,  infants  three — 
confirmations  six — marriages  two— funerals  two. 

South  Farnham.  Communicants,  added  eight, 
formerly  omitted  three,  total  thirty-one — baptisms, 
infants  eight— one  marriage — funerals  four. 

St.  Mary's  parish,  Carolme  county.  Congrega- 
tion at  Port  Royal.  Communicants,  added  one, 
total  sixteen — baptisms,  infants  two. 

In  these  parishes,  our  efforts  in  behalf  of  the 
Missionary  Society,  and  other  associations  con- 
nected with  the  church,  are  continued.  'I'he  pros- 
pects of  the  temperance  reformation  are  irupro- 
ving.  The  church  in  Port  Royal  will  soon  be 
ready  for  consecration. 

The  spiritual  condition  of  our  congregations  has 
not  much  improved,  except  in  South  Farnham. 
There  more  religious  feeling  has  been  manifested 
than  at  any  previous  period. 

St.  George's  and  St.  James's  Churches,  Acco- 
mack county.     William  H.  Mitchel,  minister. 

St.  George's  Church.  Communicants,  added 
four,  total  twenty — famihes  tweiity-eight — bap- 
tisms three — marriages  two — funerals  two. 

A  Bible  class  has  been  formed  in  this  con- 
gregation, which  meets  once  a  fortnight  in  the 
summer  and  spring,  the  number  of  members  vary- 
ing from  ten  to  twenty. 

St.  James's  Church.  Communicants  twenty- 
two — families  forty-five — baptisms,  five  children, 
one  adi/lt,  total  six— one  funeral. 

A  Bible  class  has  been  in  operation  at  Drum- 
mondtown,  and  another  at  Onancock,  during  the 
past  summer  and  spring.  The  minister  is  encour- 
aged to  believe  and  hope  that  a  greater  serious- 
ness pervades  the  congregations  of  which  he  has 
the  charge,  and  a  greater  interest  is  manifested  in 
the  solemn  services  of  the  liturgy.  An  Education 
Society,  established  by  the  ladies  of  this  parish, 
contributed  since  the  present  minister  has  been 
officiating  there  $20. 

Christ  Church,  Eastville,  Northampton  county. 
Eastern  shore,  Virginia.  William  H.  Mitchell, 
minister.  Communicants,  added  two,  total  thirty 
— families  twenty-five — baptisms  four — marriages 
two — funerals  three. 

A  Bible  class  has  been  formed  in  this  congre- 
gation, numbering  twenty,  which  meets  once  a 
fortnight  during  the  spring  and  summer,  when  a 
chapter  out  of  the  New  Testament  is  explained, 
and  remarks  made  by  the  minister. 

During  the  summer  and  spring,  a  large  number 
of  the  black  population  attend  a  lecture  in  this 
church  on  every  other  Sunday  afternoon.  They 
are  taught  to  unite  in  the  responses  of  our  liturgy, 
and  appear  to  feel  its  evangelical  power,  by  the 
earnestness  and  solemnity  with  which  they  utter 
devout  aspirations.  The  Female  Education  So- 
ciety of  this  church  contributed  the  last  spring 
$30,  and  the  present  spring  $35. 

VVestover  parish,  Charles  City  county.  Alex- 
ander Norris,  rector.  Communicants,  added  four, 
removed  one,  died  three,  total  eighteen — bap- 
tisms, adult  one,  white  infants  three,  coloured 
four,  total  eight — one  marriage — funerals  sixteen 
— families  about  twenty,  adults  about  forty,  chil- 
dren about  fifty. 

Amount  collected  for  the  different  institutions 
connected  with  the  church,  $290  56. 

Though  the  general  aspect  of  this  parish  is  as 
good  as,  under  existing  circumstances,  could  rea- 
sonably be  expected,  yet  it  is  far  from  being  alto- 
gether such  as  we  desire.    The  vacant  seats  <m 


328 


CONVENTION  OF  1835. 


church  days,  the  feeble  response  in  our  public  wor- 
ship, the  number  of  children  unbaptized,  the  want 
of  interest  in  the  church  and  her  institutions,  are 
intimations,  too  plain  lo  be  misunderstood,  that 
there  is  much  room  for  improvement. 

Lunenburg  and  Farnham  parishes,  Richmond 
county,  and  Ycomico  Church,  Westmoreland. 
G.  W.  Nelson,  rector.  Confirmations  seven — 
communicants,  added  eight,  total  thirty-eight— 
baptisms  ten,  one  adult— one  funeral— one  mar- 
riage. 

A  Sunday  School  has  been  recently  established 
at  Lunenburg,  and  one  also  at  Vcomico.  There 
is  a  flourishing  Temperance  Society  in  each 
county  ;  and  the  cause  of  temperance  is  mani- 
festly gaining  ground.  Services  in  the  afternoon 
of  the  Sabbath  have  been  held  in  each  of  the 
churches  for  the  coloured  people,  which  have  gen- 
erally been  well  attended.  A  Female  Society,  for 
general  religious  purposes,  has  recently  been  or- 
ganized in  Lunenburg  and  Ycomico. 

Lexington  parish,  Amherst  county,  and  Nelson 
parish.  Nelson  county.  Communicants,  added 
twelve,  died  one,  total  seventy-nine— baptisms, 
one  coloured  adult,  infants  nine — marriages  nine 
—funerals  eleven. 

The  benevolent  institutions  of  the  church  and 
country  have  not  been  overlooked.  The  Bible 
Society,  the  Education  Society,  the  Domestic 
and  Foreign  Missionary  Society,  the  Colonization 
Society,  and  the  Society  for  the  promotion  of 
Temperance,  have  received  from  the  friends  and 
members  of  the  church  a  support,  not  large,  but, 
like  the  widow's  mite,  blessed  of  heaven. 

The  coloured  people  have  shared  a  portion  of  the 
minister's  care;  in  return  for  which  they  seem 
thankful,  and  it  is  hoped  may  be  built  up  in  the  faith. 

In  the  death  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Black,  the  churches 
in  Amherst  were  deprived  of  a  minister,  who  was 
zealously  employed  in  the  service  of  his  parishion- 
ers. "  But  death  to  him  has  been  gain."  "  Bles- 
sed are  the  dead  who  die  in  the  Lord." 

St.  Paul's  Church,  Lynchburg.  F.  G.  Smith, 
rector.  Communicants,  added  five,  removed  two, 
deceased  two,  total  sixty-five — baptisms,  of  white 
infants  five — marriages  four — funerals  four. 

In  behalf  of  the  charities  of  the  church,  nothing 
has  been  done  at  all  commensurate  with  their  just 
demands.  The  attendance  on  the  public  services 
of  the  church  has  increased. 

St.  James's  parish,  Mecklenburg  county.  Will- 
iam Steel,  rector.  There  is  a  greater  prospect  of 
good  resulting  from  our  ministration  at  present, 
than  at  any  former  time  since  our  removal  to  this 
parish.  The  congregations  are  greatly  increased. 
Several  interesting  cases  have  come  to  our  knowl- 
edge, of  persons  who  will  join  the  church  when 
opportunity  is  offered.  Communicants,  deaths 
five,  removed  four,  additions  four,  total  thirty- 
€ight— baptisms  fifteen — funerals  ten.  A  new 
church  has  been  built  at  Abbyville,  and  St. 
James's  Church  has  been  removed  during  the  last 
winter,  for  the  convenience  of  members,  four  miles 
lower  down  the  country. 

Charlotte  county.  I  have  attended  in  this 
county  the  two  last  years,  one  Sabbath  in  the 
month,  except  in  the  winter  ;  and  in  October  last, 
had  the  assistance  of  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Dresser 
and  Clark,  at  an  association.  A  church  is  now 
building,  thirty-two  by  forty-four  feet,  which  will 
be  ready,  it  is  expected,  by  July.  Much  interest 
is  felt  for  the  prosperity  of  our  Zion,  and  the  im- 
pression made  on  the  public  mind,  so  far  as  we 
nave  heard,  is  of  the  most  favourable  kind. 

I  have  regularly  preached  to  the  coloured  peo- 
ple at  Abbvville  on  my  stated  days,  in  the  after- 
noon, for  three  years  past,  and  am  often  called  to 


officiate  at  their  funerals.  The  congregations 
have  uniformly  been  large  and  attentive. 

Hamilton  and  Dettingen  parishes.  Prince  Will- 
iam county.  P.  Slaughter,  jr.,  rector.  Commu- 
nicants twenty-two — families  thirty-five. 

There  has  been  an  obvious  increase  of  prayer, 
and  faith,  and  exertion  among  the  communicants 
of  these  parishes  ;  and  some  souls  have,  I  trust, 
passed  from  darkness  to  light,  who  will  attach 
themselves  to  the  communion  on  the  first  favour- 
able opportunity. 

Bristol  parish,  Dinwiddle  county.  Andrew 
Syme,  rector.  Communicants,  added  five,  died 
two,  total  seventy-five — baptisms,  adults  one,  in- 
fants sixteen,  total  seventeen— marriages  six — 
deaths  nineteen.  Amount  of  collection  made  for 
the  Education  Society,  $70. 

Cumberland  parish,  Lunenburg  county.  C. 
C.  Taliaferro,  rector.  Communicants,  added 
thirteen,  died  one,  total  thirty-nine— funerals 
two — baptisms,  children  twelve — three  Sunday 
Schools,  and  two  Bible  classes.  We  have  one 
male  and  two  female  Education  Societies.  Col- 
lected for  objects  connected  with  the  church, 
about  $220. 

A  mite  Missionary  Society  was  formed  in  Jan- 
uary, which  promises  to  do  much  good. 

The  African  chapel,  referred  to  in  my  last  re- 
port, has  not  been  built,  but  arrangements  are  now 
making  to  have  it  erected  early  in  the  summer. 
I  still  continue  my  attention  to  the  poor  sons  of 
Africa  around  me,  and  believe  my  preaching  to 
them  is  not  in  vain.  Of  the  beneficial  influence 
of  Bible  classes  and  prayer-meetings,  I  have  had 
abundant  evidence  the  past  year.  Of  twelve  or  fif- 
teen persons  who  were  members,  or  who  con- 
stantly attended  our  Bible  class  meetings,  every 
one  has  professed  to  be  converted,  and  become 
united  lo  some  church  in  credible  profession. 
Thus  the  word  of  God,  though  sown  in  much 
weakness,  was  blessed  of  Him  who  alone  can 
make  it  efficacious.  But  for  providential  circum- 
stances, others  would  have  been  added  to  the 
communion  and  reported  now. 

Harrison  and  Monongaha  counties.  WiUiam 
Norvell  Ward,  missionary.  Communicants  sev- 
en—baptisms, one  adult,  infants  four— one  mar- 
riage— funerals  two~a  Sunday  School  at  Clarks- 
burg promising  much  good,  number  of  scholars 
sixty. 

Christ  Church  and  North  Garden  Church,  Al- 
bemarle county,  and  Rockfish  Church,  Nelson 
county.  Communicants,  added  seven,  total  fifty- 
two— baptisms,  white  infants  five — one  marriage 
— funerals  two. 

The  officiating  minister  reports  that  he  first  un- 
dertook this  charge  in  October  last.  Provision 
has  since  been  made  for  the  erection  of  two 
churches,  and  for  the  completion  of  a  third,  all  of 
which  are  now  in  progress.  Sunday  Schools  and 
services  for  the  blacks  have  recently  been  estab- 
lished. The  system  of  weekly  charily  is  com- 
manding some  attention,  and  the  hope  is  fondly 
cherished  that  these  churches  will  acquit  them- 
selves of  their  obligations  to  the  various  institu- 
tions of  benevolence.  J.  P.  B.  Wilmer. 

Trinity  Church,  Portsmouth  parish,  Norfolk 
county.  John  H.  Wingfield,  rector.  Marriages 
eleven— baptisms,  one  adult,  infants  twenty-two, 
total  twenty-three— confirmed  four— communi- 
cants, removed  five,  died  one,  total  thirty-four — 
funerals  fifteen — families  (containing  150  adults 
and  100  children)  fifty-seven— Sunday  School, 
teachers  eight,  scholars  thirty-five— Bible  class 
twelve.  Amount  collected  for  religious  purposes 
about  $75. 

Since  the  last  Convention,  by  the  exertions  of 


CONVENTION  OF  1835. 


329 


the  ladies  of  the  congregation,  the  debt  due  for 
the  rebuilding  of  the  church  has  been  fully  dis- 
charged ;  an«l  the  state  of  the  parish  now,  in  out- 
ward things,  is  more  prosperous  than  it  has  ever 
been  since  1  took  charge  of  it  in  1822.  1  regret 
that  I  cannot  say  as  much  respecting  its  spiritual 
condition.  Though  religious  services  are  as 
abundant  and  more  so  than  ever,  yet  there  is  a 
general  indifference  on  the  subject  of  personal 
piety,  which  prevails  to  a  lamentable  extent. 
"  All  seek  too  much  their  own,  not  the  things 
which  are  Jesus  Christ's." 

During  the  last  summer  and  fall,  I  preached  reg- 
ularly once  a  fortnight,  on  a  week  day,  in  Prmcess 
Anne  county,  to  a  few  members  of  the  church  in 
that  parish ;  but  the  prospect  of  doing  good  there 
by  such  labours  is  not  at  all  encouraging. 

Christ  Church,  Richmond.  George  Wood- 
bridge,  rector.  Communicants,  added  seven,  re- 
moved five,  died  two,  total  seventy-eight — bap- 
tisms, one  adult,  infants  three.  There  have  been 
five  confirmations,  two  marriages,  and  six  funer- 
als. Amount  collected  for  institutions  connected 
with  the  church,  about  $360.  The  ladies  have, 
during  the  present  year,  raised  about  $800  by 
means  of  a  fair,  for  the  erection  of  a  lecture  and 
Sunday  School  room,  which  is  now  nearly  com- 
pleted. The  Sunday  School  numbers  seventy- 
five  scholars  and  twenty  teachers. 

St.  Martin's  parish,  Culpepper  county.  John 
W.  Woodville,  minister.  The  congregations  in 
this  parish  are  large  and  attentive,  and  there  is 
an  increasing  interest  on  the  all-important  subject 
of  religion.  Episcopal  families  twenty — commu- 
nicants twenty-six. 

Russell  parish,  Bedford  county.  D.  M.  Whar- 
ton, minister.  Number  of  Episcopal  families 
about  sixty.  Regular  places  of  preaching  four. 
Contributed  to  benevolent  objects,  near  $300. 

I  have  been  in  the  temporary  charge  of  the 
churches  in  Russell  parish  since  September  last. 
Three  fourths  of  my  time  have  been  devoted  to 
this  parish,  and  one  fourth  to  Botetourt  parish,  Bo- 
tetourt county.  While  the  general  state  of  reli- 
gion throughout  the  scene  of  his  labours  is  a 
cause  of  humiliation  rather  than  rejoicing  on 
the  part  of  the  rector,  yet  he  humbly  indulges  the 
hope  that  his  imperi'ect  ministrations  have  not 
been  wholly  unprofitable. 

Botetourt  parish,  Botetourt  county.  Commu- 
nicants, added  three,  removed  one,  total  sixteen— 
baptisms,  children  two. 

The  rector  has  no  material  change  to  report  in 
the  state  of  this  parish.  He  has  been  able  to 
preach  once  a  month  regularly  at  two  places. 
The  desire  manifested  on  the  part  of  the  few 
friends  of  the  church  here  to  have  the  services  of 
a  minister,  encourages  the  belief  that  the  church 
must  increase  when  they  shall  be  blessed  with  the 
faithful,  constant  labours  of  a  servant  of  Christ. 

Bruton  parish,  Williamsburg.  A.  Empie,  rec- 
tor. Communicants,  added  three,  removed  three, 
died  three,  present  total  sixty-one,  including  two 
coloured  persons— baptisms,  white  infants  seven, 
coloured  three,  total  ten — marriages  three,  all 
white — funerals  eleven,  of  whom  four  only  belong- 
ed to  the  parish,  viz.,  three  adults  and  one  child  ; 
of  the  rest,  two  were  coloured  and  two  children — 
number  of  families  about  fifty-two ;  of  adults  one 
hundred  and  twenty-six ;  of  children  eighty ;  cate- 
chumens twenty  ;  scholars  in  the  Sunday  School 
forty  ;  teachers  do.  six ;  members  of  the  female  Bi- 
ble class  twenty — amount  of  collections  for  the  dif- 
ferent religious  institutions  of  the  church,  $40. 

Through  the  spirited  and  persevering  exertions 
of  one  lady  in  the  congregation,  aided  by  the  ef- 
forts and  contributions  of  many  other  parishioners, 


the  church  has  been  furnished  with  a  very  neat 
and  suitable  organ. 

Christ  Church,  Winchester.  J.  E.  Jackson, 
rector.  Communicants,  added  eight,  removed 
nine,  died  one,  suspended  one,  total  one  hundred 
and  six— baptisms,  one  white  adult,  infants  thir- 
teen—marriages four — funerals  six. 

The  congregation  at  Mill  Creek  continue  large 
and  attentive  ;  there  are  forty -two  communicants 
— one  marriage— baptisms  two. 

St.  Paul's  parish,  King  George  county.  Com- 
municants, removed  three,  died  two,  total  twenty- 
five — baptisms  three — marriages  two — funerals 
five. 

No  visible  improvement  in  the  temporal  or  spir- 
itual condition  of  this  parish  since  the  last  report. 
Zachariah  H.  Goldsmith,  Rector. 

Brunswick  parish  Communicants,  removed 
three,  added  one,  total  nine— baptisms  two — one 
confirmation — one  funeral.  An  evident  decline 
in  the  temporal  and  spiritual  condition  of  this 
parish.       Zachariah  H.  Goldsmith,  Rector. 

University  of  Virginia.  The  undersigned  re- 
ports, that  in  compliance  with  the  wishes  of  the 
Convention,  as  expressed  at  its  last  session  in 
Staunton,  he  removed,  in  the  month  of  Septem- 
ber, to  the  University  of  Virginia,  at  which  place 
he  has  been  officiating  during  the  present  session. 
While  he  cannot  say  that  his  labours  have  been 
greatly  blessed,  he  is  yet  persuaded  that  they  have 
not  been  altogether  in  vain.  He  is  confident  that 
a  religious  influence  is  decidedly  gaining  ground, 
and  he  looks  forward,  with  pleasing  anticipations, 
to  the  time  when  that  institution  will  send  forth 
many  champions  in  the  cause  of  the  gospel. 

There  is  manifested  a  great  regard  for  religion 
and  its  ordinances ;  and  the  undersigned  can  truly 
say,  that  he  never  preached  to  a  more  orderly  and 
attentive  congregation  than  at  the  University  of 
Virginia.  He  has  been  uniformly  treated  with 
respect  and  kindness  by  the  faculty  and  the  stu- 
dents ;  indeed,  he  should  feel  himself  ungrateful 
if  he  did  not  bear  this  public  testimony  to  the 
kindness  and  liberality  manifested  towards  him,  as 
well  by  the  students  as  by  the  different  families 
connected  with  the  institution.  Among  the  stu- 
dents are  some  ten  or  twelve  who  are  members  of 
different  churches  ;  these  young  men  have  been  9, 
great  comfort  and  support  to  the  officiating  minis- 
ter, and  though  of  different  churches,  have  been 
literally  a  band  of  brothers.  For  several  sessions 
they  have  kept  up  among  themselves  a  weekly 
prayer-meeting,  in  which  the  cause  of  religion  at 
that  institution  is  a  special  subject  of  supplication. 
If  ever  the  undersigned  has  heard  earnest  and  fer- 
vent prayers,  it  has  been  while  listening  to  those 
pious  young  men  praying  for  a  spiritual  blessing 
on  the  University  of  Virginia. 

There  is  now  in  operation,  and  has  been  for 
several  sessions,  a  Sunday  School,  under  the  su- 
pervision of  the  young  men ;  this  school,  thoug;h 
necessarily  small,  is  admirably  conducted,  and  is 
in  a  most  flourishing  state.  A  Bible  Society  has 
also  been  formed,  of  which  about  ninety  of  the 
students  are  members.  N.  H.  Cobbs. 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  Edward  C.  M  Guire, 

Resolved,  That  when  this  Convention  shall 
adjourn,  it  do  so  to  meet  in  Fredericksburg,  on 
the  third  Wednesday  in  May  next. 

And  then  the  house  adjourned  to  4  o'clock 
this  afternoon. 

Saturday  Afternoon. 

The  Rev.  Charles  H.  Page,  Hugh  Nelson, 
and  Thomas  N.  Burwell,  Esqrs.,  resigned  as 
members  of  the  standing  committee. 


330 


CONVENTION  OF  1835. 


On  motion  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Empie, 
Resolved^  That  this  Convention,  in  accord- 
ance with  the  suggestion  contained  in  the  re- 
port of  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Moore,  do  warm- 
ly recommend  the  Southern  Churchman,  edited 
by  the  Rev.  WiiUam  F.  Lee,  to  the  support  and 
patronage  of  this  diocess,  and  that  the  clergy 
and  laity  be  requested  to  use  all  their  influence 
to  extend  its  circulation. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Berkeley,  from  the  committee 
on  the  treasurer's  account,  made  the  following 
report,  which  was  accepted  : — 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  treas- 
urer's account  for  examination,  ask  leave  respect- 
fully to  report,  that  they  have  performed  the  duty 
assigned  them,  and,  comparing  the  several  items 
with  the  accompanying  vouchers,  find  all  correct. 
The  balance  in  the  hands  of  the  treasurer,  .as  per 
account,  is  $508  84. 

The  Rev.  William  V.  Bowers  made  the  fol- 
lowing report,  which  was  accepted. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the 
treasurer's  account,  &c.,  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Missionary  Society  of  Virginia,  beg 
leave  to  present  the  following  as  the  treasurer's 
report,  which  appears  to  be  correct. 

The  Protestant  Episcopal  Missionary  Society 
of  the  Diocess  of  Virginia,  in  account  with 
G.  M.  Carrington,  treasurer,  Dr. 

1834,  May  17.— To  cash  paid  Rev.  P. 

F.  Berkeley, $50  00 

1835,  May  15. — To  balance  in  hand  this 

day, 36  97 

$86  97 

1834.  Cr.  

May  15. — By  balance  on  hand  per  state- 
ment of  the  former  treasurer,   -         -  $61  97 
May  30. — Amount  received    from  the 
Prayer-Book   and   Tract  Society  of 
Williamsburg,  per  Dr.  Empie,  -      20  00 

Amount  received   from   Miss    M.  W 

Harrison,  per  the  Rev.  Mr.  Norris,  5  00 

$86  97 

In  addition  to  the  above  balance  of  thirty-six 
dollars  and  ninety-seven  cents,  there  is  in  the 
hands  of  the  treasurer  the  scrip  for  four  shares 
of  the  stock  Of  the  Bank  of  Virginia,  and  for 
three  shares  of  the  stock  of  the  Farmers'  Bank 
of  Virginia,  on  which  there  is  an  undrawn  divi- 
dend due  for  the  last  twelve  months,  amounting 
to  about  $40.  The  Virginia  Bank  stock  is 
worth  at  this  time  about  $110,  and  that  of  the 
Farmers'  Bank  about  $108  per  share. 

Respectfully  submitted. 

G.  M.  Carrington,  Treasurer. 

The  Rev.  Edward  R.  Lippit,  Edmund  I. 
Lee,  and  John  Hooff,  Esqrs.,  were  elected  mem- 
bers of  the  standing  committee,  in  the  place  of 
the  Rev.  Charles  H.  Page,  Hugh  Nelson,  and 
Thomas  N.  Burwell,  Esqrs.,  resigned. 

Resolved,  unanimously.  That  the  thanks  of 
this  Convention  be  tendered,  through  the  rector 
of  this  church,  to  the  ministers  and  congrega- 
tions of  the  several  churches  in  this  town,  for 
the  liberal  and  kind  olTer  of  their  churches  for 


public  worship  during  the  sitting  of  this  Con- 
vention. 

Resolved,  That  the  thanks  of  this  body  are 
due,  and  are  hereby  tendered,  to  the  inhabitants 
of  Lynchburg,  for  their  kindness  and  hospitality 
to  the  members  of  this  Convention. 

Resolved,  That  the  treasurer  be  directed  to 
pay  the  expenses  of  the  secretary  in  attending 
this  Convention. 

Resolved,  That  the  treasurer  be  directed  to 
pay  the  doorkeeper  of  the  Convention  ten  dol- 
lars. 

Resolved,  That  the  secretary  be  requested  to 
transmit  annually  a  copy  of  the  Journal  of  this 
Convention  to  the  secretary  of  the  several  Con- 
ventions of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church, 
and  of  the  General  Convention,  with  a  request 
for  an  exchange. 

Resolved,  That  fifteen  hundred  copies  of  the 
minutes  of  this  Convention  be  printed,  and  dis- 
tributed among  the  parishes  of  this  diocess. 

Resolved,  That  the  treasurer  pay  to  the  sec- 
retary of  the  General  Convention  $60,  as  the 
quota  of  this  diocess,  to  defray  the  expenses  of 
the  last  General  Convention. 

Resolved,  That  the  funds  collected  by  week- 
ly contributions  on  the  plan  suggested  by  Bishop 
Moore,  be  paid  into  the  hands  of  the  treasurer 
of  the  Missionary  Society,  to  be  appropriated  by 
that  society  as  they  shall  deem  expedient. 

The  following  additional  canon  was  adopted  : 

The  election  of  deputies  to  the  General  Con- 
vention shall  be  held  triennially,  at  the  meeting 
of  the  Convention  next  preceding  the  General 
Convention,  and  the  delegates  elected  shall 
hold  their  oflfice  until  a  new  election  take  place. 

Resolved,  That  the  Rev.  George  Woodbridge, 
Mr.  Hilary  Baker,  and  Mr.  George  M.  Carring- 
ton, be  a  committee  to  raise  by  assessment 
among  the  different  parishes,  having  reference 
to  the  number  of  communicants  reported  to  the 
Convention,  the  sum  of  $300,  to  be  paid  to 
Bishop  Moore,  at  the  next  Convention,  for  his 
episcopal  services ;  and  that  said  committee 
inform  the  clergyman  of  each  parish  of  the  pro- 
portion required  from  his  parish  ;  and. 

Resolved,  That  the  clergy  be  required  to  raise 
the  sum  so  assessed,  and  pay  it  at  the  next  Con- 
vention. 

The  Convention  proceeded  to  the  choice  of 
the  executive  committee  of  the  Missionary  So- 
ciety, which  resulted  in  the  election  of  Mr. 
Hilary  Baker  as  secretary,  Mr.  George  M.  Car- 
rington as  treasurer,  and  the  Rev.  Edward  C. 
M'Guire,  William  F.  Lee,  Nicholas  H.  Cobbs, 
John  Grammer,  Adam  Empie,  D.  D.,  George 
Woodbridge,  Thomas  Jackson,  and  Messrs.  John 
Nelson,  Joseph  Gill,  and  Orrin  Williams,  as 
members  of  the  executive  committee. 

The  following  eight  delegates  were  duly  elect- 
ed to  represent  this  diocess  in  the  next  General 
Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church 
in  the  United  States  of  America,  viz. : — the  Rev. 
Nicholas  H.  Cobbs,  Thomas  Jackson,  William 
F.  Lee,  E.  C.  M'Guire,  and  John  Nelson,  Ed- 
ward C.  Colston,  Wm.  H.  M'Farland,  and  Hugh 
Nelson,  Esqrs. 

Resolved,  That  the  Rev.  Mr.  Wingfield  and 


CONVENTION  OF  1835. 


331 


the  Rev.  Mr.  Lee  be  a  committee  to  examine 
the  Journals  of  this  Convention  from  the  first 
organization  of  the  church  in  this  diocess,  to 
ascertam  and  report  what  resolutions  have  at 
various  times  been  passed  by  this  body,  and 
still  remain  in  force ;  and  which  of  such  resolu- 
tions, if  any,  ought  to  be  rescinded  and  abolish- 
ed, and  which  ought  to  stand  as  the  judgment 
and  declarations  of  this  body;  and  that  they 
report  to  the  next  Convention. 

The  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Moore,  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Thomas  Jackson,  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Lee,  were 
appointed  a  committee  to  prepare  a  report  of  the 
state  of  the  church  in  this  diocess  for  the  next 
General  Convention. 

Resolved,  Th;it  the  treasurer  pay  to  the  del- 
egates to  the  General  Convention  their  ex- 
penses in  attending  the  same. 

Resolved,  That  the  Convention  do  now  ad- 
journ, after  the  singing  of  the  133d  Psalm  and 
prayer,  with  the  benediction  by  the  bishop. 
William  Meade, 
Assistant  Bishop  of  the  Diocess  of  Virginia. 

Hilary  Bakkr,  Secretary. 


Revised  Constitution, 

As  adopted  at  the  Convention  in  Lynchhurgy  in 
May,  1835. 

Art.  L  There  shall  be  a  Convention  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  this  state  on  the 
third  Wednesday  in  May  every  year  :  but  the 
Convention  which  meets  in  the  year  previous  to 
the  meeting  of  the  General  Convention,  may 
Rave  power  to  appoint  the  time  and  place  of 
meeting  for  the  next  annual  session;  and  in  the 
event  of  the  existence  of  an  epidemic  disease, 
or  any  other  good  cause,  rendering  it  necessary 
or  expedient  to  alter  the  place  fixed  on  for  any 
meeting  of  the  Convention,  the  bishop  may 
change  the  place  or  the  time,  or  both,  at  his 
discretion. 

Art.  n.  The  Convention  shall  be  composed 
of  the  officiating  ministers  who  have  been  reg- 
ularly and  canonically  elected  in  parishes  and 
churches  within  this  slate,  and  within  that  part 
of  the  territory  of  Columbia  formerly  part  of  this 
state  ;  professors  of  the  Theological  Seminary 
of  Virginia  ;  missionaries  acting  under  the  au- 
thority of  the  bishop  and  within  the  diocess ;  and 
of  those  whom  age  or  infirmity  prevents  from 
exercising  their  clerical  functions,  who  shall  be 
considered  members  ex-njfficio.  No  person  un- 
der ecclesiastical  censure  or  process  shall  be 
entitled  to  a  seat  in  the  Convention.  The  Con- 
vention shall  also  be  composed  of  lay  members, 
consisting  of  one  delegate  from  each  parish, 
chosen  by  the  vestry  thereof.  Every  parish, 
having  more  than  one  officiating  minister  who 
hath  been  regularly  and  canonically  elected, 
shall  be  entitled  to  send  as  many  lay  delegates 
as  it  has  ministers,  and  in  every  case  the  dele- 
gate or  delegates  shall  be  communicants  in  the 
church. 

Art.  in.  Twelve  members  of  the  clerical, 
and  twelve  of  the  lay  order,  shall  constitute  a 
quorum  for  the  transaction  of  business ;  but  a 
smaller  number  may  adjourn. 


Art.  IV.  In  all  matters  that  shall  come  be- 
fore the  Convention,  the  clergy  and  laiiy  shall 
deliberate  in  one  body,  and  the  concurrence  of 
a  majority  shall  give  validity  lo  any  measure  ; 
but,  when  three  members  require  it,  there  shall 
be  a  vote  by  orders. 

Art.  V.  The  election  of  a  bishop  of  this 
church  shall  be  made  in  Convention,  in  the  fol- 
lowing manner  : — The  order  of  the  clergy  shall 
nominate  and  appoint,  by  ballot,  some  fit  and 
qualified  clergyrnan  for  that  office,  and  the  votes 
of  a  majority  of  that  order  shall  be  requisite  to 
constitute  a  choice ;  and  thereupon  such  ap- 
pointment shall  be  presented  to  the  order  of  the 
lay  delegates,  and  be  considered  by  them  ;  and 
if,  on  a  ballot,  it  shall  appear  that  the  person  so 
nominated  is  approved  of  by  a  majority  of  the 
lay  order,  he  shall  be  then  declared  to  be  duly 
elected. 

Art.  VI.  The  bishop  shall  be  president  of 
the  Convention  ;  in  which  character  it  shall  be 
his  duty  to  give  to  the  Convention,  annually,  a 
general  view  of  the  state  of  the  church  ;  to  call 
special  Conventions  at  whatever  time  and  place 
he  shall  think  necessary,  or  when  required  by 
the  standing  committee  ;  to  preserve  order  du- 
ring the  time  of  session  ;  to  put  the  question, 
collect  the  votes,  and  declare  the  decision  ;  and 
he  may  deliver  his  sentiments  on  any  subject 
after  it  has  been  discussed,  before  a  vote  thereon. 

Art.  VII.  In  case  of  a  vacancy  in  the  epis- 
copal office,  the  Convention,  immediately  upon 
their  assembhng,  shall  choose,  by  joint  ballot,  a 
president  from  among  the  order  of  priests,  who 
shall  remain  in  office  until  the  next  annual  Con- 
vention, or  until  the  next  election  of  a  president. 
He  shall  perform  all  duties  and  possess  all  the 
privileges  above  specified  ;  but  he  shall  not  call 
special  meetings  of  the  Convention,  unless  ap- 
plied to  for  that  purpose  by  a  majority  of  the 
standing  committee  ;  and  if,  while  there  is  a 
bishop  in  this  church,  he  shall  not  be  present  at 
any  meeting  of  the  Convention,  they  shall  elect, 
in  the  manner  aforesaid,  a  president  pro  tem- 
pore. 

Art.  VIII.  A  secretary  shall  be  appointed  by 
the  Convention,  who  shall  continue  in  office 
during  good  behaviour.  His  duty  shall  be  to 
make  minutes  of  their  proceedings,  to  preserve 
their  journals  and  records,  to  attest  the  public 
acts  of  the  body,  and  faithfully  to  deliver  into 
the  hands  of  his  successor  all  books  and  papers, 
relative  to  the  concerns  of  the  Convention, 
which  may  be  in  his  possession.  It  shall  be  his 
duty  to  notify,  through  the  channel  of  the  public 
papers,  as  he  may  think  proper,  the  time  and 
place  for  the  meeting  of  the  succeeding  Con- 
vention. The  secretary  shall  annex  to  the  jour- 
nals of  every  succeeding  Convention  a  list  of  the 
clergy,  with  all  alterations  therein  produced  in 
the  preceding  year  by  ordinations,  deaths,  re- 
movals, suspensions,  and  degradations. 

Art.  IX.  A  treasurer  shall  be  appointed  by 
the  Convention,  who  shall  continue  m  office 
during  good  behaviour,  and  who  shall  discbarge 
the  duties  usually  appertaining  to  that  offic«. 

Art.  X.  Before  the  adjournment  of  each  an- 
nual Convention,  a  standing  committee,  consist- 


332 


CONVENTION  OF  1835. 


ing  of  SIX  members,  three  clerical  and  three  of 
the  lay  order,  who  shall  be  communicants  of  the 
church  in  the  diocess,  shall  be  chosen  by  a  bal- 
lot of  the  clergy  and  laity. 

Art.  XI.  Every  parish  within  this  diocess 
shall  be  entitled  to  the  entire  benefit  of  this 
constitution,  as  soon  as  it  shall  have  signified 
its  ratification  thereof,  either  in  writing  or  by 
sending  a  lay  delegate  to  the  Convention  ;  and 
such  parish  shall  thereafter  be  benefited  and 
bound,  equally  with  the  other  parishes  in  this 
diocess,  by  every  rule  and  canon  which  shall  be 
framed,  by  any  Convention  acting  under  this 


constitution,  for  the  government  of  this  church 
in  ecclesiastical  concerns. 

Art.  XII.  This  constitution  shall  be  unalter- 
able, except  in  the  following  manner : — A  prop- 
osition for  any  change  shall  be  introduced  in 
writing,  and  considered  in  Convention  ;  and,  if 
approved  of,  the  same  shall  be  transmitted  to 
the  several  vestries  of  the  parishes  which  shall 
have  ratified  this  constitution ;  and,  if  again 
approved  of  in  the  next  ensuing  Convention  by 
a  majority,  the  change  shall  then  take  place, 
and  the  constitution,  so  altered,  shall  be  valid 
and  obligatory. 


THE     END. 


I'His 


^^os:  IS 


.T«'s  eooi^f  ^sseo 


^INB 


OF  26 


.IT*". 


YC  45191 


fis' 

v./ 


<:^  «#• 


